Gift & Worth, Part 1

The first letter we have written to the earliest followers of Jesus has a surprising message for us.

Video from the beginning of the message:

Author Brené Brown says we live in a culture that often forces us “to hustle for our worthiness by constantly performing, perfecting, pleasing, and proving.” Where do you see this most in other people–friends, neighbors, or co-workers?
When do you feel most unworthy?
The sermon described how Paul’s letter to the Galatians was written to: a) a group of new Christians, b) who were from Greco-Roman culture and did not grow up with a Jewish background, and c) is the first writing or glimpse we have into the lives of the earliest followers of Jesus. Which of these traits struck you as significant and why?
Read Galatians 1:1-5. The first word of Paul’s greeting in v. 3 is charis. Often translated as the English word “grace,” charis in the ancient world typically referred to a gift that was given from one person to another. It also includes the ideas of favor and benefit that go with receiving a gift. How does it change this greeting insert the words gift, favor, or benefit instead of grace?
How are you trying to establish your worth?
How might Paul be suggesting that God’s gift can rescue us from trying to establish our worth?

What is one thing you could do this week to resist the way(s) of trying to establish your worth that you identified in question five?

Consider doing one of these two options as a group:

Memorize Matthew 11:28-29 and repeat it several times a day this week.
Stream/download/play the songs No Longer Slaves (Bethel Music) and You Say (Lauren Daigle) every morning this week.

Tell a close friend or family member that they do not need to establish their worth with you and why.