Liberated: From Law to Love – Part 6

The Grace Message

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 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?