Liberated: From Law to Love
Liberated: From Law to Love – Part 8
October 8, 2023
My final message in our “Liberated” series unpacks more powerful insights in Galatians. Thus far, we’ve explored themes of freedom, grace, and the new creation. In chapter 6, Paul introduces “the law of Christ” – an intriguing phrase that might make you wonder if Paul is contradicting himself regarding law and grace. (Of course, he’s not, and you’ll find out why!) We’ll also explore the idea of sowing and reaping, where you’ll gain a fresh perspective on what it means to “invest” in God’s Spirit and get a return – a life of peace. I’m eager for you to hear these truths and embrace God’s grace even further. So, enjoy! Discussion Questions for Galatians 6: 1. What is “the law of Christ”? 2. In your own words, explain the sowing and reaping concept Paul introduces here. 3. React to this statement: “Those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves.” 4. What does it mean to be “crucified to the world”? 5. React to this statement: The only “rule” to walk by is “the new creation.” 6. What is your biggest takeaway from our study in Galatians?
Liberated: From Law to Love – Part 1
August 20, 2023
In this exciting new series called “Liberated: From Law to Love,” we dive into the powerful and controversial book of Galatians. It’s all about understanding how we’ve been set free from the Law and embraced by God’s love. We’ll explore the “true north” of the Gospel and how the Holy Spirit guides us in our daily lives. In this first message, Paul shares his “certificate of authenticity” with us, showing he received the Gospel directly from God. Here, we’ll also learn about the incredible transformation in Paul’s own life, from persecuting Christians to boldly proclaiming the truth. Join me as we uncover the liberating power of God’s love and how it can transform your life. You won’t want to miss it! Discussion Questions – Galatians 1: 1. Why do you think Paul defends his apostleship right from the start of Galatians? 2. How are we now “rescued from this present evil age” (verse 4)? 3. Considering verses 6-7, why is Paul writing the letter to the Galatians? 4. How is the church today like the church in Galatia? How can we ensure we’re believing and sharing the true gospel? 5. How does Paul’s personal testimony in verses 13-24 serve as evidence for the truth of the message he preached? 6. Paul went from persecuting the church to preaching the gospel. How does this dramatic transformation speak to the power of God's grace? 7. How does Galatians 1 set the stage for understanding the difference between Law and Grace?
Liberated: From Law to Love – Part 2
August 27, 2023
In Galatians 2, we see the apostle Paul addressing the issue of false brethren who were spying on Christians. These false brethren were trying to bring the believers back under the law and away from the freedom found in Christ. Paul recognized the danger of mixing law and grace and stood up for the truth of the Gospel. This is significant because it highlights the importance of staying true to the message of grace and not allowing legalistic influences to hinder us. In today’s world, Christianity can often be influenced by a “popularity contest.” We may feel pressured to seek the approval of others. However, Paul reminds us that our allegiance is to Christ and His message of grace. We’re called to stand firm in the truth, even if it goes against the grain. And as we embrace the liberating message of God’s grace, we can find true freedom and live out our faith without settling for lifeless rule-keeping. Check out this message in our series called “Liberated” to deepen your understanding of God’s grace. Enjoy! Discussion Questions for "Liberated" (Galatians 2): 1. Read verse 4. What did the false brethren see when they spied on Christians? How is this significant? 2. Read verse 5. What was Paul’s reaction to those spies? 3. Read verse 6. In what ways is Christianity influenced by a “popularity contest” today? 4. Read verses 7-10. How does this passage show it’s the same message for Jews and Gentiles? 5. Read verses 11-13. Why did Paul oppose Peter to his face? What can we learn from this? 6. How does verse 14 refute those who claim the apostles still kept the Law? 7. Read verse 16. How does this verse summarize the gospel of grace? 8. Challenge: Can you explain verses 17-18 in your own words? 9. What does it mean to have "died to the Law"? 10. Who are the two I’s in Galatians 2:20?
