The Bible OverBrew - Bible in a YearSample

Week 46. Day 1. Galatians.

Introduction to Paul's Shorter Letters.

Paul’s letters are written to particular churches, in particular situations. To different churches, Paul needs to address different aspects of theology and Christian living.

As a very general rule, the first part of Paul’s letters often deals with theology: setting out the gospel and the glorious truths about Christ. The second part of his letters turns more to application: how to live in light of the gospel truths he has just explained. Even though this is a simplification, it is a helpful overall structure for 2 reasons:

• It reminds us of the shape of salvation. Just like the law was given to a people who had already been redeemed, so the ethical teaching of Paul’s letters comes after the truth about the finished work of Christ. The very shape of Paul’s letters reminds us that we are not saved by our good works, but by Christ. Our good works flow out of what Christ has already done for us.
• Often the ‘shape’ of the ethical teaching matches the shape of the way Paul explains the gospel. This can help us be better pastors of ourselves (and others). Different lifestyle issues need different parts of the gospel emphasised. Paul’s letters will model this beautifully.

Galatians

Galatians was written to a church where they thought that salvation depended believing in Christ but also on doing ‘works of the law’. With Galatians emphasis on justification by faith (not works of law) there is some overlap with this letter and the message of Romans.

Ch1 How is the beginning of Galatians different to other letters (e.g. Eph, Col, Phil)?

What is Paul so upset about?

Note: this is the only letter where Paul begins in such a negative way. He is able to positive about every church (despite some huge failings) so long as they haven’t abandoned the gospel!

Ch 2 Why did Paul oppose Peter?

Ch 3-4 What does the Old Testament teach about how to be saved?

Ch 5-6 What is Christian living to look like according to Paul?

NOTE: Days 1-5 of each week contain the scripture reading for that week. Day 6 has just the 'key chapters'. If you want a briefer version of this plan that still takes you through the whole Bible, you could just read the key chapters featured on day 6. Day 7 has the podcast video where we discuss the week's reading.