Engage Thursday Lenten Bible Study – March 05, 2026 | Week 2

Title: Restored: Finding Redemption in Our Mess – Week 2

Scripture:

Galatians 5:16–23

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Summary:

In Week 2 of our Lenten study through Restored: Finding Redemption in Our Mess, we explored the reality that many of the messes we encounter in life are often connected to the choices we make when we drift away from God.

Using the story of “Mudge” from the book, the conversation revealed how moments of weakness and disconnection from God can make us more vulnerable to temptation. When we become spiritually weak or lean away from God, it becomes easier for sin to take hold.

The discussion also challenged us to reflect honestly on our posture toward God. Like Adam in Michelangelo’s painting of the Creation, we sometimes recline spiritually, leaning away when we should be leaning toward God. Yet even in our mess, God continues reaching for us through grace.

Through Galatians 5, we were reminded that the life God desires for us is not defined by selfish desires, but by the fruit of the Spirit. When we lean into the Spirit, we begin to limit the messes that sin can create in our lives and move toward a life marked by love, peace, and transformation.

Ultimately, restoration begins when we recognize our condition, acknowledge our need for God, and choose to lean toward Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. Weakness makes us vulnerable to temptation.

When we drift away from God or stop nurturing our spiritual life, we become more susceptible to choices that lead us into mess.

2. Sin often begins with small compromises.

Many life messes develop gradually through small decisions that pull us further away from God’s guidance.

3. We must confront the truth about ourselves.

Restoration requires honesty. Facing the truth about our choices allows grace to begin its work in us.

4. Our posture toward God matters.

Spiritual growth happens when we lean into God instead of leaning toward distractions, idols, or temporary satisfaction.

5. The Spirit offers a better way to live.

When we walk in the Spirit, our lives begin to reflect love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control, limiting the chaos sin creates.

6. Grace makes restoration possible.

Even when we fail, God’s grace continues reaching toward us, inviting us back into relationship and transformation.