John Lloyd - Our Need For God's Greatness

The Greatness of God:  A Study of Isaiah 40

Our Great Need is to see the Greatness of God

Pastor John Lloyd

March 3, 2019

The name Isaiah literally means ‘the Lord saves.’  Isaiah brings his readers into the presence of the living God.  As we experience the presence of God, He reveals both our own fallen nature and His great provision for our sins.  It is this awe-inspiring vision of God that captures our souls. If  immortal happiness is promised, how can I attain it?  If there is everlasting woe, how can I escape it?  Isaiah shares with us the God’s revelation and vision that helped him navigate through challenging times.  As we see the greatness of God through this study, may our souls experience a feast of refreshment in God.  May this refreshment strengthen us to be able to face anything that comes our way. 

Passage:  Isaiah 6:1-13

Why study Isaiah?  In terms of theological significance, the book of Isaiah is the ‘Romans’ of the Old Testament.  It shows the big picture of God’s purposes for His people and for his world.  Something of its importance can be gauged from the fact that it is quoted no fewer than sixty six times in the New Testament, being exceeded only by the book of Psalms (79x).  The New Testament moves to its climax by echoing Isaiah’s promise of death conquered, tears wiped away, and new heavens and new earth.  It was Isaiah who gave us the term ‘gospel.’  By far the greatest importance of this book, however, lies in the witness it bears to Jesus Christ.  Jesus quotes Isaiah 61;1-2 at the outset of his ministry in Luke 4:18-19.  If we want to understand fully who He is and what he came to do, we must read this book.  Barry Webb

What:  “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concering Judah and Jerusalem during the days of Uzziah, Hothan, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, Isaiah 1:1  This book offers us a way of seeing.  God is offering a new perspective on everything.  Isaiah was a seer.  Open our eyes that we may see 2 Kings 6:17, Isaiah 2:5, 6:1.

Who:  Son of Amoz. Amoz was brother to Amaziah, King of Judah, putting Isaiah into the royal family. His Hebrew name means ‘The Lord Saves.’

When:  Between 742 BC and 681 BC.  Isaiah 1:1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

I.                Isaiah renews our vision of God’s __________________.

Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,  who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly,  and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Isaiah 66:2  All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

Isaiah 40:22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; (Isaiah 40:15)

Lord give us a fresh vision of your power and greatness.

II.             Isaiah brings ______________ for man’s great need for God.

Isaiah 1:11 “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the LORD; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats.

Isaiah 14:13  You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ Is.29:13

Isaiah 6:5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” Isaiah 1:5-6, 53:6

Lord give us a fresh conviction of our great need for You.

III.             Isaiah ______________ Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Isaiah 6:1-3 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” 

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 

(See Isaiah 9:1-6, 11:1)  Our atonement,  Isaiah 53:9. 

Destroying death, Isaiah 25:7-8.  He will care for bruised reeds, 42:1-4.

Lord give us a fresh understanding of our Savior Jesus Christ.

IV.           Isaiah calls his readers to respond in humble ___________ and ____________________.

Isaiah 30:15 For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel,  “In returning and rest you shall be saved;  in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”

Isaiah 53:1 Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?  Isaiah 64:6

Isaiah 57:15b  “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Isaiah 53:11b by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.

Isaiah 49:6b  I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Isaiah 2:5 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

To distant coastlands and furthest islands Isaiah 66:19

The nations will come to the heavenly Jerusalem.  Isaiah 60:5-9

Lord, we humbly ask you to make us a light

to both our neighbors and the world!

Spiritual Growth Questions for March 3, 2019

Opener:  Who is the greatest person on this earth you have met?         What did you learn about this person through this encounter?

1.    Read Isaiah 6:1-2.  Uzziah reigned for 52 years.  How does the stability of the reign of King Jesus on his throne give us confidence, even in times of political instability?  Isaiah says, “I saw the Lord on a high and lofty throne.”  How can we ‘see’ the Lord now by faith in his word?  How would such a spiritual vision fuel our worship?

2.   Read Isaiah 6:3. What is the significance of the fact that the seraphim are sinless yet they still covered their faces before Jesus?

What does holy mean?  Why would the seraphim say it three times? Why would you say holiness is an important attribute of God for us, as sinners, to embrace?  How does the cross reflect holiness? 

3.   Read Isaiah 6:4-5, Luke 5:8.  What effect did this awesome heavenly scene have on Isaiah?  Why is this humble awareness so important in our walk with God? 

4.   Read Isaiah 6:6-7.  How does the burning coal represent Christ?

5.   Read Isaiah 6:8. In what way is the call of Isaiah unique and in what way is it a pattern for all Christians to follow?

6.   Read Isaiah 6:9-10.  Do you find this passage difficult to swallow?  How can we understand the intentions of God in purposely hardening hearts and blinding eyes against spiritual truth?  How does that message relate to Christ’s use of parables and the explanation for why the Jews could not believe in Jesus despite his miracles (John 12:39-41)?  How does it relate to Romans 9:18?

7.   Read Isaiah 6:11-13.  What is God telling Isaiah will be the result of his ministry?  How is the image of a stump, as it relates to Israel, both humbling and hopeful for them?

8.   How do you feel the message of Isaiah 6 speaking into your life right now?  As a result, what do you think God wants you to understand or do differently?

9.   For next time:  Read Isaiah 40 three times.  Ask the Lord to give you a fresh awe and a greater vision of His greatness.

Evan Rogers - Patience In The Process

Galatians Greatest Hits

Patience In The Process

Evan Rogers

February 24, 2019

The book of Galatians is the 48th book inside of the Bible. It was probably written in the 50’s by the apostle Paul. It has 6 chapters and 149 verses.

I. “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

Keller

Section 1: Credibility

            No Other Gospel 1:6-10

            Called By God 1:11-24

            Accepted By The Apostles 2:1-10

Opposing Peter Rightly 2:11-14

Section 2: Faith Vs. Works

            Justification Through Faith 2:15-21

            Saved By Faith Or By Works? 3:1-9

            The Righteous Live By Faith 3:10-14

Galatians 2:15-16 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

“God’s salvation does not come in response to a changed life. A changed life comes in response to the salvation, offered as a free gift.”

T. Keller

Section 3: The Bridge / Relationship With God

The Law and The Promises 3:15-29

            Sons and Heirs 4:1-7

            Concerns for Galatians 4:8-20

            Examples of Hagar and Sarah 4:21-31

Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.

Section 4:

Christ Has Set Us Free 5:1-15

            Keep In Step With The Spirit 5:16-26

            Bear One Another’s Burdens 6:1-10

Final Warning & Benediction 6:11-18

Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

II. Two Views

We often Focus on doing the right thing because it pleases God and we want to earn something from him. This is earned merit, the __________ mentality.

We often focus on not sinning thinking that it clears us with God. This is earned righteousness, the _____________ mentality.

This is a _______________ fix.

“God’s salvation does not come in response to a changed life. A changed life comes in response to the salvation, offered as a free gift.”

T. Keller

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

III. The cross saved us from ______________.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Our greatest challenge as a Christian is ________________.

Philippians 1:6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God deserves our _____________.

Galatians 6:14But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Deuteronomy 6:5 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

2 Corinthians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

We should live a _____________ focused life. (Romans 12:1-2)

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

Be patient in the process. God will finish what he started. (Philippians 1:6)

How different could your life look if you spent more time focusing on God than you do your problems?

John1:12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

If Christ has ultimate value and you are part of the body of Christ you have immeasurable value.

“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

Keller

Spiritual Growth Questions for February 24, 2019

Opener: Has anyone ever tried to help you with something, but only made it worse.

1.     Read Galatians 2:15-16 What are the biggest pit falls of works based righteousness?

2.     A Band-Aid Solution is one that only fixes the surface level symptoms not the real problem. What results have you had employing Band-aid solutions in the past?

3.     Read Galatians 3:29 What does it mean to be a child of Abraham?

4.     Read Galatian 6:14 Have you ever boasted in your own works or righteousness? Why? What where the results of your boasting?

5.     Read Galatians 2:15-16 Which false mentality do you find yourself believing more, the job mentality (we earn things from God) or the perfectionist mentality (we fight sin alone to please God)?

6.     Read 2 Corinthians 5:21 What Christ has saved us from? (name as many things as you can think of)

7.     Read Philippians 1:6 Take a moment of self-reflection to ask yourself, do you really believe that God alone can save you despite your actions? If so what encourages you to believe that? If not what is stopping you from believing it?

8.     Read Deuteronomy 6:5 Why does God deserve our love? What do you do to maintain a close relationship with God?

9.     Read Romans 12:1-2 What benefits do we receive from focusing on God more than our problems?

10.  What in your life would change if your value wasn’t based on your actions or possessions but was based on your identity in Christ?

11.  Is there anything in your life that you need to surrender to God, any worry or insecurity? Is there any you focus on more than God that needs to be removed from your life?

John Lloyd - Sowing and Reaping

Life by The Spirit:  A Study of the Book of Galatians

Sowing and Reaping: Galatians 6:6-18

Pastor John Lloyd

February 17, 2019

The law of “big returns” is shared in the final verses of Galatians.  The principle of sowing and reaping can work positively to bring forth much fruit, or negatively to bring destructive results.  Every relationship we have requires our careful attention.  We need to be wise sowers and trust the Lord to bring His harvest even when the seed lies dormant.

Galatians 6:6-10. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.  Memory Verse: 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

Big Idea:    Our part is to sow, God brings the harvest in His time.          

God is faithful all the time.  All the time God is faithful!

I.               Sow ________________ with your spiritual leaders and teachers.

Galatians 6:6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

The person referred to has received oral instruction in the Word of God. The word share means “to share, to be a partner in a thing with a person,” here “to hold fellowship with another person.” That in which the person holds fellowship with another is designated by the context. The one who is taught should hold fellowship with his teachers in all good things. Wuest

Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Reflective question:  What would the state of the work of God be if every believer adopted your sharing patterns? 

II.             Reaping is always connected to ____________.

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. (Proverbs 1:30)

The truth that what a person sows he will also reap is an axiom, it need no proof, no “because.” This clause “For” namely that we must not be deceived as to any possibility of God’s being mocked.”  Lenski

A.   The ________ and the _________ are always providing seed to sow.

Galatians 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (See questions 3 & 4)

For one sows in order to get more of the same product.  This will indeed happen. The flesh and the Spirit will pay us back for sowing to them. Moo

Hosea 8:7 For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.

B.   I am _____________________ for the seeds I sow.

Ephesians 6:8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.

Lord, help me to sow your spiritual seeds in my life.

III.            God’s calling is for you to sow __________________ seeds.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Sowing for the spirit is hard work, long continued work, and although the harvest is eternal blessedness,, we may, while we are waiting for it, grow discouraged.  Lenski. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 Never tire of doing good

A.   Sow the message of the ___________ and new _________ in Christ.

Galatians 6:14But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Co-crucifixion)  (Galatians 2:20)

15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. (Co-resurrection) (See questions 8 &9)

B.   Sow His __________________ into all your relationships.

Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

D o trust the Lord for every person in your life.

O nly one life is soon past, only what’s done for Christ will last.

G ive generously to God’s work and people.

O ften prayer is the best seed that can be sown.

O penly share your life and testimony with others

D on’t give up, you will reap if you faint not.

