Read

Review Galatians 4

Reflect

Paul contrasts being a child with becoming a mature, full-grown person in faith. He contrasts being a slave to the law and being free by grace. He is pleading with the Galatians to accept the freedom that was theirs, and not to be held in bondage to the Law.

Respond

Follow Jesus

Today as you worship, celebrate the journey of growing in grace. Ask someone you worship with where they’ve experienced God’s grace this week. If they ask why, share that you’re reading Galatians and Paul talks a great deal about grace. Be prepared to share your own grace story.

Pray

Thank you, Lord, for the community of faith. Surround our Pastors and church leaders with your grace and goodness as they lead us closer to you. Then, help us to be faithful in following you, Lord. Amen.

Celebrate

What grace story did you hear or share today?

Use a notebook to record your responses. Share your celebrations in the comments below or in the Facebook group (You’ll find a link to request to join in your confirmation email. Not registered? Sign-up here.)

Galatians 4 prayer Transforming Mission

 

Extra Thoughts

If you haven’t taken a moment to review the “Overview of Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians,” please do so. You’ll find a few tips that will help you start this journey.

Read

Galatians 4:28-5:1

Today builds on the scripture reading from yesterday. Remember, Sarah is the free woman. Sarah represents the promised new covenant and corresponds to the heavenly Jerusalem.

Reflect

You’ve now read four chapters of Galatians. By now, you’ve read recurring contrasts from Paul between slavery and freedom, law and grace, merit and faith. Paul saw those who acknowledge Christ as Lord, who by faith receive his grace, inheriting the heavenly Jerusalem. The believing recipients of grace are the children of promise.  

Respond

Follow Jesus

What promise is God making to you today? What promise will you make and uphold to God today?

Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for your grace. Thank you for helping me to claim the promise of your grace today. Help me to offer the same love to others that you first offered to me. Amen.

Celebrate

Where did you encounter God’s promise of grace today?

Use a notebook to record your responses. Share your celebrations in the comments below or in the Facebook group (You’ll find a link to request to join in your confirmation email. Not registered? Sign-up here.)

Galatians 4 Prayers Transforming Mission

 

Extra Thoughts

If you haven’t taken a moment to review the “Overview of Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians,” please do so. You’ll find a few tips that will help you start this journey.

Read

Galatians 4:21-27

Paul compares two understandings of God’s covenant being practiced in the Galatian church with Hagar and Sarah and the children they bore to Abraham. There are not two systems of salvation: the law and grace.  Paul contrasts Hagar, a slave, with Sarah, a free woman. Paul saw the present Jerusalem as the center of a religion of bondage where God was shut up in the Temple.

Reflect

There is a great deal in this passage. Much of it needs an in-depth exegetical study, exploring the Genesis scriptures. Considering the contrasts that Paul makes between freedom and slavery, as you go about your day, consider what sets you free and what enslaves you.

Respond

Follow Jesus

As you seek to follow Jesus today, focus on the freedom you have in Christ. Are there things in your every day, ordinary life that still seeks to enslave you? (Social media, food, money, time, etc.)

Pray

Free me, O God, free me! I want to be who you created me to be. Call me forth in grace to experience your fullness and your mercy. Amen.

Celebrate

As you consider your day, what received more attention: the freedom you find in Christ or the things of this world that enslave you?

Use a notebook to record your responses. Share your celebrations in the comments below or in the Facebook group (You’ll find a link to request to join in your confirmation email. Not registered? Sign-up here.)

Galatians 4 Prayers Transforming Mission

 

Extra Thoughts

If you haven’t taken a moment to review the “Overview of Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians,” please do so. You’ll find a few tips that will help you start this journey.

Read

Galatians 4:12-20

Paul changes his tone and now appeals to the heart, to the personal relationship they have with him as pastor and friend. He is seeking to bring them back to an authentic understanding of Christian faith and life.

Reflect

Paul won’t have an outer and an inner circle in the grace of God. He wants the Galatians to be on fire with the love of God. That requires him changing his tone to attempt to reach the Galatians in a new way.

Respond

Follow Jesus

It is said the longest distance is from the head to the heart. Experiment with changing your tone with a loved one, a colleague, or a friend. Consider the heart of your personal relationship. Then, seek to reach out in love. Tell someone today how much they are loved.

