The first letter we have written to the earliest followers of Jesus has a surprising message for us. This week we look at the mistake the Galatians made about how they calculated worth and reflect on how we can avoid a similar mistake.
Discussion Questions for Gift & Worth (Galatians) Part 4 | September 23, 2018 | Click here for a printable version
Key Bible Passage: Galatians 2:15-21
Discussion
- The message began with a story about how Xerox corporation ignored new technology it had pioneered and continued to invest old technology that would become obsolete. What are other examples of people, groups, or businesses that continued to find their value in something that had become worthless or obsolete?
- Read Galatians 2:16 in several different Bible translations. What differences do you notice?
- How does the concept “to be justified” or “considered right” change if thinking of a legal context (like a judge pronouncing a verdict) versus a relational context (like a father addressing his grown son or daughter)?
- What makes us right with God? Why is this such an important question? Do you think people in our culture think about this question much? Why or why not?
- In Galatians 2:18, Paul exposes the tragedy that happens “if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down” (NIV). What systems of worth and identity are Christians prone to rebuild?
- What you think Paul means by being “crucified with Christ”? What does that mean to you? How might this idea reshape or change the way we think about and remember Good Friday?
- How is this question, what makes us right with God?, important for people who have been followers of Jesus for many years? How do we answer this question, not only in our hearts and words, but in our attitudes, actions, behaviors, and practices?
Moving Forward
Consider memorizing one verse, statement, or phrase from the passage this week. Which one would be most helpful for you?
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