C.  The ________________ is truly coming and will be beautiful.

Galatians 6:9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Matt. 9:37-38, Jn.4:35)

2 Corinthians 9:6The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.    (I Corinthians 3:8)  (See question 5). Psalm 126:5

Galatians 6:16And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.  18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, (Question 10)

Join us in sowing God’s precious seeds in the Bay Area.  Our job is to sow, God will bring the harvest.

God is faithful all the time, all the time God is faithful!

Spiritual Growth Questions for February 17, 2019

Opener:  Share a time when you were blessed by reaping where spiritual seed had been sown. 

1.    Read Galatians 6:6-18.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  What verse stands out to you as you read this passage?  Why?

2.   Read Galatians 6:6, I Timothy 5:17-18.  How does this verse apply to those in Christian ministry and those who benefit from their ministry?  Why is sharing so critical to the future of the church and kingdom?

3.   Read Galatians 6:7-8, I Corinthians 15:33, 2 Corinthians 9:6. What are some examples of both bad and good sowing and reaping? 

4.   Can you think of times in your own life when sowing to please your sinful nature has forced you to reap “destruction?”  How are you reaping to please the Spirit in your specific set of God-given circumstances?

5.   Read Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Hebrews 12:3. What are some ways we can get tired from doing good?  What things help you to keep going and sowing?  How does the example of Jesus help you?

6.   Read Galatians 6:10, Titus 3:8. Why should “the family of believers” deserve our special attention?

7.   Read Galatians 6:11-13.  How does Paul show the Galatians that real Christianity is a matter of inward change, not external observance? Discuss how without the “cross” good people are in as much trouble as “bad” people?   

8.   Read Galatians 6:14 &17.  Paul shares that the heart of religion is what you boast in.  What, at the bottom is the reason you think you are in a right relationship with God?  How does this verse thrill and challenge you? 

9.   Read Galatians 6:15-16.  Consider accomplishments you are tempted to boast about.  How can you turn those around and give credit to Christ?  Spend time specifically thanking God for His blessings. 

John Lloyd - Spiritual Relationships

Life by The Spirit:  A study of the book of Galatians

Spiritual Relationships Galatians 5:25-6:5

Pastor John Lloyd

February 10, 2019

What does it look like to have spiritual relationships?  The apostle Paul was concerned that the churches of Galatia would be competing with one another instead of experiencing true community in the Spirit.  Paul shares that we can help each other bear burdens, keep one another on the right path and have a closer walk with God.  Today, we hope to help each other bring these truths into our relational network which will truly please God.

The Passage: Galatians 5:25-6:5.

Big Idea:  Spiritual relationships value people enough to restore and bear one another’s burdens for the glory of God. 

I.               Spiritual relationships start with __________________.

Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

What it does not look like?    Conceited- empty praise.  

Provoking- irritating, thinking you are better than others (superiority).   Envying-feeling ill will towards someone else in a more favorable position.  Thinking you are worse than others. (inferiority). 2 Cor. 10:12

“In both cases your focus is heavily on how the other person makes you feel.”  Tim Keller

What it looks like?

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Romans 12:10, I Pet.5:5)

Every person has value before God.  Gen.1:26, Mark 8:36

The Holy Spirit wants you to be a vessel for spiritual relationships!

II.             ______________ restore erring brothers and sisters.

Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

You who are spiritual- keeping in step with the spirit is restorative.

Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”

Restore- setting a broken limb, mending a net. It means integrating them into the full fellowship with the Lord and their spiritual family.  The goal is to put the car back on the road. Lenski

To administer correction with mildness is a spiritual gift.  I Cor. 4:21, James 5:19-20, Luke 19:10

Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted-  spiritual relationships live by this motto:  “there by the grace of God go I.” 

Spiritual relationships are restorative.

Pray about a relationship that needs to be restored.

Take one step towards restoration. 

III.            Spiritual relationships bear and share ___________________.



Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

The assuming of those burdens in a willing, helpful, sympathetic way, despite the fact that the bearing of them may involve unpleasantness and heartache.  Wuest, K. S. I Corinthians 13:5. Love bears all things…

“If you think you are too important to help someone, you are fooling yourself.” NLT

Burden-means a heavy weight, something that would be impossible for a person to carry by themselves.  Luke 10:33

A.    Help me feel what they __________.

Romans 12:15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Isaiah 53:3a He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.

B.   Help me __________ the burden, not add to the struggle.

Matthew 11:29. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  I Peter 5:7

I Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

What can I do to walk with you during this time?

God greatly rewards burden bearers!

IV.           Spiritual relationships are _____________________ before God. 

Galatians 6:3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. I Corinthians 11:28



Galatians 6:4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

The sum and total of one’s conduct and service to the Lord.  Martyn

Galatians 6:5 For each will have to bear his own load.

Bear his own load- is a picture of a backpack, something that each of us is responsible for. Personal responsibility and accountability. 

God rewards spiritual relationships!

Spiritual relationships are a gift and they please God.

Spiritual Growth Questions for February 10, 2019

Opener:  How has the Holy Spirit helped you love someone you would otherwise not find very loveable?    

1.   Read Galatians 5:25-6:5. Describe in your own words what is happening here.  What positive and negative commands does Paul give the Galatians?

2.   What difference does the Holy Spirit make in your relationships?  How does it affect the way you look at yourself in terms of those around you? Also, how do you look at others in terms of yourself?

3.   Read Galatians 5:26, James 3:14-16, Philippians 2:3.  Why would conceit lead us to provoke and envy each other?  Do you tend to  provoke or envy?  How will having a self-image based on the gospel change the way you see yourself and see others?  When do you particularly need to preach the gospel to yourself?   “making us neither self-confident nor self-disdaining but both bold and humble.”  How does humility build spiritual relationships?   

4.   Read Galatians 6:1. What temptations accompany seeing another Christian sin?  What role does gentleness play in restoration?   Read Romans 14:1, 15:1, I Corinthians 10:12, 2 Timothy 2:25 for advice. What specific advice would give to someone restoring a wayward friend?

5.   Read Galatians 6:2. What burdens of your own do you need to share with others?  What burdens could you help carry for someone else today?  Commit to one action step to both share and carry a burden this week. Pray for these at the end of group.

6.   Read Galatians 6:3. What spiritual self-view is Paul proposing for believers?  How can this help us in our relationships? 

7.   Read Galatians 6:4-5.  What type of pride is Paul talking about here? Burden vs.2 means a heavy weight. Load vs.5 means a person’s back pack. What sort of things do we need to carry on our own?  How can we carry it in a way that honors God? Why do relationships matter so much to God?

John Lloyd - Walking His Way

Life by the Spirit: Study of Galatians

What Spiritual Growth Looks Like?

 Galatians 5:16-25

February 3, 2019

It’s wonderful to see children grow up into adults and, in many cases, look like their parents.  Physical growth is something we naturally expect.   It’s a blessing to see people come to believe in Jesus and grow in Him spiritually.  What does this growth look like?  Paul gives an incredible description in today’s passage of growing more like Jesus.  Spiritual growth brings health to every area of our lives.  May each day look more like the life of Jesus.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Memory Verse:  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.  26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Big Idea:  We have forgiveness in Jesus Christ and He provides a new way of living.  Walk His Way! 

What does spiritual growth look like?

I.               Spiritual Growth is not only receiving forgiveness but it also is a ________ ________ of life.

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 2:20)

Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

I John 5:11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

If you have the Son, He is calling you to become like Him.          Walk His Way!

II.              Spiritual Growth is truly ___________________.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Fruit- is singular as well as collective.  The flesh spreads out in many directions with its evil works. The spirit follows one direction, and produces unit fruit. Fruit is a sweet harmony.  Lenski

Love- means to serve a person for their good and intrinsic value, not just for what the person brings you. 

Joy- is a delight in God for the sheer beauty and worth of who He is. The opposite is hopelessness or despair and its counterfeit is elation that is based on experiencing blessings, but not the Blesser, causing mood swings based on circumstances.  (2 Corinthians 6:10, 7:4)

Peace – a confidence and rest in the wisdom and control of God, rather than in your own. It replaces anxiety and worry.  (Romans 5:1, Is.26:3)

Patience- an ability to face trouble without blowing up or leaving.  Its opposite is resentment toward God and others.  (2 Timothy 2:10)

Kindness- is an ability to serve others practically in a way which makes me vulnerable coming from a deep inner security.  Its opposite is envy, which leaves me unable to rejoice in another’s joy. (Eph.2:7, Rom. 2:4)

Goodness- (integrity) being the same person in every situation, rather than a phony or hypocrite.  It implies generosity.  Romans 15:14

Faithfulness-(loyalty, courage) being utterly reliable and true to your word.  Its opposite is to be an opportunist, a friend only in good times. ITim6:11 It denotes an attitude or response that we have towards others.

Gentleness- (humility, self-forgetfulness) the opposite is to be superior or self-absorbed. When we are wronged or abused we shall show no resentment or threatening vengeance. (Matt.5:5, 11:29, 2 Timothy 2:25)

Self Control- the ability to pursue the important over the urgent, rather than always be impulsive or uncontrolled. Holding our desires and passions in check. (Acts 24:25, Titus 1:8)

 “When we stop looking at our gifts as a sign that we are Christ like, and stop looking to our natural strengths as a sign we are Christ like, but challenge ourselves to look at nature, unity and definitions of the Spirit, we have a much deeper sense of how we lack these things.” Keller (Q5)

Spiritual growth is gradual, inevitable, internal, and symmetrical. (Q4)

Lord, make me more like You.  Walk His Way!

III.             Spiritual ____________ is produced when I walk His Way.

Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

“This combination of “indicative” (what God has done) and imperative (what we must do) is typical of Paul’s presentation of our walk. A concentration on either to the neglect of the other leads to an imbalance.” Moo

a.   Know to whom you ______________.  (Romans 6:6)

b.   Bring God your fleshly passions and desires to the ____________. (Rom.8:13, Galatians 6:14)

c.    Choose to live in step with the ______________.  (Galatians 5:25)

Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.  (Galatians 5:16, 18)

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  (John 15:7-8)  (Question 8 &9)

Commit to growing in this new way of life.  Walk His Way

Growth Group Questions for February 3, 2019

Icebreaker:  Describe the longest walk you have ever taken. 

1.   Read Galatians 5:16-25.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  What is the value of the list of fruit in 5:22-23? 

2.   Read Jeremiah 31:31-34 & Romans 8:3-4.  Write down the relationship between the Holy Spirit and God’s statutes?  How are things different now that we have the Spirit? (Romans 8:3-4)

3.   Read Galatians 5:16, 5:25. How is it helpful to know that the Holy Spirit is the dominant power in the battle against the flesh?  What helps you to remember the power of the Holy Spirit in this battle?

4.   Read Galatians 5:22-23 and from our outline.   Spiritual growth is gradual, inevitable, internal, and symmetrical.  Examine yourself.  How can you see the fruit of the Spirit growing in your life?

5.   Do you have natural characteristics which could be confused with the fruit of the Spirit? Which fruit do you chronically lack?

6.   Read Galatians 5:24, Romans 6:6 & 6:11. Why is it important to not just deal with what we do wrong, but to deal with the “why” we did what we did?  Why must we have it?   How can these verses help you?  

7.   What are the idols which need identifying and dismantling in your life? How can you replace them with Christ? Consider this quote: “The flesh demands but the Spirit produces.” 

8.   Read Galatians 5:25, Romans 13:14, John 15:7-8  How can the fruit of the Spirit take root in our hearts and be produced in our lives?  What helps you to keep in step with the Spirit?

