Dear Church,

We will gather together on Friday, April 3rd as a church for our Good Friday service. To fully benefit from the significance of our Savior’s final week, consider devoting your reading between now and then to this topic. We pray these resources will serve to deepen our admiration and affections for Christ—the One who deliberately made His way to a hill called Golgotha and died on the cross as the sin bearing substitute for you and me. Let us wonder and worship!

Matthew 21-28
Mark 11-16
Luke 19-24
John 12-21

Bob compiled this playlist of songs to help us reflect on the cross and its meaning for us.

- Your Pastors

Happy New Year, Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville! I’m writing on behalf of the pastoral team to issue an invitation (or a challenge, if you are the competitive type) to every member of Sovereign Grace Church.

We want to invite you to join us in reading through the Bible in 2026.

“What?! It’s such a big book. I will never make it through Numbers!”

I know, there are plenty of reasons people get bogged down. But most of these reasons are easily overcome. If you haven’t read through the Bible, or haven’t in a while, I want to encourage you to consider joining us in 2026. For a personal invitation to join us, click the video below

2. You will gain a deeper grasp of the big storyline of the Bible. The New Testament builds upon the Old Testament. In the New Testament, we find the promises of the Old Testament are kept, the imagery of the Old Testament is fulfilled, the hope of the Old Testament brought to fruition. The whole Bible points to Jesus in one way or another (Luke 24:27).
          

on a specific time, place, and duration. Aim for consistency. Habits are powerfully, and the longer you can stay with it, the easier it will be to stay with it. 

Everybody gets behind; it’s probably the biggest reason people give up a month into it. Decide now that once a week, you’ll read a couple chapters to get caught up. Or play the audio version while you’re getting ready for church. 

Consider introducing your children to the yearly habit of reading through the Bible in a year. Be realistic, and choose a plan that is age appropriate, but don’t underestimate what an 8-year old can get done in 10 minutes of daily reading! Plus, you’ll have a built-in agenda for family devotions around a daily family meal. 

So, I hope you’ll join us. Reading the Bible is its own reward, and reading the whole Bible is especially rewarding. John Newton wisely said, “The best advice I can give you: Look unto Jesus, beholding his beauty in the written word.” I look forward to hearing the testimonies of how God meets you in your Bible reading in 2026! 

Gratefully,
Steve Whitacre
On Behalf of the Pastors

Dear Church,
Next Friday we will gather together as a church for our Good Friday service. To fully benefit from the significance of our Savior’s final week, consider devoting your reading over the next several days to this topic. We pray these resources will serve to deepen our admiration and affections for Christ—the One who deliberately made His way to a hill called Golgotha and died on the cross as the sin bearing substitute for you and me. Let us wonder and worship!

Matthew 21-28
Mark 11-16
Luke 19-24
John 12-21

Bob compiled this playlist of songs to help us reflect on the cross and its meaning for us.

- Your Pastors

January provides a yearly opportunity for a fresh start. Maybe this is the time of year you reconsider your approach to Bible reading. And maybe you don’t really know where to start? Or you’ve tried before and the wheels fell off by February.

Well, here is good news for us all. We can consider plans without fear of condemnation because bible reading is not something we do to get or keep God’s approval. The basis of God’s love and acceptance is found solely in the gospel. 

We do however want to know God better with each passing year. And this isn’t just knowing more about him, but knowing him relationally as a friend you are growing to love and trust. So, any good plan is intended to create structure and space for you to connect with the Lord. If you want to grow and need some help, we’d recommend 3 steps: Plan | Place | Process

The ESV Study Bible is a very helpful tool - visit esv.org for bible plans - and you can have the readings emailed to you every morning by subscribing.

The Bible app by Youversion has hundreds of bible reading plans and you can listen to audio versions while you drive or walk.

Good reading plans to check out include:
- M’Cheyne One Year Plan
- Bible in 2 Years                
- Chronological Bible          

While sticking to a plan is helpful, recognize that you may need to shift plans because of life transitions or a preferred approach. The goal is fellowship with the Lord, not completing a particular plan.

