The Vineyard- June 26, 2016

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read Galatians 2:11-21

I Don’t Want to Be  Hypocrite

-          Paul says that by relying on the Law in some instances, but not in others, Peter and those acting like him were hypocrites. 

-          Why are we hypocrites when we condemn others for their sin?

-          How do we walk the fine line between acknowledging sin, but not usurping Christ’s role as judge?

-          Peter and other Jews saw there being a division between righteous Jews, and Gentile sinners, but Paul reminds us that ALL are sinners.

-          Passages to Consider: John 8: 1-11; Ephesians 2:14-16

X-Rays Don’t Heal

-          Some saw the Law as a means by which they could prove how “good” they were. 

-          And yet, the Bible says repeatedly that no one can stand before God blameless. 

-          How does the Law help us, if it can’t make us righteous?

-          How is the Law valuable as a diagnostic tool spiritually?

-          Passages to Consider: Job 9:1-3; Psalm 143:1-2; Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:24-26

Crucifying the Ego

-          The choice we must make as Christians is between ourselves, and Christ. 

-          We crucify ourselves, in order for Christ to live in us. 

-          How is letting go of our egos demonstrating faith in Christ?

-          If we let go of our ego, our self-made identity, what are we then left with to identify ourselves with?

-          Why is it imperative that Christ lives in us?

-          Passages to Consider: Romans 6:1-11; Galatians 6:14

Pray for a non-judgmental heart, and the ability to remember that we are all sinners.    

Pray for the ability to trust in God, and what he has accomplished in Christ for your justification. 

Pray for the courage and strength to crucify your ego each and every day as you follow Christ.