9.   How will you choose to live by the Spirit today and this week? How can we pray for you?  Encourage someone to join you on this journey. 

John Lloyd - Spiritual Discernment

Life by the Spirit: Study of Galatians

Spiritual Discernment: Living by the Spirit

 Galatians 5:16-21

January 27, 2019

Followers of Jesus endeavor to live a life pleasing to God but sometimes are challenged with how.  The Galatians were told they needed to double down on their religious rituals to please God.  The apostle Paul teaches them another way which goes way beyond their own efforts.  The Holy Spirit is sufficient to fulfill laws and commandments as well as deal with our fallen nature and impulses. Living in step with the Spirit will produce lasting fruit.  Praying for 2019 to be a great year of living by the Holy Spirit!

Galatians 5:16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.  (New Living)

Big Idea:  The Holy Spirit is sufficient to discern, direct and empower Christian living.  (Galatians 5:16)

Walk is common in the NT (30 times in Paul) depicting a way of life as a particular way or road to be followed.  Douglas Moo

I.               The Holy Spirit gives ________________ as to the roads to avoid. 

Galatians 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Romans 8:5-6

Living the way of the Spirit is what we most deeply ‘want’, yet the sinful nature continues to generate alternative and competing desires which we experience and can give in to, but which now contradict our most abiding love and goals. Timothy Keller

The conflict is between God’s Spirit and the impulse to sin, an impulse that no longer rules in the believer but still exerts influence that must be resisted.  Paul brings this to our attention with the utmost seriousness. Moo

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.  (Galatians 5:13)

5:19 Are evident- phanera- obvious, well known.  (Not an exhaustive list)

Three sins of sensuality- sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality

Two associated with pagan religions- idolatry and sorcery

Eight having to do with relationships- enmity through envy

Two with dissipated living- drunkenness, orgies.  (Lightfoot)

Gratifying  the flesh destroys relationships. It is building on sand. 

Sexual immorality- porneia- which is sexual intercourse between unmarried people.   Impurity-akatharsia- unnatural sexual practices and relationships

Sensuality/debauchery- aselgia-uncontrolled sexuality

Idolatry and sorcery- very specific occult practices.  Providing an inadequate substitute for God, and the second faking the work of the HS. 

Ambition/enmity- namely competiveness, a self-seeking motive

Envy- desiring what others have.

Jealousy- the zeal and energy that comes from a hungry ego

Hatred- a hostility , an adversarial attitude

Discord eris- being argumentive or seeking to pick fights

Fits of rage-thumoi- outbursts of anger; dissensions

Dissensions- divisions between people (which is what rage leads to)

Divisions- permanent warring parties and warring groups.

Drunkenness and orgies- One of the works of the flesh is addiction to pleasure creating substances and behavior.

Galatians 5:21 I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

“Those whose mark is the practice of such things.” Lenski.

“Paul is referring to habitual practice, rather than infrequent, and repented-of, lapses.  For someone continually to indulge the sinful nature without battling against it is to show that the Son has not redeemed them, and the Spirit has not renewed them.  Paul is not looking to undermine Christian assurance here; but he is aiming to banish complacency.”  Keller

Confession:  This is not the real me nor what I really want.  Redirect my desires towards you Jesus and your will for me. 

II.             Choose living in step with the Spirit for _______ and __________.

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

“Sin is not a pet to tame but a beast to slay. You cannot slay it on your own. This is why God sent Jesus.  And why Jesus sent The Paraclete/Holy Spirit to those who believe and place their trust in Him.”  Bubot Parago

Romans 8:3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Philippians 4:8-9

Flee- 2 Timothy 2:22 NIV - "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord                                                                                                                                                                    

Find- I Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape,                                                                                                                                  

Follow- Matthew 16:24- "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."                                                                                                                            

Fill- Ephesians 5:18b “Be filled with the Spirit.”  Philippians 1:9-11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ…   

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.                                        To walk by the Spirit each day we must Flee-Find-Follow-Fill

Spiritual Growth Group Questions for January 27, 2019

Icebreaker:  Describe a time when you got lost?  How did you find your way?

1.   Read Galatians 5:16-26.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  Why do you think Paul gives both lists 19-21 and 22-23?   How can this be helpful for a follower of Christ?

2.   Read Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3-5.  Why does Paul give these warnings?  Is it loving for Paul to warn? What stands out to you as you read these passages? 

3.   What are the over-desires that cause you to think or behave in these ways?  How does living by the flesh destroy relationships? 

4.   Tim Keller states: “We have to ask ourselves not just what we do wrong, but why we do it wrong.”  Try and answer this question from what you know of Scripture and also what you feel battling inside of yourself.  How can battling the motives be more helpful than battling the behaviors?

5.   Read & Reflect on Galatians 5:24- “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” “Lord, my heart thinks that I must have this thing, otherwise I have no value. It is a pseudo-savior. But to think and feel and live like this is to forget what I mean to you, how you see me in Christ. By your Spirit, I will reflect on your love for me in Him until this thing loses its attractive power over my soul.” Practice this with one over-desire you battle and share your results with a friend or group member.

6.   Read the quoted verses: Living by the Holy Spirit means to Flee-         2 Tim.2:22. Find-I Cor.10:13. Follow-Matthew 16:24 and Fill- Eph.5:18b, Phil.1:9-11.  Pray over these thoughts.  Ask God to give you one way to implement each one. Share with a friend or group member to pray for you.

Memory Verse:Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

John Lloyd - The Holy Spirit Is Sufficient

Life by the Spirit: Study of Galatians

The Holy Spirit is Sufficient

 Galatians 5:13-23

January 13, 2019

Followers of Jesus endeavor to live a life pleasing to God but sometimes are challenged with how.  The Galatians were told they needed to double down on their religious rituals to please God.  The apostle Paul teaches them another way which goes way beyond their own efforts.  The Holy Spirit is sufficient to fulfill laws and commandments as well as deal with our fallen nature and impulses. Living in step with the Spirit will produce lasting fruit.  Praying for 2019 to be a great year of living by the Holy Spirit!

Galatians 5:13  For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

Memory verse: Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Big Idea: Living by the Holy Spirit will produce a life pleasing to God. 

I.               Start with _________ of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Creation is awesome. God designed it to be awesome. And God designed you to take in creation’s awesome display. You are meant to be inspired and to celebrate the awesome things that come from the Creator’s hand. But as you participate and rejoice in the awesome display of creation, you must understand that these awesome things were not intended to be ultimate. They were not made to be the stopping place and feeding station for your heart. No awesome thing in creation was meant to give you what only the Creator is able to give. Every awesome thing in creation is designed to point you to the One who alone is worthy of capturing and controlling the awe of your searching and hungry heart. Paul Tripp

Psalm 145:3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.  4 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. 5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

Dolores Park Church is made up of many generations. Our prayer is that we could commend God’s glorious works from generation to generation.  Our desire is to impact our neighbors near and far. 

Ephesians 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

John 17:4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

May we hold the awesome glory of the works of the Lord before all we influence.  The way to defeat fear is with fear (awe of God). Tripp

The awe of our Lord Jesus will fill the “hole” in our soul.

II.             Living by the Spirit ________________ fallen “awes.”

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Walk- order one’s life or behavior.  Desires- strong impulse or passion Gratify- to bring fulfillment in action

It does not express a command, but gives a strong assurance that if the believer depends upon the Spirit to give him both the desire and the power to do the will of God, he will not bring to fulfillment in action, the evil impulses of the fallen nature, but will be able to resist and conquer them. Kenneth Wuest

A.    Approach our fallen nature by ________________________ to God.

Galatians 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other,

James 4:7-8 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

“The only way to conquer the flesh is to yield to the Spirit. Walk by the Spirit implies both direction and empowerment; that is, making decisions and choices according to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and acting with the spiritual power that the Spirit supplies.”  ESV Study Bible

“The Spirit is shaping us into the kinds of persons who overcome and rise above the desires of the flesh” ~ Dunnam

The Holy Spirit is stronger than the most powerful fallen desires. 

The battle is won by surrendering to the Spirit.

B.    Living by the Spirit will produce a life __________________ to God.

Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Romans 8:3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 10:4 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:4, Philippians 4:8-9).

Flee- 2 Timothy 2:22. 

Find- I Corinthians 10:13

Follow- Ephesians 5:18, Matthew 16:24. 

Fill- Ephesians 5:18b, Philippians 1:9-11.                                                       

 To walk by the Spirit each day we must Flee-Find-Follow-Fill

Spiritual Growth Group Questions for January 13, 2019

1.   Read Galatians 5:13-18.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  Why is this important?

2.   Read Psalm 145:1-6, John 17:3-4.  What is the psalmist trying to convey?  What do you see as the goal of Jesus’ time on earth? 

3.   Take some time to do a personal awe check:  Where do you experience your biggest moments of happiness and your darkest moments of sadness? What angers you or crushes you with disappointment? What motivates you to continue or makes you feel like quitting? What do you tend to envy in the lives of others, or where does jealousy make you bitter? What makes you think your life is worth living or causes you to feel like your life is a waste? When you say, “If only I had _______,” how do you fill in the blank? What are you willing to make sacrifices for, and what in your life just doesn’t seem worth the effort? Look at your highest joys and deepest sorrows, and you will find where you reach for awe.  Share what you learned with a friend or a group member. 

4.   Read Galatians 5:16-17.  What battle is Paul describing inside the follower of Jesus?    What solution is he proposing to the Galatians? How does this solution encourage or discourage you? 

5.   Read Galatians 5:18, Romans 8:3-4.  What is Paul teaching in these passages?  Why is Paul’s teaching so much better than the false teachers who were trying to influence the Galatians?  How could this be helpful in your life?

6.   Read 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.  What does Paul teach about our thought life? What am I responsible to do with ungodly thoughts?

7.   Read the quoted verses: Living by the Holy Spirit means to

Flee-   2 Tim.2:22.

Find-I Cor.10:13.

Follow-Matthew 16:24 and

Fill- Eph.5:18b, Phil.1:9-11. 

Pray over these thoughts.  Ask God to give you one way to implement each one. Share with a friend or group member to pray for you.

John Lloyd - God's Grace

Free in Christ: Study of Galatians

God’s Grace Leads to a Stronger Freedom

 Galatians 5:1-15

January 6, 2018

Freedom!  We all long for it.  It might freedom or independence from school, debt, relationships and/or working.  The apostle Paul, a former persecutor of Jesus and His people, found that real freedom was not independence, but interdependence.  Real freedom came when he served God and others in love. Today, we will consider how God’s grace leads us to a stronger obedience to Him.

Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

Memory verse: Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Big Idea: True freedom is interdependence not independence. 

I.                Jesus came to set us __________.  

Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

“Christ has set us free: don’t you realize that is freedom (not slavery) that being free leads to?”  Douglas Moo

Stand firm – Hold fast to the privileges and blessings your salvation has brought to you. 

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (John 10:10)

A.    Freedom is _______________ and must be _______________.

Galatians 5:1b Stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.  (Questions 2 & 3)

Galatians 5:2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. (Gal. 5:7-9)

“Some would agree with Paul that circumcision entails obedience to the whole law, but they were hoping to bring the Galatians along by a policy of gradualism, only after the fact making clear just what circumcision really means.”  Doug Moo

B.   Real freedom means being liberated from past ____________ and from being _____________________ driven.

Galatians 5:3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.(Acts 15:1,5)

“Either find justification in Christ or find justification through doing.” Moo

“You can’t add to Christ without subtracting from Christ. He is either all their value or He is without value.  We cannot hold onto grace if we are living by works.”  Timothy Keller

How can grace be a greater motivator than guilt in your life?

