Galatians: Discipleship Lessons Handouts for Group ...

[Pages:104]Galatians: Discipleship Lessons Handouts for Group Participants

If you're working with a class or small group, feel free to duplicate the following handouts in this appendix at no additional charge. If you'd like to print 8-1/2" x 11" sheets, you can download the free Participant Guide handout sheets at:

galatians/galatians-lesson-handouts.pdf Discussion Questions You'll find 4 to 5 questions for each lesson, though there are only 2 questions in the first lesson. Each question may include several sub-questions. These are designed to get group members engaged in discussion of the key points of the passage. If you're running short of time, feel free to skip questions or portions of questions.

Introduction to Galatians 1. No Other Gospel (1:1-10) 2. The Independence of Paul's Gospel (1:11-2:10) 3. Justified by Faith in Christ (2:11-21) 4. Faith Is the Key, not Law (3:1-25) 5. By the Spirit We Cry, `Abba, Father' (3:26-4:7) 6. Freedom from the Law by the Spirit (4:8-5:12) 7. The Spirit and the Flesh (5:13-21) 8. The Spirit and Character (5:22-26) 9. Sowing to the Spirit (6:1-18)

Note: The word definitions are taken primarily from A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, by Walter Bauer and Frederick William Danker, (Third Edition; based on previous English editions by W.F. Arndt, F.W. Gingrich, and F.W. Danker; University of Chicago Press, 1957, 1979, 2000): BDAG.

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Galatians: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants

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Introduction to Galatians

1. North Galatian Theory. Understands the churches in the ethnic Kingdom of Galatia to be the recipients of the letters.

2. South Galatian Theory. Understands the churches visited by Paul and Barnabas on the First Missionary Journey (mentioned in Acts 13:13-14:23, which are in the Roman Province of Galatia) as the recipients, such as Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.

Dating of Galatians

1. Later Dating Theory, about 56 AD from Corinth.

2. Early Dating Theory, about 48 AD from Antioch (?)

Occasion and Purpose of the Letter

Clearly, some Christian Jews ? led by perhaps a single individual ? had gained a dominant influence in these churches. These Judaizers contended that the Gentile Christians needed to be circumcised in order to be saved, similar to the false teaching that came to Antioch and precipitated the Jerusalem Council. Paul's purposes in the letter are several-fold:

1. Reestablish his apostolic authority, which has been attacked and undermined by his opponents.

2. Show from Scripture that God's promise to Abraham was righteousness by faith, not by the law.

3. Explain that the essence of the law is fulfilled by the Holy Spirit working in the believer, not by obedience to an obsolete written code.

4. Re-teach to the gentle and humble ministry of Christ to replace the current disorder they are experiencing.

From Ralph F. Wilson, Galatians: Discipleship Lessons (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright ? 2012, Ralph F. Wilson . All rights reserved. Permission is granted to make copies of these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, provided that this copyright information remains intact on each copy.

Galatians: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants

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1. No Other Gospel (1:1-10)

Christ's Rescue Mission (1:3-5)

1. Action: Gave himself for our sins. 2. Problem: The present evil age. 3. Purpose: To rescue us. 4. Source: According to the will of our God and Father. 5. Praise: "to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Q1. (Galatians 1:4) According to verse 4, for what purpose did Jesus give himself? How does Jesus rescue people today? How does he keep people from falling back into their old ways?

Another "Gospel" (1:6-8)

? "Different gospel" (1:6)

? "No gospel at all" (1:7a)

? "Pervert the gospel" (1:7b)

? "Preach a gospel other" (1:8)

? "Preaching a gospel other" (1:9) Euangeliz means, "bring good news, announce good news." Euangelion refers to the "good news" that is announced or proclaimed. "Deserting" (NIV, NRSV), "removed from" (KJV) is metatithmi, "to have a change of mind in allegiance, change one's mind, turn away, desert." "Throw into confusion" (NIV), "confuse" (NRSV), "trouble" (KJV), tarass means, "to cause inward turmoil, stir up, disturb, unsettle, throw into confusion." "Trying to pervert," metastreph, "to cause a change in state or condition, change, alter something into something." "Eternally condemned" (NIV), "accursed" (NRSV, KJV) anathema, "that which has been cursed, accursed." Q2. Paul called the Judaizers' message as a "different gospel," a perversion of the true gospel. How is this dangerous to the Galatian believers? How do twisted gospels (or an unbalanced interpretation of the gospel) affect Christians in our day?

Key Verse

"The Lord Jesus Christ ... gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father" (Galatians 1:3b-4, NIV)

From Ralph F. Wilson, Galatians: Discipleship Lessons (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright ? 2012, Ralph F. Wilson . All rights reserved. Permission is granted to make copies of these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, provided that this copyright information remains intact on each copy.

Galatians: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants

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2. The Independence of Paul's Gospel (1:11-2:10)

The noun "revelation" is apokalypsis, literally, "uncovering," here, "making fully known, revelation, disclosure." The noun and verb are used in 1:12, 15-16; 2:2a; and 3:23.

