Galatians 4:21-31 My Way or God's Way

Key Verse: Galatians 4:23 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 fulfillment of his promise.

Notes:

Icebreaker:
We just celebrated Easter. Share with the group your favorite tradition that you do with family or friends or a new one you would like to start.


Discussion Questions:
1. Reread 1 Peter 2:9, and Jeremiah 29:11-13. Share with the group what your calling/ purpose is. If you don’t know, what are some things you are passionate about, or that may cause righteous anger that something needs to be done. This will often help you narrow in on what God-passions are inside of you.

2. Joyce talked about 3 things that can derail your destiny- fear, doubt, and/or weariness. Share with the group which one is your present struggle. What practical steps can you put into place to change that direction?

3. Read the key verse, Galatians 4:23. Is there an area of your life that you are attempting to fulfill in your human attempt? How has letting God bring the fulfillment of His promise for your life been different?

4. Read Romans 8:5b, Col. 3:1-2 and I Cor. 6:19-20. Joyce gave some practical ways to evaluate the spirit, soul (mind, will, and emotions), and the body. Which of these 3 areas do you feel you need to focus on? What steps will you put into place?

5. Sometimes where you are doesn’t match with the vision God has for your life. Joyce talked about the importance of looking for the common threads to help understand why you are where you are. Share your common threads and discuss what they mean. We can often find great freedom and understanding that nothing is wasted.


Verses Used:
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope When you call out to me and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers when you seek me in prayer and worship, you will find me available to you. If you seek me with all your heart and soul.

Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit.

Homework:
Read Galatians Chapter 5 in preparation for next week’s lesson.