Living by dependence on my own self effort brings bondage.

C.   If you have the _______________________, you have real freedom!

Galatians 5:5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

2 Corinthians 5:5 who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.  (Ephesians 1:13-14)

Trusting Jesus is the beginning of real freedom.                               Don’t lose your freedom.  Don’t abuse your freedom.

How do you keep growing in stronger freedom in Christ?

II.             Use your freedom to ___________ others.

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  (Question 7)

A.   Consider a new way of _______________.

Matthew 23:11 The greatest among you shall be your servant.

Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 

“For Paul, freedom was interdependence, while for moderns it is independence. Put differently, we cannot apply freedom in Paul to our society until we see that the two are at odds with one another. This forces us to decide: “We have only to choose between bondage to the Father, which makes us free, and bondage to the powers of this world, which enslaves us.” Scot McKnight  

B.   Consider a new way of ______________.

John 12:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

Galatians 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

“Christians are freed from the law as a way to win merit from God, but we are not free from the law as a way to please God.” Keller

True freedom is interdependence, not independence!                       God show me who you want me to serve this week!

Spiritual Growth Group Questions for January 6, 2018

1.   Read Galatians 5:1-15.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  Why is this important?

2.   Read Galatians 5:1, Philippians 1:27, 4:1.  In what is Paul telling the Galatians and Philippian Christians to stand firm?  What does he tell them they need to beware of?  What do you need to stand firm in?

3.   Read Galatians 5:2-4, Acts 15:1,5,10.  The Galatians are facing an either/or decision in these verses.  What was the decision they had to make?   Based on their decision, why could Christ have no value to them? (v.2) Why would they be severed from Christ and grace? (v.4) 

4.   Read Galatians 5:4 again.  Is Paul teaching that they can lose their salvation?  If so why?  If not why not? (See Rom. 8:38-39, John 10:28-29)  Why is their decision such a deal breaker spiritually?  “We are as loved and honored by God now as we will be when we are perfectly radiant in heaven.”  Keller  p. 136

5.   Read Gal 5:5-6. Hope means a powerful assurance and certainty of something. (Hb. 11:1) How much difference does a future hope make to your life now?  How can you think about it more? 

6.   Do you react to your successes and failures in a gospel way or in a works righteousness way?  Why or Why not? How does the race image (5:7) highlight the problem?  What slowed them down and hinders you?

7.   Galatians 5:1-12 teach us not to lose gospel freedom, verses 5:13-15 warn us to not abuse gospel freedom.  Based on these verses: What is Paul telling us to do with our freedom?  Where are you inclined to indulge yourself in the name of your freedom in Christ?  Who can I serve in love this week? 

8.   How does the gospel devour the very motivation you have for sin? How could it help you in your battle with sin?  How can God’s grace actually lead you to a greater obedience in your Christian walk?  How can grace be a greater motivator than guilt in your life?

John Lloyd - Starting The Year Off Right

Starting the Year Off Right

Psalm 121

December 30, 2018

Pastor John Lloyd

As the new year approaches, we pray God will help us process 2018 and prepare us for 2019.  All the way, we recognize the key is seeking the Lord first and His help.  He will supply all our needs. God’s best is yet to come! 

Psalm 121:1. I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there?
2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

3 He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. 4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.

5 The Lord himself watches over you!  The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. 6 The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.

7 The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. 8The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

I.               This earth is a place of ______________ exile for Christ followers.

Psalm 121:1. I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there?
Hebrews 13:14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.  Jn 16:33

Reflective Questions:

Do you ever stay up late when you know you need sleep?

Do you ever eat or drink more calories than your body needs?

Do you ever feel you ought to exercise but you don’t?

Do you ever know the right thing to do, but you don’t do it?

Do you ever know something is wrong, but you do it anyway?

Have you ever known you should be unselfish, but you’re selfish instead?

Have you ever tried to control somebody or something and found it was uncontrollable?

If your answer is yes to any of those questions, welcome to the human race. We’re all in need of recovery.  The cause of my problem: MY SIN NATURE.   Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6a.

I can’t solve my problems in my own strength, I need God’s help!

A.   Develop the habit of looking ______.

Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

Psalm 115:11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD!  He is their help and their shield.  Hebrews 13:6, Matthew 6:33

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.  Zechariah 4:6

Looking to God brings strength from the Holy Spirit!

B.   Thank God for watching over our __________.

Psalm 121:3 He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. 4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.

Psalm 139:7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.  (Philippians 1:6)

Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 121:5 The Lord himself watches over you!  The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. 6 The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.

Spend time developing a  “I am thankful for” list.

II.             Seek His __________ and _____________ with your whole heart.

Psalm 121:8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.  Psalm 48:14

A.   Know the ________________ of guidance and direction.

Complacency: I don’t need any more help.

Confusion: The problem isn’t that bad after all.

Compromise: by going back to the place of temptation.

Catastrophe: give into the old habit, hurt, resentment or habit comes back

B.   Make time for ______________ that support guidance and direction.

“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together.” Hebrews 10:25 (GNB)

Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the

fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

1.   Reserve a Daily Time with God for self-examination, Bible

Reading and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and gain the Power to do it.  (Ephesians 5:18b, 6:17)

Mark 1:35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Start a Bible reading plan:  Begin at whatever pace you can, but begin!

2.   Slow down long enough to hear God.  If you can worry, you can meditate deeply on God’s word. Worry is just negative meditation. 

“Happy are those who … are always meditating on God’s laws and

thinking about ways to follow him more closely. They are like trees along a

river … that do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do.”

Psalm 1:1–3 (LB/GN).

Look forward to what God has in store for you in 2019!

God’s best is yet to come. I Corinthians 2:9

Spiritual Growth Questions for December 30, 2018

Opener:  Share something you are thankful for from this past year.

1.   Read Psalm 121 three times.  What thought ministers to you?  Why?

2.   Read Psalm 121 and look for the word “keep.”  What “keeping” promise does God make to His people?  How does God’s idea of keeping differ from ours?  How can this be helpful in the new year?

3.   Read the following verses and describe the gift that each one is presenting?  How can these gifts be reflected in our attitude?

Romans 5:17 _________________________________________

John 5:24 ____________________________________________

John 10:28___________________________________________

John 4:14, Philippians 4:11 _____________________________

Ephesians 2:8 ________________________________________

Ephesians 5:16 _______________________________________      

4.   Which one of these issues do you battle and which one keeps you from reaching your goals? 

Complacency:  I don’t need any more help.

Confusion: The problem isn’t that bad after all.

Compromise: by going back to the place of temptation

Catastrophe: giving into the old habit or hurt.  The hate, resentment or bad habit comes back.

5.   Read Hebrews 9:12-14, 10:22, I John 1:7.  How can dead works keep us from worshipping God passionately?  What should we do about them?

6.   Read Psalm 1:1-3, Jeremiah 17:7-8.  How can you implement these promises in 2019? 

7.   List one or two goals that you have for your relationship with God for 2019.  Pick a partner for prayer, help and accountability?

John Lloyd - Christmas Thoughts

Great Thoughts of Christmas

Romans 8:31-39

December 23, 2018

Today we will consider the past grace revealed in the birth of Jesus.  This past display of grace is our guarantee of grace in the present for our daily needs.   This present grace gives us a secure hope for future grace not only in this life but the one to come, Paul Tripp.  It is our prayer that these great thoughts will encourage you this Christmas season.

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.  35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long;  we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Big Idea: The birth of Jesus is God’s clear demonstration that he will make good on all of his promises to us. 

I.               The birth of Jesus is God’s fulfillment of his past ______________.

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Genesis 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

I Kings 8:56 “Blessed be the LORD who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant.

Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

Matthew 2:4-6 The scribes knew that Bethlehem was the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah.

Genesis 49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff  from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.

Matthew 1:2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,(Is. 7:14, Lk.1:31-37)

Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

The years between the fall of Adam and Eve and the coming of Jesus present a powerful promise to us that God can be trusted. They tell us that no matter what it takes and how long it takes, God will always do exactly what he’s promised to do.  Paul Tripp. (Jeremiah 31:3)

The birth of Christ demonstrates past grace to every heart!

II.              Present __________ is available because it has been promised.

Romans 8:33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 

Colossians 2:13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

“I am not arguing that sin is okay or that you should not take it seriously.  I’m arguing that the security of our relationship with God has never depended on the faithfulness of our obedience.  If God withdrew his love every time we failed there would be no hope for any of us.  The unbreakable faithfulness of God’s love for us is such a huge comfort precisely because we are unfaithful.”  Paul Tripp (Ps. 130:3)

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 2 Corinthians 12:9

The claim that Jesus is God also gives us the greatest possible hope. This means that our world is not all there is, that there is life and love after death, and that evil and suffering will one day end. And it means not just hope for the world, despite all its unending problems, but hope for you and me, despite all our unending failings.”  Timothy Keller Hidden Christmas

Reach out to God for His present grace is sufficient!

III.            Past and present grace are a guarantee of _____________ grace.

Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Christmas story is one big, beautiful promise. The fulfilled promise of Jesus’s birth guarantees that God will, in his perfect timing and in his wise way, fulfill every other promise he has ever made to us. Past grace is your guarantee of present grace and of all the future graces you will ever need. And at the very center of the guarantee is the promise of God’s eternal love. God sent his Son to us because he loves us. His Son now lives within us because God loves us. And we will live with him forever because God loves us. As you celebrate the birth of Jesus, celebrate the unbreakable love that his birth guarantees you.  Paul Tripp

May we celebrate the unbreakable love the birth of Christ     guarantees to all who call on Him this Christmas!

Spiritual Growth Questions for December 23, 2018

Opener:  Share a testimony of God’s faithfulness to you in the past

                  that brings comfort to you in the present.

1.   Read Romans 8:31-39.  How can the apostle Paul’s words be an encouragement to you this Christmas season? 

2.   What is your favorite Christmas carol?  Why is it special?

3.   Read Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, Genesis 3:15, 49:10, Micah 5:2.  Which prophecy encourages you and why?  How does prophecy create trust in God?  How does it help you trust Him with your challenges this season?

4.   Read I Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 14:1.  What is foolish according to Paul and the psalmist?  What is real wisdom?  What is the wisdom behind Christ becoming human flesh and living among us?

5.   Read John 1:14, Hebrews 13:5, Psalm 23:6.  Discuss God’s past grace in John 1:14, his present grace in Hebrews 13:5, and what future grace looks like in Psalm 23:6.

Reflect and discuss:  How is grace revealed in these passages?

Luke 2:10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 

John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John Lloyd - Greatest Gift Ever Given

Greatest Gift Ever Given

To God be the Glory Plan

Selected Scriptures

December 16, 2018

Gift giving and receiving is a fun experience.  Gifts are valuable especially when there is great thought behind them, otherwise, they’re just gifts. Gifts must be received, opened and used to fulfill the purpose of the gift giver.  This Christmas, it is our prayer that you would receive the greatest gift ever given and understand in a refreshed way, the great thought behind it. 

Matthew 1:21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:  23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8And being found in human

form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Big Idea: Great gifts must be received, opened and applied.

I.               Great gifts are generated by great ______________.

Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

·      Gifts can be broken, unused and not _______________________.

