Fourth Sunday in Lent
Unlocking the Gospel Secrets of Spirituality
Discover what difference reading these scriptures while Thinking Legalism or Feeling Grace can make.
The Grace Language of Jesus
SPIRITUALITY CAN CHANGE OUR LIFE
Jesus took words with literal religious belief and gave them a spiritual grace meaning. Literal religious words are beliefs that are conditional, exclusive and for special groups. Spiritual grace words are experiences that are inclusive, unconditional and for all.
Legalism thinks all truth is literal. Grace knows the difference between literal and spiritual truth.
Legalism looks up to Heaven for a sign of the Spirit. Grace looks inward to experience of the Spirit. (Luke 17:21)
The smartest thing a legalist can ask is, "Help me!"
OLD TESTAMENT: Samuel 16:1-13
Literal Religion: “See” and “Look” are physical.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“The LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
Spiritual grace: “See” and “Look” are spiritual.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“The LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
Did you feel the Grace?
Legalists are like slinkies, not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see fall down the stairs!
PSALM: 23
Literal Religion: “Restores” is physical.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“He restores my soul.”
Spiritual grace: “Restores” is spiritual.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“He restores my soul.”
Did you feel the Grace?
To be sure they always hit the target, legalists shoot first and call whatever they hit the target!
EPISTLE: Ephesians 5:8-14
Literal Religion: “Children of Light” is to do what is right to live in His Presence.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“Live as children of light”
Spiritual grace: “Live as children of light” is to live in His Presence to do what is right.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“Live as children of light”
Did you feel the Grace?
Legalists are like light. Light goes faster than sound. This is why legalism appears to be light until you hear it speak!
GOSPEL: John 9:1-41
Literal Religion: Blind is physical, sin is immoral.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”
Spiritual grace: Blind is spiritual. Adam and Eve were made spiritually blind when their physical eyes were opened. Sin is separation from God. (Genesis 3:7)
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”
Did you feel the Grace?
Legalism fights fire with fire. Grace knows the Fire Department usually uses water.
Share your insights in the comments below
For further study see the follow on Fourth Sunday in Lent Meditation.
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