Restoration | Week 1: When Life Feels Broken
Many people in the church feel spiritually tired, even after doing all the “right” things. Beneath the surface of religious activity and moral effort, we carry unhealed wounds. The good news of the gospel is that restoration begins not when we fix ourselves—but when we recognize that we cannot.
Brokenness Is More Than Behavior
Romans 3:23 tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This is not just a behavioral issue—it is a relational and purpose issue. Humanity was created to reflect the glory of God. Sin separated us not just from moral integrity, but from the presence we were made for. Even moral people can be far from God if they are not connected to His glory.
Grace Is Not a One-Time Gift
Paul, in Romans 7:18, confesses his ongoing inability to do what is right apart from grace. Even as a mature believer, he acknowledged his dependence on God. Restoration is not about moving past grace; it is about continually living from it. Grace is not only the starting line of the Christian life—it is also the daily fuel.
Resurrection, Not Self-Improvement
In Ephesians 2:4–5, Paul declares that God made us alive when we were spiritually dead. Jesus does not come to make us better versions of ourselves. He comes to raise us from death to life. Restoration is not behavior modification—it is resurrection.
Pathways to Participate in Restoration
1. Name What Is Broken (Psalm 139:23–24)
Restoration begins with honesty. David asked God to search his heart—not to shame him, but to lead him into life.
2. Stop Self-Reliance (Proverbs 3:5–6; John 15:5)
We cannot restore ourselves. Trusting in our own effort leads to exhaustion. Jesus says apart from Him, we can do nothing.
3. Receive Grace Daily (Lamentations 3:22–23; Galatians 3:3)
God’s mercies are new every morning. We must receive grace repeatedly, not earn it through effort.
4. Join Gospel-Centered Community (Hebrews 10:24–25; James 5:16)
Restoration happens in community. Confession, encouragement, and prayer are the means by which God brings healing.
Key Takeaway:
Jesus doesn’t come to make the broken life better—He comes to make the dead heart alive.
That is where restoration begins.