Galatians: From Slaves to Sons

Welcome to another episode of the Descend Podcast! If you’re new here, welcome! Every two weeks, we take Sunday’s sermon and descend into what it looks like to live it out in our everyday lives as we share the love of Christ with those around us. Our prayer is that this podcast would encourage you and remind you of God’s goodness throughout your week.

This week, Haley is joined by Aaron LeDuc (pastor) and Andrew Overmiller (College Ministry Director) as we continue through our series in Galatians. This past week, Aaron preached through Galatians 3:25–4:7 in a sermon titled “From Slaves to Sons”. If you missed this sermon you can listen HERE!

• If our identity is built on something that can change, we’re always at risk of losing it. Have you experienced that in your own life? Was there a season when something you thought defined you didn’t turn out the way you expected?
• College is such a formative season when it comes to figuring out who you are and who you want to be. What are some of the pressures college students are feeling when it comes to their identity?
• Paul uses the word sons to give both men and women the full status of heirs in God’s family. Do you think it’s easier for us to see ourselves as people God has forgiven than as people He genuinely delights to call His children?
• In Galatians 4:6, Paul says the Spirit cries out, “Abba! Father!” There’s something really sweet about that picture of a child calling out to their daddy. When you think about approaching God that way, what comes naturally to you, and what feels difficult? Does the way you picture God affect what you actually bring to Him in prayer?
• We should see the people around us as heirs of the kingdom, which should change how we treat them. What do you think that looks like in the everyday life of a church? Is it possible to believe all of this about our identity in Christ but still struggle to love the people sitting next to us on Sunday?
• Jesus, the Son of God, became a servant so that we could be adopted into God’s family. And when it comes to how we receive this, Aaron said, “You place your faith in the fact that Jesus secured it for you.” What would you say to someone who understands those words but struggles to actually believe they’re true for them? How would you encourage them?
• Resources:
  • “Knowing God” by J.I. Packer
  • Spiritual Exercise: Beholding the Goodness of God (adapted from Hilary Salvaggione)
    • Set aside a few quiet minutes to practice beholding God. If it helps, play a favorite calm instrumental song as you work through these prompts.
      • 1. Get still and imagine Jesus with you.
        • Close your eyes and settle into His presence. Imagine Jesus sitting with you, His eyes looking into yours, and His delight in you. Imagine Him holding your face and calling you His beloved daughter or son. Rest in the truth that, through Christ, you are deeply loved by God. You don’t have to rush past this moment or do anything to earn His love. Just be with Him.
      • 2. Reflect on the goodness of God in your life.
        • Like a movie montage, let memories begin to come to mind. Maybe it’s laughter with a friend, a hug with someone you love, a beautiful sunset, or a moment when you felt God’s comfort in the middle of a difficult season. Picture the faces, remember the details, and linger in the feelings of joy, love, and gratitude.
        • As you remember, consider how these moments reveal God’s goodness. Thank Him for what He has done, what He is doing now, and what He has promised to do.
      • 3. Linger in His goodness.
        • Don’t feel the need to rush to the next thing. Sit in the delight of God. Notice what happens in your heart as you remember His goodness and turn your attention toward Him.
    • Reflect: What came to mind as you practiced beholding? Was there a particular memory, person, or moment that reminded you of God’s character or His delight in you?
      • Psalm 73:28 says, “But for me it is good to be near God.” What a gift that we can draw near to Him and delight in His presence!