Galatians 4:1-31
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This is the sixth week in our series GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST. This sermon is called "The Gospel Makes us Heirs"
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect What is one implication this week of knowing that you are a child of God through faith in Christ?
Warm-Up
- What modern forms of legalism do we encounter in the church today?
- In what ways might Christians still live like slaves even though they are sons and daughters of God?
Read Galatians 4:1-7
- What does it mean to be an heir of God, and how does that identity shape the way we live today?
- How does knowing that God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts change our view of prayer and intimacy with him?
- Why do you think Paul emphasises calling God “Abba, Father”?
- Are there areas in your life where you're still trying to earn God's acceptance rather than receiving it as a child of grace?
- How does spiritual adoption compare to physical adoption? What deeper realities does Paul want us to grasp through this metaphor?
- What emotions are stirred when you consider you are no longer a slave but a child and heir of God?
Read Galatians 4:8-20
- What are some “old gods”/“elemental principles” (Gal 4:9) that Christians today are tempted to return to?
- Paul asks, “How can you turn back again…?” What would that question sound like if it were addressed to you today?
- How do traditions, routines, or performance-based mindsets sometimes become spiritual slavery?
- What does Paul's deep emotional tone in verses 12–20 reveal about pastoral care and discipleship?
- What role do our brothers and sisters in Christ play in helping us stay free in Christ rather than falling back into slavery?
Read Galatians 4:21-31
- Why do you think legalism is so appealing, even though it offers no real freedom?
- Why does Paul use the story of Hagar and Sarah to contrast law and grace?
- In what ways are we tempted to align ourselves with the child of the slave (law) rather than the child of the free woman (promise)?
- How does Paul redefine true inheritance?
Apply How can you intentionally walk in the freedom and intimacy Christ has given you this week?
Prayer
Father God, thank you that we are no longer slaves but your children and heirs through Christ. Help us live in the freedom of your grace, not returning to old ways or relying on our efforts. Teach us to walk each day in the joy and security of being yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline this Week
How can you bring peace to your frontline this week?
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
Listen, Watch, and Read
- Listen (sermon): “True Gospel” by Andrew Sach:
https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/53492/ - Listen (sermon): “No Other Gospel” by Vaughn Roberts:
https://stebbes.org/sermons/no-other-gospel/ - Listen (sermon): “The Rescue” by Tim Keller:
https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/the-rescue/ - Listen (sermon): “The Rescue” by Tim Keller:
https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/no-other-gospel/ - Read (article): “The Story of WWI Salvo Chaplain Fighting Mac”
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/news-and-stories/stories/the-story-of-wwi-salvo-chaplain-fighting-mac/ - Listen (Series): Previous Sermon Series on Galatians:
https://www.stbarts.com.au/sermon-series/galatians-no-other-gospel
Series Resources
- Read (book): “The Freedom Trap” by Priyan Max Jeganathan. 📚
- Read (book): “Why the Gospel” by Matthew Bates.
- Read (commentary): “Galatians (The Story of God)” by Nijay Gupta.
- Read (commentary): “Galatians for Everyone” by Tom Wright.
- Watch (video): “Galatians” by the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-galatians/
