Discussion Guide, Galatians: The Pure Gospel, Week One

Galatians: The Pure Gospel

Week One

Sermon Snapshot: 

The Letter of Paul to the Galatians is an important letter written by Apostle Paul to churches in Galatia, a Roman Province.  Prior to writing this letter, Paul had some history with the folks of Galatia as he had founded churches there.  Paul’s letter was written in reaction to some troublesome news he had received about an alternative Gospel that was being taught to the Galatians by Jewish-Christian missionaries.  Problematic is the Jewish-Christian missionaries are espousing a new gospel that seems to include both circumcision and adherence to the Law.  Paul is adamant that the Gospel does not require circumcision and adherence to the Law.  In fact, he emphasizes that we are unable to be justified of our own effort; for justification to take place, we need Christ.  

Scripture: 

Galatians 1:1-17

Galatians 2:16  

Galatians 5:10b-12

Galatians 5:2-4 

Discussion Questions: 

1. How do you define the Gospel?  Is grace a significant part of the Gospel?    

2. What does it mean to be justified before God?  

3. Why does it matter that one is justified before God?  

4. How significant is Jesus and his death and resurrection regarding the Gospel?  

5. Do you find the Gospel message easy or difficult to accept?  

6. Do you ever find yourself living as though you are attempting to adhere to a gospel similar to the gospel taught by the Jewish-Christian missionaries which Paul opposed?  

7. How do we as Christians ensure that we do not accept a false gospel?  

Challenge:  

Before your Life Group’s next scheduled meeting, read all of Galatians.