Scripture: Galatians 4:4-6 & John 1
SERMON SUMMARY
As we hit pause in our study through Galatians, we want to spend a couple of weeks looking back at a few verses we’ve already covered along with some other selected verses with a focus on this Christmas season.
Paul has been reminding the Galatians that their right standing with God is not earned through human effort or adherence to the law but is a gift of grace received through Christ alone. The incarnation demonstrates God’s love and humility, as He sent His Son, born under the law, to redeem humanity and adopt them as His children. This act not only grants believers forgiveness and right standing before God but also bestows upon them the full rights and privileges of being His sons and daughters.
The reality of the incarnation—God becoming fully human in Jesus—is a profound act of humility and love. By taking on human flesh, God enters a broken world to provide hope and redemption. Jesus, though fully divine, humbled Himself to be born into obscurity and poverty, live a sinless life, and die a sacrificial death on the cross. This ultimate act of humility calls believers to respond with humility, recognizing their need for a Savior. Christianity uniquely proclaims that God came to humanity, contrasting with other religions that emphasize human effort to reach God.
As a follower of Jesus, you have been adopted as God’s child, receiving full rights and privileges in His family. This secure position in Christ is not earned but is a gift to be received with humility, as Jesus Himself came in humility. May we daily live in gratitude for this gift, letting go of attempts to earn God’s love and instead rest in the assurance of His grace. Merry Christmas!
*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.
SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS
- Read Galatians 4:4-6 and John 1
- As you’ve talked with people throughout your life about the difference between Christianity and other religions… what answers have you received?
- How would you articulate the difference between Christianity and other religions?
- How is the humility of Jesus seen in the incarnation?
- In what practical ways have you experienced humility in coming to Christ and growing in Christ?
- How have you grown in living in the reality that you are an “adopted” son/daughter of God?
- When are you most tempted to live as a slave and not as a son?
- What practical steps can you take to meditate more on Jesus’ work on your behalf?