Failure to Launch 11 Mar 18

(Message 1) Failure is painful, but it can be a powerful motivator to make a change in our direction. Even spiritual failure of “epic” proportions can be redirected if we realign with the truth of the Gospel. Join us as we begin our study in the Book of Galatians and learn how to avoid an Epic Failure! #gcepicfailure

Judaizer Theology:

Jesus + Jewish practices = Salvation

The Gospel:

Jesus + nothing = Salvation

2 Common perversions of the Gospel:

That’s too easy, I need to earn it.
I did my duty, now I can do what I want.

Our self-assessment:

I’m good
I do good
Therefore good will come my way

Biblical assessment:

I’m evil
I’m incapable of doing good
I need a Savior

Scripture used: Galatians 1:1-9; John 14:23-24

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Definition of “cult” from gotquestions.org: In a Christian context, the definition of a cult is, specifically, “a religious group that denies one or more of the fundamentals of biblical truth.”
- Have you or anyone you know ever been involved in a cult?
- What was the appeal?
- Did you or the person you know get out of it? If so, was it difficult?
The “gospel” has been defined by a simple equation: Jesus + nothing = salvation.
- Why do people have such a hard time believing that?
- Why do we keep adding requirements to the simple gospel?
Read Galatians 1: 1-12.
- What was the source of Paul’s authority?
- Have you ever thought about what the source of your authority/advice/wisdom for living is? Take a moment to think about it. Share your thoughts.
Reread Galatians 1:6-7.
- What was Paul’s purpose in writing to the churches in Galatia?
- Who were the “some people” who were throwing the Galatians into confusion?
- What was their goal?
- In today’s world, there are still forces at work trying to pervert the gospel. However, there are also many sincere individuals who are just confused about the gospel. Discuss this statement: “It’s not enough to just be sincere about your faith.”
Pastor Troy said the gospel gets perverted 2 ways today. What are they?
- Have you ever misunderstood the gospel?
- Do you ever find yourself adding things to it? Or manipulating it to adapt to personal preferences or lifestyle choices?
- Read Ephesians 2:8-10. What is the danger of mixing salvation by grace through faith with salvation by works?
What’s the difference between religion and a relationship with God? Reread Galatians 1:8-9. If one of your pastors or small group leaders started twisting or adding to the gospel of Jesus Christ, how would you handle it?
What would you say to a friend who doesn’t understand that Jesus + nothing = salvation?
If the Apostle wrote to GC today, what things would he feel the need to address? Discuss these with your group. Pray together that you, your group, and GC will hold on to the truth of gospel!

Daily Bible Readings:

Day 1: Galatians 1:1-9

Day 2: Galatians 1:10-24

Day 3: Ephesians 2:1-7

Day 4: Ephesians 2:8-13

Day 5: Ephesians 2:14-22

Day 6: Galatians 2:1-10

Day 7: Galatians 2:11-21

DIGGING DEEPER VERSES:

Ephesians 2:4-7

v.4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,

v.5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

v.6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

v.7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

ABC’s

Author: Paul, written around A.D. 60

Background: One of the main subjects is “the mystery” made known. Not a mystery that cannot be explained but the wonderful truth that believing Jews and Gentiles are now one in Christ Jesus! Can you imagine the news to both Jews and Gentiles? No one is inferior.

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Context: Salvation by faith alone! Grace is free. Believer’s walk with Christ and their battle with wickedness.

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1, 2, 3’s

Step 1 – Observation: What does the passage say?

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Step Two – Interpretation: What does it mean?