September 2, 2018 1 Whose authority did Paul claim in his opening statements to the churches in Galatia (1:1-2)? 2 What message did Paul clearly state that is foundational to the Gospel (1:3-4)? 3 How did Paul reveal his true motive at the conclusion of his opening salutation (1:5)? 4 What problems in the Galatian churches led Paul to write this epistle (1:6-7)? Also see Gal 3:1-5; 4:9-10; 5:2-4; 6:12-13 5 Why was Paul so surprised, as well as dismayed (1:6-7)? True Gospel Galatians 1:1-10 This is the first of five lessons in the small, but poignant, book of Galatians In it, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the meaning of spiritual freedom and the dangers of perverting the Gospel with rules and regulations In this profound letter, Paul proclaims the reality of our liberty in Christ freedom from the law and the power of sin, and freedom to serve our living Lord' Paul had a vested interest in the churches in Galatia He had founded the churches and had a great affection for the believers of that region Upon learning that the Judaizers were perverting the Gospel and raising questions about his credentials, Paul goes straight to the heart of the matter liberty in Christ These study guides support the Fall 2018 issue of Explore the Bible, LifeWay Christian Resources 6 What hypothetical example did Paul use to emphasize his point (Gal 1:8-9)? 7 What lesson can churches today learn from this example? What can be done to combat the problem? 8 What did Paul have to say about his motives in preaching the Gospel (Gal 1:10)? 9 What point did Paul want to drive home about the Gospel he was preaching (1:11-12)? Name some ways that Christians today often "frustrate the grace of God" by adding other rules to His perfect gift of salvation How can you better equip yourself to share the true Gospel message with others? 1 Notes from the introduction of the book of Galatians from the Life Application Bible, page 2112 (Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI) Try our Video Sunday School Lesson Previews Available for both Bible Study for Life and Explore the Bible Get them free for a month at sundayschooluniversitycom
September 9, 2018 1 What did Peter do that brought about such harsh rebuke from Paul (Gal 2:11-12)? 2 What caused Peter to behave in this manner (2:12)? True Grace Galatians 2:11-21 Compromise is an important element in getting along with others, but we should never compromise the truth of God's Word If we feel we have to change our Christian beliefs to match those of our companions, we are on dangerous ground! This is exactly the situation Peter found himself in this lesson Although Peter was a leader of the church, he was acting in a hypocritical manner He knew better, yet he chose to compromise 3 What happened that compounded the seriousness of Peter's sin (2:13)? 4 At what point did Paul determine that something had to be said to Peter (2:14a)? How did he do it (2:11, 14b)? 5 What did Paul have to say about Peter's hypocritical behavior (2:14b)? Also see Acts 15:5-11 Try our Video Sunday School Lesson Previews Available for both Bible Study for Life and Explore the Bible Get them free for a month at sundayschooluniversitycom 6 Can you think of church behavior today that deserves to be called "hypocrisy"? Explain your answer 7 How is a person justified before God (2:16)? Notice that Paul emphasizes this 3 times in this verse alone 8 Why can't the law justify us (2:16)? Also see Rom 3:20 9 What does it mean to be crucified with Christ (2:20)? Also see Rom 6:2-6; Eph 4:22-24; Luke 9:23 10 How does legalism frustrate God's grace (2:21)? Why? How might believers today still be in danger of acting as if Christ died in vain? Peter believed and preached a gospel of faith, yet in the instance in this lesson, his life contradicted his message Does your life reflect a gospel of rules or grace? Are you walking the walk? Is there something you need to change? These study guides support the Fall 2018 issue of Explore the Bible, LifeWay Christian Resources
September 16, 2018 1 List some of the questions that Paul asked the Galatians concerning their relationship to the Holy Spirit (3:1-5) 2 Why was Paul so obviously disappointed in the Galatian believers (3:1-2)? 3 Based on Paul's line of questioning, what did he believe the Galatians thought about the Law (3:3)? 4 How did Paul bring the Galatians' persecution for the cause of Christ into his line of questioning (3:4-5)? 5 How did Paul's use of Abraham as an example of faith discredit the arguments of the Judaizers (3:6-7)? True Life Galatians 3:1-14 It is not uncommon for new Christians to be amazed by how God's wonderful gift of salvation can be obtained through faith alone Surely there must be more to it than that some rules to keep, some religious requirements But consider this: The person who depends on religion (the Law) has the focus on what THEY can do on their own, not what Christ has ALREADY done One who trusts Christ rests on His grace Try our Video Sunday School Lesson Previews Available for both Bible Study for Life and Explore the Bible Get them free for a month at sundayschooluniversitycom 6 How did Paul link God's promise to Abraham with what He would do centuries later (3:8-9)? 7 Why is it that everyone who insists on observing the Law is under a curse (3:10)? 8 What contrast does Paul use in comparing salvation by the Law with salvation by faith (3:11-12)? 9 How did Christ free us from the curse of the Law (3:13)? 10 According to 3:14, what is the Gentiles relationship to Abraham, the father of the Jews? How would you respond to someone who believes they can have a right relationship with God by keeping the Ten Commandments and attending church? In your view, what is the biggest difference between Law and faith? Be specific These study guides support the Fall 2018 issue of Explore the Bible, LifeWay Christian Resources
