“Scripture” in 3:22 is referring to the Torah, or the Old Covenant Law.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW?
If justification never came through the Law, and if we were never able to uphold the Law in the first place, then why would God even bother to give the Law at all?
Chapter 4 - Redeemed Children of God
OBSERVE
How does Paul use the household analogy going back to 3:23, and continuing through chapter 4 (i.e. guardian, slaves, children, etc.)?
How does Paul describe his earlier relationship with the Galatians?How does this compare to how he describes the Judaizer’s relationship with them?
INTERPRET
What effects do you think the Judaizers were having on the Galatian churches? How could the churches have protected themselves against these false teachers/teaching?
What are the main points that Paul is trying to say through this allegory?
* HELPFUL NOTES
Galatians 4:27 = Isaiah 54:1
“Elemental Spirits” = Some think Paul is referring to their former pagan belief in spirits associated with the elements (such as earth, water, fire, air), while others think Paul is referring to the basic principles of their religious experience.
THE ALLEGORY OF SARAH & HAGAR
What is an allegory? An allegory is a story that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning. It is a full extended metaphor in a form of a story, where every part of the story is symbolic and has a deeper meaning.
* We must be careful not to allegorize Scriptures that were never intended to be an allegory. In the Bible, the authors will specify when they are using an allegory.
Chapter 5:1-15 - Live in the Freedom in Christ
OBSERVE
What is freedom in Christ, and what does it look like? According to Paul, what is the yoke of slavery?
Look for all the contrasts in this passage.
INTERPRET
5:2-6 — Why would Paul say that Christ of no value to those who let themselves be circumcized?
5:9 — What does Paul mean when he says, “A little yeast levels the whole batch of dough”?
Chapter 5:16-6:18 - Freedom in Christ Bears Fruit
OBSERVE
What does this life of living in the Spirit look like?
Compare life in the Spirit vs. life in the flesh.
Compare the warnings that Paul gives them in how to act in 6:7-10, with the actions of those in 6:12-16.
INTERPRET
5:17 — What is Paul trying to say here? See also, Romans 7:14-25.
* HELPFUL NOTES
In 6:13 “circumcized” are referring to the Judaizers.
APPLY
Are there areas in our lives where we are like the Judaizers and compromise and conform our beliefs to the world around us?
Looking at 4:21, why would the Galatians churches have even wanted to be under the law vs. God’s grace? And are there areas in our own lives that we rely on works to find approval from God instead of fully receiving His grace.
What does freedom in Christ look like in our lives today?
What are some things that you can put into action right now?
What’s steps can I take to live by the spirit and not by the flesh?
What other areas is the Holy Spirit speaking to you through this book?
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