This week, the first full week of the New Year, we are considering the transformative power of the Gospel. Today, we are continuing in our short detour from Luke, and going into the Book of Galatians. This powerful Book reminds us that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Nothing more. Nothing less. As believers we can find true freedom in Christ rather than reverting to the bonds of legalism. Nothing we can do or be will justify ourselves!

Romans 7.6 says this well,

“6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.”

What has been holding you captive in 2020? What can you lay down at the foot of the cross, knowing that Jesus has the power to take it to the grave? A new life can be found as we are led by the Holy Spirit to die to self and live in Christ.

Romans 6.8 says, “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”

Jesus freely offers this gift of new life out of His love for you and me. How can we walk in this new life Christ gives us this year?

Galatians 2.20

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Can you say “I have been crucified with Christ?” What specific “self” thoughts, activities, desires have been nailed to the cross?

+ How can you see Christ living in you? Can others see Him in you as well? Ask a friend!

+ How do you prepare to fight this battle each day to die to self and allow Christ to reign?

+ Is your armor from Ephesians 6 well oiled and in good condition? Or is it rusty?

+ Do you have a brother or sister in Christ to hold you accountable, to pray for you?

+ What does it look like to “live by faith in the Son of God?”

+ Where do you and I desire to take the reins rather than trust God?

+ What was the force behind the Son of God’s sacrifice?

+ Who did the Son of God both love and give Himself for?

+ Why do the answers of the last two questions matter as you and I live this new life in Christ?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What thoughts, actions, or desires can I ask Jesus to redeem today?

+ How can I spend more time getting to know my Lord and my Savior?

+ What area of my life is Jesus calling me to trust Him more?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ How can you or I be the brother or sister in Christ for another? Are you walking with someone now?

+ Has the Lord placed someone on your heart who would be blessed by a friend in the faith?

+ Who can you pray for each day this New Year that God would draw them to a new life in Him?