Authoritative Sources 1. The revelation of the __________________________. 2. The authoritative revelation of. _______. His teachings to the eleven disciples were transmitted to the church in the gospels and in the epistles. 3. The independent revelation to the ________________. 4. Revelation to Apostle John in the _________________.

Q1. (Galatians 1:11-12) What is the source of Paul's gospel? How do we know that it is a true revelation? How does it conform to our other foundational sources of Christian teaching? What is the danger of taking the teaching of contemporary leaders as our doctrinal basis without checking it with the Scripture?

Zeal as a Rabbinical Student (1:13-14) Acts 22:3; 6:9; cf. 9:29; 8:3; 9:4-6.

Paul's Calling and Revelation (1:15-16) "Set apart" (NIV, NRSV), "separated" (KJV) is aphoriz, "to select

one person out of a group for a purpose, set apart, appoint." "Called" is kale, "call." From the meanings `summon' and `invite' there develops the

extended sense, "choose for receipt of a special benefit or experience, call." "Reveal" is the verb apokalypt, "to cause something to be fully known, reveal, disclose, bring

to light, make fully known." Q2. (Galatians 1:13-16) What factors in Paul's background made him an ideal apostle to the Gentiles? How did God use his being different from others? To ponder: How has your unique background fitted you for ministry? What uniqueness has God given you? What will it take to see that uniqueness as a God-given strength rather than as an embarrassment?

Not Influenced by the Jerusalem Church (1:16c-17) "Consult" (NIV), "confer with" (NRSV, cf. KJV) is prosanatithmi, "to take up a matter with,

consult with someone," literally, "to lay upon oneself in addition, to betake oneself to another, to confer with."

Paul's Contact with the Jerusalem Church (1:18-21; Acts 9:26-27) James the Lord's brother (Matthew 13:55; 27:56; Galatians 2:11-12; Acts 15:13-20; James).

Paul's Time in Tarsus and Antioch (1:21; Acts 9:29-30; 11:25-26)

Paul and Barnabas Go to Jerusalem (2:1-2; Acts 11:27-30; 12:25)

The Decision Concerning Titus (2:3)

From Ralph F. Wilson, Galatians: Discipleship Lessons (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright ? 2012, Ralph F. Wilson . All rights reserved. Permission is granted to make copies of these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, provided that this copyright information remains intact on each copy.

Galatians: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants

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Q3. (Galatians 2:1-3) Paul is arguing that the Jerusalem leaders support his position on circumcision, rather than that of the Judaizers. What is the significance of Paul's mention that Titus was not required to be circumcised?

Doke, "to consider as probable," then, "to appear to one's understanding, seem, be recognized as," here, "be influential, be recognized as being something, have a reputation."

James, Peter, and John Approve Paul's Message (2:6-10)

1. Recognized theirs as _____________ of God.

2. Recognized as __________ in different fields.

3. Offered _________ and ___________.

4. Asked for ______ for the poor. (Acts 11:30; 12:25) Q4. (Galatians 2:1-10) Why do you think Paul seems to distance himself from the leaders of the Jerusalem church (2:2, 6, 9)? Why does he at the same time write of their approval of his ministry? How does this further his argument to the Galatians in this letter?

Key Verse "I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did

not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:11-12, NIV)

Answers: Sources of revelation: (1) Old Testament Scriptures, (2) Jesus, the Son of God, (3) Apostle Paul, (4) Book of Revelation. Apostolic approval: (1) legitimate calling, (2) equals, (3) friendship, fellowship, (4) relief.

From Ralph F. Wilson, Galatians: Discipleship Lessons (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright ? 2012, Ralph F. Wilson . All rights reserved. Permission is granted to make copies of these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, provided that this copyright information remains intact on each copy.

Galatians: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants

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3. Justified by Faith in Christ (2:11-21)

Jewish Separatism Though not required by the Mosaic law, separation had evolved due to two factors: 1. Danger of Syncretism. 2. Food laws (Acts 10:28a; 11:2-3; 15:28-29).

Jewish Christians from Jerusalem Cause a Schism (2:11-13; cf. Acts 15:1) Q1. (Galatians 2:11-14) Why do you think Peter first embraced the Gentile believers in Antioch and later withdrew from them to eat only with Jews? What does this tell us about his character? Why should he have known better? What does this tell us about Barnabas? What does it tell us about the political clout of the visitors from Jerusalem? Have you ever acted like a hypocrite to impress others? What should you do when you recover your senses?

Paul Challenges Peter (2:11, 14) Q2. (Galatians 2:14) Why do you think Paul confronted Peter publicly rather than privately? Do you expect Paul had talked with Peter about this previously? How did a public discussion of this benefit the Jewish Christians? How did it benefit the Gentile Christians? What kind of pressure do you think this put on Paul?

The Missiological Issue What is the core of the gospel that we must transmit to converts in a new culture? How can

we extract the core gospel from our own cultural baggage? Q3. Why is it so hard to take the gospel to different peoples without wrapping it in our own cultural practices? Can you think of examples of this in Church history? What is the danger? How can we avoid such cultural faux pas in our church's missionary enterprises?

