Why Would You Go Back?

March 22 | Discipleship Guide

Be Real Together:

Take a few minutes to catch up, tell stories, and laugh together.
If you’re launching a new Group, trust and friendship take time to build. Take turns each week having someone share a bit of their story.

Read Together: Galatians 4:8-20 CSB

Paul writes with urgency and deep emotion as he sees the Galatians drifting back into spiritual slavery after experiencing the freedom of the Gospel. Once, they did not know God and were enslaved to things that were not gods—but now they know God and are known by Him. Yet they are turning back to empty religious practices and false teaching. Paul reminds them of their shared history, the love they once had for him, and the truth he faithfully brought. He warns them not to trade relationship for ritual, freedom for bondage, or truth for voices that ultimately pull them away from Christ.

The One Question:
If you only have time for one question, ask this one.

Where in your life are you at risk of drifting backward instead of continuing forward in the freedom of the Gospel?

Grow Together:
Use these questions to go deeper with your Group or for personal reflection.

Paul reminds the Galatians of their past—when they were enslaved to things that were “not gods.” Why is it important to remember who we were before Christ?
Verse 9 says we now “know God, or rather have become known by God.” What stands out to you about that phrase, and why does it matter?
Pastor Sean emphasized: Don’t forget your testimony. When was the last time you intentionally reflected on your story of coming to faith? What stands out when you think back on it now?
When have you seen God use a difficult conversation or correction to shape you?
Pastor Sean warned about voices that subtly pull us away from the Gospel. What are some influences (people, media, habits) that can either strengthen or weaken your focus on Jesus?
Paul’s desire was that “Christ be formed” in them (v.19). What do you think that practically looks like in your life?

Pray Together:

Thank God for rescuing you from spiritual slavery and bringing you into relationship with Him.
Ask God to help you remember your testimony and the ways He has been faithful in your life.
Confess any areas where you’ve been drifting or listening to the wrong voices.
Pray for discernment to recognize truth and humility to receive it—even when it’s hard.
Ask the Holy Spirit to continue forming Christ in you.

Next Steps:

Take 10–15 minutes this week to write out your testimony—what your life was like before Jesus, how you came to know Him, and how He has changed you.
Identify one “voice” in your life (podcast, social media, relationship, habit) and ask: Is this drawing me closer to Jesus or pulling me away? Make an adjustment if needed.
Reach out to someone who has spiritually invested in you and thank them for the role they’ve played in your life.
When you feel resistance to correction or truth, pause and ask: Is this something God might be using to grow me?
Spend time this week in prayer simply reflecting on this truth: I am known by God.