Genesis 3:5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Isaiah 53: 6b All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;  (Isaiah 59:2)

You see our problem is not just that we live in a broken world and that its brokenness enters our doors; beneath that reality is a much deeper problem.  We have a glory problem.  We have preferred living for ourselves over living for something and someone bigger than ourselves. Paul Tripp

Isaiah 59:2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. (Luke 19:10)

A.   Receive God’s great gift of His ______________ with your struggles.

Philippians 2:7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Matthew 10:30)

Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs …

B.   Receive the gift of ____________________ by turning to God from living independent of Him.

Matthew 1:21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Acts 13:38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.  (Acts 14:15)

II.             Open the gift of ______________________ God and His purpose.

Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).  Acts 1:8,

Ephesians 1:18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Philippians 2:8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

John 17:4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

III.             Use your gifts for the ____________ of God.

Philippians 2:9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Perhaps in ways we are not conscious of, we have shrunk our lives down to the size of our own glory.  Maybe it’s true, that somehow, someway sin makes us glory thieves. We put ourselves in God’s place.  Perhaps life really is one big unending glory battle.  It’s because we would never, ever win this battle on our own unless Jesus came.  Paul Tripp

Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.  (2 Timothy 2:10, I Peter 4:10 -11, Rev.5:12).

I Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

To God be the Glory Plan:   1. Receive the gift of Jesus in my soul. 2. Turn me from “me focus” to God focus. 3. Use God’s gifts for His glory.      4. Commit to a specific action this week to glorify God and share it with someone else.

Spiritual Growth Questions for December 16, 2018

Opener:  What is the greatest gift you have ever received?

1.   Read Philippians 2:5-11.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  Why is this passage so significant as we celebrate the birth of our Savior?

2.   Read Matthew 1:21-23.  What gifts do you see given by God to the world through the birth, life and death of Jesus?  Which one stands out to you this season?

3.   What makes the Christmas season exciting or difficult for you? Invite a friend to be your prayer partner this Christmas.

4.   Read Hebrews 4:15-16.  What gifts do you see in this passage?  How can they help you this Christmas season?

5.   Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.  What things are gifts in this passage that really do not look like gifts?  How can this help you navigate through the Christmas season? 

6.   Describe a time when something valuable was taken from you?  List some of the thoughts or feelings you experienced.  Discuss the principle of how God must feel when we steal the glory from Him. 

7.   Read I Corinthians 10:31. What specific actions can you do to make sure this Christmas time brings glory to our Savior?  Commit to another person your “to God be the glory” plan.

Spend time in prayer for yourself and another.  Pray for God’s strength and favor to implement “to God be the glory plan.”

Memory Verse:  I Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Chastidy Ronan - Let Go & Hold On

John Lloyd - God's Power

Free in Christ: Study of Galatians

God’s Power Can Transform Anyone

Galatians 4:21-31

December 2, 2018

Coming face to face with the power of God is amazing like when He

transforms a life that seemed hopeless and beyond reach. Often the

greatest hindrance to God moving, is our own natural abilities, beliefs and

strengths which can block us from experiencing His power. I pray that

each of us will see that God can transform anyone!

Galatians 4:21 Tell me, you who want to live under the law, do you know

what the law actually says? 22  The Scriptures say that Abraham had two

sons, one from his slave wife and one from his freeborn wife. 23  The son of

the slave wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of

God’s promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born as God’s own

fulfillment of his promise.

24  These two women serve as an illustration of God’s two covenants. The

first woman, Hagar, represents Mount Sinai where people received the law

that enslaved them. 25  And now Jerusalem is just like Mount Sinai in Arabia,

because she and her children live in slavery to the law. 26  But the other

woman, Sarah, represents the heavenly Jerusalem. She is the free woman,

and she is our mother. 27  As Isaiah said, “Rejoice, O childless woman,

you who have never given birth! Break into a joyful shout, you who have

never been in labor! For the desolate woman now has more children

than the woman who lives with her husband!”

28  And you, dear brothers and sisters, are children of the promise, just

like Isaac. 29  But you are now being persecuted by those who want you to

keep the law, just as Ishmael, the child born by human effort, persecuted

Isaac, the child born by the power of the Spirit.

30  But what do the Scriptures say about that? “Get rid of the slave and

her son, for the son of the slave woman will not share the inheritance with

the free woman’s son.” 31  So, dear brothers and sisters, we are not children

of the slave woman; we are children of the free woman.

Big Idea: God’s power can transform anyone into a child of God.

I. Without Jesus, I cannot _______________ myself or anyone else.

Galatians 4:21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not

listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a

slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was

born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born

through promise.

“under the law”- “You who are bent on being under law. Your desire to be

under law is not in harmony with Scripture.” vs.22-23 Wuest

Romans 7:18For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh.

For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.

Two births: Physical birth versus spiritual birth that makes us the children

of God.

The Old Covenant The New Covenant

Law Grace

Hagar the Slave Sarah, the freewoman

Ishmael, conceived after the flesh Isaac, conceived miraculously

Earthly Jerusalem in bondage Heavenly Jerusalem which is free

Galatians 4:25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the

present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.

Without Jesus: I will be enslaved. I need to be born again!

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of

the Spirit is spirit.  7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born

again.’

 Our culture opposes transformation and prefers ________________ .

Galatians 4:29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the

flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is

now.

Galatians 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the

desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each

other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

II. God opposes conformation but brings _____________________!

Galatians 4:27 For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;

break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the

desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.”

Cast out what blocks you from God’s power.

Galatians 4:30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave

woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with

the son of the free woman.” 31So, brothers, we are not children of the slave

but of the free woman.

 Receive the __________________ of God through Jesus Christ.

Galatians 4:28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.

(Romans 9:8, Galatians 3:28)

Isaac was born by God’s power! (Galatians 4:29)

Galatians 3:14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come

to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he

gave the right to become children of God,

Genesis 18:14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? (Luke 1:37)

 Keep seeking ____________ and His will above all else.

Galatians 4:26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.

(Col. 3:1-2, Matt. 6:33). What I seek the most will have power over me.

Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,

or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; (It’s not a ritual. It is a relationship)

Surrendering to God is the beginning of transformation.

God can transform anyone who comes to Him.

Spiritual Growth Questions for December 2, 2018.

Opener: What is the greatest miracle you have experienced?

1. Read Galatians 4:21-31. Describe in your own words what is

happening here. Why is this important? List all the examples of

symbolism you note in this passage.

2. Read Galatians 4:21-26. What are the contrasts between the two

women? Between their two sons?

3. Consider the four types of people (Keller mentions in pages 117-18)

a. law obeying-law relying, b. law disobeying-law relying, c. law

disobeying not law relying, d. law obeying but not law relying. Look back

over your past and trace your spiritual life in terms of the four categories

mentioned above. How have you progressed?

4. Read Galatians 4:23, Genesis 21:3. How does Paul demonstrate that

physical descent is not enough to make someone a child of God? What

is the crucial difference between Isaac and Ishmael? Read Gal. 4:28.

5. Read Galatians 4:23-26 and 4:29, John 3:19-21, Romans 3:19, 2

Timothy 3:12. Why does the conflict persist between followers of the old

and new covenants? “Persecution is opposing a Christian for either

obeying God or declaring God’s will and truth.” McKnight. How do we

experience this conflict in our worlds?

6. Read Galatians 4:27, Genesis 18:14, Luke 1:37. Can you identify with

Sarah in any way? If you can, how does her experience comfort and

excite you? In what ways could you treat your children (either those

you have or those you don’t) as your savior?

7. John Stott shares, “the persecution of the true church is not always by

the world who are strangers … but by our half-brothers, religious people,

the nominal church. The greatest enemies of evangelical faith are not

unbelievers, but the establishment, the hierarchy. Isaac is always

mocked by Ishmael.” How can “free” Christians guard against their

own kind of self-righteousness, feeling superior to legalists? How

do you respond to legalists?

John Lloyd - Applying The Gospel

Free in Christ: Study of Galatians

Applying the Gospel Brings Freedom: Christ being formed in us

Galatians 4:8-20

November 25, 2018

The Gospel (death, burial and resurrection of Jesus) applied brings great

freedom. The apostle Paul desired for the Galatians to thrive spiritually.

The Gospel changes us by addressing our physical, emotional,

psychological and spiritual needs. Yet, sometimes believers get off track

and need to find their way back to Jesus being formed in them. Today, we

will look at ways to thrive spiritually.

Galatians 4:12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have

become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of

a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my

condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received

me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your

blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged

out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy

by telling you the truth?  17 They make much of you, but for no good

purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them.

18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only

when I am present with you,

Memory Verse: Galatians 4:19 my little children, for whom I am again in

the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.

Big Idea: We thrive spiritually when we apply the Gospel to every area of

our life. May Jesus Christ be formed in each of our lives!

I. Apply the Gospel to our past ______________________ to God.

Galatians 4:8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to

those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know

God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the

weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you

want to be once more?

Enslaved- “they slaved for those who by nature are not gods.” They were

exchanging one form of slavery for another form of slavery. Lenski

The gospel unapplied always leads to enslavements.

I Corinthians 8:3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.

“Therefore, Paul is saying that earning one’s own salvation through

scrupulous biblical morality and religion is just as much enslavement to

idols as outright paganism and all its immoral practices! In the end, the

religious person is as lost and enslaved as the irreligious person.” Timothy

Keller (See questions 2&3)

● ______________ of your propensity to return false gods.

Galatians 4:10 You observe days and months and seasons and years!

11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.

4:11 “These words breathe tears.” Martin Luther

2 Timothy 2:19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The

Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of

the Lord depart from iniquity.”

The basic principle of the world is that we need to save ourselves. We will

worship what we think we need to fulfill ourselves, to give us “life”. And

Paul is saying that any basic “thing”—money, sex, mountains and so

on—can be worshiped, treated as a god, and become the basis of your

religion. And whatever it is that we worship, we will be enslaved by. Keller

(see questions 3&4)

Drop old idols! May Jesus Christ be formed in each of our lives!

II. Apply the Gospel to your present ____________ and _________.

Galatians 4:12 I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as

you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily

ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first,

God does not promise to bless Christians by removing suffering, but to

bless Christians through suffering. Keller (see question 6)

Lord, help me to look for gospel openings in my trials.

III. Appeal to past receptivity and ___________ to continue thriving

spiritually.

Galatians 4:14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not

scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.

Galatians 4:16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?

“Paul is the truest friend the Galatians have even as he is telling them the

truth.” Lenski. (Ephesians 4:15, John 8:31-32, John 14:6)

Loving the truth of the Scriptures brings new life to Christ followers.

IV. Applying the Gospel means seeing Christ ____________ in me

and others.

Galatians 4:19 My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of

childbirth until Christ is formed in you!

Formed-morphe- is always the form which expresses the essence, the

inner reality, it is never a mask or an assumed form which one can lay

aside. Here Paul deals with faith as embracing Christ, him fully, him alone.

Lenski

1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of

reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to

serve the living and true God, (Acts 14:15b, I Corinthians 4:15)

It pains Paul when people are not thriving spiritually. He wants Christ to

dominate their lives so that there can be no change from a settled spiritual

condition. Douglas Moo (question 8&9)

Colossians 1:28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching

everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works

within me.

Our goal is to see Christ put into the hearts of each person.

Applying the Gospel causes us to thrive spiritually.

Growth Group Questions for November 25 th

Opener: Who has been like a spiritual mother or father to you?

Describe how they have helped you?

