Who Cut In On You? | Courtney Bence

Sunday, May 11

Scriptures Referenced

Galatians 5:7-10, Galatians 5:1, Romans 8, Ruth 1:20, Ruth 4, 1 Samuel 1:9-10, Genesis 37:4, Genesis 41:50-52, Hebrews 12:1-2

Introduction

Today we’ll explore the message, “Who Cut In On You?” by Courteney Bence. Courteney explored how believers can overcome hindrances like grief, failure, or confusion by fixing their eyes on Jesus, who was “cut in on” at the cross, ensuring no obstacle can derail God’s purpose for their lives.

What stood out to you from Sunday’s message?

Much of the sermon focused on Galatians 5:7-10. In verse seven he writes,

“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” (NIV)

With these piercing words, Paul challenges the Galatian believers—and us—to examine the forces that derail our walk with Christ.

Paul’s letter to the Galatians was written to confront a dangerous drift: the early Christians were turning away from the true Gospel of grace and returning to the heavy burden of legalism. They were being convinced that faith in Jesus wasn’t enough—that they had to earn their salvation by keeping the Law of Moses. Paul, once a devout follower of that very law, knew firsthand its futility in producing true righteousness. That’s why he preached salvation through grace alone—through Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, not human effort.

To illustrate this truth, Paul uses the metaphor of a race. The Christian life is not a casual stroll—it’s a race we are called to run with perseverance. But somewhere along the track, the Galatians had been “cut in on”—distracted, hindered, and pulled off course. Paul’s question, “Who cut in on you?” isn’t just for them—it’s for us, too. What voices, habits, or lies have interrupted your pursuit of Jesus? What burdens are slowing you down or pulling you backward?

In this powerful message, Courteney Bence invites us to reflect on our race, our pace, and our focus. Are we running free in grace—or struggling under the weight of something we were never meant to carry?

What are some things—past or present—that have “cut in on” your race with Jesus, and how can you re-anchor yourself in the truth of grace?

Understanding the Hindrance

Paul compares the Christian life to a race—active, intentional, and full of forward momentum. The Galatian believers had begun well, demonstrating faith, obedience, and spiritual discipline. But then, something—or someone—interfered.

“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough. I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty.” — Galatians 5:7–10 (NIV)

The Greek word koptō, translated “cut in,” means to strike or sever. It suggests a sudden, deliberate disruption—something jarring and intentional designed to halt spiritual progress. This wasn’t a slow drift but a break in the road. Paul makes it clear: this interference didn’t come from God (Galatians 5:8). Confusion never does.

So, what’s cut in on your race? Shame? Distraction? Legalism? The death of a loved one? Divorce? False teaching? These things can knock us off course, but we’re not meant to stay stuck.

Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:1,

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (NIV)

We are called to live in freedom—freedom rooted in grace, not performance. Satan accuses and confuses, but God calls with clarity and love. His voice always aligns with grace, truth, and peace.

Paul expresses confidence—not in the people themselves, but in the Lord—that they will return to the truth. The Spirit will guide them back. And those who lead others astray will answer to God. We can trust Him to preserve both His people and His gospel.

So, take a moment: identify what’s been hindering your race. Then reject the voices of confusion, condemnation, and legalism. Reclaim the freedom Christ died to give you. Stand firm. Run well.

Paul emphasizes that confusion does not come from God, but clarity and freedom do. How can you discern God's voice of grace and truth amidst competing voices in your life, and what practical steps can you take to stand firm in the freedom Christ offers?

How God Redeems Setbacks for His Purpose

Scripture is full of stories that show how God not only meets us in our “cut in on” moments but also redeems them for His greater purpose. Here are three powerful examples:

When failure and shame cut in on you.

Peter – Failure Doesn’t Cancel Calling

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, denied Him three times on the night of His arrest (Luke 22:61-62). In that moment, shame could have disqualified Peter from ministry—or so it seemed. But Jesus didn’t leave Peter in his failure. In a powerful scene by the shore (John 21), Jesus restores him, asking three times, “Do you love me?”—mirroring Peter’s three denials. Jesus then reaffirms Peter’s purpose: “Feed my sheep.” This moment reminds us that mistakes do not cancel God’s calling.

As Romans 8:1 declares, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” God redeems even our worst moments and restores us to purpose.

What do you think Jesus was thinking during his conversation with Peter in John 21?

Peter’s denial of Jesus could have led to overwhelming shame, yet Jesus restored him with love and purpose. How have you experienced or witnessed God’s grace redeeming a personal failure?

What steps can you take to trust His calling despite past mistakes?

When pain and unanswered prayer cut in on you.

