Embracing Freedom: Our Identity and Confidence in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Our Identity in Christ

Our identity as God's sons and daughters is secured by the highest authority and paid for at the highest price. This identity is not based on our efforts but on the finished work of Christ. Knowing Jesus and being known by Him is our ultimate goal. Paul emphasizes that our identity as God's children is not something we earn or achieve through our own efforts. Instead, it is a gift given to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This identity is unchangeable and eternal, rooted in the highest authority—God Himself—and paid for at the highest price—the blood of Jesus. Understanding this truth transforms how we see ourselves and how we live our lives. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes, our achievements, or what others think of us. Instead, we are defined by our relationship with Jesus. Our ultimate goal is to know Him more deeply and to be known by Him. This relationship is the foundation of our identity and the source of our hope and future. [01:21]

Galatians 4:6-7 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How does knowing that your identity is secured by God and paid for by Jesus change the way you view yourself and your daily life?

Day 2: Freedom in Christ

Paul urges us to walk in the freedom we have in Jesus, not reverting to the old ways of the law. This freedom is a gift of grace, and we should live in it fully, trusting in Christ's work rather than our own. The Galatians were tempted to return to the law, thinking they needed to add something to the finished work of Christ. Paul reminds them that they have been set free from the law and its requirements. This freedom is not a license to sin but a call to live in the grace and power of Jesus. It means trusting in what Christ has done for us rather than relying on our own efforts. Living in this freedom allows us to experience the fullness of life that Jesus promised. It frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and enables us to live out our faith with joy and confidence. [02:54]

Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own efforts rather than trusting in the finished work of Christ? How can you embrace the freedom that Jesus offers today?

Day 3: Genuine Faith

The story of John Wesley illustrates the difference between religious effort and genuine faith. True faith is an unshakable confidence in God's grace, leading to a joyful and confident relationship with God and others. John Wesley's story is a powerful reminder that religious activities and efforts cannot replace genuine faith in Christ. Despite his many religious endeavors, Wesley only found true assurance and peace when he placed his trust fully in Jesus. Genuine faith is not about what we do but about who we trust. It is an unshakable confidence in God's grace and His promises. This kind of faith transforms our relationship with God and others, leading to a life marked by joy, peace, and love. It is a faith that rests in the finished work of Christ and flows out in genuine good works. [12:52]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you are relying on religious efforts rather than trusting in God's grace? How can you cultivate a genuine faith that rests in Jesus?

Day 4: The Role of the Law

The law serves as a guardian, guiding us to the foot of the cross where we acknowledge our need for Christ. It shows us our inability to keep it and points us to the grace of God through faith in Jesus. The law was given to reveal our sin and our need for a Savior. It acts as a guardian, leading us to Christ. By showing us our inability to keep God's commands perfectly, the law points us to the grace and mercy found in Jesus. It is at the foot of the cross that we acknowledge our need for His sacrifice and receive the gift of salvation through faith. The law is not an end in itself but a means to bring us to Christ. Once we come to faith in Jesus, we are no longer under the law's guardianship but are led by the Spirit. This understanding helps us appreciate the purpose of the law and the greatness of God's grace. [19:04]

Galatians 3:24-25 (ESV): "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."

Reflection: How has the law revealed your need for Christ? In what ways can you embrace the grace of God more fully in your daily life?

Day 5: Unshakable Confidence

Faith is a living, active, and unshakable confidence in God's grace. This confidence leads to genuine good works, flowing naturally from a heart transformed by God's love. We are eternally secure in Christ, and nothing can separate us from His love. True faith is not passive but active and living. It is an unshakable confidence in God's grace and His promises. This kind of faith transforms our hearts and lives, leading to genuine good works that flow naturally from a heart filled with God's love. We are called to live out our faith with confidence, knowing that we are eternally secure in Christ. Nothing can separate us from His love, and we can trust in His grace every day. This assurance gives us the courage to live boldly for Jesus and to share His love with others. [20:38]

Hebrews 10:22-23 (ESV): "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to develop an unshakable confidence in God's grace? How can you live out this confidence in practical ways today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our series, "There Is One Gospel," by delving into Paul's letter to the Galatians, specifically Galatians 4:8-31. Last week, we discussed our adoption as sons and daughters of God through Christ. This week, we explore Paul's concern for the Galatians, who were turning back to the law after having been set free by Christ. Paul emphasizes that our identity as God's children is secured by the highest authority and paid for at the highest price. Our hope and future are in Jesus, and knowing Him is our ultimate goal.

