This is how Grace changes us from the inside out. // S1E8
16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
-Galatians 2:16 (ESV)
Let's Grow!
The Transformative Power of Grace
Welcome to Grow, a Bible Podcast, where we study Scripture to uncover insights with real-world applications. In today’s episode, we read Romans 5:2, exploring the concepts of law, grace, and faith through a biblical context with side excursions into Galatians and Corinthians. Let’s discover what Paul means when he references law, grace, and faith—and how these insights can inform our Christian walk today.
Check out the full episode here:
Grace, faith, works -- how do we make sense of all of this?
### The Foundation of Grace and Access by Faith
In Romans 5:2, Paul emphasizes that through faith, we gain access to God’s grace. The discussion takes us to Galatians, where Paul’s frustration is evident as he addresses the return to legalistic practices by early Christians. As we explore Galatians 1:8-9 and 2:16-21, we see Paul staunchly defending the principle that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ—not by adherence to the law. This brings to light the contrasting ministries of law and grace, prompting us as modern believers to trust in faith over legalistic rituals.
### The Apostle’s Call: Faith and Works in Harmony
Reflecting on Philippians 2:12-13, we talk about what Paul means when we says we "must work out our salvation". We are reminded that sanctification is a journey supported by Christ’s guidance. Emphasizing the idiomatic usage of "fear and trembling," this passage encourages us to pursue faith with reverence, knowing it is God who empowers us from within.
### Confronting Old and New Covenants
In Corinthians, we see another example of the differences between the law's ministry and the spirit's ministry. The ministry brought by Moses, characterized by law, is described as transient and insufficient for justification, while the ministry of the Spirit is heralded as eternally glorious. This discussion reinforces the importance of focusing on Christ’s new covenant, which liberates us through grace.
### Living a Christ-Like Life: Empathy and Growth
So let us apply this to our lives: let us have empathy and understanding in our interactions, particularly in areas of moral struggle. Whether it’s dealing with same-gender attraction or broader challenges of moral purity, the solution presented is simple: aspire to reflect Jesus in every aspect of life. By contemplating Jesus's example, change happens not by condemnation but through transformation.
### Conclusion: Embracing Transformative Change
As we conclude our episode, remember the importance of focusing on Christ’s glory. In doing so, we allow ourselves to be transformed, liberating us from past struggles and enabling new growth. It's not about being told we’re wrong, but about drawing strength from Christ's example, allowing His glory to lead us toward positive change.
Thank you for joining us in this deep dive through Romans. We invite you to return next week as we continue this enlightening exploration of scripture. Subscribe, comment, and share to spread the word and encourage others in their faith journey.
For more discussions and to access our blog, visit JAK Ministries’ website. Stay engaged and invite the grace of God to shape your journey.
### Closing Blessing
"May you be filled with grace and wisdom as you grow in understanding and faith, letting the truth of the Scriptures transform your life. Amen."
