Spiritual Authority: Restored In Christ — SONS & DAUGHTERS
Based on the message by Chad Everett
OVERVIEW
Where does spiritual authority come from?
Many believers spend their lives trying to earn God’s approval, prove their worth, or measure their relationship with God by their performance. In this message, Chad Everett teaches from Galatians 3 that spiritual authority begins with identity. Before believers can walk in authority, they must know who they are in Christ.
Paul reminds the Galatian church that they became sons and daughters of God through faith, not through works. However, they were being deceived into thinking they had to earn what God had already given them by grace.
This message also addresses deception in the last days. Jesus repeatedly warned believers not to be deceived. Chad explains how persuasive voices, cultural pressures, and appealing ideas can pull people away from biblical truth if they are not anchored in God’s Word.
Most importantly, believers are challenged to stop living from their own thoughts, feelings, and performance and begin living from the Spirit. God has not called His people to strive for sonship. He has called them to believe, receive, and walk confidently as sons and daughters of God.
“The revelation of our authority comes from knowing Jesus and knowing our identity in Him.”
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Read → Respond → Reflect
- Open your Bible.
● Let Scripture answer the questions.
● Be honest instead of giving the “church answer.”
● Ask God to reveal areas where He wants to strengthen your faith.
This study is not just about learning information.
It’s about discovering who you are in Christ, recognizing deception, and learning to walk in the Spirit instead of relying on yourself.
SECTION 1 — SONS AND DAUGHTERS THROUGH FAITH
FOCUS
Spiritual authority begins with understanding your identity as a son or daughter of God.
READ
Galatians 3:26–29
RESPOND
- According to Galatians 3:26, how do people become sons and daughters of God?
- What does Paul say believers have “put on” in Galatians 3:27?
- According to Galatians 3:28, what divisions lose their power in Christ?
- What promise belongs to those who belong to Christ according to Galatians 3:29?
- Based on these verses, what does Paul connect to becoming part of God’s family: faith, performance, or works?
REFLECT
- What things do people your age often use to find their identity?
- How is God’s definition of your identity different from what culture says?
- Do you ever feel like you have to earn God’s love or approval?
- This week, spend time thanking God for who you are in Christ instead of focusing on what you think is wrong with you.
Further Scripture Reading
John 1:12–13, Romans 8:14–17, Ephesians 1:3–6, 1 John 3:1–2
SECTION 2 — WHO HAS BEWITCHED YOU?
FOCUS
Believers must guard against deception and stay anchored in biblical truth.
READ
Galatians 3:1, Mark 13:5, 2 Thessalonians 2:3
RESPOND
- What question does Paul ask the Galatians in Galatians 3:1?
- What had they stopped obeying?
- What warning did Jesus repeatedly give in Mark 13:5?
- According to 2 Thessalonians 2:3, what responsibility do believers have regarding deception?
- Why do you think Scripture repeatedly warns believers about being deceived?
REFLECT
- What voices influence your thinking most right now?
- How much of your worldview comes from Scripture versus social media, entertainment, or culture?
- When you hear something that sounds convincing, do you compare it to God’s Word?
- This week, choose one belief or opinion you hold and examine what Scripture says about it.
Further Scripture Reading
Ephesians 5:6–11, Colossians 2:4–8, 1 John 4:1
SECTION 3 — JESUS IS THE TRUTH
FOCUS
Truth is not simply an idea. Truth is found in Jesus Christ.
READ
John 18:37–38, John 14:6, John 17:17
RESPOND
- Why did Jesus say He came into the world?
- What question did Pilate ask Jesus?
- How did Jesus describe Himself in John 14:6?
- According to John 17:17, what is truth?
- Based on these passages, where should believers go when they want to know what is true?
REFLECT
- What are some ways culture defines truth differently than Jesus?
- When facing decisions, where do you usually go for answers first?
- What role does God’s Word play in shaping your beliefs?
- This week, spend time reading Scripture before turning to social media or entertainment.
Further Scripture Reading
Psalm 119:160, Proverbs 30:5, Hebrews 4:12
SECTION 4 — RECEIVING THE SPIRIT BY FAITH
FOCUS
Salvation is received through faith, not earned through performance.
READ
Galatians 3:2–5, Ephesians 2:8–9, Romans 10:9–10
RESPOND
- What question does Paul ask about how the Galatians received the Spirit?
- According to Ephesians 2:8–9, who initiated salvation?
- What role does faith play in receiving salvation?
- What does Romans 10:9–10 teach about believing and confessing?
- Why can salvation never be earned by human effort?
REFLECT
- Do you ever feel like God accepts you more when you’re performing well spiritually?
- What is the difference between obedience and trying to earn God’s love?
- How does understanding grace change the way you view your relationship with God?
- This week, thank God for His grace instead of focusing on your failures.
Further Scripture Reading
Titus 3:5, Romans 5:1–2, Philippians 3:8–9
SECTION 5 — LIVING FROM THE SPIRIT
FOCUS
Believers are called to live from the Spirit rather than from fear, feelings, and self-effort.
READ
Galatians 3:3, Romans 8:5–6
RESPOND
- What concern does Paul raise in Galatians 3:3?
- What mistake were the Galatians making about spiritual growth?
- According to Romans 8:5, what is the difference between those who live according to the flesh and those who live according to the Spirit?
- What is the result of being carnally minded according to Romans 8:6?
- What is the result of being spiritually minded?
REFLECT
- What thoughts most often steal your peace?
- Do you tend to live more by feelings or by faith?
- What habits help you stay connected to God?
- This week, when negative thoughts come, intentionally focus on God’s promises instead.
Further Scripture Reading
Galatians 5:16–25, Colossians 3:1–3, 2 Corinthians 10:3–5
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT
You are not a son or daughter of God because of your performance.
You are a son or daughter of God because of your faith in Jesus Christ.
The world will constantly try to shape your identity, influence your beliefs, and distract you from God’s truth. But Jesus calls His followers to stay rooted in Him.
Know who you are. Know what is true. Walk by faith. Live from the Spirit.
God loves you, God has called you, and God can use your life right now.
Stop striving. Start believing. Walk confidently as a son or daughter of God.