Series 1: Living Free in Christ — Week 4

Reflection Week: Living Free

Over the past three weeks, we’ve been on a journey. One centered on spiritual freedom, grace, and practical faith.

Series 1: Living Free in Christ has walked us through the foundations of what it means to live as people who are truly free, deeply loved, and continually transformed by the power of God.

Week 4 is our reflection week. This is the time we take a moment to pause, breathe, and look back at everything the Holy Spirit has been teaching, correcting, and revealing.

This week is slower, quieter, and intentional. It’s not about learning something new, it’s about letting truth settle in.

Looking Back on Week 1: Freedom in Christ

Key Scriptures: Galatians 5:1; John 8:36

In Week 1, we learned that freedom is not something we earn, it is something Christ secured for us.

We explored the difference between being saved and actually living as someone who is free.

We talked about:

• Letting go of guilt we were never meant to carry
• Standing firm against the lies that pull us back into bondage
• Embracing identity over performance

Reflection:
Where have you begun to experience more spiritual freedom this month?
Maybe your prayers feel lighter. Maybe a burden you have been carrying is finally loosening its grip. Or maybe you simply started believing that God truly wants joy and freedom for you.

Journal Prompt #1:

What does spiritual freedom look like in my everyday life? Where do I need God’s help to walk more fully in that freedom?

Looking Back on Week 2: Spotting Legalism in Daily Life

Key Scripture: Colossians 1:20–23

Week 2 was eye-opening because it uncovered a struggle many of us never realized we had: legalism.

Legalism is tricky. It usually disguises itself as “doing the right thing,” but it quickly turns into trying to earn God’s approval.

We reflected on:

• The difference between relationship and religion
• The sneaky ways legalism shows up (comparison, guilt, shame, pressure)
• How to return to grace when performance tries to take over

Paul reminded us: You have already been reconciled. Already made right with God. Already loved.

Journal Prompt #2:

Where am I still striving to earn something God has already freely given? How can I shift from striving to resting in grace?

Looking Back on Week 3: Grace for Imperfect Days

Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9

Week 3 reminded us that imperfect days do not disqualify us, they reveal where grace does its best work.

Paul’s honesty about weakness helped normalize our own. We learned that God’s grace does not show up only when we are strong, it shows up when our strength runs out.

We reflected on how God responds to:

• Our inconsistencies
• Our mood swings
• Our lack of motivation
• Our tired days and emotional days

Grace whispers, “My power is made perfect in your weakness.”

Journal Prompt #3:

Where have I seen God’s grace show up in my weaknesses? What is God showing me through the moments I feel the most imperfect?

Series 1 Themes Coming Together

When we look at these three weeks as one message, a pattern emerges:

Week 1 – Freedom:

Christ broke every chain.

Week 2 – Legalism:

Stop trying to put the chains back on.

Week 3 – Grace:

Even when we stumble, we are still free.

This is the rhythm of spiritual maturity:
Freedom → Awareness → Grace → Growth.

We do not grow by being perfect.
We grow by returning to Jesus again and again; with honesty, humility, and hope.

Week 4 Reflection: Journaling Prompts

Take your time with these. Sit somewhere quiet if you can. Let the Holy Spirit guide your thoughts.

1. What has God revealed to me about freedom during this series?

2. What do I need to release so I can fully live free in Christ?

3. Where am I tempted to fall into legalism or performance-based faith?

4. How has grace reshaped how I see myself and others?

5. What spiritual habits help me stay grounded in truth and grace?

6. What is one area where I felt the Holy Spirit challenging me?

7. What is one area where I felt the Holy Spirit comforting me?

Write freely. Don’t rush. This is your heart space with God.

Prayer Recap from Weeks 1–3

Here are the prayers from each week. We will use them again this week as a part of our reflection.

Week 1 – Prayer for Freedom:

Lord, help me stand firm in the freedom You’ve given me. Break every chain that tries to pull me back into bondage.

Week 2 – Prayer against Legalism:

Father, forgive me for the ways I’ve tried to earn Your love. Help me rest in Your grace instead of striving for perfection.

Week 3 – Prayer for Imperfect Days:

God, thank You for meeting me in weakness. Let Your power shine through my imperfections and remind me that I am held by grace.

Week 4 – Reflection Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for every lesson in this series.
Thank You for freedom through Christ, truth that anchors me, and grace that carries me.
Help me not just to learn these truths but to live them.
Let my daily life be evidence of Your love, Your power, and Your freedom.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

Looking Forward

Next week, we begin a brand new series… but for now, we will rest in what God has done throughout Living Free in Christ.

Re-read your journal entries.
Highlight what stands out.
Keep asking:

“Lord, where are You growing me next?”

Because faith isn’t just studied, it is lived.
And you are doing it, one step at a time.