Paul's heart is evident as he questions why the Galatians are reverting to their old ways, confusing the finished work of Christ with additional requirements. He urges them to walk in the freedom they have in Jesus, highlighting his own journey of becoming all things to all people to win them for Christ. Paul recounts his genuine care and concern for the Galatians, reminding them of their initial acceptance of him despite his bodily ailment. He contrasts the two covenants represented by Hagar and Sarah, emphasizing that we are children of the promise, not of the flesh.

Paul's message is clear: we are not slaves but free in Christ. He warns against the temptation to almost be a Christian, living from the outside in, and instead calls for a genuine faith and confidence in the finished work of Christ. He shares the story of John Wesley, who, despite his religious efforts, only found true faith and assurance in Christ later in life. Wesley's transformation underscores the importance of trusting in Christ alone for salvation.

Paul concludes by urging the Galatians to trust in the grace of God more than in their own efforts. He reminds them that the law was a guardian until Christ came, and now, through faith, we are all sons of God. The law guides us to the foot of the cross, where we acknowledge our inability to keep it and our need for Christ's sacrifice. Paul calls for an unshakable confidence in God's grace, which leads to genuine good works flowing from faith. He assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, and we are eternally His.

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Key Takeaways

1. Identity in Christ: Our identity as God's sons and daughters is secured by the highest authority and paid for at the highest price. This identity is not based on our efforts but on the finished work of Christ. Knowing Jesus and being known by Him is our ultimate goal. [01:21]
2. Freedom in Christ: Paul urges us to walk in the freedom we have in Jesus, not reverting to the old ways of the law. This freedom is a gift of grace, and we should live in it fully, trusting in Christ's work rather than our own. [02:54]
3. Genuine Faith: The story of John Wesley illustrates the difference between religious effort and genuine faith. True faith is an unshakable confidence in God's grace, leading to a joyful and confident relationship with God and others. [12:52]
4. The Role of the Law: The law serves as a guardian, guiding us to the foot of the cross where we acknowledge our need for Christ. It shows us our inability to keep it and points us to the grace of God through faith in Jesus. [19:04]
5. Unshakable Confidence: Faith is a living, active, and unshakable confidence in God's grace. This confidence leads to genuine good works, flowing naturally from a heart transformed by God's love. We are eternally secure in Christ, and nothing can separate us from His love. [20:38]
### [20:38]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:21] - Introduction to Galatians 4:8-31
[02:54] - Paul's Concern for the Galatians
[04:10] - Paul's Genuine Care and Concern
[05:51] - The Allegory of Hagar and Sarah
[07:03] - Children of the Promise
[08:13] - The Two Covenants
[09:13] - The Temptation to Almost Be a Christian
[10:24] - John Wesley's Story
[12:52] - Wesley's Transformation
[13:53] - Martin Luther's Preface to Romans
[15:50] - Faith as Unshakable Confidence
[17:02] - Trusting in God's Grace
[18:34] - Living by Faith in Jesus
[19:04] - The Role of the Law
[20:38] - Unshakable Confidence in God's Grace
[21:33] - Eternal Security in Christ
[22:05] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Paul express as his main concern for the Galatians in Galatians 4:8-11? ([02:54])
How does Paul describe his relationship with the Galatians in verses 13-20? What specific examples does he give to show his genuine care and concern? ([04:10])
In Galatians 4:21-31, Paul uses the allegory of Hagar and Sarah. What do these two women represent, and how does Paul use this allegory to explain the two covenants? ([05:51])
How does Paul describe his own approach to ministry in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, and how does this relate to his message to the Galatians? ([02:54])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize the importance of not reverting to the old ways of the law after being set free by Christ? How does this relate to the concept of freedom in Christ? ([02:54])
What does Paul mean when he says that the law was a guardian until Christ came? How does this understanding affect our view of the law today? ([19:04])
How does the story of John Wesley illustrate the difference between religious effort and genuine faith? What transformation did Wesley experience, and how does it relate to Paul's message? ([10:24])
What does Paul mean by having an "unshakable confidence in God's grace"? How does this confidence lead to genuine good works? ([20:38])

