Up until Galatians 2:14 the Apostle builds his argument for justification by faith by referring to his own experience. He learned that Jesus loved Gentiles in his Damascus road encounter with Jesus. He didn't learn the Gospel from the other Apostles at Jerusalem; he had little contact with them. The Apostle Peter's and Barnabas' treatment of Gentile believers was nothing short of hypocrisy. Paul knew all this by divine revelation. Christ had spoken to his heart and revealed the truth about salvation. This came as a great surprise to a strict Pharisee but nevertheless, it was true, salvation was by grace alone by faith in Jesus Christ.

In our text today, Paul sets out his theological argument. It goes something like this: Christian Jews knew from experience that trying to obey the law did not bring a right relationship with God. It was impossible to completely obey the law. Right relationship, justification, can only come by faith in Jesus. In fact the law never ever provided righteousness. Even Abraham was justified by faith. He lived before the law was dictated to Moses. It was his belief in the promises of God that resulted in his righteousness, not his obedience to any law. The righteousness he received did not make him perfect. He still sinned, but it was not credited to him because of his faith in God. In the same way, Christians today may sin, but this is not Jesus' fault, nor is it evidence that they are not saved. Therefore Gentile Christians should not have to obey the law in order to be justified. That would negate what Jesus has done. Instead they needed to have faith in Jesus.

The only way to truly live is to live for Christ. Forget about trying to please people or earn your way to heaven or get into God's good books. Just live for Jesus. Identify yourself with his death and resurrection and live completely for him.

Our text warns us about the temptation of trying to somehow be right with God by doing good things or avoiding bad things. Instead it encourages us in an entirely different direction. We are to allow Christ to live through us.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2-3. What were your earliest encounters with Jesus like? Was your theology well informed? How has your encounter with the Word of God informed your experience with Christ?

2. Slide 8-10. What hypocrisy does Paul see in the Christian Jews who want the Gentiles to conform to the law? Do Christian Gentiles ever do this to those they think are greater sinners? Why or why not?

3. Slide 11-12. Why do Christians still continue to sin? What is the cure?

4. Slide 13-14. What does it mean "to die with Christ?"

5. Slide 15. How might our witness be different if we realize Jesus speaks to people's hearts first before he speaks to their heads? What conversations might we have with people that might inform us of what Jesus is saying to their hearts? Why would I suggest we stop trying to be good?

Up until Galatians 2:14 the Apostle builds his argument for justification by faith by referring to his own experience. He learned that Jesus loved Gentiles in his Damascus road encounter with Jesus. He didn't learn the Gospel from the other Apostles at Jerusalem; he had little contact with them. The Apostle Peter's and Barnabas' treatment of Gentile believers was nothing short of hypocrisy. Paul knew all this by divine revelation. Christ had spoken to his heart and revealed the truth about salvation. This came as a great surprise to a strict Pharisee but nevertheless, it was true, salvation was by grace alone by faith in Jesus Christ.

In our text today, Paul sets out his theological argument. It goes something like this: Christian Jews knew from experience that trying to obey the law did not bring a right relationship with God. It was impossible to completely obey the law. Right relationship, justification, can only come by faith in Jesus. In fact the law never ever provided righteousness. Even Abraham was justified by faith. He lived before the law was dictated to Moses. It was his belief in the promises of God that resulted in his righteousness, not his obedience to any law. The righteousness he received did not make him perfect. He still sinned, but it was not credited to him because of his faith in God. In the same way, Christians today may sin, but this is not Jesus' fault, nor is it evidence that they are not saved. Therefore Gentile Christians should not have to obey the law in order to be justified. That would negate what Jesus has done. Instead they needed to have faith in Jesus.

The only way to truly live is to live for Christ. Forget about trying to please people or earn your way to heaven or get into God's good books. Just live for Jesus. Identify yourself with his death and resurrection and live completely for him.

Our text warns us about the temptation of trying to somehow be right with God by doing good things or avoiding bad things. Instead it encourages us in an entirely different direction. We are to allow Christ to live through us.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2-3. What were your earliest encounters with Jesus like? Was your theology well informed? How has your encounter with the Word of God informed your experience with Christ?

2. Slide 8-10. What hypocrisy does Paul see in the Christian Jews who want the Gentiles to conform to the law? Do Christian Gentiles ever do this to those they think are greater sinners? Why or why not?

