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Sermon Title: "The Fulness of Time"

Text: Galatians 4:4-7
Preachers: Doug Lye and Loren Stark
Date: December 1, 2024

Summary Tagline:
"God’s perfect timing brings salvation, purpose, and hope."

Message Summary:
Doug and Loren explore Galatians 4:4-7, focusing on the phrase, “When the fullness of time had come.” The sermon highlights God’s perfect timing in sending Jesus Christ into the world as the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy. They reflect on how human efforts to control time often fail, but God’s plans unfold with precision, revealing His sovereignty and faithfulness.

Doug recounts the broken relationship caused by sin and God’s promises of redemption throughout the Old Testament. He emphasizes the consistent theme of God’s perfect timing, from Abraham to Joseph, culminating in the birth of Christ. Loren transitions to focus on Ephesians 1, where believers are described as chosen and adopted into God’s family through Christ. The message concludes by encouraging listeners to trust God’s timing in their own lives and to celebrate the hope of Christ’s return.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question:

  1. What’s an example of something in your life that worked out at just the right time?
  2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to this Advent season, and why?
  3. Can you remember a Christmas memory where you just couldn't wait for the time to come?

Pray for God's leading in the discussion.

Read the passage together and discuss anything that comes up immediately.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Galatians 4:4 speaks of God sending Jesus “when the fullness of time had come.” What makes God's timing in sending Jesus so perfect--what does it reveal about his wisdom?
  2. Follow up to Q.1: How have you experienced his perfect timing in finding you and drawing you to himself? How might his timing be at work in sending you to others?
  3. The sermon discussed how people often try to control time and outcomes. What are some ways you struggle with trusting God’s timing, and how can you grow in this trust?
  4. The preachers mentioned the hope of Christ’s return happening at the right time. How does this promise of Jesus’ return impact the way you live today?
  5. Advent reminds us of waiting with expectation. How can we prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ birth and look forward to His return during this season?

For Further Study:

  1. Galatians 4:4-7 – God’s perfect timing in sending Jesus and adopting us as His children.
  2. Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 – There is a time for everything, and God makes everything beautiful in His time.
  3. Ephesians 1:3-14 – Being chosen and adopted in Christ.
  4. Romans 5:6 – "At just the right time, Christ died for the ungodly."
  5. Isaiah 7:14 – The prophecy of Emmanuel, God with us.
  6. Matthew 1:18-25 – The birth of Jesus.
  7. John 14:1-3 – Jesus’ promise to return and prepare a place for us.
  8. Psalm 90:12 – "Teach us to number our days."
  9. Revelation 21:1-5 – The promise of a new heaven and new earth.
  10. 2 Peter 3:8-9 – God’s patience and timing in bringing salvation.

Gospel Connections

Let’s discuss how we can apply this message to our lives as we seek to make the following connections as we follow Jesus:

  1. How does trusting God’s perfect timing deepen your relationship with Him and bring peace to your heart?
  2. How can our church reflect the hope of Advent by serving and encouraging others during this season?
  3. How can our group support each other in trusting God’s timing for unanswered prayers or life’s uncertainties?
  4. How can we, as individuals and a church, share the hope of Christ’s coming with our city during this Advent season?
Adults
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