Galatians - To The Churches In Galatia
Week 6 - Eager To Do

In an effort to bring unity, Paul speaks of his travels to Jerusalem and what the leaders there thought of his ministry (they validated it). He ends with this line: Gal 2:10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. An issue at the beginning of Galatians 2 was whether the Gospel Paul preached among Gentiles was sufficient, or whether something needed to be added to it. While the church leaders in Jerusalem agreed with Paul about the sufficiency of the Gospel, they did make a request: They asked Paul to remember the poor!

• What kinds of announcements do you consider to be “good news” (e.g., Apple event, concerts at Mid-State Fair, expecting parents, gender reveal, etc.)?
• What makes an announcement an announcement?
• How is the Gospel the announcement? What does it entail?

C.S. Lewis once equated our theology to a map in our lives; we can see where people will end up based on what map they are using. When we say, “I believe that I’m sinful and God has come into the world in the form of Jesus Christ to die for my sins,” that is the map. We may claim to believe that with all our heart, but if we aren’t eager to love the things God loves—such as the poor and “least of these”—we are not really using the map.

• How can you surrender and reorient your life around the grace God has extended to you?
• How have you forgotten “the poor” while focusing on theology?
• How have you forgotten theology while focusing on “the poor?”
• What does the map of your life look like? What does that say about your theology?

Because of the cultural climate at the time, the New Testament often refers to “orphans and widows” as being in need, because they were the most helpless in that society (orphan literally translates as FATHERLESS). In applying the same principle, it’s important for us to look at society and ask who the most vulnerable are in our communities—the “least of these” around us. There are many who can and do need help; this is why we are part of a church that has a desire to find and help the least of these.

• Who are “the poor” in our city and world today?
• Does your life demonstrate apathy or eagerness to love and serve “the poor” in the name of Jesus?
• What would it look like to make generosity more of a priority?

All of us share a common reality—we are deeply impoverished because of sin. There is a poverty in our relationship with God, with ourselves, with others, and with creation itself. We should have a connection with and compassion for everyone because we are all in the same boat. When our hearts are changed by the Gospel, there will be a profound change in how we live. What “they” most need is what we most need: redemption and rescue from spiritual poverty and reconciliation with a loving God. This is the invitation of the Gospel.

• How can you identify with the least of these?
• What is humanity’s true and greatest need?

Practically:
1. Start to focus on gratitude to God.
2. Be willing to open your eyes to the plight of those around you.
3. Open your life to those in need.
4. Let the Gospel move your heart to understand Jesus’ pursuit of the needy.
5. Don’t hide your life.

Which of these areas can you focus on? What will it look like to grow in that area?

• How can you take the announcement of the good news to others who are also poor in spirit?

Pray for one another for a change of heart to become eager to go and bless others.