Study based on the sermon from July 16, 2017, Christ Formed in Us from the sermon series …
RELATE
Now That You Know God What brings you joy? A big bowl of ice cream? A warm, delicious latte? Holding babies? Creating something from nothing? Helping others? Relationships? The Holy Spirit? Be honest.
READ & REFLECT
What app on your phone do you most often use? How frequently do you use it?
Galatians 4:8-20
2 Corinthians 12:7
Ephesians 4:14
What things were you a “slave” to before you became a Believer? Do you still return to those things now? Why or why not? (vs. 8) Why was Paul so upset by backsliding (vs. 9)? What do you think Paul meant when he said “Become like me, for I became like you?” (vs. 12) (see Rom. 7:4-6, 1 Cor. 9:20-21, Gal. 5:1 ) Paul’s illness was a trial to himself (2 Cor. 12:7) and others (Gal. 4:14), yet he continued to share the Gospel. When you are faced with trials, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, how do you respond? At one time, the Galatians joyfully welcomed, listened, and responded to Paul despite his physical trial. (vs. 12). But now, how are the Galatians responding to the same truth? (vs. 15-16) What is your response to someone who holds you accountable to your backsliding? Are you defensive or humbled?
RESPOND
Read and compare Ephesians 4:14 and Galatians 4:17-18. Was the zealousness of the Jews that Paul refers to in Galatians considered “deceitful scheming” that was causing the Galatians to be tossed “to and fro”?
Act What can you do to prevent backsliding? Make a list and then find someone who can hold you accountable. Reflect Paul was a Jew, following Jewish law, but found freedom from that law—the freedom the Gentiles (the Galatians) had all along. Pray that you can be known by God (vs. 9), fully experiencing the freedom in the Law of Christ.