September 23, 2018 1 How did Christ's coming change the role of the Law (3:23-25)? True Heirs Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-7 For centuries the Jews had been awaiting the coming of their Messiah All the while they struggled to observe the law as a means of maintaining a right relationship with God But in God's perfect timing (4:4) the time appointed by the Father and foretold by the prophets He sent Jesus to execute His plan and purpose for all mankind Jesus was both "born of a woman" and "born under the law" He was not only deity in the flesh, He was also a Jew and, as such, subject to God's law 2 On what basis does one become a "child of God" (3:26-27)? Also see 1 John 3:1 3 What are some of the categorical barriers that have been broken down in Christ (3:28)? 4 If we are "one in Christ" (v 26), what should be our attitude toward the groups of people mentioned in verse 28? 5 Explain how the Galatians were heirs of the promise to Abraham (3:29) Try our Video Sunday School Lesson Previews Available for both Bible Study for Life and Explore the Bible Get them free for a month at sundayschooluniversitycom 6 How is being under the Law like being an heir who is still a minor (4:1-3)? 7 How did the coming of Jesus perfectly satisfy the requirements of the Law (4:4-5)? 8 What was the effect of the Spirit in the lives of the Galatians (4:6)? 9 Since the Galatians were no longer slaves to the Law, what had they become (4:7)? 10 What special privileges do children of God enjoy (4:6-7)? As you dress each day this week, remember that you have been clothed with Christ (3:27) You have come of age God has empowered you to live by faith as a mature son or daughter! Explain how this could affect your day As a child of God, do you behave life a slave or more like an heir? Explain? These study guides support the Fall 2018 issue of Explore the Bible, LifeWay Christian Resources
September 30, 2018 1 What were the religious practices of the Galatians before they "knew" God (4:8)? 2 What were some of the "same old rituals" the Galatians had fallen prey to that caused Paul to fear he had "labored in vain" (4:9-11)? 3 How does 4:12-14 illustrate the care and concern we should have for other Christians, especially those who faithfully minister the Word of God to us? Also see Heb 13:7, 17 4 What clue do we have that the Galatians had lost their 'joy" or blessedness for Paul (4:15-16)? 5 What was the goal of the legalistic false teachers (4:17)? True Freedom Galatians 4:8-20 Many people go to great lengths today to get and keep their bodies physically fit Many are very conscious of the amount of fat in their diet and spend large sums of money for exercise equipment and fitness club memberships But whether working out at home or exercise at a spa, the bottom line in physical fitness is personal discipline Just as exercise is essential to physical fitness, spiritual fitness is dependent on our willingness to develop our relationship with God through the exercise of Bible study and prayer If we fail to grow spiritually, we are subject to the temptations of worldly ideas and practices 6 How does legalism (rituals and traditions) relegate Christians to being spiritual slaves? 7 Is it wrong for Christians to stir up or create excitement or cultivate influence in the church (4:18)? Explain your answer 8 What illustration does Paul use to express his deep devotion and concern for the Galatians (4:19-20)? 9 What was Paul's deep desire for the Galatian Christians (4:20)? 10 Related to this lesson, what do you think God's deep desire for Christians today is? In John McArthur's book The Believer's Life in Christ, he writes: "The Christian life is the process of becoming what you already are in Christ Consider the difference between the development of a polliwog and a child A polliwog is born as a shapeless mass with a tail After a while it sprouts some legs Eventually it takes the form of a frog or a toad However, when a human baby is born into the world, it comes with all the necessary parts they merely need to grow The same thing is true of a Christian When you were born into the family of God, you were not a spiritual polliwog You were complete You have all the parts of a mature Christian You simply need to grow" Try our Video Sunday School Lesson Previews Available for both Bible Study for Life and Explore the Bible Get them free for a month at sundayschooluniversitycom