The Ten Commandments, Grace, and the Overcomer’s Life in Christ
Are Christians still bound by the Ten Commandments? What does it mean to be “under grace” yet live a holy life?
Explore the divine purpose of God’s Law, the transforming power of grace, and the victorious identity of every believer in Christ. The Ten Commandments were never meant to save us — they were designed to reveal sin and point us to the Savior. Through faith, the finished work of Jesus, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are empowered to walk in righteousness not by legalism but by love.
Many Christians wrestle with questions about the Ten Commandments and grace: Are we still bound to follow the Law? Does grace mean we can live however we want? This study explores how God’s Law, His grace, and the Holy Spirit work together to lead us into a victorious life in Christ. Whether you’re new to faith or a seasoned believer, discover how to live as an overcomer—freed from legalism, empowered by grace, and guided by the Spirit. (NKJV)
Join us as we uncover what it means to be an Overcomer: dead to sin’s power, alive in Christ, and guided daily by God’s Word and Spirit.
📖 The Ten Commandments, Grace, & the Overcomer’s Life in Christ
I. The Purpose of the Law: A Mirror for the Ungodly
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) serve as God’s perfect moral standard, revealing His holy character and exposing humanity’s sin nature. Scripture compares the Law to a mirror: it shows us our condition but has no power to cleanse us.
Romans 3:20
“By the law is the knowledge of sin.”
The Apostle Paul clarifies this:
1 Timothy 1:9-10
“The law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners...”
The Law was never intended for the righteous in Christ — it was given to restrain evil, convict the rebellious, and ultimately lead them to recognize their need for a Savior.
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Moral Guide — Reflecting God’s righteousness.
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Conviction of Sin — Proving all have sinned.
Romans 3:23
💡 Reflection:
When we understand the Law was meant to reveal sin, not save from it, we see our desperate need for grace. How has God’s Law revealed areas in your life needing His transforming touch?
II. Not Under Law, But Under Grace
Believers in Jesus are declared “not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14). This isn’t a license for lawlessness — it’s an invitation to live by a higher law: the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) and the Law of the Spirit (Romans 8:2).
Relies on human effort - (Galatians 3:10) Relies on Christ’s finished work - (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Produces guilt - (Romans 3:19-20) Produces freedom - (John 8:36)
Demands external obedience Empowers inward transformation - (Jeremiah 31:33)
Grace Doesn’t Excuse Sin — It Empowers Victory:
Titus 2:11-12
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”
Romans 8:4
“…that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
For example: Imagine someone struggling with envy in a competitive workplace. Grace doesn’t say, “It’s okay to resent others.” Instead, it empowers them to reject envy, seek contentment through prayer, and celebrate others’ success by relying on the Spirit’s strength.
💡 Reflection:
How would your daily walk change if you truly believed grace was power, not permission?
III. “Shall We Continue in Sin? God Forbid!”
Paul anticipated this misunderstanding of grace:
Romans 6:1-2
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”
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We Died to Sin
Romans 6:11 — “Reckon yourselves dead indeed to sin.”
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We Are New Creations
2 Corinthians 5:17 — “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
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We Love Christ
John 14:15 — “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
Overcomers Live by Faith, Not Legalism:
1 John 5:4
“This is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.”
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
💡 Reflection:
If grace has made you new, what areas of your life still need to be surrendered to Christ’s victory?
IV. How to Be Exempt from the Law’s Condemnation
The Law demands perfection, which no one can achieve (Galatians 3:10). Its 'curse' is the penalty of death for failing to keep it perfectly. But through Christ, believers are freed from this curse (Galatians 3:13). Jesus fulfilled the Law’s requirements on our behalf, and His righteousness is credited to us through faith.
Three Keys to Freedom:
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Faith in Jesus
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4). Trusting in Jesus’ finished work, not our own, secures our righteousness. -
The Indwelling Holy Spirit
“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes” (Ezekiel 36:27). The Spirit empowers us to live out God’s will naturally, not through forced obedience. -
The Lamb’s Book of Life
Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life enter God’s eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:27). Faith in Christ ensures our place in His book.
Practical Result:
We obey God not out of fear of punishment but out of love for Him (1 John 4:19). The Holy Spirit guides us to live righteously, not by rigid rule-keeping but by a transformed heart (Galatians 5:18).
💡 Reflection:
Has your relationship with God shifted from rule-following to Spirit-led freedom? What would it look like to trust the Holy Spirit more in one specific area of your life (e.g., relationships, work, or habits)?
God’s Word is our guide, not a rigid rulebook but a living, life-giving path.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
How Christ in Us Leads:
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Conviction
John 16:8 — The Holy Spirit exposes sin and stirs us toward righteousness.
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Direction
Proverbs 3:5-6 — Trust in Him, and He will direct your paths.
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Protection
Psalm 23:3 — “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
💡 Reflection:
Are you letting God’s Word and Spirit light your path daily? What areas are you still trying to navigate in your own strength?
✝️ Conclusion: The Overcomer’s Life
The Law reveals our sin. Grace saves us from it. In Christ, we’re no longer slaves to sin or legalistic striving but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in righteousness.
Take a Step Today: Spend 5 minutes in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal one area where you can trust His grace to overcome sin. Memorize Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) this week to remind yourself of Christ’s life within you.
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Believe in the finished work of Christ
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Surrender to the Spirit’s leading
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Walk by faith, not by works
2 Corinthians 3:6
“For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
📖 Discussion & Reflection Questions:
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How does understanding the Law’s purpose for the ungodly change your view of the Ten Commandments?
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What does it practically mean to be under grace in your daily decisions?
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Why is habitual sin incompatible with new life in Christ (1 John 3:9)?
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How does the Holy Spirit empower you to overcome temptation and live victoriously?