Galatians 4:21-31 Sermon Guide and Discussion Questions
INTRO QUESTION: What application, conviction, or encouragement did you find in this passage of Scripture as you heard the sermon today? Living by Flesh vs. Living by Faith (Gal. 4:21–23) Ishmael was born according to the flesh through human schemes, whereas Isaac was born through God's promise by divine power. QUESTION: In what areas of your life or spiritual walk are you tempted to rely on effort (flesh) rather than trusting in God's promises? How have you made sanctification (becoming like Jesus) behavior modification and not heart transformation? Slave of the Law vs. Child of the Gospel (Gal. 4:24–27) [...]
Galatians 4:8-20 Sermon Guide and Discussion Questions
“Those who lapse from the Gospel to the Law are no better off than those who lapse from grace into idolatry.” Martin Luther Rituals instead of your Father (vv. 8-11) Legalism is simply another form of pagan idolatry that seeks to appease God instead of knowing God. Self Improvement instead the Savior’s Sufficiency (vv. 12-15) Paul reminds the Galatians that embracing him in his bodily weaknesses was a display of the weakness needed to embrace the Savior’s help. Self promotion instead of Christ - exalting (vv. 16-20) False teachers courted the Galatians for self-serving reasons. Paul’s goal, like a [...]
Galatians 4:1-7 Study Guide (Doctrine of Adoption)
Study Guide: Galatians 4:1–7 Gospel Defined The gospel is the announcement that Jesus has sufficiently fulfilled all God’s demands through His perfect life and sacrificial death under God’s just wrath for our sin so that through faith in Him we might be united to Him by His Spirit, declared righteous, freed from condemnation, and accepted by His father to inherit the promise of His eternal life in his kingdom. J.I. Packer "If you want to know how well a man understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God's child and having God as [...]
Galatians 3:15-25 Sermon Discussion Guide
Practical Application Questions Where are you trying to earn God's favor by following rules instead of trusting in what Jesus has already done? What daily or weekly habits help you keep your focus on what Jesus has done? How does knowing that God's promise depends entirely on Jesus change your security and assurance of acceptance with Him? How does seeing the law as a guide that points to Jesus keep you from self-righteousness or losing hope? Are there subtle ways or reasons you keep certain people at a distance based on their background, status, or culture? How can you [...]
Galatians 3:1-14 Sermon Discussion Questions
What initial applications, encouragements, or convictions did you get from this passage in light of the sermon? When it comes to your spiritual progress (or lack thereof), are you more tempted to pride or despair? Why? How can you tell? How does your experience of salvation and receiving the Holy Spirit by faith challenge you to repent of your pride and/or despair? Are you more likely to respond to blessings in your life by being suspicious of God or by being critical of God? Why is that? How does the blessing of Abraham by faith encourage you to enjoy [...]
Galatians 2:15–21 Sermon Discussion Guide
The Math TEST of Galatians: Jesus + Nothing = Pass | Jesus + Anything = Fail. The Standard of the Law: Galatians 3:10, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” God demands 100% perfection. 80% isn’t good enough! The Role of the Law: The Law acts as a mirror to expose our sin and need for a Savior, but it lacks the power to cleanse or save us. Definition of Justification: A legal declaration by God where the guilty are declared "not guilty" and completely righteous [...]