Prepare
As we approach Sunday, take some time to read the passage: Galatians 2:1-21. Acts 15 might also be of worth, when considering some of the background to what Paul was writing to the Galatians about.
- Here we see the powerful and amazing transformation that took place in Paul because of Jesus.
- As you read the chapter, what do you find interesting?
- What strikes you about the 2 interactions in the chapter?
- Are there any words that jump out to you as important? Why do you think that?
- Try putting what is going on in this chapter into your own words in a paragraph or two.
- If you were to sum this chapter up in a sentence… what would it be?
Engage
Am I good enough? This is a question we all have when it comes to other people in our world. Do I live up to their expectations? Do I meet the grade? In their eyes, am I good enough?
What about in the eyes of God? When He looks at me, am I good enough and can I do anything about it?
As Paul answers this question with the Galatians we learn three things from three verses.
Verse 3 – It’s NOT about what WE can do.
Verse 14 – It’s NOT about who WE are.
Verse 20 – It IS ALL ABOUT what HE has done.
Unpacking verse 20 for us here and now – gives us four things to consider.
- ‘I have been Crucified with Christ’… our SIN is dealt with.
- ‘I no longer live, but Christ lives in me’… our PRIDE is dealt with.
- ‘The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God’… our LIFE is dealt with.
- ‘Who loved me and gave himself for me’… our FEAR is dealt with
As we live life, what principle will we live from, religion or gospel?
“There is, then, a great gulf between the understanding that God accepts us because of our efforts and the understanding that God accepts us because of what Jesus has done.
Religion operates on the principle “I obey—therefore I am accepted by God.”
But the operating principle of the gospel is “I am accepted by God through what Christ has done—therefore I obey.” Timothy Keller
Apply
As you think about verse 20 what might the working out of this very look like for you in your life tomorrow at 8am, 10am, 4pm…?
As I reflect what have I found interesting?
As I reflect what has challenged my life, attitudes and actions?
Is there one practical step I can apply to my life to help me to become more like Jesus?
How would this help me to introduce others to Jesus?
Is there there anything I need to pray about, explore further or extra help I need?
Is there someone I should share with, pray with or encourage?
Trinity Deeper 