Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection:

Read Galatians 4.

1. Pastor Mick said the saints we celebrated this morning have received the Promise in all of its fullness, whereas the rest of us still “see through a glass dimly.” What did he mean by that? In what ways do you still “see through a glass dimly”?

2. What does the word “redeem” mean, particularly in the context of today’s text?

3. Read verses 4 & 5. Why was it important for Jesus to be “born of a woman, born under the law”? How does this lead to our redemption?

4. Read John 1:12. How does that verse relate to Galatians 4: 5? What is required to receive adoption as God’s sons and daughters?

5. Pastor Mick shared these lyrics from the Cain song “I’m So Blessed”: “'Cause on my best day, I'm a child of God. On my worst day, I'm a child of God. Oh, every day is a good day. And You're the reason why.” How do those words make you feel? Do you believe they represent the truth of the gospel? Why/ why not

6. Paul is frustrated by the Galatian’s willingness to so easily revert back to slavery and bondage of the law. Why do you think he’s so frustrated? Have you ever reverted back like the Galatians were doing? If so, why?

7. Read verse 24. What “two covenants” do the women represent?

8. In verse 30, Paul quotes Genesis 21: 10. Why does he quote that verse? What does he mean by it in the Galatian context? What does it mean for us today?

9. Pastor Mick described the Communion Table as our family dinner table. What did he mean by that? Is that understanding supported by the Galatians text?

10. What is the ancient Celtic understanding of a “Thin Place”? How might the Communion Table be such a “Thin Place”? What other places are “Thin Places” for you?

Prayer for the Week:

Almighty God, we thank you for sending your Son to fulfill the promise and free us from slavery to sin and death. We are eternally grateful for the price Jesus paid to redeem us; a price we could never pay for ourselves. We humbly and gratefully accept your invitation to be adopted as your sons and daughters. We rejoice in the inheritance you have given us. Remove from us the temptation to go back to our old ways, and instead help us to continue to walk in your freedom. Lord, we thank you; we love you; and, we surrender our lives to you anew this day. May all that we say and do, always and everywhere, bring you glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.