Galatians 3:1-14 | The Spirit-Filled Life of Freedom

“The Spirit-Filled Life of Freedom” (Galatians 3:1-14)

V.1 Your discernment is so immature, the only logical reason must be that someone cast a spell because Jesus and his work on the cross was clearly plastered to the church by my preaching.

V.2-4 The warning: Don’t lose your power supply.

Problem: Guilt driven, Performance based spirituality or self-improvement gospel.

V.5-6 It’s by faith, not works. We don’t generate power; we receive it through faith.

V.7-9 Abraham was a gentile that was saved by faith in God’s promises. Gentiles are spiritual heirs of the same promise because it’s by faith not by being a physical heir. (Genesis 12/15)

V.10-14 Cursed is everyone who doesn’t live up to all the law. Jesus bore our curse by becoming a curse. (*see note below)

How do I avoid the Galatian deception?

1. Believe your position: You don’t work for righteousness; you work from it.
2. Power Connection: Eph. 5:18 says to be “filled” with the Spirit’s power. How?
   1. Yielded Submission: Choose to follow what the Holy Spirit says. How do I know when He is speaking?
      1. Living Word Interaction: Examine scriptures to let them examine you. He speaks primarily through the word. Am I interacting with the author? Am I asking him to do the work and make the changes?
      2. Constant Communication: Prayer aligns our heart and mind to God’s (Rom. 12:2). It grows our faith (Rom.10:17) We begin to recognize His voice (John 10:27).
      3. Listen with expectation: Expect Him to speak (still small voice).
      4. Worship grows affection. Eph. 5:19-20 Expressed worship gives thanks, sets our heart on God and allows the Spirit to move and is an act of surrender.
      5. Petition for Provision: Luke 11:13 Ask the Father for the Holy Spirit, and He will generously give.

Grow Group Questions:

1. What are some “spiritual power outages” you’ve experienced in your own life? How did you recognize them, and how did you reconnect to the power source of the Holy Spirit?
2. Reflect on verse 3. In what ways do you sometimes fall into the trap of trying to maintain your spiritual life through your own efforts rather than relying on the Holy Spirit?
3. Discuss the concept of “working from righteousness” rather than “working for righteousness.” How might this perspective change your daily life and decision-making?
4. How can we cultivate a habit of “constant communication” with the Holy Spirit throughout our day? Share practical ideas with the group.
5. The message suggests “listening with expectation” to the Holy Spirit’s voice. Can you share an experience where you felt the Holy Spirit’s guidance? How did you recognize it?
6. What is one specific area in your life where you need to surrender control and yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance? How can the group pray for and support you in this?

Notes:

*For a deep dive into Gal. 3:13 Blessings and curses, click here: https://www.minimannamoments.com/what-is-the-connection-between-2-mountains-the-ark-of-the-covenant-and-messiah-being-thirsty-part-2/