Galatians-Some Discussion Questions

When I read the first 2 chapters of Galatians, a couple things stand out to me...

First is Paul's determination to let everyone know that the message he preaches comes straight from Jesus Christ. It is not based on human logic (1:11), but on a direct revelation from Jesus Christ Himself. Because of this, he is completely unashamed and unabashed to live out what Jesus has called Him to do. He was not a people pleaser, but Christ's servant (1:10)...and he was not intimidated by anyone because he knew that everyone was equal before God (2:6). Jesus had made a radical change in his life.

The second thing that I see is what Paul is so vigorously writing against. It will unfold more in later chapters, but Paul really seems to hate "religion." You know what I mean, you follow a couple rules and practice some regulations, ask for forgiveness when need be and BOOM, you and God are doing good. When I read about the Gospel revealed to Paul, it teaches something far different. God called Paul out of a "religion" and taught him that he must be "crucified with Christ." It was no longer Paul doing what he wanted to do or Paul going where he wanted to go, but "the life he lived in the flesh was by faith alone in Christ Jesus" (2:20-21). A false Gospel had been going around teaching the Christians that they had to go back to the law and follow a bunch of rules to and then God would be pleased. According to Paul, this ain't true.

In my opinion, these two items are foundational for the rest of the letter. Paul is constantly defending himself and the Gospel according to Jesus against the "false gospel" being preached by "false christians." The one thing that hits me when I read this is the question: "Which teaching am I following?" I mouth says that I have faith in Christ, but in reality, am I crucified with Him, or am I following some "Christian Rules." You may know how it goes...go to church every Sunday, read your Bible because you have to, don't drink, curse, or have sex (that is for those of you who are NOT married) and I am good with God. I try to do more good than bad and always vote Republican. Those are in the Christian handbook...right? All the while I am simply livin for myself, spending my money as I see fit and my heart does not look much different than an unbeliever. Christ calls us to a higher standard than this, and he sets us free from living by a bunch of rules by shaping us into His image. Paul will play this out later on in the letter.

So, what about you guys...where does Galatians hit home for you?