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Galatians 1:10-24 Living For & Living From
In this weeks message from Galatians, we see Paul continuing his the introduction to his letter by reminding the Galatian Christians of his own story. In Paul's biography, he highlights both the dramatic change that occurred in his life, and the source of that transformation. This passage shows us that the good news of the Gospel gives us a more powerful motive for change than earning the approval of people or seeking to earn the approval of God. The Gospel transforms our lives, not by giving us tools to make us lovable, but by showing us that we are fully known and fully loved in Christ Jesus.
The key difference between a Pharisee and a believer in Jesus is inner-heart motivation. Pharisess are being good but out of a fear-fueled need to control God. They don't really trust him or love him. To them God is an exacting boss, not a loving Father. Christians have seen something that has transformed their hearts toward God so they can finally love and rest in the Father. -- Tim Keller
" 'It is plain that what happened on the Damascus road was no isolated mystical experience, no mere “flash” of insight or intellectual conviction, but a personal encounter, the beginning of a personal relationship which became the dominating passion of his life.' Religious experience for Paul is basically experience of union with Christ." -- F.F. Bruce (quoting James D.G. Dunn)
"Half the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm; but the harm does not interest them. Or they do not see it, or they justify it because they are absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves.”-- T.S. Eliot
Discussion Questions:
1. Try to remember a time when you were declared ‘good enough.’ (In sports, school, or in a social setting). What did it feel like?
2. Now remember a time when you were declared ‘not good enough’— maybe you were left out socially, or didn’t make a certain grade or team in school. What did it feel like?
3. Compare v.10 & 14-16 with Philippians 3:4-10. Does Paul sound concerned about pleasing God? Where does he think the righteousness that pleases God comes from? How does someone “get” that righteousness? (Phil 3:9)?
4. What relationships in your life are based on performance? What (if any) of your relationships exist outside of performance?
5. When are you most tempted to fear people and seek their approval? What would change if in those moments you lived to please the God who is pleased with you?
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By Reformed University Fellowship at UNCWIn this weeks message from Galatians, we see Paul continuing his the introduction to his letter by reminding the Galatian Christians of his own story. In Paul's biography, he highlights both the dramatic change that occurred in his life, and the source of that transformation. This passage shows us that the good news of the Gospel gives us a more powerful motive for change than earning the approval of people or seeking to earn the approval of God. The Gospel transforms our lives, not by giving us tools to make us lovable, but by showing us that we are fully known and fully loved in Christ Jesus.
The key difference between a Pharisee and a believer in Jesus is inner-heart motivation. Pharisess are being good but out of a fear-fueled need to control God. They don't really trust him or love him. To them God is an exacting boss, not a loving Father. Christians have seen something that has transformed their hearts toward God so they can finally love and rest in the Father. -- Tim Keller
" 'It is plain that what happened on the Damascus road was no isolated mystical experience, no mere “flash” of insight or intellectual conviction, but a personal encounter, the beginning of a personal relationship which became the dominating passion of his life.' Religious experience for Paul is basically experience of union with Christ." -- F.F. Bruce (quoting James D.G. Dunn)
"Half the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm; but the harm does not interest them. Or they do not see it, or they justify it because they are absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves.”-- T.S. Eliot
Discussion Questions:
1. Try to remember a time when you were declared ‘good enough.’ (In sports, school, or in a social setting). What did it feel like?
2. Now remember a time when you were declared ‘not good enough’— maybe you were left out socially, or didn’t make a certain grade or team in school. What did it feel like?
3. Compare v.10 & 14-16 with Philippians 3:4-10. Does Paul sound concerned about pleasing God? Where does he think the righteousness that pleases God comes from? How does someone “get” that righteousness? (Phil 3:9)?
4. What relationships in your life are based on performance? What (if any) of your relationships exist outside of performance?
5. When are you most tempted to fear people and seek their approval? What would change if in those moments you lived to please the God who is pleased with you?