What kind of timeframe do you have? Can you make adjustments to clear more time? For example: You can pick out clothes the night before, make your lunch the night before, set the coffee maker, go to sleep 30 minutes earlier . . . Etc

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still, [Jesus] departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”
- Mark 1:35 - 

Quiet + Low Traffic + Away from screens/emails/texts . . .protects your focus on God’s Word and prayer. 

John Piper has a series of brief prayers from the psalms to get you started each morning: (You can remember it by the acronym: IOUS)

• Incline my heart to your Word and to selfish gain. (Psalm 119:36) 
• Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things in your law. (Psalm 119:18)
• Unite my heart to fear your name. (Psalm 86:11)
• Satisfy me in the morning with your steadfast love. (Psalm 90:14) 

Read with a highlighter and pen. Mark it up and make notes along the way. This helps you engage while reading and remember what you read! Consider three brief questions:

• What does this text reveal about me? My sin, my need? 
• What does this text reveal about the sufficiency of Christ? 
• What virtue does this text encourage me to put on in response? 

While incorporating music along with your daily Bible reading isn’t required, it can be helpful for attuning our hearts and minds to what we’re about to read, or used as a response to what we’ve just read (Psalm 108:1-5). If you don’t play an instrument, Sovereign Grace Music, Getty Music, and City Alight have an abundance of YouTube videos, or you can simply play them from Apple Music, Spotify, or your preferred musing streaming source. It might be helpful to pick a song to play for the week to better enable you to commit it to heart. Some people have found the Together for the Gospel recordings helpful, as the focus is on rich hymnody sung to a single piano accompaniment. IF you play an instrument, of course, you can either begin or end your time of reading with a song that’s related to one of the passages you’re reading. But that’s not crucial. Any song that directs your mind and affections to God’s glory and beauty in Christ will be helpful! A good hymnal can be an aid here (Trinity Hymnal, Hymns of Grace, or the upcoming Crossway Hymnal “Sing!” are all good options). Also, on the Sovereign Grace website all the songs are classified by theme and Scripture and are downloadable for free. Finally, you can simply sing a song acappella, and know that whether or not you have a great voice, Jesus perfects all our offerings to the Father and makes them fit for joining in the chorus of heaven (1 Pet.2:4-5)!

A guided devotional can be a helpful resource for different seasons of life. Here are three devotional we recommend! 

Hopefully, this starter kit will serve you as you get rolling into the New Year and beyond. As always, let us know if there are any ways we can help you! Looking forward to growing together in 2025.
- Your Pastors 

Overview of Sermon:
After opening his letter, Jude continues warning his Christian readers by reminding them of three specific scenes in the Old Testament that illustrate licentious rebellion against God along with the LORD’s punishment for their disobedience. Jude draws from these scenes to strongly urge his readers to flee the practice of indulging one’s flesh, thereby avoiding the wrath of God.
 
Discussion Questions:
1. How are you affected by warnings of God's wrath? What does it teach you about the character of God?
 
2. Quoting J.C. Ryle, CJ explained that “dim or indistinct views of sin are the origin of most of the errors, heresies, and false doctrines of the present day.” Are there some sins the Lord has clarified for you? How can you ensure that you maintain a clear, biblical understanding of sin?
 
3. CJ taught that Christians should not only avoid sin, but also avoid getting as close to the edge of sin as possible without sinning. Where have you been tempted or are currently tempted to do this? Why is it appealing to ride the line?
 
4. How might this passage serve as good news for a Christian who is discouraged about or ashamed of their own history with sexual sin?
 
5. How might you explain to a non-Christian who views the LORD as needlessly angry that God’s warnings to us in the Bible about his impending judgment for those outside of Christ are actually a mercy to us?

Sermon Overview:
In Jude 3-4, Jude was eager to share the gospel, to speak of the glories of salvation. However, some people had snuck into the church and were distorting the gospel. As a wise pastor, Jude decided to equip his people to contend for the gospel. Jude makes clear that contending for gospel is necessary and it requires dicernment.

Discussion Questions:

1. The content of the gospel has been once for all delivered to and received by the saints. CJ expressed his amazement that the gospel had been entrusted to us. Are you amazed that God would entrust the gospel to you? If so, why?

