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.)

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.)

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.)