Both Jews and Gentiles Are Justified by Faith (2:15-21) "Justified" is dikaio, generally, "to render a favorable verdict, vindicate." Here, it means, "be

acquitted, be pronounced and treated as righteous" (Psalm 32:1-2; 143:2).

Christ's Death for Sin Levels the Playing Field (2:17-18) Q4. (Galatians 2:15-21) What happens to the importance of Christ's death if circumcision is deemed necessary to salvation? Why was this issue of the sufficiency of the Messiah's death so important in Paul's day? Why was this issue important to Luther and the reformers? Why is it so important in our own day? How does it affect the relative legalism of our congregations?

I Have Been Crucified with Christ (2:20) 1. "I have been crucified with Christ" (2:20a; cf. Romans 6:3-8). 2. "Christ lives in me" (2:20b; Luke 3:16; John 3:5-7; 1 John 2:27, 20; 4:13; Romans 8:9-10). 3. "I live by faith..." (2:20c; Ephesians 2:3; Galatians 5:24-25). 4. "Loved me and gave himself for me" (2:20d; John 3:16; 1 Timothy 1:15; Romans 5:8; Matthew 26:53-54; John 15:13; Mark 10:45; Ephesians 5:2, 25).

From Ralph F. Wilson, Galatians: Discipleship Lessons (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright ? 2012, Ralph F. Wilson . All rights reserved. Permission is granted to make copies of these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, provided that this copyright information remains intact on each copy.

Galatians: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants

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Q5. (Galatians 2:20) In what sense have we been "crucified with Christ"? What does that mean? In what sense do "I no longer live"? Whose life now motivates us? How does this verse relate to Paul's closing comments about the "new creation" (Galatians 6:15)? What does Galatians 2:20 teach about Christ's attitude toward us?

Key Verses

"[We] know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified." (Galatians 2:16, NIV)

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, NIV)

"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! (Galatians 2:21, NIV)

From Ralph F. Wilson, Galatians: Discipleship Lessons (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright ? 2012, Ralph F. Wilson . All rights reserved. Permission is granted to make copies of these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, provided that this copyright information remains intact on each copy.

Galatians: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants

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4. Faith Is the Key, not Law (3:1-25)

Salvation is by faith, not by the law: 1. Argument from receiving the Spirit (3:2-5). 2. Argument from Abraham's justification by faith (3:6-9). 3. Argument from the law bringing a curse (3:10-14). 4. Argument from the unchangeable nature of a covenant (3:15-18). 5. Argument from the purpose of the law (3:19-20).

Argument 1. Receiving the Spirit through Faith (3:2-5)

1. They ______________ the Spirit (3:2) or were "given" the Spirit (3:4) .

2. They experienced _____________ among them that were attributed to the Holy Spirit (3:4).

Q1. (Galatians 3:2-5) What argument for salvation by faith does Paul give from the presence of the Spirit? What does this tell us about the spiritual environment of the Galatian churches? How can we regain this dynamic environment in our own congregations?

Argument 2. Abraham's Justification by Faith (3:6-9)

1. Abraham was justified by ___________ (Genesis 15:6). Hebrew hshab, "to think, plan," here with the idea of "to impute" (a specialized sense of `to make a judgment.'). In Greek, logizomai is an accounting term, referring to a calculation.

2. The Gentiles are Abraham's ____________(Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18).

3. Therefore, originally salvation came by faith, without ________. Dikaiosyn, "righteousness," is "the quality of being upright." In 3:6 it is the "quality or state of juridical correctness with focus on redemptive action, righteousness." Dikaio, "justify," is used especially of persons, "be acquitted, be pronounced and treated as righteous." Q2. (Galatians 3:6-9) What is Paul's argument for salvation by faith based on Abraham? In what sense are we "children of Abraham"?

Argument 3. Redeemed from the Curse of the Law (3:10-14)

Deuteronomy 21:22-23; 27:26; Habakkuk 2:4; Leviticus 18:5. "Redeem," exagoraz, "to secure the rights to someone by paying a price, `buy, acquire as property.'" Q3. (Galatians 3:10-14) What is Paul's argument for salvation by faith based on the concept of the "curse of the law"? On what basis do the Gentiles receive "the promise of the Spirit" (3:14)?

Argument 4. An Enduring Covenant vs. a Temporary Law (3:15-18)

Paul believed that the law had three purposes: 1. To ________________ fallen human nature. 2. To make wrongdoing a _____________________ (Romans 7:7, 13; 5:20-21; 3:20). 3. To point us to ______________ as our only hope (3:21).

Argument 5. A Mediated vs. Unmediated Covenant (3:19b-20)

From Ralph F. Wilson, Galatians: Discipleship Lessons (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright ? 2012, Ralph F. Wilson . All rights reserved. Permission is granted to make copies of these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, provided that this copyright information remains intact on each copy.

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