Freedom: A Study in GalatiansSample

Freedom: A Study in Galatians

DAY 6 OF 6

What does it say?

Some Jewish Galatians were trying to convince Gentile Christians to be circumcised.

What does it mean?

Even in the early church, there were divisions among Christians. One group was referred to as the “Circumcision Party.” They seem to have intimidated new Gentile Christians by compelling them to circumcision. Paul exposed their efforts as a shallow attempt to gain converts to their party. Paul made clear throughout this letter, especially in v. 15 of this chapter, that circumcision is a matter of the flesh and was no longer required as a follower of God. After Christ’s death on the Cross, what mattered was that they live differently than before.

How should I respond?

It’s sad when there are divisions in a church or between groups who claim to follow Christ. We come to church, in part, to encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thess. 5:11). All too often, though, divisions arise and cause harm within a body of believers and within the church of Jesus Christ. What differences might have caused a division between you and another follower of Jesus? What caused the division – theology, methodology, personality, Christian liberty, etc.? This week, be open to discussion, ask questions and be willing to listen. Study Scripture so you know why you believe what you believe. Differences between believers don’t have to cause division.

Day 5

About this Plan

Freedom: A Study in Galatians

Galatians was written as a strong rebuke of false teaching that infiltrated the churches in Galatia. Paul’s central argument reaffirms the foundation of the gospel: “a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 2:16). Galatians reminds us to walk in the freedom of the true, untainted gospel and warns us against submitting again to the slavery of works-based salvation.

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