God's Perfect Timing and Freedom in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. Today, we delved into Galatians 3 and 4, exploring the profound truths of God's perfect timing and the freedom we have in Christ. We began by reflecting on the difficulty of hitting a baseball, drawing a parallel to the precision and timing required in God's plans. Just as a batter needs perfect timing to hit a home run, God's timing in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, was impeccable. This timing is not just about historical events but also about our personal lives and spiritual journeys.
We continued our series on Amazing Grace, emphasizing that God's timing is always perfect, even when it doesn't align with our own desires. We discussed the significance of baptism, not as a means of salvation but as an important act of obedience and public declaration of faith. Baptism symbolizes our entry into a new spiritual family, where we are all one in Christ, regardless of our backgrounds or social statuses.
Paul's message in Galatians highlights the freedom we have in Christ, a freedom that comes with responsibilities. We are no longer slaves to sin but sons and daughters of God, heirs to His promises. This new identity brings us into a spiritual family, grants us supernatural freedom, and assures us of eternal favor. The fullness of time, as Paul describes, was the perfect moment in history for God to send His Son, a moment that was culturally, politically, and spiritually ripe for the spread of the Gospel.
We also touched on the importance of living out our faith in obedience, not out of fear but out of love for our Heavenly Father. The Holy Spirit, given to us as a gift, guides us, convicts us, and comforts us, helping us to live lives that reflect our new identity in Christ. As we embrace this freedom, we are called to support one another in our spiritual journeys, helping each other to grow in faith and obedience.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Perfect Timing: Just as hitting a baseball requires perfect timing, God's timing in our lives is impeccable. He is never early or late but always right on time. This truth challenges us to trust in His plans, even when they don't align with our own desires. God's timing is evident in the historical context of Jesus' birth and in our personal spiritual journeys. [43:08]
2. Significance of Baptism: Baptism is a significant act of obedience and public declaration of faith. It symbolizes our entry into a new spiritual family where we are all one in Christ. While baptism itself does not save us, it is an important step in our faith journey, reflecting our commitment to follow Jesus. [49:54]
3. Freedom in Christ: In Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin but sons and daughters of God. This new identity brings us into a spiritual family and grants us supernatural freedom. We are called to live out this freedom responsibly, not indulging in sin but embracing our new life in Christ. [57:57]
4. Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, given to us as a gift, guides us, convicts us, and comforts us. He helps us understand Scripture and live lives that reflect our new identity in Christ. The Spirit's presence in our lives is a testament to our adoption as God's children and our inheritance in His promises. [01:08:39]
5. Living in Obedience: Our faith journey is marked by obedience to God's will. This obedience is not out of fear but out of love for our Heavenly Father. As we grow in faith, we are called to support one another, helping each other to embrace the freedom and responsibilities that come with being children of God. [01:19:05]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[41:11] - Introduction and Opening Prayer
[42:14] - The Importance of Timing
[43:08] - God's Perfect Timing
[44:00] - Living Christmas Tree Ministry
[44:58] - Christmas in July
[45:58] - Freedom in Christ
[46:55] - Reading of Galatians 3:27-4:7
[47:58] - Spiritual Family
[49:06] - Baptism and Obedience
[49:54] - Significance of Baptism
[50:53] - Baptismal Regeneration Debate
[51:45] - Early Church Baptism Practices
[52:32] - False Conversion
[53:21] - Global Baptism Practices
[54:10] - Risking Lives for Baptism
[54:54] - New Family and Fellowship
[55:41] - Abolishing Social Differences
[56:27] - True Equality in Christ
[57:15] - New Future in Christ
[57:57] - Heirs to the Promise
[58:43] - Supernatural Freedom
[59:28] - Paul's Christmas Message
[01:00:15] - Fullness of Time
[01:01:01] - Jesus' Perfect Timing
[01:01:37] - Cultural and Political Timing
[01:02:36] - Universal Language
[01:03:34] - Political Stability
[01:04:30] - Roman Infrastructure
[01:05:12] - Spiritual Readiness
[01:05:52] - Jewish Dispersion
[01:06:37] - Synagogues and Gospel Preaching
[01:07:18] - God's Sovereign Plan
[01:07:55] - Eternal Favor
[01:08:39] - Role of the Holy Spirit
[01:09:23] - Trinity in Salvation
[01:10:11] - Understanding Scripture
[01:10:58] - Spirit's Guidance
[01:11:39] - Sons of God
[01:12:13] - Assurance of Salvation
[01:12:57] - Freedom in Christ
[01:13:33] - Abba, Father
[01:14:20] - God's Relationship with Us
[01:15:14] - Son vs. Slave
[01:16:00] - Inheritance in Christ
[01:16:47] - Testimony of Angel Colon
[01:17:29] - God's Perfect Timing in Salvation
[01:18:20] - Closing Prayer
[01:19:05] - Call to Repentance and Faith
[01:19:49] - Baptism and Church Membership
[01:23:37] - Commissioning Service for Lake Placid Mission
