Freedom From & Freedom To

Main Thought

In the Old Testament, God used Moses to give his people a set of laws. These rules eventually came to be known as “the Law of Moses,” or simply as “the Law.” The Law established a standard for moral goodness (or righteousness) in relation to God and others. Yet the Law could only portray righteousness. It could not produce it. The Law’s standard was too high, and it didn’t transform the human heart. This is where Jesus enters the picture. He exceeded the standard of the law because of His love for God and Man. Jesus earned righteousness for Himself. Then, He extended that same goodness to us as a gift. We are free from the rigid requirements of the Law because we’re made righteous through faith in Christ! But what should we do with our freedom? We should respond to God’s love by imitating Christ and exceeding the standard of the Law. We do that when we love God “with all,” in all areas of our lives.

Main Passage

4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

- Galatians 4:4-5

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

- Mark 12:30-31

41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

- Mark 12:41-44

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Why do you think it’s significant that Jesus freed us from the standard of the Law?

3. What’s one practical step you can take toward loving God with all you have?

God First

Main Thought

Throughout the Bible, there was an emphasis placed on “first things.” The firstborn was set apart for God and needed to be redeemed. The first portion of one’s wealth was dedicated to God as well. These rules taught a clear principle: God comes first! When we put God first, we honor Him. Then, the actions that we take with our hands begin to teach our hearts. We learn to put God first in the way we live our lives. God moves in favor on behalf of those who put Him first in faith.

Main Passages

1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.”

- Exodus 13:1-2

3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.

- Genesis 4:3-5

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

- Proverbs 3:9-10

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Why do you think God wants the “first things” set apart for Him? 

3. In what way (or ways) can you put God first in your life this week?

Promise, Premise, and Process.

Main Thought

We want God’s promises. God promises to fulfill His plans for us; to give us the power to both endure trials and excel in life; and to provide for our needs. Yet the promises of God often have a premise attached to them. There is a condition that we must first fulfill in order to experience some of God’s promises. In each of these cases, the premise is sacrifice. Sacrifice is an inseparable part of the Christian life. While sacrifice looks different for everyone, there’s one way in which God calls almost every Christian to sacrifice: financial giving. Giving is often a part of the process of experiencing God’s promises. We can give (and sacrifice) in confidence when we know what God wants to accomplish in us, for us, and through us.

Main Passages

5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

- Philippians 1:5-6

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

- Philippians 4:11-13

18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 4:18-19

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Why do you think God ties the fulfillment of some of His promises to sacrifice and giving?

3. Out of God’s three promises mentioned above, which matters most to you in this season and why?

Crazy Generosity

Main Thought

Jesus Christ loved us with a “crazy love.” He loved us faithfully and powerfully. He forgives and blesses us generously. Isn’t it natural to reciprocate this kind of love? That’s what God invites us to do when He we give financially toward His Kingdom. We learn to be generous because of all the ways that God gave to us first. Why would the God of the universe ask us for anything, and use the gifts of ordinary people? One of the biggest reasons is that our generosity gives us a place in His story. It makes a long-lasting difference and impacts the lives of others. But it doesn’t have to stop there. If we allow the blessing of God to come through us, it’ll often come to us. That’s what it means to experience the crazy generosity of God.

Main Passages

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them.

- Matthew 21:1-6

7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

- Matthew 21:7-11

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Have you experienced the blessings of God recently? If so, how?

3. How do you currently respond to God’s generosity toward you? Is there a way that you can grow in your response to God’s blessings?