Liberated: From Law to Love – Part 3
September 3, 2023
Are you ready to embark on a journey of true freedom and liberation? I invite you to join me as together we delve into the powerful message of Galatians 3. Prepare to have your understanding of God’s grace, the Law, and your identity in Christ transformed. Here, we’ll uncover the pivotal role Abraham plays in understanding our relationship with the Law and the freedom we have in Christ. We’ll also discover what it truly means to be set free from the curse of the Law and how this freedom impacts our daily lives as believers. Prepare to let go of the burden of self-effort and embrace the abundance of grace Christ has given you. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and walk in the fullness of God’s love. Explore the life-changing message of Galatians 3 with me today! Liberated – Discussion Questions for Galatians 3:1-14: 1. Read verses 1-3. What two multiple-choice questions does Paul ask? What’s his point? 2. What additional question does Paul ask in verse 5? How does this drive his point home even further? 3. Read verses 6-9. Why does Paul bring up Abraham? What relationship did Abraham have with the Law? Why is this important? 4. Read verses 10-13. Find one truth about the Law in each verse. 5. React to this false statement: Galatians is only about getting saved (justification) by faith, not daily living. 6. How do we believers sometimes seek to earn or sustain God's favor through our efforts? 7. What does it mean to you that Christ redeemed you from the curse of the Law?
Liberated: From Law to Love – Part 4
September 10, 2023
There were 430 years between the promise given to Abraham and the Law given to Moses. Why is this so important? And the Law was ordained by angels, but why is this such a big deal? Find out in my latest message on Galatians 3 in our series called, “Liberated!” Here, I examine the main function of the Law and its relevance in the life of believers. And I unpack the concept of being “clothed with Christ,” which speaks to our closeness to Him and His indwelling presence within us. Uncovering these powerful themes will deepen your understanding of the Gospel and its implications for your life. And it will inspire you to embrace the freedom and righteousness that are freely given to you. Check it out to be encouraged in God’s grace! Discussion Questions for Galatians 3:15-29: 1. Read verses 15-18. What’s the main point about the (new) covenant promise and the Law? Why mention the number of years between them? 2. Read verse 19. Why the Law? Ordained by whom? Until when? 3. Read verse 20. How does this allude to the truth expounded upon in Hebrews 6:13-20? 4. Read verse 21 carefully and react to this profound truth: We have an imparted-life type righteousness. It’s real! 5. Read verses 22-25. What’s the main function of the Law? Does it play a role in the life of believers? Why or why not? 6. Read verse 27. What does it mean to you to be “clothed with Christ”? How does this speak to your closeness to Him? (Hint: In your answer, don’t neglect His indwelling as well!) 7. Read verse 28. How does this speak to unity? How does it also speak to an identity deeper than the roles we play in society?
Liberated: From Law to Love – Part 5
September 17, 2023
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?
Liberated: From Law to Love – Part 6
September 24, 2023
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”?
Liberated: From Law to Love – Part 7
October 1, 2023
As we continue our journey through the book of Galatians in our “Liberated” series, we’ve now arrived at Chapter 5, where we delve into some profound truths that will revolutionize your understanding of living a liberated life in Christ: • When in doubt, love is your way forward • You’re on God’s team, and your heart agrees with Him • Your freedom from the Law is NOT just for getting saved • If you live by God’s Spirit, then why not walk by His Spirit too! Prepare to experience a life filled with freedom, joy, and peace like never before. Don’t miss out on these transformative truths that will empower you to embrace the freedom you have in Christ and walk confidently by His Spirit. Discussion Questions for Galatians 5: 1. Read verses 13-15. What is the singular focus Paul is suggesting here? Why? 2. How is verse 16 the opposite of “sin management” or “self-improvement”? 3. How does verse 17 show you to be on God’s team with new desires that agree with Him? 4. How does verse 18 prove our freedom from the Law extends beyond salvation? 5. Why is the word “practice” key to understanding verse 21? 6. Why does Paul conclude the list of fruit with “against such things there is no law”? 7. Who did the crucifying in verse 24? (Hint: Not God!). Why is this important? 8. In your own words, expound upon Paul’s logic in verse 25.