March 12, 2023
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

I. Motivated by Grace

Galatians 4:1-3
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, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.

We should love motivated by grace rather than live motivated by guilt.

II. Made into Sons and Daughters

Galatians 4:4-5
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

When We Are Redeemed By God, We Are Adopted As His Own Sons And Daughters!

III. Maturing in the Spirit

Galatians 4:6-7
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

God Redeems Us, Adopts Us, and Makes Us Heirs Not Because of What We’ve Done, But Because He is God, and He Is So Good.

Next Steps

• I confess my sin and trust Jesus to save and adopt me as His child.
• I cry out to God today as my Father who provides and protects.
• I commit to walking in grace rather than guilt.

Deep Dive

1. Do you know anyone who has been adopted? What is special about that story?
2. Read Galatians 4:1-7 and discuss how adoption is part of our faith story.
3. What does it mean for the Spirit to cry in us for a more intimate connection with God?

Springboards

1. Who knows you better than anyone else? Why or how?
2. Read Galatians 4:9 and discuss what it means that God knows us.
3. Why is it an amazing thing to say that you are known by God?