2. Because we have been entrusted with the gospel, we need to protect the gospel. What does contending for the gospel require?

3. In Jude's day, those opposed to the gospel had crept in unnoticed. Are there any ways that distortions of the gospel have crept unnoticed into you life?

4. How can you exercise discernment as you contend for the gospel in your life this week?

5. What does it look like to contend for the gospel in the lives of your fellow church members and in your community?

Sermon Overview:
In Jude’s opening verse of his letter, we find a treasure trove of truth about the identity and future of the believer. Jude prepares his readers for the exhortations and warnings to come, but also wants them to consider the gospel. In telling his readers that they are called, loved, and kept, Jude invites us to meditate on the gospel and the richness of what God has done, is doing, and will do.
 
Discussion Questions:

1. Jude opens his letter by reminding the readers that they are called, beloved, and kept. Which one of these characteristics are you most aware of in your daily life?
 
2. ‘Called’ is one of the most frequently used verbs by Christians. How would you recall God’s initiative in his calling you?
 
3. God called us because he loves us. In what ways do you struggle with assurance of your salvation? How does Jude 1 bolster that assurance?
 
4. What things have you been tempted to look to for reasons why God loves you? What do they reveal about your heart?
 
5. How has your confidence in, or possibly distrust of God’s love, affected your relationship with him or others?

Overview of Sermon:
Ephesians 2:5 reveals that salvation is by grace alone, so the glory is to God alone. We were helplessly dead in sin–walking in it and enslaved by it. But in His love, God mercifully saves us. Even when we were dead, God showed us His grace. This grace should amaze us, giving us security when we fail and hope that He will ultimately complete His work in us.
 
Discussion Questions:

1. Austin referenced Ephesians 2:1-3. These verses describe how we were actively walking in sin even as we were dead in it, following Satan and enslaved to our passions, and as a result stood condemned under God's righteous wrath. How do these verses deepen your understanding of what God saved you from?
 
2. How would you answer this question – “Is grace amazing to you?” What are some ways you can remind yourself how amazing grace truly is?
 
3. How did this sermon encourage you in areas where you might be tempted to feel condemnation instead of God’s love for you?
 
4. In what ways have you seen God’s grace at work in your life either through your conversion or after your conversion? How has He changed you?
 
5. How can we seek to share the grace we have received with nonbelievers, both by word and deed?

Overview of the Sermon:
Cam opened this sermon with studies showing this generation to be the least happy people in history. Paul’s letter to the Philippians shows that they faced a variety of threats to joy. Paul repeats the word “joy” throughout his letter, and in 4:4 commands the church to “rejoice in the Lord always.” Cam’s sermon was themed by “When threats to joy arise, we anchor ourselves to Him, and commit to finding joy in Him.” These are not inconsiderate demands, but anchors for the Christian in every circumstance. We are lovingly commanded to feast of the provision in God’s gospel, rather than starve on empty pleasures.

Discussion Questions:

1. Cam mentioned how this may be one of those familiar verses that often gets overlooked when reading this letter. What do you think about when you hear this commonly referenced verse?

2. How can Paul command Christians to rejoice always when there is so much pain and suffering in the world?

3. How can this command draw you outside the darkness of a present circumstance?

4. In what ways does the gospel specifically anchor your soul to Jesus and recalibrate your joy?

5. What examples of Christians rejoicing in the midst of suffering have you witnessed affect watching unbelievers?

Overview of Sermon:
James opens his letter by encouraging Christians to pursue joy in the midst of their trials. James grounds his encouragement in the believers’ knowledge that the LORD produces steadfast endurance in the life of the Christian through their experience of trials. Such endurance, ultimately, leads to a kind of completion in the Christian life where followers of Christ lack no good thing. Through this passage, God teaches his people that trials are sure to come, but trials boost our faith and strengthen our hope.
 
Discussion Questions:

1. When James writes about “trials of various kinds,” what comes to mind for you as a trial you are currently walking through or have previously walked through?

2. In a trial you are currently experiencing, what are some specific thoughts or actions you can pursue as a way to count your trial as “all joy”?

3. James notes that the testing of one’s faith produces steadfastness. Who is someone in our community group or church that well-exemplifies steadfastness brought about by a season of suffering?
 
