The first letter we have written to the earliest followers of Jesus has a surprising message for us. This week we look closer at Paul’s criticism of the Law to find his problem is not with rules but how we think about them.

Discussion Questions for Gift & Worth (Galatians) Part 6 | October 7, 2018 | Click here for a printable version

Key Bible Passage: Galatians 3:15-25

Discussion

  1. Share about your church or religious background. Would you consider it legalistic? Why or why not?
  2. Paul refers to the promises God made Abraham (3:16). Read Genesis 12:1-3. How can these promises be relevant to Abraham and his immediate descendents and also point toward Christ, as Paul suggests?  
  3. Read Galatians 3:19-23. Which parts of these verses are more confusing? As a group, discuss what you think Paul was trying to communicate about the Law and sin.  
  4. Paul says the Jewish Law was like a “guardian” until Christ came. What did this mean? Is this a positive or negative role? Or both? How?
  5. Rules, practices, standards, or boundaries can be beneficial in our lives when they guide and protect us. What are some examples from your life of a “rule” that guides and/or protects you?
  6. How can we embrace the positive role of rules without becoming too legalistic?
  7. How has the Holy Spirit encouraged or challenged you in this discussion?

Moving Forward

If you tend to be someone who easily becomes legalistic, reread Galatians 3 this week. Consider how you can daily remind yourself that your worth is found only in Jesus.

If you tend to be someone who often spurns rules, read Psalm 19:7-14 this week. Consider how you might find more “delight” in rules that might guide and protect your faith.