June 17, 2018 | Kyle Brenon | Galatians 3:1-6
Community Group Questions
This week we are in Galatians 3:1-14, as we continue our sermon series “No Other Gospel.” Here Paul continues to plead with the Galatians not to forsake the gospel he has preached to them. Their error is in thinking that after placing their faith in Christ for salvation, they must now be justified (which is to be declared righteous) by their works. In essence, believing that while we are saved through Christ, we are sanctified through works. What a ridiculous thing to do! Because of this he calls them “Foolish Galatians.”
Read: Galatians 3:1-14, Ephesians 1:13, 2:13-15, Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:21-22, Galatians 5:4
Discuss:
1. In Gal 3:1-3 Paul asks the Galatians “Who has bewitched you” into thinking that we are justified by the law, even if we are believing we are saved through faith in Christ?
What often "bewitches" or tricks us into thinking this way ourselves, and how are we susceptible to this same trap?
2. What is Paul’s argument to them concerning their receiving of the Holy Spirit (verse 2)? And what evidence does he give from the Old Testament? (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:21-22)
3. What does Paul say regarding “The sons of Abraham” and how is it different from the way they had understood it (verse 7)? What are the implications of this?
4. What might be symptoms of someone who is “relying on works of the law” rather than trusting in the work of Christ alone for their justification (being declared righteous)?
5. Finally, how are we redeemed from the curse of the law and brought in under the promise made to Abraham? (Hint: Us being unable to keep the law, can’t break the curse of the law!!! - verses 13-15)
Memorize/Meditate: Galatians 5:3-4 “I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.”
