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Study Guide 

In this series we will study the book of Galatians to see that the one true Gospel--the Gospel of Jesus Christ--provides a balance between rules and law and freedom and grace.

What is the purpose of rules/laws? What family rules did you grow up with that you really appreciate now as an adult? What “rules” or policies do your church have that you're glad are in place?

Scripture

Galatians 3:19-4:7

Discussion Questions

1. Is there "rules" in the Bible about salvation and Christian living that do you find a "gray area" (e.g. is it OK to get tattoos)? Discuss what are basic questions that you as a Christian should know how to ask when dealing with these gray areas.

2. God has a purpose for why the Mosaic Law was given to the Jews in the Old Testament and why rules and spiritual commands were given by Jesus to the Christians:
   
   • Identifies sin (ch. 3:19-20). In the Old Testament, what necessitated the Mosaic Law to be given to the Jews? Why is it important for sins to be identified? How would you have benefitted under the Law had you lived in the Old Testament times? As a Christian, are you bound to any part of the Mosaic Law? Why or why not? What guides you now as a Christian?
   
   • Shows Need For a Savior (ch. 3:21-22). If Christians are not bound to the Law, does it mean that there is a conflict between the Law and the promise by faith in Jesus Christ? What is the purpose of the Law in relation to your need of a Savior?
   
   • Protects from More Sin (ch. 3:23-25). How did the Jews demonstrate their faith in God in the Old Testament? Did the blood of Christ apply to their sins as well? How did the Law protect the Israelites from the influence of the pagan cultures in their time? As Christians today, how do the commands in the New Testament serve in a similar role as the Old Testament Laws for the Jewish people? Share some of the commands in the New Testament that you follow in order to be protected and kept safe.

3. What is the status of those who put their faith in Christ Jesus? How does God pass over any cultural and human differences in His family? How are you an heir of the promise to Abraham? What limits the Law in regard to your identity as the child of God, equality for all and as recipient of an inheritance as heir? (v. 26-29).

4. Through Jesus Christ we have the freedom to Live as Children of God (ch. 4:1-7). How were the Galatians compared to slaves before they became Christians (v. 3)? Being a child of God, how do you behave, as a slave or an heir? How do you feel about your position in the family of God?

In Walk: We are not under the Mosaic Law with its extensive list of legal codes. We are under the law of Christ, which is centered on love. The Law of Christ in Matthew 22:37-39 says, ”You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’" Following this command does not earn salvation or maintain salvation, but it is expected of every follower of Jesus Christ, who has placed their trust in Him. What spiritual blessings and inheritance are you thankful for? How does keeping Christ’s instructions in daily living give you joy?

In Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You once again for reminding me how blessed I am that my salvation is not based on Laws, but by trusting in Jesus Christ alone. Thank You that You have given Christ’s law in the New Testament in order for me to know how to freely live out my faith, behave as Your child and to protect me from sin. May You help me to continue to develop maturity and intimacy in my walk with You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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