1. Read Galatians 4:8-20. Describe in your own words what is happening

here. Why is this important?

2. Read Galatians 4:8-11. What did the Galatians life look like before they

heard the gospel? (v.8) What were they returning to? (v.9-10) What

was Paul concerned might happen with them? (v.11)

3. How can turning to a works salvation be considered enslavement to

false gods? What idols are you in most danger of serving?

4. Read Galatians 4:9, I Corinthians 8:3. What makes a Christian is not

so much us knowing God, but Him knowing us. Our knowing of God will

rise and fall depending on many things. But God’s knowing of us is

absolutely fixed and solid. How could this truth help you fight idolatry?

5. Read Galatians 4:12. In what sense did Paul want the Galatians to be

like him? Was it prideful for him to say this? Why or why not?

6. Read Galatians 4:12-14. Tim Keller shares that Gospel ministry is

culturally flexible, (v.12), transparent (v.12) and looks for opportunities in

hardship. (v.13) Discuss what this looked like for Paul and what it might

look like for us in our worlds. How can God bless us in our suffering?

7. Read Galatians 4:15-16, Ephesians 4:15, John 8:31-32, 14:6. What

do you see that changed the relationship the Galatians had with Paul in

the past and now? What should our relationship be with the truth?

8. Read Galatians 4:17-18. Contrast what Paul and his companions

wanted for the Galatians and what the false teachers wanted? Do you

ever find it appealing to have people relying on you in some way? Why?

Could you be motivated by the same goals as the false teachers?

9. Read Galatians 4:19-20. What did Paul want for the Galatians? What

encourages or discourages you in relation to what Paul is sharing?

How can we pray for Christ to be formed in you this week?

John Lloyd - God's Children

Free in Christ: Study of Galatians

Being God’s Beloved Children Brings Freedom

Galatians 3:26-4:7

November 18, 2018

One of the most beautiful sights to see is a treasured child. In a world often

filled with fear, class, gender and race comparisons, followers of Christ find

freedom from these barriers by understanding they are a beloved child of

God. “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith.” We do

not have to live in fear because we are treasured by God.

Passage: Galatians 3:26-4:7 26  For you are all children of God through faith

in Christ Jesus. 27  And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have

put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. 28  There is no longer Jew or

Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

29  And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham.

You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you. 4:1 Think

of it this way. If a father dies and leaves an inheritance for his young

children, those children are not much better off than slaves until they grow

up, even though they actually own everything their father had. 2  They have

to obey their guardians until they reach whatever age their father set. 3  And

that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we

were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world. 4  But when the

right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.

5  God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he

could adopt us as his very own children. 6  And because we are his children,

God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out,

“Abba, Father.” 7  Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And

since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

Big Idea: Jesus secured our sonship. The Holy Spirit makes sonship real

to us! Live as a beloved child of God!

I. Faith in Jesus begins the experience of beloved _____________.

Galatians 3:26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith

A. Our sonship reaches ______________: we are Sons of our Creator.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put

on Christ.

He who puts on Christ becomes partaker of his salvation. The imagery is

not pagan but that of the Old Testament. To put on Christ is to receive

justification: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my

God; for he hath clothed me in the garments of salvation, he hath covered

me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with

ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with here jewels. Lenski

Isaiah 61:10 “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my

God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;  he has covered

me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a

priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her

jewels. (Luke 15:22)

B. Our sonship spans the _________: we are united with every Christian

around the world.

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor

free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

“All the Galatians are not a lot of sons of God with many differences in their

sonship but a unit person. Whichever you take, the sonship is identical.

Paul loves to end with a focal unit idea beyond which thought cannot go.”

Lenski

C. Our sonship looks back through ________________: We are heirs of

the promises made to Abraham.

Galatians 3:29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring,

heirs according to promise.

Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with

Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified

with him.

Jesus Christ did everything needed to secure your sonship!

II. Our sonship frees us from our __________.

Galatians 4: 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by

his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were

enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.

A. Sonship means you can ____________ God to manage your life.

Galatians 4:1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different

from a slave, though he is the owner of everything. (Matthew 6:30-32)

B. Sonship means you have received a new ___________ and status.

Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his

Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were

under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Our acceptability to God. When God looks at us, He sees us as His sons

because He sees his Son. The Lord Jesus has given us His

righteousness, His perfection, to wear. Keller

C. Our Sonship becomes experiential through the ______ __________.

Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his

Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave,

but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

The son’s purpose was to secure for us the legal status of our sonship. By

contrast, the Spirit’s purpose is to secure the actual experience of it.

Timothy Keller

Abba Father- Very strong word that means a rending, loud cry. It refers to

deep and profound passion and feeling. Romans 8:15-16, 8:35,

Reflective Questions: Am I acting like a slave afraid of God or like a child

assured of their Father’s love?

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for securing my sonship because of the work of

your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me experience your Sonship everyday

through your Holy Spirit! May I live like a dearly loved child of God!

Spiritual Growth Questions for November 18th

Opener: What makes adoption into God’s family so beautiful? Share a

story of adoption that has blessed you.

1. Read Galatians 3:26-4:7. Describe in your own words what is

happening here. Why do you think it is important?

2. Read Galatians 3:26-29. How do we become adopted by God? Paul

picks on the three barriers that usually divide people: the cultural

barrier “Neither Jew nor Greek”, the class barrier “Neither slave nor

free,” and finally the gender barrier “Neither male nor female,” What

barriers divide people in our area? How are those broken down with

work of Jesus? How can you help people to see this? “I am a Christian

before I am anyone or anything else.”

3. Read Isaiah 61:10. How do you feel about being an adopted son of

God? In which area of your life do you struggle to remember that you’re

clothed with Christ? How can the words of Isaiah help you with this

struggle?

4. Read Galatians 4:1-3. What old relationships did Jesus free the

Galatians from? What old approaches to God has Jesus freed you?

5. Read Galatians 4:4-5, 3:13-14. Discuss the two transfers (our sins to

Jesus, but also His rights and privileges as Son to us) that Jesus

accomplishes for every believer. “Our inheritance is not a prize to be

won. It is a gift from Christ.” Which part of the transfer is the hardest for

you to experience? Why?

6. Read Galatians 4:6-7, Romans 8:16-17. “The Son’s purpose was to

secure for us the legal status of our sonship. By contrast, the Spirit’s

purpose is to secure the actual experience of it.” Is adoption something

you experience as well as understand? How can you meditate on the

Son’s work more and ask the Spirit to work on your affections more?

7. Am I acting like a slave who is afraid of God, or like a child who is

assured of my Father’s love?

John Lloyd - Faith Walking

Free in Christ: Study of Galatians

Living by Faith brings Great Freedom

Galatians 3:1-14

November 4, 2018

Journeying through Galatians, we learned that we are not saved into the kingdom of God by our moral efforts and good works, but through trusting in Jesus Christ and His gospel.  We are not only saved by the gospel but we grow by the gospel when it’s applied, by faith, to every area of our life.  Living by the gospel frees us from anything hindering us from God.

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by  the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. 10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.”

Memory Verse: Galatians 3:11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 

Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

Big Idea: Living by faith leads to salvation, keeps us free and brings great freedom!

I.                Beware of false substitutes of living by faith.

Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.

Three words that keep us on track:  Crucified, Crucified, Crucified

a.   Question of initiation:  Galatians 3:2    Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” 

b.   Question of completion: Galatians 3:3  Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

c.    Question of persecution: Galatians 3:4   Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?

Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

d.   Question of miracles: Galatians 3:5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith.

“Accepting the Gospel means abandoning our old approach for acceptance by God.”  Timothy Keller

Lord help me abandon my old pattern of finding                        acceptance by God.  Living by faith brings great freedom!

II.              Living by faith began with Abraham and continues on in me.

Galatians 3:6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?  (Genesis 15:6, John 8:56, Gal. 3:7-9)

How are we made right with God?  Look at Abraham!                         How do we live by faith?  Study Abraham!

A.    Beware of functional saviors.

Galatians 3:10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.”

“If I am getting angry what is it that I think I need so much?  What is being withheld that I think I must have it in order to be complete, to have hope, to be a person of worth? Comfort, control, and approval are functional saviors.  When they are blocked, we get bitter.”  Timothy Keller (See questions 4&7)

“Today’s anger becomes tomorrow’s bitterness. Bitterness is anger turned inward.”  Stephen Viars

Lord help me to replace my functional saviors                                      with Jesus Christ as my savior. Free me from me!

B.   Living by faith reverses the curse and brings God’s blessing.

Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— (Isaiah 53:6, I Peter 2:24, Acts 4:12)

Jesus took my curse upon himself!  (Galatians 2:20, 3:2)

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Galatians 3:14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. 

Galatians 3:11Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 

Living by faith in Christ is how we got here. It is how we grow. It is how we will endure persecution/trials, and experience God’s power to finish strong. 

Living by faith brings great freedom!

Spiritual Growth Questions for the week of November 4th

Opener:  In what areas of your life are you tempted to earn God’s favor by your good actions? What were you putting your trust in besides God? 

1.   Read Galatians 3:1-14.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  Why is this important? 

2.   Read Galatians 3:1-5. Write out the five questions asked in this passage.  Why is it effective to ask questions to determine where someone is at with the Lord?  Why are these questions asked?

3.   Twice Paul calls the Galatian Christians “foolish” (3:1,3).  In what sense is it foolish to add works to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? 

4.   Think of a sin that you regularly commit.  What are you worshipping more than Jesus that causes you to decide to disobey him?  How will you replace the false savior with your true savior when you are tempted?

5.   Read Galatians 3:6-9.  How does Paul use Abraham as an example of faith instead of keeping the law?  How are we similar to Abraham?  

6.   Read Galatians 3:10-14.    Why do you think Paul uses the words “curse” and “cursed” so often in this passage?  Why is there a curse hanging over those who try to rely on observing the law?  How is it helpful to re-depict Jesus becoming a curse in dealing with functional saviors?  (Reread Galatians 2:20, 3:1, 3:13)

7.   Consider a battle with anger/ or any sin.  If I am getting angry, what is it that I think I need so much?  What is being withheld that I think I must have it in order to be complete, to have hope and to be a person of worth?  Discuss how you would identify the functional savior and re-depict Jesus in your battle with anger/any sin?

8.   Read Galatians 3:13-14, 2 Corinthians 5:21, I Peter 3:18.  How does Jesus becoming a curse for you and crediting His righteousness to you change the way we as Christians see ourselves?  Our walk with God?

9.    What truth of this passage excites you the most today? Why?

John Lloyd - Exchange Life

Free in Christ: Study of Galatians

The  Exchanged Life

Galatians 2:11-20

October 28, 2018

It is an exciting truth in the Bible that God gives new life to those who put their trust in Jesus.  God does a heart transplant in the hearts of his followers.  This new life flows from the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The apostle Paul knew that this new life would change not only our souls but also how we live.  There will always be pressure to live in our former ways but the real treasure is letting Jesus live through us. 

The Passage:  Galatians 2:11-21.

Memory Verses: Galatians 2:20  My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.

Big Idea: Accept new life in Christ.  Express new life through Christ!

I.               Peer pressure is the enemy of His life being expressed.

Galatians 2:11But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. (John 7:13)

Fearing- “fear made Peter act against his own better convictions. Fear causes us to think largely of only ourselves.” Lenski (see Acts 11:2-3 for past experiences with this group).

I Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. (Proverbs 29:25, 2 Timothy 1:7)

Galatians 2:13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

“Peter was allowing cultural differences to become more important than gospel unity. Fundamentally, he sees that something deeper is going on. Peter is “not acting in line with the truth of the gospel.” Timothy Keller

We are to think out its implications in every area of our lives, and seek to bring our thinking, feeling, and behavior “in line”. Keller

Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Realign me Lord if my thoughts or actions are out of line with your heart!

II.             Remember how God brings His life to all who call on Him.

Galatians 2:15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Acts 15:9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Galatians 2:17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. (Rom.3:20)

Acts 13:39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. (Acts 15:19)

Christ’s very life comes to those who trust in Him for salvation!

III.             Live the exchanged life: Let the life of Christ be expressed.

Galatians 2:20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.

“Paul says more than that Christ was crucified for him, and that Christ’s crucifixion is regarded as Paul himself has been crucified, or even as if all the benefits of Christ’s crucifixion were personally made Paul’s own. Only by being crucified with Christ does one die to law.  It is the one avenue of escape.  Paul’s whole present life is ‘in faith’ in this blessed sphere of trust. He did not want to do anything that would nullify this great truth.”  Lenski

Colossians 2:20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—

Romans 6:14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

I Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

I Peter 4:2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.

“You are like a corpse at which the law can thunder with all its might and get in response not even a stirring of a finger or a flicker of an eyelash.  Why? You have found the righteousness by faith in Christ.” Lenski

A.   Surrender your past to God (both the good and the bad). (Philippians 3:4-7, I Timothy 1:15-16)

B.   Recognize your life is not your own. (2 Corinthians 5:15)

C.  Trust the Son of God for all things concerning your earthly life (Matthew 6:25-27)

D.  Keep focusing on this Jesus great love and sacrifice for you!

(John 15:13, Romans 5:8)

“The inner dynamic for living the Christian life is right here! Only when I see myself as completely loved and holy in Christ will I have the power to repent with joy, conquer my fears, and obey the One who did all this for me.”  Timothy Keller

Accept new life in Christ.  Express new life through Christ!

Growth Group Questions for October 28th

Icebreaker:  When you first started attending church, what was one of your favorite memories?

1.   Read Galatians 2:11-20.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  Why is this important? 

2.   Read Galatians 2:11-15.  What was Peter doing that wasn’t in line with the gospel?  Do you see areas in your life where you have been walking in line with the gospel?  What does it look like for you?

3.   Are there people in your church you have not been “eating with” because they are not “like you”? What self-righteousness lies beneath this attitude?

4.   Read Galatians 2:16-18, Acts 15:7-11.  What principles do you see Paul and Peter using to motivate the Galatian and Jerusalem churches to apply the gospel to all of their relationships?   How could you motivate yourself and other Christians less with guilt, and more with the gospel?  Give specific examples.

5.   Read Romans 6:14, I Peter 2:24, 2 Cor. 5:15 and I Peter 4:2.  What do these verses teach us we should die to and live for?  What from your old life keeps you from expressing new life? 

6.   Read Galatians 2:20. What does the apostle Paul mean by this phrase “to be crucified with Christ?”  What difference should the death of Christ make in your love for Him and actions in life?  What exchanges do you see happening in this verse? 

7.   How would explain “justification by faith” to someone who has never been to church before?

8.   Read Galatians 2:21. How would you explain the difference between being moral and being a Christian to someone who thinks being good makes them acceptable to God?

Spend time praying for each other!Pray for those who need to hear the incredible truths of this passage!Pray for opportunities to share.

John Lloyd - Free In Christ

Free in Christ: Study of Galatians

Preserving our Spiritual Freedom in Christ

Galatians 2:1-10

October 21, 2018

Spiritual unity is a gift from God.  We humbly receive it when we put our trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior.  Yet, it is very easy to get sidetracked with peripheral issues that bring bondage and hinder our freedom. Spiritual unity brings tremendous power and discernment which sharpens our message and keeps us on mission.  Thank God for our unity in Jesus. 

Memory Verse: Galatians 2:10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

Big Idea: Real unity is born by the Holy Spirit and brings freedom to discern the enemy, to share the gospel and stay on mission.  The Holy Spirit brings freedom… responding to the Holy Spirit keeps us free!

I.               Recognize spiritual unity comes from the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 2:1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. (See Question 3)

“Nothing was threatening Paul’s certainty, but something was threatening his fruitfulness.”  Timothy Keller (Galatians for You)

Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?  (Galatians 1:1)

Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Spiritual unity comes from the Holy Spirit.                                    Spiritual unity is kept by the Spirit.

II.             Discern the real enemies of spiritual unity.

Galatians 2:3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— (Galatians 2:14)

“Externalities are to do with our doing; internalities have to do with our being; Christianity is about who I am in Christ, not what I do for him.”  Keller

Colossians 1:22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, (See Mark 7:14-19, John 10:10)

The enemy wants you to believe that power of our fallen nature is more powerful than the Holy Spirit.  He wants to destroy us with old sin patterns. 

Romans 6:11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 3:5)

Romans 6:18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.  (I Peter 5:8, Revelation 12:10)

Freedom and community are two great yearnings of the human heart. The “earn yourself salvation” message always leads people only into bondage. Keller

Galatians 2:5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. (Galatians 5:1)

Preserved- stay permanent with you

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Spiritual unity brings freedom from cultural additions.

III.             Spiritual unity is powered by the Gospel message.

Galatians 2:6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles),

“It was not just a question of circumcision and uncircumcision, of Gentile and Jewish customs.  It was a matter of fundamental importance regarding the truth of the gospel, namely of Christian freedom versus bondage.  Acceptance before God depends entirely on God’s grace in the death of Jesus Christ received by faith.”  John Stott

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Acts 1:8)

Where there is great unity, there will be great power! 

IV.          Spiritual unity partners together to fulfill God’s mission.

Galatians 2:9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. (Matthew 11:5) (See question 8)

Remember- keep caring for the poor.

True faith will inevitably show itself through deeds of mercy. Keller

Ephesians 4:3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:26 & 27, 4:12)(See question 10)

Ephesians 4:16b when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (John 13:35)

  Going the extra mile to keep the unity will preserve fruitfulness.     God will bring amazing fruit!

Dan Harper - Who's Afraid Of Liturgy

Worship Sermon October 14, 2018

Who’s Afraid of Liturgy?

Intro and BIg Idea

1. My sermon on worship has gone through at least 3 distinct versions

   1. I’m tempted to use PJ’s Big Idea for the sermon as this:

      1. “Be thankful you don’t prepare a sermon every week.”

2. We have been going through the book Sing! Both during:

   1. The 9 AM class on Sunday

      1. A lot of fun and very practical

         1. A shout out to the Underground Choir!!

   2. Pastor John’s two week mini series on the Getty’s book

      1. Well worth listening to again online!

3. I want to thank both Laurel Porter and Esther Chan for championing this book and for the Keith and Kristyn Getty for writing it!

4. I highly recommend reading this book

   1. I think it is still available downstairs or on Kindle

   2. And it is a great reminder that the Church is a singing church.

5. As I was writing and rewriting this sermon I came across a quote that easily could have been included in the book Sing!

   1. “True theology is theology that sings!”  

   2. Listen to  the words of Jesus  in Hebrews 2:12 (ESV): “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

      1. John Calvin makes this comment on this verse:

         1. “Christ is the great Choirmaster who tunes our hearts to sing God’s praise”

6. So here was my dilemma.

   1. How and what to focus on for this last sermon of this worship sermon series?

      1. I considered taking a hymn apart and putting it back together and singing it with you as the choir.

      2. I considered a sermon that was a quick overview of worship and the comparison of a wedding ceremony to a church service.

      3. But I want to do something a bit different today and discuss something that may seem foreign or strange to some of you but if you bear with me I might say something that makes sense.  

   2. Now that you are completely nervous about this sermon let me make you even more nervous and give the title of the sermon.
      

Who’s Afraid of Liturgy???

What will be the goal of this sermon?

1. I’m not going advocate that DPC start worshipping in a dry, dusty, formal liturgical manner and mumble words that we don’t know.

2. We come from many different backgrounds.  

   1. Most of us are probably from a Free church background or what I might call broadly evangelical

      1. Though I challenge anyone to define evangelical in today’s world!!  

   2. Some of us may have grown up in a more liturgical church

      1. Either Lutheran or Presbyterian or in the Roman Catholic Church.

   3. Some of us didn’t grow up attending church at all and the word liturgis unknown to you.

3. My goal is threefold:

   1. Define liturgy and show that every church has a liturgy

   2. Make a case for biblical, Trinitarian liturgy.

   3. Make a case for incorporating liturgy in the life of DPC

What is liturgy?

1. The English word never appears in scripture

   1. So perhaps I should just stop here.

2. But in the Greek similar words are in Scripture.

3. Hebrews 8:1–2 (ESV): ...we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.

   1. That word minister is lietourgos ton hagion. A minister in the holy places.  Another way of saying “a high priest”

   2. leitourgos is a close related to leitourgia

      1. Or liturgy

      2. And the original meaning is: public service or worship of the gods.

   3. leitourgos is used several times in the New Testament

Liturgy and New Testament worship

1. New Testament worship

   1. Many people think they know exactly what it is

      1. But it is quite difficult to pin down exactly what the early church did in worship.

      2. The early church was Jewish so let’s look at how Jewish synagogues conducted their worship services.

         1. We don’t exactly know for much of what we do know comes from a few centuries after Jesus.

      3. Okay, let’s use Scripture. It should give us a template for worship, right?

         1. Not really.  It gives us what the early churches did but not how they did it.  

            1. Breaking of bread - communion.

            2. Teaching

            3. Singing or chanting

            4. Service to others.

         2. Worship was considered more than just meeting once a week.  

            1. One word for worship means service or ministering.

            2. Another word for worship means adoration.

            3. So in English the phrase Adoration and Action is a more complete definition of worship.

2. There was some sort of liturgy but we can’t specifically define it.

   1. Early on there is evidence of liturgy or an order to the corporate time of worship.

   2. It may have been a Covenant Renewal service

      1. A symbolic renewal based on that sacrificial system of the Old Testament but in a New Testament setting.

         1. with Jesus as our High Priest

         2. And Jesus as the Lamb of God

      2. A quote from Jeffrey Meyers:

“In response to God’s covenantal initiative—His drawing near to us—we submit to His sacrificial work; that is, we confess, thank, praise, and pray as we are renewed through the Spirit and enabled to give unto our Covenant Lord the glory due His Name. And it all culminates with a meal. The Lord serves us bread and wine at the Table, where we experience as a community His shalom.” (The Lord’s Service)

1. Acts 13:2  (ESV): 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

   1. This could be translated as this: “On one occasion, while they were engaged in the liturgy of the Lord and were fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke to them”

      1. The Greek word for worshipping  is leitourgeo or public, congregational service.

1. There is not nearly enough time or clarity on my part to go into this deeper.  We can talk later if this piques your interest.

2. But thanks for bearing with me because while the exact word liturgy is not in Scripture it is referenced at least obliquely many times.

So where are we?

1. Why did I just spend all this time making a case for liturgy when we are not a liturgical church.  

   1. Our Swedish ancestors broke away from a dead, liturgical church to worship God more purely and simply, right?

2. Because every church has a liturgy.

   1. Even the most charismatic church without any structure

      1. Has structure even in its absence!!

   2. Example of my church and Mr. Elliot

Okay, so every church has liturgy but ours is not dead and formal.