4. How might you use this passage to encourage a Christian burdened by suffering to better see the LORD’s purpose in their trial?
 
5. How can this passage inform how you describe your experiences of suffering when speaking to someone who does not yet follow Christ?

Overview of Sermon:
In our current atmosphere of election-related anxiety, CJ pointed us towards the eternal perspective found in Psalm 33. The psalmist begins with a call to joyful praise. Next, he provides reasons why we should praise God–God’s righteous perfection and God’s active reign over all the rulers of the world. The psalm concludes with God’s special affection and steadfast love for His people. Because God has already dealt with the greatest threats to our joy through the cross, we can be confident that He reigns over this upcoming election.

Discussion Questions:

1. CJ pointed out that God’s steadfast love is mentioned in v.5, v.18, and v.22. He also mentioned that “the steadfast love of the Lord endures forever” is the most repeated phrase in the Bible. How does a knowledge of God’s steadfast love comfort you no matter what happens in world events or politics?

2. Psalm 33 describes an entirely sovereign God who rules and reigns over all. In other words, He is a big God. Where might you be tempted to view God as small, either in politics or in other situations?

3. How will this week’s sermon change how you react to your news feed and conversations about the election?

4. CJ mentioned that we can fill in our own circumstances in v. 19 where the psalmist says that the Lord will deliver His saints from death and keep them alive in famine. How can you apply this verse to something you are currently walking through?

5. How can our confidence in God’s reign be a witness to a watching world as we interact with nonbelievers about the upcoming election?

Overview of Sermon: 
The story of Samson illustrates the danger of spiritual adultery. Samson and the people of Israel commit covenant unfaithfulness through their trust in other gods and doing what is right in their own eyes. Samson’s miraculous birth, foolishness, and final vindication shows the blinding and destructive nature of sin, how God works even in spite of our sinfulness, and leads us to long for and treasure our Strong Savior.

Discussion Questions

1. We see multiple people who are slow to recognize God’s saving acts at work. What other effects can spiritual adultery have on our relationship with God.

2. Samson shows us that spiritual adultery involves a lack of awareness of God and doing what is right in our own eyes. How do you fight to see God in your current season?

3. Throughout the story of Samson, we see a God who is at work even in his people’s sin and unfaithfulness. How has the Lord worked through your sin? How did it make you love Jesus more?

4. The story of Samson makes us long for a stronger Savior. How has Jesus’ strength helped you in your daily battle with sin?

Overview of Sermon:
Continuing in his instruction to the Galatians, Paul compares the Christian’s pursuit of godliness to a farmer sowing seeds. Paul notes that all people continually sow seeds of some type, either seeds of the flesh or seeds of the Spirit. He then urges the Galatians to sow seeds of the Spirit, specifically in relation to financial giving, spiritual growth, and good works, and thereby bear the fruit of the Spirit in all three areas, ultimately resulting in eternal life.
 
Discussion Questions:

1. CJ noted that for godly Christians we know, there has always been a history of sowing seeds of godliness, likely in private and perhaps over the course of several years. Who are one or two members of SGCL that well-exemplify the fruit of the Spirit, and what are some of their consistent habits of sowing to the Spirit that you’re aware of?

2. CJ mentioned that sowing to the flesh often starts out in small, subtle ways. What small, subtle ways have you found yourself sowing to the flesh?

3. CJ encouraged members of the church to develop a specific plan for future sowing to the Spirit, either in financial giving, spiritual growth, or good works. What is your plan for sowing?

4. How might you use this passage to encourage a Christian friend or family member that feels weighed down by the day-after-day pursuit of holiness?

5. How might this passage embolden a Christian who is intimidated by sharing the gospel with others?

Overview of the Sermon:
To a culture obsessed with spirituality, Paul writes to define clearly what true spirituality is and how it can be measured in the believer’s life. CJ showed us that true spirituality is not self-centered nor based on subjective impressions, but is the fruit of the gospel worked out in the context of the local church. True spiritual maturity is expressed in gentle restoration when one is caught in sin, and in the bearing of one another’s burdens. God’s kind design is not that we bear hardships or suffering alone, but that we share with each other, care for each other, and fulfill the law of Christ by imitating Him in love. Those “who are spiritual,” are not the spiritual elite, but are simply the entire community of gospel believing Christians. Spirit-filled Christians do not avoid and ignore sin, but humbly recognize that Jesus bore our greatest burden on the cross and cared for us with gentle restoration. Because of this, we can care for each other and boast in Him alone.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some ways that you are tempted to practice spirituality outside of how Scripture defines true Spirituality?

