Sermon Overview & Discussion Questions: "Let Me Tell You A Story"

Overview of Sermon:
Paul begins this passage by retelling the story of two women and two sons: Sarah, the mother of Isaac, and Hagar, the mother of Ishmael. Paul then tells us that these women are an allegory for two covenants and two cities. Sarah represents the new covenant and the new, heavenly Jerusalem while Hagar represents the old covenant and the earthly Jerusalem. Paul reminds the Galatians that they are Sarah’s free, new covenant children and have an unshakeable identity in Christ. 
 
Discussion Questions:
1. Steve pointed out the context of the quotation from Isaiah 54:1. It sits in a larger unit of chapters including Isaiah 52-55. How do both Isaiah 53 and 55 deepen our understanding of our freedom in Christ?
 
2. How do you usually define your identity? How did this sermon encourage you to think of your identity differently? 
 
3.  How may you be tempted to live as a citizen of the old covenant city of slavery instead of a citizen of the kingdom of grace? How may you be trying to earn God’s favor or blessing? 
 
4.  What has Jesus freed you from? Some examples that Steve mentioned were the horror of being alone and the despair of not being able to change on our own. 
 
5.  Who in your life needs to hear about the freedom we can find in Christ? How can you weave the gospel into conversations with them about their needs and fears?