Key Thought: As we accept Jesus Christ into our lives, we are called children of God, not because of our merits, but because of His gifts to His children.

[Teaching Plan for From Slaves to Heirs November 16, 2011]

1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 3:27-29.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What does it mean to “put on Christ”? How do we wear Christ?
C. Personal Application: How difficult is it to allow Christ to run our lives? How do we learn to submit fully to Him?
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Is it necessary to be baptized by water? Aren’t we baptized by the Holy Spirit when we accept Christ? What’s so important about baptism?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Galatians 4:1-3.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why does Paul say that the son is no different from a servant as long as he is a child?
C. Personal Application: Do you feel free from the world’s influence and sin’s bondage, or do you feel like the shackles haven’t completely disappeared? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, ”Does this mean that we don’t need pastors or teachers to guide and teach us anymore? Because we are mature in Christ, we don’t need the Bible or instruction anymore.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Galatians 4:4-7.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. If we are heirs of God through Christ, what are we inheriting?
C. Personal Application: Do you feel like we should act more like servants of God or sons of God? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “What does it mean that God sent His Son when the fullness of time had come? Was there a time that God had given that Jesus fulfilled by His birth and ministry?” How do you respond to your neighbor? (Note: See Daniel 9:24-27, Mark 1:15, Luke 3:23, Numbers 4:3)

4. Have a volunteer read Galatians 4:8-10.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What days, months, times, and years would our observation of keep us in bondage to the weak and beggarly elements?
C. Personal Application: What service could modern day people do to those who by nature are no gods?.
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this
week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with
them.

(Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)

Print/PDF/Email