2. How does the gospel help to guard us from falling into temptation when we are seeking to restore someone who has been caught in sin?

3. CJ said that “We don’t gather to impress one another with our spirituality, but as needy sinners humbly in need of grace.” What burden are you carrying right now, and who is bearing that burden with you this week? If no one, who can you divulge that to?

4. CJ shared a list of questions that can help us learn and share burdens. Is there someone in your community group who you can discuss these questions with?
- What is presently hard for you?
- What was the most difficult moment or your lowest moment last week?
- What are you presently worried about?
- What are you afraid of tomorrow or as you look into the future?

5. JI Packer said, “The church is a place where no one is well, and anyone can relapse at any time.” How might this inform a conversation with someone dear burdening your heart?

Overview of Sermon:
Bill Kittrell encouraged us to live by faith instead of giving into doubt or despair in suffering and shared 5 lessons that he learned from a heart attack. First, he learned that God is in control and active in our lives. He also learned that he could do things he thought he could not do and that God uses means of grace to help us do hard things. Fourth, Bill realized that the Lord really loved him personally even when he was anxious. Lastly, Bill became aware and alert to Satan’s attacks during trials.

Discussion Questions:

1. How did this sermon help increase your confidence that God is truly in control of your life?

2. Bill referenced Isaiah 40:26 where we see how God’s power sustains the heavens and sustains us. How has God’s almighty power strengthened you to do things you didn’t think you could do, and what means of grace did he use to do that?

3. How do you think the Lord views you when you are going through suffering?

4. How might you be experiencing spiritual warfare currently, and how did this sermon encourage you in that fight?

5. This sermon provided a Christian perspective on suffering. How could you come alongside a suffering nonbeliever in your life and point them to the Lord through having a conversation about suffering?

Overview of Sermon:
Continuing in his warning about licentiousness, Paul notes that the sinful desires of the flesh are directly opposed to the sanctifying desires of the Holy Spirit, and that one cannot pursue both their flesh and the Spirit simultaneously. Therefore, Paul writes, the solution for the believer to avoid gratifying their sinful desires is to simply walk in the Holy Spirit. In so doing, the Christian is freed from the constraints of the old covenant law and empowered to live in a particular freedom to pursue holiness known only to this side of the cross.

Discussion Questions:

1. What did Brian note as Paul’s main burden for the Galatians expressed in this passage?

2. Paul uses the analogy of walking in the Spirit to describe daily Christian life. What are some
specific examples of how a believer can walk in the Holy Spirit?

3. In humbly giving examples of how he walked according to the flesh in the past week, Brian
noted that his initial motivations were godly. However, his fleshly desires presented
themselves later as distractions, only after he had already set out on a task. What are
common situations you find yourself in where you are initially motivated to please the
LORD and find yourself later tempted in your task by your flesh?

4. How might this passage help encourage a believer who is weighed down by the continued
presence of sinful temptation in their life?

5. How might this passage better help you share the gospel with a non-Christian who views
themselves as a fundamentally good person?

Overview of Sermon:
Paul continues his letter to the Galatians by reminding Christians that the freedom granted to them in the gospel is entirely due to the sovereign calling of God. Paul warns the Galatians against using their gospel freedom to gratify their own selfish desires, writing that such behavior leads to the destruction of church unity. Instead, Paul exhorts the Galatian believers to leverage their gospel freedom to serve each other through love, thereby fulfilling the entire purpose of the Old Testament law.
 
Discussion Questions:

1. Quoting Charles Spurgeon, CJ encouraged us to “fly back to the day and hour in which you were made Christ’s forever” and remember God’s initiative in our salvation. How are you affected by recalling the LORD’s sovereign orchestration when you came to faith in Christ?
 