[01:24:53] - New Church Member Introduction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Galatians 3:27-4:7
#### Observation Questions
1. What analogy did the pastor use to illustrate the importance of timing in God's plans? ([42:14])
2. According to Galatians 3:27-4:7, what does baptism symbolize in the life of a believer? ([49:06])
3. How does Paul describe the new identity of believers in Christ in Galatians 3:28? ([55:41])
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the lives of believers according to the sermon? ([01:08:39])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "God's perfect timing" challenge our personal desires and expectations? ([43:08])
2. In what ways does baptism serve as a public declaration of faith and entry into a spiritual family? ([49:54])
3. What responsibilities come with the freedom we have in Christ, as discussed in the sermon? ([57:57])
4. How does the Holy Spirit guide, convict, and comfort believers in their daily lives? ([01:08:39])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with God's timing in your life. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? ([43:08])
2. Have you been baptized? If so, how did it impact your faith journey? If not, what steps can you take to understand its significance and consider it for your own life? ([49:54])
3. In what ways can you embrace and live out the freedom you have in Christ responsibly, avoiding both legalism and licentiousness? ([57:57])
4. How can you be more attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily decisions and actions? ([01:08:39])
5. Think of someone in your spiritual family who might need support in their faith journey. How can you practically help them grow in faith and obedience this week? ([01:19:05])
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust God's timing more fully. What steps can you take to surrender that area to Him? ([43:08])
7. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God as your "Abba, Father" and experience the intimacy and assurance that comes with being His child? ([01:12:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
God's timing in our lives is impeccable, always right on time.
Just as hitting a baseball requires perfect timing, God's timing in our lives is impeccable. He is never early or late but always right on time. This truth challenges us to trust in His plans, even when they don't align with our own desires. God's timing is evident in the historical context of Jesus' birth and in our personal spiritual journeys. We are reminded that God's plans are far greater than our own, and His timing is always perfect, even when we cannot see it.
In Galatians 4:4-5, Paul speaks of the "fullness of time" when God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. This moment was culturally, politically, and spiritually ripe for the spread of the Gospel. Similarly, in our lives, God orchestrates events and circumstances in His perfect timing to fulfill His purposes. Trusting in God's timing requires faith and patience, knowing that He is in control and His plans are for our good.
Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you are struggling to trust God's timing. How can you surrender this situation to Him today and trust that His timing is perfect? [43:08]
Day 2: The Significance of Baptism
Baptism is a significant act of obedience and public declaration of faith.
Baptism is a significant act of obedience and public declaration of faith. It symbolizes our entry into a new spiritual family where we are all one in Christ. While baptism itself does not save us, it is an important step in our faith journey, reflecting our commitment to follow Jesus. Baptism is a powerful outward expression of an inward transformation, signifying our identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
In the early church, baptism was a public declaration of faith, often carried out immediately after a person professed belief in Jesus. It was a way for new believers to publicly identify with Christ and the Christian community. Today, baptism continues to be a vital step in our spiritual journey, symbolizing our new identity in Christ and our commitment to live for Him. It is a reminder that we are part of a larger spiritual family, united by our faith in Jesus.
Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: Have you been baptized as a public declaration of your faith in Jesus? If not, what is holding you back from taking this important step? If you have, how can you continue to live out your commitment to Christ daily? [49:54]
Day 3: Embracing Freedom in Christ
In Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin but sons and daughters of God.
In Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin but sons and daughters of God. This new identity brings us into a spiritual family and grants us supernatural freedom. We are called to live out this freedom responsibly, not indulging in sin but embracing our new life in Christ. As heirs to God's promises, we have a new future and a new purpose, free from the bondage of sin and empowered to live for God's glory.
Paul's message in Galatians emphasizes the freedom we have in Christ. This freedom is not a license to sin but a call to live in the fullness of our new identity as children of God. We are no longer bound by the law or our sinful nature but are free to live in the Spirit, guided by God's love and grace. This freedom comes with responsibilities, as we are called to love and serve one another, reflecting Christ's love to the world.
