The Gift Overview
‘The Gift’ is a shorthand description used in the apostles' letters to the churches describing the lavish grace of God given to all who repent and place their trust in Jesus as Lord, believing the gospel. The gospel is who Jesus is and what he has done. ‘The Gift’ is what we freely receive in Christ and continually experience through the Holy Spirit!
Freedom
In Christ we are free from the power of sin, death and self, and free to desire and do God’s will through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has set us free and we are learning to live in his freedom in our everyday lives.
REMEMBER (30 min)
Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion
Worship Songs
No Longer Slaves by Jonathan Helser
Break Every Chain by Tasha Cobbs
Remember each other: Care
Optional- break up into smaller groups for 10 min Hi/Lo check in
Remember the Liturgy:
Remember what we learned and put into practice last week: Accountability
Topic: The Gift- 1. Forgiven
What did you receive or share any testimonies from the journal/letter writing exercise?
REFLECT (30 min)
Prepare (See the Leaders Guide for a brief commentary and context for the scripture and core truth from the topic)
Introduce today’s Topic and any commentary or context for the scripture
Topic Title: The Gift- 2. Freed
Share the Summary Scripture for the topic: Galatian 5:1
Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed
Share context for Scripture Story : John 8:31-38
Discover
Read the Scripture John 8:31-38- Jesus’ Exchange with the Pharisees
Discussion Questions
What is the biblical and historical context?
What does this reveal about God and People (optional)
Jesus says, “If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed.” How is Jesus’ freedom a gift and how do we live in the freedom he has given?
How does practicing the truth rather than having head knowledge of the truth, set you free?
Jesus says, “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” What do you think Jesus meant? How is walking in freedom with Jesus different from the world’s definition of freedom? (The world says freedom is doing what you want, true freedom is the ability to desire and do what God wants.)
RESPOND (30 min)
Experience and Encounter
Where do you feel you don’t yet have the freedom Jesus has won for you? (Spend time praying for one another.)
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how he has set you free. Using the provided supplies, (crayons or watercolors), use color or images to illustrate the freedom you have experienced or what he is showing you. (Music could be played in the background and people could share with someone sitting next to them if time allowed.)
Lord’s Supper (Communion)
Practice and Obey
Spend time journaling or praying through a way, or ways, you can learn to walk out freedom in an area that was highlighted to you through today’s discussion. Consider sharing with someone else in your home church or your home church leaders to encourage and celebrate.
Pray
The Lord’s Prayer