Week 5 Mid-Week Bible Study
Welcome, everyone! Today, we are diving into an important and life-changing topic: Freedom from Spiritual Debt. This lesson is inspired by Pastor Drew’s recent sermon which highlighted the immense spiritual debt we all carry due to sin and the incredible freedom we receive through Jesus Christ.
Drew emphasized the concept of spiritual debt and the freedom we can receive through Jesus Christ. He began by illustrating how debt, both financial and spiritual, enslaves us, referencing Proverbs 22:7 and Romans 3:23 to highlight that all have sinned and are thus in spiritual debt. The sermon underscored that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), but through Jesus’ sacrifice, our debt (sin) is canceled (Colossians 2:13-14).
Drew shared a powerful story from a recent mission trip to Indiana where physical needs were met but also revealed deeper spiritual needs, paralleling how Jesus meets those spiritual needs by paying our debt with His blood. He explained that just as financial debt can be overwhelming, our spiritual debt is insurmountable on our own. However, Jesus’ atonement on the cross offers us complete forgiveness and freedom.
The sermon concluded with a call to embrace this freedom, live a life of gratitude, and share the good news with others. Pastor Drew urges Christians to stop settling for less and to live boldly in the freedom Christ provides, reflecting His grace and mercy where ever they go.
Let’s explore this together and discover how we can live a life free from the chains of spiritual debt.
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for meeting all of our needs. Open our hearts and minds to understand the depth of Your love and the freedom You offer through Jesus Christ. Help us to grasp the significance of being freed from our spiritual debt and to live a life that reflects our gratitude. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Reading
Let’s begin by reading some key scriptures that will guide our study today:
Proverbs 22:7 – “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Colossians 2:13-14 – “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”
Discussion Points
1. Understanding Spiritual Debt
- Definition: Spiritual debt is the accumulation of sin that separates us from God. Just as financial debt can enslave us, spiritual debt binds us and leads to spiritual death.
- Proverbs 22:7: This verse illustrates the principle that debt creates bondage. In a spiritual sense, our sins make us slaves to unrighteousness.
Discussion Question: How does understanding spiritual debt change your perspective on sin and its consequences?
2. The Universality of Sin
- Romans 3:23: This verse makes it clear that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. No one is exempt from this spiritual debt.
- Illustration: Imagine a credit card with an ever-increasing balance that you can never pay off. This is what our spiritual debt looks like without Christ.
Discussion Question: Why is it important to recognize that all have sinned and are in need of redemption through Jesus?
3. The Cost of Sin
- Romans 6:23: The wages of sin is death. This is the ultimate cost of our spiritual debt. However, the verse also offers hope—the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.
- Illustration: Think of a courtroom where you are guilty of a crime deserving the death penalty but Jesus steps in and takes your place, offering you freedom and life.
Discussion Question: How does the reality of the cost of sin help you appreciate Jesus’ sacrifice?
4. The Power of Jesus’ Sacrifice
- Colossians 2:13-14: Jesus’ death on the cross canceled what we owed. He took the charges against us and nailed them to the cross, offering us complete forgiveness.
- Illustration: Picture a massive debt being erased from your account, not because you paid it, but because someone else did. This is what Jesus did for us!
Discussion Question: What does it mean to you personally that Jesus canceled your spiritual debt?
Application
1. Embrace Your Freedom
- Galatians 5:1: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
- Action Step: Reflect on areas of your life where you might still be living as though you are still in bondage. Embrace the freedom Christ has given you and live boldly in that freedom!
Discussion Question: In what areas of your life do you need to experience the freedom Christ offers?
2. Live a Life of Gratitude
- Romans 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
- Action Step: Cultivate a heart of gratitude for the immense sacrifice Jesus made. Let this gratitude overflow into every aspect of your life, influencing your actions and decisions.
Discussion Question: How can you express your gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice in your daily life?
3. Share the Good News
- Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
- Action Step: Share the message of freedom with others. Be a living testimony of the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice and being set free.
Discussion Question: Who in your life needs to hear about the freedom Jesus offers? How can you share this message with them?
Final Thoughts
We have explained the concept of spiritual debt, the universality of sin, the cost of sin, and the power of Jesus’ sacrifice. We are reminded that through Jesus, our spiritual debt is canceled, and we are offered eternal life. Let’s celebrate this freedom with humility, living a life of gratitude and sharing the good news with others.
Just as there is spiritual debt, many of us carry financial debt that enslaves us. If you would like help with handling your finances in a biblical way, please click here.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of freedom through Jesus Christ. Help us to live in this freedom, to be grateful for Your sacrifice, and to share this message with others so they, too, can be free. Empower us to live lives that reflect your grace and love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes invites you to join us in this Sunday. Together, we can experience God’s Grace and share the love of Jesus with those around us.
