Freedom in Christ

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
Freedom in Christ
Scripture References:
Galatians 5:1-15
November 14, 2014
Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. *If you took up running, would you jog for enjoyment or train to compete in races? Why?
  2. Do you prefer group or individual sports? Why?
  3. Do you like games with challenging instructions and rules, or games with simple instructions and few rules? Why?

Explore It

  1. *What challenge did Paul set before the Galatians? (5:1)
  2. Why did Paul challenge the Christians to be resolute? (5:1)
  3. What warning did Paul issue to the Galatians? (5:2)
  4. How would turning to the Law obligate the Galatian Christians? (5:3)
  5. What consequence would seeking justification by Law bring? (5:4)
  6. How did Paul contrast legalists and true believers? (5:5)
  7. How did Paul sum up the significance of circumcision? (5:6)
  8. What really matters? (5:6)
  9. *How did Paul describe the Galatians’ Christian experience? (5:7)
  10. How had false teaching affected the Galatian church? (5:8-9)
  11. Why was Paul optimistic about the Galatians? (5:10)
  12. How did the Cross mark the end of the Law? (5:11)
  13. What strong words did Paul have for the Judaizers? (5:12)
  14. *How were the Galatian Christians to use their freedom? (5:14)
  15. What were the Galatians called on to guard against? (5:15)

Get It

  1. *What challenge does this passage set before your church?
  2. What are the side effects of trying to be saved by keeping the Law?
  3. What unnecessary rules and regulations do Christians tend to impose on one another?
  4. What difference will it make if you run the Christian race with your attention on Christ?
  5. *How do some Christians abuse their freedom in Christ?
  6. In what ways are you hindered from loving others?
  7. When have you been guilty of backbiting and gossip?
  8. Why should you serve the family of God in love?

Apply It

  1. Who is one neighbor to whom you can show a gesture of love this week?
  2. *As you run your race for Christ today, how can you free yourself of unnecessary rules and regulations that hinder your progress?
  3. Whom can you invite to join you in running a good race?

 

Chapter 5

He encourages them to stand fast in their freedom

1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

but rather love, which sums up the law

13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.