Grace Works: From the Inside Out
“I met a ninja.” That’s how this message opens—an unexpected encounter, a tale of war and wisdom, martial arts and mountains, soul-searching and surrender. But behind the humor and intrigue lies something far more profound: the truth that no external mastery, no earthly pursuit, no spiritual performance can do what God’s grace does in a single moment.
Noam, the Israeli tank commander turned world-class ninja, pursued everything this world could offer—technique, transcendence, and travel. He disciplined his body, journeyed across nations, and sought out philosophies that promised peace. But the soul is not satisfied by skill. The heart cannot be healed through striving. When he knelt outside the David Hotel and surrendered to the grace of God, only then did he find himself. Because this is the truth the apostle Paul hammers home to the Galatians: Grace works.
Not Out There — In Here
Paul’s words to the Galatians are piercing: “Who has bewitched you?” (Gal 3:1). He doesn’t ask lightly. The church had drifted, once again trying to earn what was always meant to be received. Isn’t that the temptation of every heart? To go out there to prove we are worthy, when God has already come in here to declare us beloved?
Grace isn’t just a theology—it’s a transformation. Paul reminds the Galatians, and us, that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not a behaviour modification plan, but a resurrection revolution. God’s work begins in the heart, and from there, touches the hands, homes, and habits of our lives.
Grace Is Not Passive—Grace Is Power
Paul outlines the fruit of grace—how it outputs not just faith, but faithfulness. It doesn’t create inertia, it births movement. Grace lovingly restores the fallen (Gal 6:1), carries the burdens of others (Gal 6:2), and sows righteousness into every fabric of life (Gal 6:7–10).
“Grace works” is a twofold truth. It works in us—transforming hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. And it works through us—reshaping our relationships, our purpose, our generosity, and our voice. When grace grips the heart, it produces a life that bears the marks of Jesus (Gal 6:17). Not scars of striving, but signs of surrender. Not badges of merit, but the fingerprints of mercy.
The Three Marks of Grace
Drawing from Paul’s final words in Galatians, three outcomes of true grace rise to the surface:
1. We Restore Lovingly. Not with shame… but with shoulders ready to carry. Not with gossip… but with grace that gently sets the broken bone back in place. If the church does not restore the fallen with love, who will? God’s family is the hospital for the heart.
2. We Sow Faithfully. The kingdom doesn’t operate on buying and selling. It’s sowing and reaping. What we plant in the Spirit—our time, prayers, love, and generosity—will always bear fruit, even if unseen. You may feel like you’ve been tending your soil for years with no sign of growth. But like Chinese bamboo, what took five years to break ground will shoot up 25 feet in just a few weeks. Don’t quit planting. Don’t grow weary. The harvest is on its way.
3. We Boast in Christ Only. In a world of digital highlight reels and identity tied to accomplishment, Paul says: Boast in the cross. Brag on the blood. Make much of the mercy. Whatever good we have in our lives is because grace worked first.
Your Story, His Strength
Noam’s story may feel extraordinary—but its essence is common. Many go searching “out there” for significance, spirituality, and security. But Christ, crucified and resurrected, is the only One who can settle the identity crisis of the soul. His grace reaches into any life—war-torn, work-worn, wayward—and says: *Come home. Be healed. Begin again… in Me.*
Dear friend, whatever mountain you’ve tried to climb to find yourself, know this: grace comes down. Grace works not because you do. Grace works because Jesus already did.
So come as you are. Be restored. Sow with faith. And find your only boast in the cross of Christ. Because grace isn’t just an idea—it’s a Person. And His name is Jesus.
Grace works. On the cross. In our hearts. And through our hands. Forever.
Scriptures:
– Galatians 6:1–18 (NIV)
– Galatians 1:6 (NIV)
– Galatians 2:21 (NIV)
– Galatians 3:1 (NIV)
– Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
– 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
– Romans 5:8 (NIV)
– John 1:16 (NIV)
– Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV)
– Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
– 2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV)
– Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
– Luke 6:38 (NIV)
– Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
– Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
– Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Discussion Questions:
- What part of Noam’s story resonated most with you, and why?
- Why do you think we are often tempted to search “out there” for peace and purpose?
- What does it mean to you personally that grace begins “in here”?
- Galatians 6 calls us to restore others “gently.” What does gentle restoration look like in practice?
- How have you seen the principle of sowing and reaping operate in your life?
- Why do you think grace sometimes feels slow to work, even though it always does?
- What does boasting in the cross rather than ourselves look like in modern life?
- Is there an area of your life where you’ve been striving instead of surrendering? How might that shift this week?
- Who is someone you could lovingly restore or encourage this week—and what might that look like?
- What would change in your life if you truly believed that grace is enough for every moment?
Activation:
Faith
Reflection: Grace is not performance-based. It’s presence-born. The message of Galatians reminds us that our faith walk is not about perfection—it’s about surrender to the One who already fulfilled it all.
This Week: Spend 15 minutes each morning asking the Holy Spirit to show you what He’s doing *in you*. Journal one area each day where grace is already at work—no matter how small—and give thanks.
Family
Insight: The overflow of inner grace is outward restoration. Just like Paul called the Galatians to carry each other’s burdens, our families thrive when that same grace and gentleness shapes our homes.
This Week: Intentionally restore connection with one family member this week. Maybe it’s a phone call to a distant relative, or a heartfelt apology to someone close. Demonstrate that grace works… even in tension.
Future
Reflection: Grace doesn’t cancel purpose—it awakens it. When we surrender to God’s grace, we stop striving and start stewarding. Our future becomes less about control and more about calling.
This Week: Write a bold declaration starting with: “Because God’s grace is at work in me, I will…” Post it somewhere visible. Let that truth fuel your prayers, plans, and decisions this week.
THE LINC COLLECTIVE 
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