Pray

I love you, Lord. Thank you for loving me. Forgive me for the times I’ve blocked my heart from loving You and loving others. Help me to do better today, tomorrow, and the next day. Amen.

Celebrate

Show us a pic from today that reminds you that you are a beloved child of God. No pic from today? Look on your phone, refrigerator, or in a photo album!

Use a notebook to record your responses. Share your celebrations in the comments below or in the Facebook group (You’ll find a link to request to join in your confirmation email. Not registered? Sign-up here.)

Galatians 4 Prayers Transforming Mission

 

Extra Thoughts

If you haven’t taken a moment to review the “Overview of Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians,” please do so. You’ll find a few tips that will help you start this journey.

Read

Galatians 4:8-11

The Jewish and Gentile people were subject to the powers of this world. Even when God’s people wander, Jesus offers reminders through the community that God’s redeeming act in Christ is for all.

Reflect

Wilderness wanderings can take us to places that tempt our heart, soul, mind, and strength. You’ve likely been there. So have God’s people. The Exodus is at the forefront of Paul’s mind. There will always be whispers of discontent calling to us. When you know and are known by God, your future is secure in Jesus.

Respond

Follow Jesus

Today, notice the things, people, and activities that tempt your heart, soul, mind, and strength. If you’re in a wilderness season, rest in the promise that you are known and loved by God.

Pray

Lord Jesus, I fix my eyes on you. Keep me focused on knowing, trusting, and following you, even when things of this world try to pull me off track. Remind me who I am in you. Amen.

Celebrate

What did you learn today about navigating the temptations of this world? Was it a pass or fail type of day? If you said, “fail,” rest in the promise that God allows do-overs. We call it repentance. Turn in a new direction and re-frame failure: What if there is no failure, only learning?

Use a notebook to record your responses. Share your celebrations in the comments below or in the Facebook group (You’ll find a link to request to join in your confirmation email. Not registered? Sign-up here.)

Prayers for Focus and Grace Transforming Mission

 

Extra Thoughts

If you haven’t taken a moment to review the “Overview of Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians,” please do so. You’ll find a few tips that will help you start this journey.

Read

Galatians 4:3-7

We are not “naturally” children of God, but become God’s children by the free grace of God’s act in adopting us, even as former slaves, into God’s family.

Reflect

Apart from Christ, you are enslaved to the Law.  But Jesus, accepting and sharing the conditions and restrictions of human existence, is the way of grace.  

Respond

Follow Jesus

You’re one of God’s children. He wants you to continue growing up. And, no, your age has nothing to do with being mature in Christ! Today, reach out and thank one person who has helped you grow as a follower of Jesus.

Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for making yourself known to me through the people who have nurtured my faith. Guide me as I seek to share God’s love with others. Amen.

Celebrate

Share the first name of a person who has helped you grow as a follower of Jesus. Bonus: tell us one way they made a difference in your life.

Use a notebook to record your responses. Share your celebrations in the comments below or in the Facebook group (You’ll find a link to request to join in your confirmation email. Not registered? Sign-up here.)

 

Prayers for the People who Nurture Faith Transforming Mission

 

Extra Thoughts

If you haven’t taken a moment to review the “Overview of Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians,” please do so. You’ll find a few tips that will help you start this journey.

Read

Galatians 4:1-2

For Paul, the person who is enslaved to the law is still a child. The person who learns the way of grace is a mature, full-grown person in the Christian faith.

Reflect

Consider your faith journey. When did God’s grace become real to you? How are you still growing in grace and becoming more like Jesus?

Respond

Follow Jesus

Today, take note of your words, actions, and attitudes. Notice when you are grace-filled and when you are not grace-filled.

Pray

Lord Jesus, I want to be more like you. Help me to continue growing in grace and reflecting your love to the people I encounter. Amen.

Celebrate

Where did you see or embody God’s grace today?

Use a notebook to record your responses. Share your celebrations in the comments below or in the Facebook group (You’ll find a link to request to join in your confirmation email. Not registered? Sign-up here.)

Prayers Galatians 4 Transforming Mission

 

Extra Thoughts

If you haven’t taken a moment to review the “Overview of Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians,” please do so. You’ll find a few tips that will help you start this journey.