IT CAN BE DIFFERENT | 8.17.25 | JUSTIN KENDRICK

From Romans 6, Pastor Justin Kendrick explored how true freedom comes not through willpower or changing standards, but through Gospel transformation. He unpacked three thing we must know to break free from sinful patterns: embracing redefined freedom in Christ, understanding our cosmic union with Him, and living from our new identity as God's children. He concluded the sermon with encouragement to seek out biblical community as you seek Jesus’ strength to embrace gospel transformation.

Have you ever made a decision that you regretted later?

• Paul begins this passage with a question. In your own words, what question does he ask and how does he respond?

• What does Paul mean when he says that we have died to sin? What are the results of having died to sin?

Read Romans 6:15-24

• Paul defines two opposing choices in these verses. Explain each of these.

• How does Paul connect justification with sanctification in this chapter?

• Redefined freedom in Christ: What responses to rules or restrictions on freedom have you witnessed? As Christians, how are we to respond to God’s limits on our life?

• Cosmic union with Christ: How do you respond to this statement, “Grace is your new reality”? What would it look like to truly live from a place of believing you are united with Christ?

• New identity as God’s child: What false identities have you lived in, and how has this affected your behavior and choices? How does believing in your identity as God’s child impact how you live?

• What prevents us from being honest with others about our struggles? What can you do to be a better accountability partner?

• In what area of your life are you relying on willpower or changing standards rather than gospel transformation? What steps do you need to take to move toward internalizing gospel transformation?

• “You can't break free until you see yourself differently.” What one truth about your identity in Christ do you want to embrace more fully? How will this impact your life?

• Thank God for the redefined freedom we have in Christ.

• Pray for freedom from the habits that bind us, trusting in the transformative power of gospel.

• Ask God for strength and support in using our freedom to serve others in love.

Pastor Justin challenged us in this sermon to spend 30 days, first thing in the morning, meditating on scriptures that remind us of who we are in Christ. Who I Am in Christ

• How will you respond to this challenge?

• As you meditate on these truths, how do you see the Holy Spirit changing your perspective?

• Who will you share your experience with?