2. In what ways are you tempted to use gospel freedom for selfish means, and how can you apply this passage when you experience such temptation?
 
3. As CJ encouraged us to reflect, how can you use the freedom God has granted you in the gospel to serve your spouse, parents, or friends more readily this week?

Overview of the Sermon:
These verses give a surprising gift of warnings that are meant to guard Christians from tripping over legalism or license. They are also meant to fix our eyes on the sufficiency of Jesus. Paul warns of false teaching and beliefs that would lead to self-confidence, rather than confidence in Jesus alone. If one persists in false self-confidence, it will lead to condemnation. The only confidence that will empower finishing the race well is that He who called us, is the One who will keep us. As the old hymn says, “He will hold us fast”.

Discussion Questions:

1. Paul was no stranger to sports and used many illustrations from recreational competition. What has God taught you through sports?

2. CJ proclaimed that “legalism if left unaddressed will spread”. How have you seen this reality unfold in your life?

3. What are some modern additions to the gospel you can be tempted by?

4. CJ listed out some reasons why the cross is so offensive. How does reflecting on these offenses of the cross guard your soul from tripping up on false confidence?

5. CJ concluded that “There is no running or finishing the race well apart from clinging to the cross of Christ”. How does this fuel your own “leg of the race” right now?

Sermon Overview:
The world we live in tempts us to live on autopilot, doing whatever we can to avoid hardship and pursue ease and pleasure. 1 Peter reminds us that not only are we to pursue initiative, God’s promises and power enables and sustains our diligence in the Christian life. In 1 Peter 1:3-11, we see the assurance of our maturity, the path to our maturity, and the goal of our maturity. As we persevere in our faith, God is faithful to both help us and bring our faith to fruition as we get closer to the day where we will be with him.
 
Discussion Questions:
 
1. Verses 3-4 describes the assurance of our maturity and reminds us that, because of the gospel, we will finish well. Do you tend to view God’s involvement in your life as enabling or detached? What does this passage say about what God does in our lives?

2. Verses 5-7 list characteristics that we are to pursue. Which of these characteristics do you currently see the Lord developing in your life? How have you seen fruit or effectiveness from those qualities?
 
3. Emerson reminded us that true faith perseveres. What does perseverance look like in your season?

4. True faith will make us want to please God more instead of presuming his love for us. How does this concept balance the dichotomy of faith and works?

Overview of Sermon:
In this sermon, the author of Ecclesiastes expresses to the reader that it is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting. CJ expounded that wisdom is found in paying careful attention to death. This wisdom needed for living in the present comes from acknowledging the brevity of life and the surety of death and learning to live today in the reality that you will die. This passage brings us face to face with death the evangelist, and it is by reflecting on the house of mourning that we have the best opportunity to evaluate and transform our lives in a way that could never be done by the house of feasting. 
 
Discussion Questions:
 
1. What is your experience with coming to the house of mourning? Living in a culture that wants to avoid death, how does this topic affect you?  

2. At the outset of the sermon, CJ quoted Charles Spurgeon, “Death will not spare us because we avoid him." What is a way that you and/or our culture attempts to avoid death?  

3. This verse is meant to have a positive impact and a discernible, desirable effect on our lives, but often we desire the house of feasting instead of the house of mourning. What wisdom can we gain from coming to the house of mourning that proves it is better for us?  

4. CJ points out that this verse is in no way a diss of feasting, and on the contrary, Ecclesiastes commands us to enjoy God’s gifts we do not deserve. What are some of God’s gifts that you are thankful for, and how do you show gratitude for those gifts?  

5. How can death the evangelist equip or help you to spur on your own evangelistic efforts?

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?

Sermon Overview:
The reader of Ecclesiastes comes to the end of the Preacher’s sermon, in which the Preacher makes his final and ultimate argument—what will you do with your life given its trials and joys, finitude and fallenness? He implores us to, instead of spending life trying not to die, spend it living for Christ with all our might. To do so requires that we spend our life, enjoy our life, and commit all our life to God.

