Sermon Listening Guide, Week 5 of Galatians: The Pure Gospel

Listening Guide

Galatians: The Pure Gospel

Week 5

1. Paul writes to the Galatians claiming that we are justified through _________________, not the ______.  All that is expected of us is our faith.  

2. Because of Jesus we are _______________.  

3. Paul notes in Galatians 5:13, “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become ______________ to one another.”  (NRSV)  

4.  At first glance, verse 13 seems _____________________.  

5. Paul notes in Galatians 5:14, “For the ______________ _______ is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”  (NRSV)

6. Referring to Jesus, Philippians 2:7 states, “but emptied himself, taking the form of a ____________, being born in human likeness.  And being found in human form,”   

7. You have ______________ _______ _______________!

Answers: 

1. Jesus; law

2. free

3. slaves

4. odd (or another word if one chooses)  

5. whole law

6. slave  

7. changed the world  

Discussion Guide, Week 5 of Galatians: The Pure Gospel

Discussion Guide

Week 5 of Galatians: The Pure Gospel

From Slave to Slave  

Sermon Snapshot: 

Paul makes clear in Galatians that we are not justified by circumcision or the law, but only through Jesus Christ are we justified before God.  In justification through Christ is where our faith rests.  He also make clear that we are freed from the law, and no more enslaved by the law.  So what is our response?  Shockingly, Paul encourages the Galatians to become slaves to each other through love.  Though this is initially a surprising move on Paul’s part, it is not without good reason.  You see, it makes a difference what or who enslaves us.        

Scripture: 

Galatians 5:13-14

Matthew 12:1-14  

Discussion Questions: 

1. What is your response to Paul’s encouragement for the Galatians to enter into slavery to one another?
2. What are your personal laws for living?
3. How much do these personal laws dictate what you do in your daily life?  Have you ever acted as thou you were enslaved to these laws?    
4. Do your laws ever present you from loving others well?  If so, how?  
5. What does entering into mutual slavery with others look like?  
6. If Paul encourages the Galatians to enter into slavery to one another, and notes that the law is fulfilled by loving one’s neighbor as one loves one’s own self what does this say about our relationship to God?  

Challenge: 

Over the next week, break one of your personal laws/rules for the sake of loving someone well.  Please note, I do not in any way condone or encourage the breaking of official government rules/law/regulations.  If you have any doubt as to what I am encouraging, please email me!!