Galatians
Background: This epistle by Paul is one of his greatest and most influential writings. "In the early church, as the separation between Judaism and Christianity was taking place, the letter to the Galatians no doubt helped clarify that cleavage. Centuries later it played such a key role in the Reformation that it was called "the cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation." This was because its emphasis on salvation by grace through faith alone was the major theme of the preaching of the Reformers. Luther was especially attached to Galatians . . . .
The profound influence of this small epistle continues. It is indeed the "Magna Charta of Christian Liberty," proclaiming to modern generations that salvation from the penalty and power of sin comes not by works but by grace through faith in God's provision." (Walvoord and Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary)
Purpose: "Galatians was written to remedy a desperate situation, to call early Christians back from the Mosaic Law to grace, from legalism to faith. It is an emphatic statement of salvation by faith apart from works and is as relevant today as when it was originally penned." (Walvoord and Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary)
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Galatians 1: No Other Gospel
Ø To what "other gospel" were the Galatians turning?
Ø What was Paul's response to the "other gospel"?
Ø According to Paul, is it possible to please men and please God?
Ø How did Paul receive the Gospel he preached?
Ø Where did Paul go after his conversion? Why?
Ø Are there times when we need to get away to hear the Lord?
Galatians 2: Paul an Apostle
Ø What is the significance of Paul being accepted by the Apostles?
Ø What is an Apostle? Does Paul fit into that definition?
Ø What caused the disagreement between Paul and Peter?
Ø Is there application for us here? When is it proper to confront a brother or sister in the Lord?
Ø What did Paul use to defend his position in the dispute?
Ø What is Paul's bottom line in this passage? (See 2:20)
Galatians 3: Faith vs. Law
Ø What were the Galatians doing that so upset Paul in this passage?
Ø Is it ever possible to receive anything from God by observing the Law? Why or why not?
Ø How does one, like Abraham, receive God's righteousness?
Ø What happens to those who rely on the law? Why?
Ø How is anyone redeemed from the curse of the law?
Ø What was the purpose of the law?
Ø How does one become a "son of God"?
Ø What does it mean that there is "neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female"?
Ø Application?
Galatians 4: Sons of God
Ø What does the phrase "when the time had fully come" (vs. 4:4) mean?
Ø What happens to a believer when he is redeemed?
Ø What is the significance of being a "son" and an "heir"?
Ø The Galatians were easily influenced by outside pagan sources, is that true of we believers today?
Ø What does the example of Hagar and Sarah teach about law and grace?
Galatians 5: True Freedom
Ø Is it possible to be truly free apart from Christ?
Ø How can becoming a "slave" for Christ = freedom?
Ø Non-believers typically express that they do not want to be bound by the rules and regulations of Christianity, they want their freedom. Are they in fact free?
Ø What, according to Paul, is the clear demonstration of being free in Christ?
Ø What advice does Paul give to keep from gratifying the desires of the flesh?
Ø What are the acts of the sinful nature?
Ø What is the fruit of the spirit?
Galatians 6: Christian Living
Ø What does it mean for a brother to "be caught in a sin"?
Ø Who are the "spiritual" ones to which he refers?
Ø What caution does Paul give when we are helping others deal with their sin?
Ø What does verse 6:7-10 teach about consequences to our actions?
Ø What is Paul's philosophy about personal boasting? What can we learn from that?
Ø What is the bottom line teaching of Paul in this letter?
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