Two weeks ago, we heard about Paul telling Christians in Corinth that just because Jesus had come doesn't mean they could throw aside all ethical considerations.  This week, as we read Galatians, we hear Paul telling Christians that the ethical doesn't amount to much.

What is going on?  This week we delve into the brilliant theology of Paul in his letter to the Galatians, but also begin to unpack the back story.  Ultimately, what we experience profoundly shifts our theological imagination and what we end up believing about the law, faith and righteousness.

Read the whole letter (you could skip chapters 3 and 4 if needed, but it is so short!)  Some questions for consideration:

1)  Have you ever been part of a community, like Galatia, that felt too legalistic and too exclusive.  Did you choose to stay?  Why or why not?

2)  Have you ever had an experience of such sheer grace, like Paul, that you could not conceive of a world in which God could actually embrace humans outside of grace?  What was it like talking to people that weren't blown away by God's grace after you had been?

3)  Have you ever had a phase of life, like Luther, where you have earnestly tried to be a better human and have failed?  

4)  Have you ever been part of a community in which accountability, even accountability to Christ's teaching, was important?  Can community - or any relationships - thrive outside of accountability?

5)  Have you ever been part of a community where ethical teachings helped set healthy boundaries for the community or for you as an individual?  Do you know people or have you been a person where you needed moral clarity from a church and did not receive this?

6)  Have the teachings of Jesus ever been a source of inspiration to you that has ever changed your course in life?

7)   What might it mean for Christ to live in us?