3. Slide 11-12. Why do Christians still continue to sin? What is the cure?

4. Slide 13-14. What does it mean "to die with Christ?"

5. Slide 15. How might our witness be different if we realize Jesus speaks to people's hearts first before he speaks to their heads? What conversations might we have with people that might inform us of what Jesus is saying to their hearts? Why would I suggest we stop trying to be good?

We are beginning a new series on the Epistle to the Galatians. It is a letter written by the Apostle Paul around 50 AD. It is addressed to the people in the Roman Province of Galatia (modern day Turkey). Galatians is best known for the clear presentation of the Gospel it presents and I have entitled this series: The Gospel, Pure and Simple.

In Galatians Paul addresses the first doctrinal crisis of the Early Church. After he had visited Galatia and established churches in many of its cities, teachers claiming to be from the Lord's half-brother James had begun to teach the Galatians that they must follow the Old Testament rules regarding the ceremonial law in order to be truly saved. For example, circumcision and dietary regulations were stressed as just as important as faith in Jesus as their savior. In other words the Christians in Galatia were being told that they must also be Jewish. Paul was very upset with this teaching because he recognized that it would make Christianity simply another sect of Judaism. In fact, this understanding of "the faith" would in fact negate the Gospel.

Paul defends his theology in Galatians but he is also forced to defend his apostleship and his character since the "Judaizers" (false teachers) attacked his integrity in order to undermine his teaching of the Gospel. Overall, Galatians reminds us of the tremendous freedom we have in Christ. Freedom that comes from the inside out and freedom that is not imposed by manmade rules and regulations. The letter also reminds us of how easy it is to add to the Gospel things that we think are important but yet things that in fact negate the power of the Gospel to transform lives.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2. Can you think of world religions that end up controlling people? Think of some examples. Why do people use religion this way?

2. Slide 3-5. What make people most vulnerable to false teaching? What did the Galatians lack that we have today that helps us avoid such pitfalls? What do you think of the accusation that the Gospel leads to immorality? Does this seem like a strange thing to believe? Why?

3. Slide 11. Why is Paul so upset with the Galatians?

4. Slide 12-13. Why does Paul say he was sent by God? What incident is he referring to? (Acts 9:1-5)

5. Slide 14-18. Why is Paul so adamant? What is at stake here? Discuss this statement: "Grace plus anything, is not the Gospel."

6. Slide 19-20 How do we stop from wrapping the Gospel in our cultural garb? Can we prevent that from happening? How? What are the cultural issues that you face when sharing the Gospel in your context?

We are beginning a new series on the Epistle to the Galatians. It is a letter written by the Apostle Paul around 50 AD. It is addressed to the people in the Roman Province of Galatia (modern day Turkey). Galatians is best known for the clear presentation of the Gospel it presents and I have entitled this series: The Gospel, Pure and Simple.

In Galatians Paul addresses the first doctrinal crisis of the Early Church. After he had visited Galatia and established churches in many of its cities, teachers claiming to be from the Lord's half-brother James had begun to teach the Galatians that they must follow the Old Testament rules regarding the ceremonial law in order to be truly saved. For example, circumcision and dietary regulations were stressed as just as important as faith in Jesus as their savior. In other words the Christians in Galatia were being told that they must also be Jewish. Paul was very upset with this teaching because he recognized that it would make Christianity simply another sect of Judaism. In fact, this understanding of "the faith" would in fact negate the Gospel.

Paul defends his theology in Galatians but he is also forced to defend his apostleship and his character since the "Judaizers" (false teachers) attacked his integrity in order to undermine his teaching of the Gospel. Overall, Galatians reminds us of the tremendous freedom we have in Christ. Freedom that comes from the inside out and freedom that is not imposed by manmade rules and regulations. The letter also reminds us of how easy it is to add to the Gospel things that we think are important but yet things that in fact negate the power of the Gospel to transform lives.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2. Can you think of world religions that end up controlling people? Think of some examples. Why do people use religion this way?

2. Slide 3-5. What make people most vulnerable to false teaching? What did the Galatians lack that we have today that helps us avoid such pitfalls? What do you think of the accusation that the Gospel leads to immorality? Does this seem like a strange thing to believe? Why?

3. Slide 11. Why is Paul so upset with the Galatians?

4. Slide 12-13. Why does Paul say he was sent by God? What incident is he referring to? (Acts 9:1-5)

5. Slide 14-18. Why is Paul so adamant? What is at stake here? Discuss this statement: "Grace plus anything, is not the Gospel."

