The Grace Message

In my latest message in our “Liberated” series, we dive into the powerful themes found in Galatians 4&5. Paul speaks of a different kind of freedom, one that goes beyond external circumstances. I explore what it means to stand firm in this freedom and address the subtle forms of slavery that can still entangle us today. We’ll also explore Paul’s analogies, drawing parallels between two women, two children, and two cities, and discover a profound takeaway – the contrast between living under the Law and embracing the freedom found in Christ. It’s a reminder that our identity and purpose lie not in striving to meet the impossible standards of the Law but in enjoying the gift we’ve already received by faith. I believe this message will inspire and encourage you, reminding you of the freedom and grace that are yours in Christ. I invite you to watch or listen and share it with others who may need encouragement too! Discussion Questions for Galatians 4:21-5:6: 1. Read verses 21-31. In your own words, seek to explain the analogies Paul gives here with two women, two children, and two cities. What is the takeaway? 2. Read verse 1 of chapter 5. What kind of freedom is Paul talking about? What does it mean to stand firm? How specifically can we stand firm? What kind of “slavery” is offered today? 3. Read verse 2. Why is Christ of “no benefit” in the situation described? 4. Read verse 3. How does this verse demonstrate the perfect and impossible standard of the Law? How are people watering down the Law today to make it seem palatable and doable? 5. Read verse 4. How do we know this verse is not about loss of salvation? What are these people seeking to do? How are they cutting themselves off from Christ? How are they falling away from the message of God’s grace? What are they falling toward? 6. Read verse 5. Notice the contrast as this verse begins with “For we…” referring to believers. How does this further help us interpret verse 4 (the previous verse) correctly? In verse 5, does Paul mean we’re still hoping to be righteous someday? If not, then what does he mean by “the hope of righteousness”?

How can I serve and bear fruit with a healthy motivation? Can we forgive others but still have healthy boundaries with them? I have trouble forgiving myself. What should I do? Did God create evil? How can I share the Gospel with my young grandchildren?

Who are the rulers and authorities mentioned in Ephesians? Which version of the Bible is the most accurate or reliable? What’s going on with the parable about the wedding clothes? What about the virgins who had no oil in their lamps?

Do we really not have free will? How does the salvation decision factor in? I feel like my old self has come back to life. What’s really happening?

Do we really have “free will”? I know we are sanctified, but aren’t we also being sanctified? I’m dating a Messianic Jew and wondering if I should let her share her beliefs with my kids? Will God allow you to experience more than you can handle?

Do we need to pray a “sinner’s prayer” to be saved? What does James 5:19 mean about rescuing a sinner and covering sins? What does it really mean to approach the throne of grace with boldness? What are your thoughts on “Lordship Salvation”?

How do so many people misinterpret Scripture to say we can lose our salvation? What are your thoughts on the age of accountability? I heard that a child will be raptured if at least one of their parents is a Christian. True? Why do so many pastors teach that Christians can be possessed by a demon?

In our new series, “Liberated,” we’re diving deep into the powerful message of freedom and grace found in Galatians.In this message on chapter 4, I explore the transformative power of living under the New Covenant versus living under the Law. Paul uses the analogy of a child and a slave to help us grasp the profound difference between these two ways of life. Understanding this contrast will revolutionize your perspective on the Christian life and deepen your appreciation for God’s love and acceptance of you.Additionally, we delve into Paul’s concern about the Galatians turning back to observing Jewish customs and the dangers of mixing law and grace. This cautionary message is relevant for us today as we navigate the legalism that’s so prevalent today and our newfound freedom in Christ.I encourage you to check out this impactful message on Galatians 4. It’s an opportunity to deepen your understanding of God’s liberating grace and its transformative power in your life.Discussion Questions for Galatians 4:1-20: 1. In Galatians 4:1-7, Paul uses the analogy of a child and a slave to describe our relationship with the law before and after coming to faith in Christ. How does this analogy help us understand the difference between living under the law and living in the freedom of the new covenant?2. In Galatians 4:8-11, Paul expresses his concern that the Galatians are turning back to observing Jewish days, seasons, and years. Why do you think Paul is so adamant about this issue? What dangers or pitfalls might come from mixing law and grace?3. In Galatians 4:12-20, Paul reminds the Galatians of their past unity with him and the Gospel message. How does this reminder of their relationship with Paul impact their decision to stray from the Gospel? What can we learn from this about the importance of staying focused on the truth of the Gospel and staying connected to a community of believers?4. Throughout this passage, Paul emphasizes the contrast between the law and grace, bondage and freedom. How does this contrast impact your understanding of the Christian life? How does it shape your view of God’s love and acceptance of us?5. In Galatians 4:19, Paul expresses his desire for Christ to be formed in the Galatians. Christ already lives in every believer, forever, so what does it mean for Christ to be “formed” in them? How does this relate to our union with Christ and the transformation that happens in our lives by the Holy Spirit?

What did Jesus mean by "binding" and "loosing"? Why did Jesus ask why a man called him "Good Teacher"? Does God humble us? Or do we humble ourselves like Jesus did? Doesn't Calvinism leave people wondering if they were truly chosen? Does the Lord's Supper literally become the body and blood of Jesus? Do you think we can say the sin mentioned in 1 John is the sin of unbelief?

Have I committed the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Why does Hebrews 11:13 say they didn't receive what was promised? Are we really supposed to hate our relatives? What is Jesus saying in Luke 14:26? And how does it apply to Christians today?