What does "not set aside the grace of God" mean in daily life? The Key Verse “I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, Christ died for nothing.” (Galatians 2:21) What “Set Aside” Literally Means • “Set aside” translates a word meaning to nullify, invalidate, frustrate, or treat as meaningless. • Paul is saying, “I will never cancel, ignore, or push aside God’s grace.” Grace versus Law: A Needed Contrast • The Law reveals sin (Romans 3:20) but cannot save. • Grace supplies the righteousness we could never earn (Ephesians 2:8-9). • To rely on self-effort is to say Christ’s cross was unnecessary. Daily-Life Ways We Might “Set Aside” Grace—And How Not To 1. Trying to earn God’s favor – Slip into thinking good behavior makes Him love you more. – Instead: Stand on Romans 5:1-2—by faith we “have access by faith into this grace in which we stand.” 2. Measuring yourself by others – Comparison breeds pride or despair. – Instead: Fix on 1 Corinthians 15:10—“by the grace of God I am what I am.” 3. Carrying guilt Christ already paid for – Re-hashing forgiven sins implies His sacrifice was insufficient. – Instead: Believe Romans 8:1—“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” 4. Serving from sheer duty rather than gratitude – Duty alone exhausts; grace energizes. – Instead: Let Philippians 2:13 remind you God “works in you to will and to act.” 5. Treating others harshly – A graceless attitude contradicts the grace received. – Instead: Extend the same mercy described in Ephesians 4:32. Grace-Fueled Disciplines • Start every day thanking God for undeserved acceptance (Psalm 103:2-5). • Saturate your mind with Scripture; grace is pictured, promised, and provided on every page (Colossians 3:16). • Confess sin quickly; run to the throne of grace, not away from it (Hebrews 4:16). • Serve from overflow, trusting His sufficiency (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Speak words that impart grace to others (Ephesians 4:29). Practical Snapshots – Workplace: Refuse to manipulate to get ahead; trust God’s favor instead. – Parenting: Correct children firmly yet kindly, remembering God’s patience with you. – Finances: Give generously, believing grace guarantees God’s provision (2 Corinthians 9:8). – Trials: Lean on grace rather than self-pity; His power shows up strongest when you feel weak. Warning Lights That Grace Is Being Pushed Aside • Chronic anxiety about acceptance with God. • Critical spirit toward people who fail. • Pride in religious performance. • Joyless obedience. • Reluctance to forgive yourself or others. Encouragement to Keep Grace Central Grace is not merely the entry point into faith; it is the atmosphere in which we breathe every moment (Colossians 2:6). When we refuse to set it aside, we declare with Paul that Christ’s death was not “for nothing” but for everything—our salvation, our sanctification, and our daily strength. |
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