6. Slide 19-20 How do we stop from wrapping the Gospel in our cultural garb? Can we prevent that from happening? How? What are the cultural issues that you face when sharing the Gospel in your context?

This week we are looking at the rather strange story of Elijah's death. Or perhaps we should call it his translation for he does not really die but is taken up into heaven in a chariot of fire. A very unusual story. As far as I know only Enoch and Elijah left this planet without really dying. Some think Moses also, but that is debated. Elijah appears on the mountain of transfiguration in Matt. 17:2; Mark 9:2-7; and Luke 9:28-35. Here he seems to represent restoration (Malachi 4:5-6). His ministry was one of restoration in that he called the people of Israel back to the Lord. John the Baptizer came in the spirit of Elijah to do the same kind of thing. Jewish people look for Elijah to return before the Messiah. A place at table is left for him during Passover meals.

His significance in salvation history is highlighted by his departure from earth in the Chariot of Fire. The business of restoration or reconciliation is at the heart of the Gospel. We are to call the lost back to the Father. His great heart is constantly waiting for people to turn to him. Our text is like an exclamation point at the end of the life of Elijah. Pay attention here! Elijah's life and work are significant!

We can also learn something from the story about tenacity and singleness of purpose. Elisha stuck with his mentor until the very end. We also learn something about prayer and the necessity of knowing the Lord's heart. To whom could you say: "Ask for anything and I will give it to you?" I would think only people you know well and trust completely. This kind of commitment/promise comes only out of a close and trusting relationship. Prayer is like that, or should be like that.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2-3. What does it mean to be God's prophet in the New Testament sense? What does that mean for you? (see Acts 2:17-18)

2. Slide 8-11. What does it mean to pray in Jesus' name? What must we know before we can pray in his name? How do we make certain of that?

3. Slide 12-14. What does wholehearted commitment to Christ look like in your world? In what ways do people make half-hearted commitments to Christ? What does that look like? How does that feel?

4. Slide 15. What was so remarkable about Elijah that the Lord should take him to heaven this way? What does tell us about the heart of God?

5. Slide 16. In what ways can we be more intentional about keeping the Lord's mission in mind? How can we make sure we are tenacious in our commitment to his purposes?

This week we are looking at the rather strange story of Elijah's death. Or perhaps we should call it his translation for he does not really die but is taken up into heaven in a chariot of fire. A very unusual story. As far as I know only Enoch and Elijah left this planet without really dying. Some think Moses also, but that is debated. Elijah appears on the mountain of transfiguration in Matt. 17:2; Mark 9:2-7; and Luke 9:28-35. Here he seems to represent restoration (Malachi 4:5-6). His ministry was one of restoration in that he called the people of Israel back to the Lord. John the Baptizer came in the spirit of Elijah to do the same kind of thing. Jewish people look for Elijah to return before the Messiah. A place at table is left for him during Passover meals.

His significance in salvation history is highlighted by his departure from earth in the Chariot of Fire. The business of restoration or reconciliation is at the heart of the Gospel. We are to call the lost back to the Father. His great heart is constantly waiting for people to turn to him. Our text is like an exclamation point at the end of the life of Elijah. Pay attention here! Elijah's life and work are significant!

We can also learn something from the story about tenacity and singleness of purpose. Elisha stuck with his mentor until the very end. We also learn something about prayer and the necessity of knowing the Lord's heart. To whom could you say: "Ask for anything and I will give it to you?" I would think only people you know well and trust completely. This kind of commitment/promise comes only out of a close and trusting relationship. Prayer is like that, or should be like that.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2-3. What does it mean to be God's prophet in the New Testament sense? What does that mean for you? (see Acts 2:17-18)

2. Slide 8-11. What does it mean to pray in Jesus' name? What must we know before we can pray in his name? How do we make certain of that?

3. Slide 12-14. What does wholehearted commitment to Christ look like in your world? In what ways do people make half-hearted commitments to Christ? What does that look like? How does that feel?

4. Slide 15. What was so remarkable about Elijah that the Lord should take him to heaven this way? What does tell us about the heart of God?

5. Slide 16. In what ways can we be more intentional about keeping the Lord's mission in mind? How can we make sure we are tenacious in our commitment to his purposes?