1. Understanding Our Identity in Christ

   1. Pastor Todd mentioned we often focus on what we're saved FROM rather than what we're saved TO. What's the difference? Why does it matter?

   • Follow-up: Which perspective has dominated your faith journey?

   2. Read Galatians 3:26-27. What does it mean to be "clothed with Christ"?

   • Discuss the illustration of lambing (skinning the dead lamb to cover the orphaned lamb)
   • How does this picture help you understand your identity in Christ?

   3. Pastor Todd stated that when we're in Christ, "God sees Jesus when He sees you." How does this truth challenge or comfort you?

1. Breaking Down Barriers

   1. 4. Read Galatians 3:28. Paul addresses three major dividing lines: race (Jew/Gentile), class (slave/free), and sex (male/female).
      • How does being "one in Christ" address these divisions today?
      • Share a time when you've experienced genuine unity in Christ across typical dividing lines.

1. From Slavery to Sonship

   1. 4. The passage contrasts three positions: supervised child, slave, and privileged son. Explain the differences.

      • Which position best describes how you've been relating to God lately?
      • What keeps Christians living like supervised children or slaves rather than privileged sons/daughters?

      5. Read Galatians 4:4-5. What does it mean that Jesus was "born under the law to redeem those under the law"?

      • How does understanding redemption (purchasing with a price) deepen your appreciation for salvation?

1. Intimacy with the Father

   1. 4. 7. The Spirit enables us to cry "Abba, Father" (Galatians 4:6). This is like a toddler saying "Dada."

         • Does this level of intimacy with God feel natural or uncomfortable to you? Why?
         • For those with difficult father relationships: How can understanding God as the perfect Father bring healing?

         8. J.I. Packer said we measure God's love by two yardsticks: the cross and our adoption. Why is adoption such a powerful measure of God's love?

1. Living as Heirs

   1. 4. 7. 9. Read Galatians 4:7. We are not just children but heirs of everything God has.

            • What does it mean practically that "all that is His is yours"?
            • How should this inheritance shape how we live today?

            10. Pastor Todd said an heir doesn't sit on the couch waiting but "joins the father in the family business."

            • What is the Father's business?
            • How are you currently participating in it?
            • What might need to change for you to live more fully as a privileged son/daughter?

1. ✓ Your identity is wrapped up in Christ - You are clothed with Him; God sees Jesus when He sees you.

   ✓ You don't compete for God's favor - Race, class, and gender don't determine your standing with God.

   ✓ You're not a supervised child or slave - You're a privileged son/daughter with full family rights.

   ✓ You have deep intimacy with the Father - The Spirit enables you to know God as "Abba, Daddy."

   ✓ Your inheritance is secure - Everything the Father has is yours as His heir.

   ✓ You fulfill your purpose by serving your Father - Join Him in the family business of the gospel.

   
   

4. Choose 1-2 to focus on this week:

   Individual Applications:

• • Daily Declaration: Each morning this week, pray: "Abba, Father, thank you that I am your beloved child, clothed in Christ, and heir to everything you have."

  • Identity Audit: List areas where you're living like a slave (bound by fear, performance, or worldly systems) rather than a free son/daughter. Confess these and ask God to help you walk in freedom.

  • Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down one blessing or benefit of being adopted into God's family that you're grateful for.

  • Scripture Meditation: Memorize Galatians 4:6-7 this week. Reflect on what it means personally.

4. Group/Relational Applications:

• • • Unity Practice: Intentionally build a relationship with someone in the church who is different from you (different generation, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, etc.). Remember, you're family.

    • Share Your Story: Tell someone this week about your adoption into God's family and what it means to you.

    • Family Business: Identify one person in your "oikos" (household, network) who needs to hear about the gospel. Pray for them daily and look for an opportunity to share.

    • Serve Together: As a group, find one way to join "the Father's family business" together this month (serve the community, support missions, meet a practical need, etc.).

What was most challenging or encouraging from today's discussion?

How can we pray for each other this week?

What's one specific thing you're taking away to apply this week?