Galatians 3:1-14
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
After seeing and hearing the gospel come alive (Gal 3:1), how did the Galatian believers begin to drift from the gospel and what warning and instruction does this offer us?
What does Galatians 3:1-5 teach us about how we are saved and how we grow in the Christian life?
What is Paul doing with his questions in the first five verses of Galatians 3:1-5, and why are questions sometimes more powerful tools to reveal our hearts than confrontation or accusation (cf. Gen 3:3-8, Gen 2:6, Jonah 4:4 and 9)?
Reflect on your initial experience of God's grace and the Spirit's work (Gal 3:1-2). How does remembering this help you trust Him today?
What truth from Philippians 1:6 did the Galatians disbelieve in Galatians 3:3?
In what areas of your life are you tempted to “take over” instead of trusting the Spirit?
Abraham believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness/ right standing before God (cf. Gen 15:6, Gal 3:6). How does Paul describe Abraham’s circumstances and trust in Romans 4:18-22? How is Abraham’s faith an example for us (cf. Rom 4:5, 23-25)?
What does it mean to rely on or live by the law, and what are its consequences (cf. Gal 3:10, 4:21, 5:2-4)?
How does the received/ credited righteousness of Jesus transform our self-perception, honesty, freedom, and joy?
In Galatians 3:10-14, Paul quotes four Old Testament texts to make the case for Jesus as our only hope and righteousness. Why is that important and helpful to see, and how does it further support what he said in Galatians 2:19a? What does this tell us about the Old and New Testaments and the path of righteousness?
If we believe like Abraham, what are the blessings that come to us (e.g. Rom 5:1-3, 8:1, Gal 3:6, 4:4-7, 29, 5:5, 5:16, 18, 22, 25, and 6:8)?
What did you find particularly encouraging or helpful in Galatians 3:1-14?
Considering our discussion of Galatians 3:1-14, how can our group collectively encourage and support one another in living by faith in Christ, rather than relying on our own efforts or rules?
