God tells us from the very beginning that he is holy and he calls us to be holy. He also tells us sin leads to death. Here's the predicament our sin puts us in with God: He loves us. He's told us of the consequences of our sin. We've sinned. God loves us so much yet sin has to be paid for.
God could simply punish us and He would be right if He did. God could turn and go back on what He said because he loves us, but then he wouldn't be just.
God's attributes of love and justice seem to be at odds when it comes to our condition before Him. So God figures out a way to continue to be both loving and just. The answer is found in God sending his son to put on flesh, live a perfect life and then die in our place for our sin. The cross is where God's love and justice collide.
Welcome back to Locker Room. This season we're going to tackle four important series. The four series are called Big Words, Marriage, Parenting and Southland Men. This week, Scott is joined by our guests Ian Schweitzer and Gordon Walls to open up a discussion about God's gift of grace, given to us all.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Opening Questions
If you have been in a Locker Room Group before, share something that you've grown in since joining.
If this is your first time in a Locker Room Group, tell us what you're hoping to grow in through this group.
Tell the story of getting your driver's license or your first car. What did that freedom actually change for you?
Discussion Questions
Most of us are wired to earn respect, success, and approval. How has that mindset shaped the way you think about God and salvation?
What's hard about believing grace can't be earned?
"Sometimes this idea of grace can seem too good to be true." Have you ever felt this way?
In our parenting: the place our kids need to run to when they do something wrong is us. We have to help them understand over and over again that we're the right place, the safe place to run regardless of what they've done. It's all dependant of their view of us as father. How can we help our kids understand this?
The same is true for us–it depends on our view of God the Father. When you mess up–what your natural action–to run to God or run away from Him?
Read Ephesians 2:8-10. Talk about the phrase, "Not your own doing."
Everything in this world is conditional. What does it mean to you to know this grace He offers us is unconditional?
Read Romans 6:1-4. How does this challenge the idea that grace gives us a free pass?
The enemy lies and says, "You are not worthy. Don't share what you've done with anyone." When have you seen this in your life and what does Jesus say in response?
How does Gordon's story about the Auburn linebacker reinforce the importance of sharing the gospel with people? Who might God be asking you to show up for, even if you never see the impact?
"The grace of God is dangerous. It's lavish, excessive, outrageous, and scandalous. God's grace is ridiculously inclusive. Apparently, God doesn't care who He loves. He is not very careful about the people He calls His friends or the people He calls His Church." -Mike Yaconelli, Messy Spirituality.
What blows you away about this quote?
Is there anything else that spoke to you from this episode? Where did the Holy Spirit challenge you?
Additional Resources
What's so Amazing about Grace by Philip Yancey
Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli
Wrap Up:
If this podcast has encouraged you, we'd love to hear from you.
If you're wrestling with Christianity, interested in getting baptized or need help figuring out your next step…shoot us an email at lockerroom@southland.church.
As always…if this podcast has encouraged you—share it with a friend. You never know how an episode like this can help those in your life that you care about.
Thanks for listening. Get after it! We'll catch you next time on Locker Room.