Application Questions

Paul urges the Galatians to walk in the freedom they have in Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you feel you are still living under the law rather than in the freedom of Christ? How can you begin to walk in that freedom this week? ([02:54])
Reflect on the story of John Wesley. Have you ever experienced a time when you were relying more on your religious efforts than on genuine faith in Christ? How did that affect your relationship with God and others? ([10:24])
Paul speaks of becoming all things to all people to win them for Christ. How can you apply this principle in your interactions with others, especially those who are different from you? ([02:54])
The allegory of Hagar and Sarah highlights the difference between living under the law and living under the promise. How can you remind yourself daily that you are a child of the promise and not of the flesh? ([05:51])
Paul calls for an unshakable confidence in God's grace. What practical steps can you take to cultivate this confidence in your daily life? How can this confidence transform your actions and interactions with others? ([20:38])
The law guides us to the foot of the cross, where we acknowledge our need for Christ. How can you use this understanding to deepen your appreciation for Christ's sacrifice and your dependence on His grace? ([19:04])
Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. How can this assurance impact the way you face challenges and uncertainties in your life? ([21:08])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Faith is a living, unshakable confidence in God's grace. It is so certain that someone would die a thousand times for it. This kind of trust in and knowledge of God's grace makes a person joyful, confident, and happy with regard to God and all creatures. This is what the Holy Spirit does by faith." [15:11](

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2. "The gospel is, is the announcement of good news. It's not advice on how to live. It is an announcement. This is what Christ has done. And what Christ has done for those who believe we are being saved from ourselves, being saved from the penalty of our sin and saved to a relationship with God by grace through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ." [10:24](

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3. "Do you trust in the grace of God more than you trust in yourself? Do you trust in the grace of God, what he has done for you, more than what you can do for him or yourself or other people? That is a fundamental question you have got to answer in your own life." [17:38](

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4. "Replace your striving with a childlike trust that says, God, I will believe you and take you at your word and I will trust in you and watch what happens. In the words of Luther, it is impossible to separate an unshakable confidence in God from good works. The works flow from a confidence in God." [20:38](

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5. "You are known and you are his. And that's why Paul kept saying, why, why are you going back to the thing you've been brought free from?" [21:33](

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### Quotes for Members

1. "Paul's heart is that people would know Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles. And we see in verses 13 through 20 that Paul is recounting and remembering, describing his relationship with them with genuine care and genuine concern for them. He says in verse 13, he says, You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first. And though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus." [04:10](

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2. "This temptation to almost be a Christian, it shows up throughout history. This temptation to almost trust in the work of Jesus, it shows up throughout church history. And the idea of almost being a Christian is when we live from the outside in hoping that by our right behavior, we can be right with God. It shows up in certain denominations. It shows up in certain traditions. The idea, that if my external behavior is right, then my relationship with God is good." [09:13](

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3. "And at the end of the day, this is partly why Paul was so passionate about the Galatian church. He wanted them to walk in the freedom that was actually already theirs in Jesus. He wanted them to experience God's grace in such a way that as sons and daughters, they would go to the Father and be assured of his glad welcome. Paul was so confident in what Christ had done on the cross that he knew children would be welcomed by grace through faith." [17:02](

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4. "The law is good. The law, it holds our hands. It cares for us. It guides us to the foot of the cross where we in all unison can say, I cannot keep this law. I wanted to. I made a promise that I would. I didn't. I broke it. I said I wouldn't do it again, but I broke it again. I made a promise to God I could not keep again. And what we see is he is like these things and we are not like him." [19:29](

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5. "And as I was reflecting on that story, I'm like, what was it that Martin Luther wrote? And what was it that this guy at a reluctant meeting heard that Martin Luther said in such a way? What changed it? What did the Holy Spirit use to change John Wesley's heart? And I want to read to you a portion of Martin Luther's preface to the work of Romans. Luther writes, faith is a work of God in us. Faith is a work of God in us, which changes us and brings us to new birth from God." [13:53](

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