How the Gospel Addresses Loneliness Outline and Discussion Questions

How the Gospel Addresses Loneliness

Galatians 3:26-4:7

How Believers Grow: Part 3

As we increasingly embrace the gospel, God satisfies our need to belong through a stunning connection to him that prods us toward rich community with other believers.

1.     Pursue unity in diversity

Galatians 3:26–29 (ESV) 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.

2.     Confirm your identity

Galatians 4:1–5 (ESV)  I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons

3.     Walk in intimacy with God

Galatians 4:6-7 (ESV).6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Questions for reflection or discussion

1.     How would you describe the idea of being “in Christ”? Why is this important?

2.     How does unity address loneliness?

3.     What barriers divide people in our area? What barriers to unity must we guard against in this church?

4.     How would you explain the gospel from Gal. 4:4-5?

5.     What is the significance of the concept of adoption for understanding your identity?

6.     Based on this text, what is the role of the Holy Spirit in addressing our battle with loneliness?

7.     How is God prompting you to live differently to address loneliness with other people in our church family and the wider community?