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 do you still feel enslaved to sin? How can you embrace the freedom you have in Christ and live out your new identity as a child of God today? [57:57]
Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit guides, convicts, and comforts us, helping us live out our new identity in Christ.
The Holy Spirit, given to us as a gift, guides us, convicts us, and comforts us. He helps us understand Scripture and live lives that reflect our new identity in Christ. The Spirit's presence in our lives is a testament to our adoption as God's children and our inheritance in His promises. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in obedience to God's will, not out of fear but out of love for our Heavenly Father.
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our spiritual growth and transformation. He illuminates the truth of God's Word, convicts us of sin, and leads us in the path of righteousness. The Spirit also provides comfort and assurance, reminding us of our identity as God's beloved children. As we yield to the Holy Spirit's guidance, we are empowered to live lives that honor God and reflect His love to others.
John 14:26 (ESV): "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Reflection: How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit and rely on His power to live out your faith? [01:08:39]
Day 5: Living in Obedience
Our faith journey is marked by obedience to God's will, motivated by love for our Heavenly Father.
Our faith journey is marked by obedience to God's will. This obedience is not out of fear but out of love for our Heavenly Father. As we grow in faith, we are called to support one another, helping each other to embrace the freedom and responsibilities that come with being children of God. Living in obedience to God involves surrendering our own desires and aligning our lives with His purposes.
Obedience to God is a reflection of our love and trust in Him. It is a response to His grace and a demonstration of our commitment to follow Jesus. As we obey God's commands, we experience the fullness of His blessings and the joy of walking in His ways. Our obedience also serves as a testimony to others, showing the transformative power of God's love in our lives. We are called to encourage and support one another in this journey, helping each other grow in faith and obedience.
1 John 5:3 (ESV): "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to obey God's will? How can you seek God's help and the support of your spiritual community to grow in obedience and live out your faith more fully? [01:19:05]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God is never early and God is never late. God is always right on time. His time. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm going to make a little confession up here. I get a little bit frustrated with God sometimes because of that, because I want things when I want things. But listen, God's timing is absolutely perfect. And we want God to act according to our clock and according to our calendar." [43:08] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Because of God's perfect timing in sending his one and only Son that first Christmas, we have experienced three wonderful truths. Number one, because of Christmas, we enter into a spiritual family. Now, Paul tells these Galatian Christians that when we are in Christ, not only do we receive the full Christian liberty, but we're now part of a spiritual family. We are a spiritual family. Someone say, Amen. Amen. You are my brothers and my sisters." [49:06] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 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." [47:58] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Timing is everything. And politically, it was perfect. Finally, it was spiritually perfect. It wouldn't matter how right things were politically or culturally if things were not just right spiritually. And they were because God's timing is perfect." [01:05:12] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is never late. God is never early. He is always right on time. To God, time means nothing, but timing means everything. In the fullness of time, God sent his son, Jesus. There was an exact moment in time that Jesus should be born, that he should die, that he should be raised from the dead, that he should ascend into heaven, and when he is coming back." [01:17:29] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul told us about the freedom that we have in Christ last week. This week, he's not only going to tell us about the way that that freedom came, but the amazing benefits that come with that newfound freedom in Christ, through the sovereignty of a holy and mighty God who keeps his promises." [45:58] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are all members of the body of Christ. Each one of us have been set free, and now we're his bondservants. We're no longer slaves to sin. We're slaves to the Lord Jesus. Now, some people have used this, they have twisted this scripture to say that women should be pastors, because we are all one. And yes, we are. But that is not what Paul is talking about. Paul is talking about salvation." [56:27] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "See, in the early church, baptism is the initiation into the church. It was the principle way that you professed your faith. My five-year-old and I were walking through here last night. And I said something about baptism. She said, what's baptism, Daddy? And I pointed up there and I said, do you see where that cross is? And there's a pool of water. And Daddy, or Mr. Mitch, or Mr. Adam, or Mr. Richard, we will baptize people when they accept Jesus, when they love Jesus." [52:32] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "See, God had already made plans that there would be a gospel preaching headquarters in every single quarter of the Roman Empire, centuries before Jesus was born. And this is why, for the first part of Christianity, every new believer came from the Jewish people, because they were ripe and ready for the coming Messiah that had been promised thousands of years before." [01:07:18] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "See, likewise, we as children of God are all going to inherit all that our Father has. And listen to this, because we're going to get everything that is coming to us, and what's coming to us is everything." [01:16:00] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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