Hannah – Anguish Turned to Answered Prayer

Hannah’s deep longing for a child brought her to the point of anguish. In 1 Samuel 1:9-10, she pours out her soul before God in the temple, praying with tears and desperation. Others misunderstood her pain, but God heard her. In time, He opened her womb, and she gave birth to Samuel—one of Israel’s greatest prophets. Hannah’s story teaches us that when we bring our deepest pain directly to God, He meets us there. Barrenness, whether physical or spiritual, is not the end of the story. God can birth something powerful from a place of brokenness.

Hannah brought her anguish directly to God, and He met her in her pain. What challenges or deep longings are you hesitant to bring to God in prayer, and how might Hannah’s story inspire you to approach Him with honesty and faith?

When betrayal and delay cut in on you.

Joseph – From Pit to Palace

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers out of jealousy (Genesis 37:4), sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned. For years, his life looked nothing like the dreams God gave him. But in God’s perfect timing, Joseph was elevated to second-in-command over all of Egypt (Genesis 41). When his sons were born, Joseph named one Manasseh (“God has made me forget my trouble”) and the other Ephraim (“God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering”)—a declaration that God had turned pain into purpose. Joseph’s journey reminds us that even when it feels like everything has gone wrong, God is still weaving His plan.

Joseph endured years of setbacks, yet God used those hardships to fulfill His greater plan. Reflect on a season in your life that felt like a “pit” or delay. How can Joseph’s story encourage you to trust God’s timing and purpose, even when His plan is unclear?

Reflection:

Each of these lives was interrupted, wounded, or delayed—yet not destroyed. God’s purpose prevailed through failure, loss, pain, and betrayal. What might feel like a setback in your life could be the soil where God is preparing something greater. Let their stories remind you: when you’ve been cut in on, God is still writing the story.

Overcoming and Running the Race

A group of campers stood at the base of a steep mountain trail, ready to take on a demanding five-mile hike that promised a breathtaking view of God’s creative genius. The trek would be tough—physically exhausting and mentally stretching. Among them was one camper who had never attempted such a challenge before. With determination in their heart and the hope of what lay ahead, they set out step by step, motivated not just by the view at the top, but by the joy of overcoming something greater than themselves.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

Just like the journey up the mountain, the Christian life is a race that requires endurance, perseverance, and a clear focus on the reward. The “cloud of witnesses” that went before us, reminds us that victory is possible. And above all, we are encouraged to keep our eyes on Jesus—the One who began our faith and will bring it to completion.

The “cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12:1 refers to faithful saints who inspire us to persevere. Who in your life—past or present—has been a “witness” encouraging you to keep running your spiritual race, and how can their example help you overcome specific hindrances or sins?

The text compares fixing our eyes on Jesus to a hiker focusing on the reward of a breathtaking view. What practical steps can you take to maintain your focus on Jesus amidst life’s challenges?

How does His example of enduring the cross for joy motivate you to persevere in your own race?

Our Ultimate Goal

Hebrews 13:14 (ESV) reminds us of our ultimate goal:

“For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.”

This world is not our home. We’re just passing through, pressing forward toward the eternal city prepared for us. To run this race well, we must lay aside everything that weighs us down—especially the sin that entangles us. These things only hinder our progress and cloud our vision.

Jesus Himself endured the cross—not because it was easy, but because of the joy that was set before Him. He now sits at the right hand of God, victorious and interceding for us. When we feel weary or discouraged, we can draw strength from His example, knowing He walks with us every step of the way.

Step by step, we move forward—sometimes slowly, sometimes with pain—but always with hope. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Trust in His guidance, His righteousness, and His power to carry you through.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” — Revelation 1:8 (ESV)

He is our beginning and our end. Run with endurance. The view from the top will be worth it.

Conclusion

Throughout this message, Courteney Bence returned again and again to one firm exhortation: “Take no other view.” Paul himself used this phrase in Galatians 5:10 to urge the believers to stand firm in the truth of the Gospel, undistracted and unshaken. It’s a call to clarity, to conviction, and to courageous endurance.

So today, take no other view than this: Jesus was “cut in on” at the cross so that you could never be cut out of God’s plan. He took the full force of sin, shame, and death so that you could run your race in freedom.

Maybe you’ve been carrying burdens too heavy to bear. Maybe you’ve been running, but in your own strength—or not running at all.

The altar is open. Surrender your hindrances. Lay down your shame. Rededicate your heart to the One who calls you by name.

Group Leaders, before you pray, remind your members (and yourself) that no diagnosis, failure, betrayal, or disappointment is too great for God. He sees you. He knows the pain. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in you—chains will fall, paths will be made straight, and your race will be redeemed.

Pray

Pray for those in your lives that have been wandering. Pray that prodigals return.

If you’ve been doubting, trust again.

If you’ve been striving, rest.

Run your race with Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of your faith. Fix your eyes on Him and take no other view!

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