Discussion Questions:

1. When we don’t know what is ahead, our tendency is to withhold from sowing seed (v. 6). How are you sowing seed in your current season and uncertainties?
2. Walt referred to stubborn gifts as things in our lives that keep saying God is good. What are some stubborn gifts you’re especially aware of this week?
3. John Piper says that living for the glory of Christ to the full in every chapter is what makes it a success. Why are we tempted to define a successful life by other things?
4. Because death is coming, we are to give our lives away and remember our Creator as created beings. How do the imperatives and commands in this passage confront unbelievers?

Overview of Sermon:
Paul’s passion is on full display in this passage, as he fights for the survival of the Galatian Christians and the honor of his Savior. He begins defining the problem at the heart of his letter: the Galatians are abandoning the sufficiency of Christ alone! Some thought they had good intentions in returning to the Law of the Judiasers, others followed depraved desires to pagan idolatry, but both were abandoning freedom in Christ for bondage in sin. So, Paul passionately pleas that they repent and turn to Christ. After all, Paul reminds them in verse 9 that they did not first love God; instead, in His sovereign grace, He wanted them and chose to love them first, which changes everything.

Discussion Questions:
 
1. How were you first awakened to the love of God that delivered you from the bondage of sin?

2. CJ pointed out that some of the Galatians thought they had good intentions in trying to heed the law, others pursued depraved idolatry, yet both were abandoning the sufficiency of Christ. How have you seen these temptations tempt you to not trust in Christ alone?

3. How does reflecting on God’s sovereign grace protect you from legalistic or idolatrous pursuits?

4. DA Carson said that “Paul was deeply involved in the lives of those he preaches to but unwilling to compromise on the truth of the Gospel”. How does this inspire your friendships with brothers and sisters in Christ?

5. Who in your life provokes pain at the sight of seeing them wander from Christ? How does this passage inform your prayers for them?

Overview of Sermon:
Continuing in his commentary about the Old Testament law, Paul explains that before the coming of Christ, Israel was like a small child that was too young to inherit the fullness of their inheritance, a role not much different than a slave. Similarly, Gentiles, being enslaved to the world, were also unable to realize the inheritance God would have for his people. In Christ, however, both Jews and Gentiles are redeemed from their slavery and even adopted as sons of God. Receiving the Spirit of God’s Son, all of God’s children are now rightfully able to inherit the full promises of God: most importantly, God himself.
 
Discussion Questions:
1. In what way do verses 1-3 distinguish the promises God made to the Jewish people through Abraham while still placing Jews and Gentiles in the same state before God?
 
2. God is the initiator of all events (verses 4-6). What does God’s initiation tell us about the gospel and His very character?
 
3. Verse 5 explains two purposes of why God sent forth his Son to be born of woman, under the law. What significance do these purposes have in your life? 
 
4. How could you use this passage in a conversation with a non-Christian friend who doesn’t feel like God could ever love them?

Overview of Sermon: 
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul is on a mission to rescue the Galatian believers from a false gospel. Chapter 3 begins with Paul arguing that the true people of God are those who have faith like Abraham. In Gal. 3:19-29 Paul addresses the question, if faith is what counts, what then is the purpose of the law? The two purposes of the law are to reveal true nature of sin and to lead us to Christ. Now that Christ has come, we are no longer under the law but are children of God through faith.
 
Discussion Questions: 
1. Paul has made clear that salvation comes through faith not by works of the law. However, Paul does not argue that the law was useless or contrary to God’s promise. What is the purpose of the law according to Paul?
 
2. Jeff pointed out that the law is meant to reveal the true nature of sin and to lead us to Christ. In what ways does the law reveal the nature of sin and lead us to Christ?  
 
3. In verse 21, Paul declares that the law cannot give us what we want. It cannot grant life. In the past, have you tried to find life by obeying the law? Are there anyways that you are currently tempted to look to the law for life?
 
4. Life comes through faith in Christ not through obedience to the law. By faith, we are united to Christ and are adopted into God’s family. As the sermon came to a close, Jeff proclaimed the incredible grace given to us in Christ. What have we received through union with Christ?
 
5. What strength and encouragement have you received this week through your union with Christ?  How can you encourage your family, community group, and neighbors with the grace that you have received?