Galatians 3:1-5

01Read • Observe • Pray

Before Sunday

1. Read the passage

Read Galatians 3:1-5 at least twice this weekend. The first time through, back up to Galatians 2:15 and read straight into chapter 3. You'll see how Paul's questions grow out of the gospel truths he just defended. The second time through, focus on 3:1-5, but read it more slowly, out loud if you can.

2. Where we've been

In chapters 1-2, Paul defended the gospel of grace and told his own story to answer those who were trying to discredit him. Now he turns his attention to the Galatians themselves. Paul had planted these churches (Acts 13-14) and spent months investing in them. Yet after he left, teachers arrived saying that believers needed to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses to be truly right with God. Paul cared deeply for these believers, so he could hardly believe how quickly they were listening to this message.

3. Observe the text

1. Underline every question Paul asks in vv. 1-5. How many do you see? What does the fact that he asks rather than tells suggest about what he wants the Galatians to do?
2. In v. 1, Paul says Jesus Christ was "publicly portrayed as crucified" before their eyes. Read Acts 13:38-39, part of what Paul preached in Galatia. What did he tell them the cross accomplished that the Law could not?
3. Verses 2 and 5 give two options: "by the works of the Law," or "by hearing with faith." The Galatians knew the right answer, so why do you think Paul challenged them to answer again?
4. Verse 3 uses the words "begun" and "perfected." What is Paul saying about how the Christian life begins and how it grows and matures?
5. Read Acts 14:19-23 for a picture of what happened in this region. What might the Galatians have "suffered" (v. 4) for their faith?

4. Reflect and pray

Think back to how your faith in Jesus began. What did you receive then, and how did it happen? Is anything pulling your focus away from that now?

02Sunday

As You Listen

Don't feel pressure to write everything down. Listen for these and take note of what stands out.

Listen for…

• v. 1: What does it mean to be "bewitched"? Listen for how that word connects with what was "publicly portrayed" before their eyes.
• Legalism: If grace is free, why would living under the Law ever be appealing? Listen for the two reasons given, and ask which one is true of you.
• v. 4: What does suffering produce in us? Listen for the reference to Romans 5:3-5.
• v. 5: What is the "biggest miracle" God has worked among his people?

Paul's questions, your answers

03Respond

After Sunday

1. Write your story this week (the 60-second story card is a great tool):
   • Who was I before I put my faith in Jesus?
   • What changed?
   • What did I believe when I heard what Jesus had done for me?
   • What is life like now walking with Jesus?
2. Read Matthew 20:1-16. In what areas of your life are you tempted to keep a ledger with God? What are you looking at instead of his generosity?
3. We closed with Communion, a reminder of Christ crucified. How can you continue to keep the cross on your mind this week?