1. The presence or absence of a formal liturgy is not an indication of the spiritual health of a church.  

   1. It is simplistic to judge a church by how formal or informal their liturgy is.  

      1. Having said that, there are many churches that their only connection to the Bible and to the Father, Son, 5and Holy Spirit is through the words of their liturgy.  They may not believe it but they say the words!

My second goal for this sermon was to make a case for biblical, Trinitarian liturgy.

Let’s discuss the Trinity for just a minute.

1. The Trinity is another word that is not explicitly found in the Bible.

   1. Some groups have tried to invalidate the concept because of this

      1. Jehovah Witnesses, Oneness Pentecostals, etc

2. Many modern Christians only think of the Trinity as a marker of orthodox belief.

   1. A mere factoid of knowledge that is important but sure why.

   2. Dorothy Sayers, the British writer of the 20th century was a strong Christian and ‘suggests that the average churchgoer’s conception of the doctrine of the Trinity is more like a parody of the Athanasian Creed: “The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the whole thing incomprehensible. Something put in by theologians to make it more difficult—nothing to do with daily life or ethics.”’ (Dorothy Sayers, The Dogma is the Drama)

3. When a church comes together on Sunday

   1. We go to church

   2. We sing our hymns to God

   3. We intercede for the world

   4. We listen to the sermon

   5. We offer our time, talents, and money to God

   6. No doubt we need God’s grace to do this but we do it because Jesus taught us to do it.

   7. But worship is what we do before God.

   8. Here’s the problem with this. It means the only priesthood is our priesthood; the only offering, our offering; and the only intercession is our intercession.

      1. In Hebrews we saw that Christ is our High Priest.

      2. Christ is our offering for sins.

      3. Christ is our intercessor before God the Father.

      4. The Holy Spirit is the one who prays for us when we can’t

   9. The church I described is not fully Trinitarian in practice even though they truly believe intellectually in the the Trinity.

   10. It’s all about what WE do not what the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit have done and continue to do for us.

4. A second type of corporate worship is this:

   1. The gift of participating through the Spirit in the incarnate Son’s communion with the Father.

   2. It means participating in union with Christ, in what he has done for us once and for all, in his self-offering to the Father, in his life and death on the cross.

   3. There is only one offering that is truly acceptable to God’s and it is not ours. It’s is Jesus’ offering.

      1. Hebrews 10:10 (ESV): 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

   4. The meaning of life in the Spirit is expressed in the word, koinonia, which can be translated fellowship, sharing, participation.  

      1. Galatians 4:6(ESV): God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

5. The difference between our working to satisfy God in corporate worship and our worship being a reflection of the worship between the Trinity is huge.  

   1. When we try to initiate worship it ultimately fails and is unsatisfying

   2. When we our corporate worship as a reaction to what Trinity has and continues to do FOR us, than we truly worship and are satisfied.

6. In some of the older language of years ago the worship service was called this:

   1. The Lord’s Service.

      1. Where we come and the Lord serves us!!  

      2. We then can be nourished and truly worship Him.

Now liturgy is almost as big a subject as is worship

Let me share you my dream for DPC.  I’m only speaking for myself and no one else.  

1. This is a bit risky talking out loud without Pastor John being here.

2. Also, I’m not proposing that ANY of this even be seriously considered

   1. Think of this as an after dinner conversation on the back porch.

A Slightly modified order of worship

Call to Worship/Prayer

Opening Song

Meet and Greet

The Lord’s Prayer (spoken)

(Or occasionally a corporate prayer of confession)

Doxology (sung)

Songs 2-4

Ministry of the Word (sermon)

Ministry of Communion

Pastoral Prayer

Ministry of Giving

Announcements

Final Song

Benediction/Blessing

A Major Change of the order of worship

Announcements on screen before the service,

Call to Worship/Prayer

Sung Response (short)

Corporate Confession

Sung Response

Doxology

Songs 2-4 (Actually 1-3 or 1-4)

Ministry of the Word (sermon)

Ministry of Communion

Pastoral Prayer ending with the Lord’s Prayer

Ministry of Giving

Final Song

Final Blessing and Encouragement

NOTES on the changes

Announcements on screen before the service,

1. Where to put the annoucements is alway difficult.

Call to Worship/Prayer

1. God calls us to worship Him.  

2. Acknowledgement of why we are here.

3. Preparing our hearts and minds to worship

Sung response

1. A very short song or chorus

Corporate Confession

1. Not a long drawn out time because we should be prepared to worship including private confession beforehand

Sung response

1. A very short song or chorus reflecting on God’s promise to forgive us.

Doxology and/or the Apostle’s Creed

1. Either both or alternate

Songs 2-4 (Actually 1-3 or 1-4)

1. A longer time of singing

Ministry of the Word (sermon)

1. Including the corporate reading of Scripture

Ministry of Communion

1. As we do now

Pastoral Prayer ending with the Lord’s Prayer

1. We could sing or recite the Lord’s Prayer

Ministry of Giving

1. As we do now

Final Song

1. As  we do now

Final Blessing and Encouragement

Why even think about changes?

1. First, this is just a conversation not a proposal in any real sense.

2. This helps DPC integrate not just the doctrine of the Trinity into our services but learn to appreciate and love the communion that comes from the Trinity.

3. Help integrate even more truth, beauty, and goodness into our life at DPC.

Nevertheless, a few choice insights from the Orthodox liturgist Alexander Schmemann will help illumine the importance of beauty for “modern” man. “The liturgy is, before everything else, the joyous gathering of those who are to meet the risen Lord and to enter with him into the bridal chamber. And it is this joy of expectation and this expectation of joy that are expressed in singing and ritual, …..in that whole ‘beauty’ of the liturgy which has so often been denounced as unnecessary and even sinful.

Unnecessary it is indeed, for we are beyond the categories of the necessary. Beauty is never necessary,’ functional, or useful. And when, expecting someone we love, we put a beautiful tablecloth on the table and decorate it with candles and flowers, we do all this not out of necessity, but out of love. And the church is love, expectation, and joy. It is heaven on earth, according to our Orthodox tradition; it is the joy of recovered childhood, that free, unconditioned and disinterested joy which alone is capable of transforming the world. In our adult serious piety we ask for definitions and justifications, and they are rooted in fear—fear of corruption, deviation, ‘pagan influences,’ whatnot. But ‘he that feareth is not made perfect in love’ (1 Jn. 4: 18). As long as Christians will love the Kingdom of God, and not only discuss it, they will ‘represent’ it and signify it in art and beauty’ (Alexander Schmemann. For the Life of the World; pp 29-30.  Quoted by Jeffrey Meyers, The Lord’s Service)

John Lloyd - Amazing Grace

Free in Christ: Study of Galatians

Amazing Grace Sets us Free

Galatians 1:11-24

October 7, 2018

I pray that each of us would truly receive God’s amazing grace for our lives.  The apostle Paul was blind to it but God opened his eyes and changed his life.  God’s amazing grace sets us free, and we are kept free as we share it with others.  Enjoying the Journey, Pastor John

Today’s Passage:  Galatians 1:11-24

Memory Verse: Galatians1: 23b “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.

Some Big Themes in Galatians:1. In Jesus’ sin bearing death, Christ is the substitute for all Christians, whom he brings into a new realm of freedom and life. (see 1:4, 2:20, 3:13). 2.  The gospel is for humanity, but there is no sense that it has its origin in humanity, it comes only from God. (1:1,11-12, 15-20). 3.  The gospel is appropriated not by works of the law but by faith which is the route of justification (2:16). 4. OT Scripture itself testifies to the truth of justification by faith, both in the life of Abraham and in the prophecy of Habakkuk. (Genesis 15:6, Habakkuk 2:4)

Big Idea: God’s amazing grace sets and keeps us free!

I.               Amazing grace ______________ me right to God.  Galatians 1:11-12

Galatians 1:11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.  (Galatians 1:1)

Brothers- to those who believe and confess the true gospel.

Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

No one is so good that they don’t need the grace of the gospel, or so bad that they can’t receive the grace of the gospel.  Paul was deeply religious but he needed the gospel.  Paul was deeply flawed, yet he could be reached with the gospel.  As C.S. Lewis once said, “Christianity must be from God, who else could have thought it up?  Timothy Keller  

Amazing grace is God’s idea!

II.             Amazing grace _____________ me past my deepest sin.  1:13-14

Galatians 1:13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. (Acts 8;3,

Acts 8:3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. (Acts 9:1-2, I Corinthians 15:9)

 “Grace is the free, unmerited favor of God, working powerfully on the mind and heart to change lives. There is no clearer example than Paul that salvation is by grace alone, not through our moral and religious performance. Though Paul’s sins were very deep, he was invited in.”   Timothy Keller

I Timothy 1:15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (Isaiah 43:25, Psalm 103:12, Micah 7:19)

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Amazing grace means Jesus died in my place on the cross.

God’s amazing grace is greater than all my sin.

III.             Jesus Christ __________________ amazing grace to me.  1:15-16

Galatians 1:15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles,  (See question 4)

“The gospel calls us out of religion just as much as it calls us out of irrelgion.”  Keller

Reveal-apokalupto- refers to the disclosure of something by the removal of what was concealing it.

When amazing grace is revealed to you, you see God’s hand on every detail of your life.

Acts 9:4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?"

Everything changes when you receive God’s amazing grace         through Jesus Christ.  Amazing grace sets me free!

IV.          Amazing grace keeps me free when I ________ it with others.1:23-24

Galatians1: 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me. (see questions 5&6)

It’s amazing grace to be rescued out of religion or irreligion.  It’s even deeper when you allow God to use you to rescue others.

God did it! God did it by grace!  God did it through Christ!  God did for the sake of others!  Warren Wiersbe 

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Sharing this amazing grace glorifies God and His Son, Jesus Christ!

Spiritual Growth Questions for October 7th, 2018

Opener:   When someone goes through a radical change, what kind of questions does it raise for you?

1.   Read Galatians 1:11-24.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  Why is this important?

2.   Read Galatians 1:11-17.  What were the driving forces in Paul’s life before his conversion?  What evidence is there that God was working in Paul’s life even before he met Jesus?   How does Paul’s pre-conversion life add weight to the claim that his gospel came from God?

3.   Read Jeremiah 1:5, Galatians 1:15. In what ways can you see how God worked in your life before your conversion, to equip you to serve Him after it?

4.   Do you ever find yourself thinking you deserve God’s grace? What prompts you to think this way? How does the gospel of grace free you from pride and guilt? (Meditate on Ephesians 2:8, Romans 11:6)

5.   Read Galatians 1:18-24. Given Paul’s reputation, how might he have expected the churches to respond to him as a supposed new believer?  What significance do you see in the fact that Christians in Judea “praised God because of” Paul rather than praising Paul?

6.   Read Galatians 1:23-24, 2 Thessalonians 1:12. How could you live your life so that people would respect and praise God more because of you?

7.   Read John 12:43, Proverbs 29:25. How are you most tempted to fear men and seek their approval? What would change if, in those moments, you lived to please God who is pleased with you?

8.   Read Luke 5:16, Hebrews 10:25, Acts 1:8.  How committed are you to spending time with God… spending time with other believers…  spending time telling others your testimony?  

9.   What are the biggest changes which knowing Christ has brought about in your life?  What changes in your life would you still like the Lord to bring about?  Pray for your will to be in cooperation with God’s working.  How can we pray for you this week?