Galatians 5:1-12

• 1. Galatians 5:1 states the main reason Paul wrote this book. What was that?

• Stand firm in your faith and do not be burdened with slavery to works-righteousness

• 2. What does a desire to find peace with God through the law do to our relationship with Christ? to our relationship with the law? to our possessing God’s grace in Christ? (verses 2-4)

• Christ is of no value• Obligated to obey the whole law• Alienated from Christ

• 3. Read verses 5-6. What words and expressions underscore the concept that good works can not save us.

• Faith, Spirit, Righteousness for which we hope, Faith expressing itself through love

• 4. Explain the proper relationship between faith and deeds of love. (Hint: See the end of verse 6.)

• Love flows from faith – love does not complete faith

• 5. In verses 7-10, what pictures does Paul use to describe the damage the Judaizers were causing in Galatia?

• A Race and yeast

• Explain the illustration of yeast.

• It spreads and grows if not stopped

• 6. Explain the phrase “the offense of the cross”. (Verse 11)

• Christ crucified causes them to reject the way to heaven.

• 7. Give an example of a person who could have escaped persecution by introducing works into his or her religion. (The example might be from your own family or church.)

• Answers will vary• 8. In verse 10, Paul says that people who

preach salvation by works will suffer for doing so. How does a religion of works righteousness cause people to suffer? How can we avoid those penalties?

• Hell, No peace, No certainty of salvation, They will tire of the hamster wheel of good works.

• Only through faith in Christ.

Galatians 5:13-26

• 1. We are saved by faith, not by works. What might we be tempted to do with our freedom?

• Use it as an excuse for sin• 2. Why does living by the Spirit enable us to keep

from satisfying the sinful nature?• Christians motivated by the Gospel want to honor God.

We hate evil• What battle does Paul describe in verse 17? How do we

win the battle?• The battle between the Old Adam and the New Man• Strengthen ourselves through the Word.

• 3. After naming the sins of the flesh, Paul says that those who live “like this” (verse 21) will not inherit the kingdom of God. But doesn’t everyone sin?

• Our life is one of repentance, continually turning away from sin to Christ for forgiveness.

• Explain what “Fruit of the Spirit” is. (22-23)• Actions and attitudes taught by God and

motivated by God’s love for us• 4. What does it mean that we have crucified

our sinful nature with Christ?• We drown him with daily contrition and

repentance

The Meaning of Baptism for our Daily Life

• Fourth: What does baptizing with water mean?• Baptism means that the old Adam in us should be

drowned by daily contrition and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death. It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

• Where is this written? • Saint Paul says in Romans, chapter 6, “We were…

buried with Christ through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised form the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

• 5. How do Christians “keep in step with the Spirit” (verse 25)?

• We do what the Spirit wants. Bible study is important for this. Why?

• 6. As time allows, discuss examples of the works of the sinful nature (verses 19-21). Ask the Lord to give you insight into how you personally might serve him by producing fruits of the Spirit.

• Variable answers