Bible Study: Galatians 1 and 2

This weeks bible study is below. We're meeting at our house.

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For starters

Possibly in groups to feedback:

• Why do you think it is so much easier for us to grumble than it is for us to give thanks for something? 
• When does thankfulness come easily to you? When is it more difficult?
• What reasons can you come up with for Christians losing a sense of thankfulness and joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ?

The gospel preached by Paul – Galatians 1:1-10

Read Galatians 1:1-10

• What do we learn about the gospel Paul preached from vv.3-5?
• What is the source of ‘grace and peace’, according to these verses?
• In what sense is this gospel ‘good news’ for those who accept it?
• Why do you think Paul is so insistent that the Galatians Christians hold fast to the gospel he taught them? (vv.1-10)

The gospel’s impact on Paul – Galatians 1:11-2:10

• How does Paul describe himself in 1:1-2? Why do you think he opens this letter with this description of himself?
• Look at 1:11-12. Why does it matter that Paul received the gospel ‘by revelation from Jesus Christ’? How does that change the way:
• the Galatian Christians should respond to this letter?
• we should respond to this letter today?
• Look over 1:13-16. Why does Paul emphasise his opposition to the gospel before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus?
• Optional: see 1 Timothy 1:15-17 for another place where Paul reflects on his conversion to Christianity – and what it tells us about the gospel
• Look over 1:17-2:10. In these verses, Paul emphasises both that the gospel he preached was independent of the church in Jerusalem (1:17-24) and in agreement with the church in Jerusalem (2:1-10). Why does Paul emphasise both in order to demonstrate the trustworthiness of the gospel he preached?

Application

• Think about the things in your life you think are worth fighting for – e.g. particular relationships, loved ones, a particular cause or conviction you feel strongly about. Why would you fight for them?
• Why do you think Paul is so willing to fight for the gospel? Can you relate to how he feels about it? Why / why not?
• What difference does the gospel of Jesus Christ make to your life right now? How precious would you say it is to you?
• How do you think you can grow in your appreciation and thankfulness for the gospel – both individually and as a group? Pray about that together.