The I AM

Worship Folder

Outline

Hook: Do you ever feel like you are inwardly out of control?

I. GOD: THE I AM
"God has of himself all that he has, while other things have nothing of themselves. And they, having nothing of themselves, have their only reality from him." - Anselm

II. KNOWING GOD: THE TRUTH THAT FREES
"The truth will set you free, but first it will (tick) you off." - Gloria Steinham

III. OF GOD: SONS NOT SLAVES
"If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God's child, and having God as his Father." - J.I. Packer

Takeaway: Become child-like, not child-ish.

Discussion Questions

1. When do you feel the most out of control emotionally? How is it a signal that things are not right with you spiritually?
2. Why do you think the truth of Jesus often provokes anger or defensiveness before it brings freedom? Where do you see that dynamic in John 8:31–59?
3. Think back to how you answered the first question. What gospel truth do you most need to hear? What is the truth that could set you free, if you believed it whole-heartedly?
4. What is the difference between relating to God as a slave versus as a son or daughter? How does the Assurance of Pardon from Romans 3:21–25a help us rest in the freedom and status Jesus gives?
5. Discuss the difference between being child-like and being child-ish

Resources

• Matthew Barrett, None Greater
• Tim Keller, Galatians study
• J.I. Packer, Knowing God
• Michael Reeves, Rejoicing in Christ