Galatians 5:7-15

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 

As you reflect on Galatians 5:7-15, what caught your attention as especially helpful for daily Christian living?

Paul uses a series of metaphors in Galatians 5:7-9—being hindered, persuaded, and leaven. What is Paul communicating about the false teachers the Galatians are listening to, and what danger is he warning them about (cf. Matthew 16:11–12)?

Why do you think it only takes a little influence to get us off the path of grace and back on the path of merit, performance, and self-reliance?

Why is salvation by grace so offensive to the human heart (cf. Eph 2:8-9)? Why would circumcision remove “the offense of the cross” (Gal 5:11)?

How does Galatians 5:13 restate and clarify Paul’s point in Galatians 5:1 and 6?

What does it mean to use your freedom as “an opportunity for the flesh?” How does Galatians 5:13 address the common objection that the message of grace will lead to license?

If we have died to sin and been set free from its power (Rom 6:6-7), why do we still need the imperatives of Romans 6:11-13? What does this teach us about the relationship between gospel identity and gospel obedience?

What do Philippians 3:12-14 and Hebrews 12:1-3 teach us about the Christian life?

How does the world typically define freedom? In contrast, how is Christian freedom different (cf. 1 Cor 6:19-20)?

According to Galatians 5:13–14, what are we meant to use our gospel freedom for, and what should motivate those actions? What are some ways we can ensure that our actions are motivated by grace?

What does it look like practically to love others with the same love we have received from Christ?

Who is someone in your life that you can serve this week with your words, time, presence, forgiveness, or generosity?