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Bible Study: October 8, 2020

Galatians 1

Paul Addresses the Churches of Galatia

October, 2020

Our Weekly Bible Study begins with us reading the assigned scripture ahead of time and preparing our hearts for study and discussion. When we meet (virtually or in person) we first read the scripture as a group, and then take turns sharing and discussing what impacted us the most, and our general interpretation of what we read.

Making Notes as we go through Bible Study is always encouraged, as it helps to increase our understanding of what we have read, and also allows us to become more comfortable and familiar with the Bible.

To make participation easier and more memorable for our younger children, we will include a link to Storybook Bible images of the readings whenever these are available.

This week’s virtual Bible Study focused on Galatians 1, which commenced our new study on the Book of Galatians. After praying and reading through the chapters, we discussed the verses at length, and shared our personal views on what we had read.

Verse 1: Paul speaks to the churches in Galatia in a strong, bold manner. He establishes that it is Christ whom he serves and by whom he has been called.

Verse 2: Paul is speaking to many different churches located in the region of Galatia.

Verses 3-4: Paul wishes grace (unmerited favour) and peace upon the people of the churches, and emphasizes that Christ gave Himself for our sins. Grace and peace are such important gifts from God, ones that we must appreciate and cherish. Where there is God’s grace, there is peace. Christ gave himself willingly so that we could receive this grace and peace, and we must recognize and be eternally thankful for this sacrifice.  “Deliver us from this present evil age”- Although we are physically present in this evil age that we live in, Christ has delivered us from this evil. (Ref. John 17: 16-18: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.  As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world”). One day, the Lord will create a new earth filled with righteousness, but until then, evil will exist in the world among us.

Verses 6-7: Paul is astonished that the church is turning away from the Word of God. He cannot understand how the people have been able to turn away from truth, they have gone after lies and chosen to model the things of this world, and not the things of Christ.

Verses 8-9: Paul strongly warns the churches that if anyone preaches any other Gospel, no matter who they are, it is false, and they should be rebuked. He makes it clear that there is no other Gospel other than the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 10: Paul addresses the fact that our first priority must be to please God, and not man. This does not mean that we don’t have to concern ourselves at all with man, but that our highest and very first concern is to live in accordance with what pleases God. In so doing, many will be pleased, but there will also be many who are not, and we must be prepared to accept this.

Verses 11-12: The Gospel comes through the revelation of Christ; we must remember this as we study His Word. We must seek revelation from the Holy Spirit as we read and study the Bible so that we will receive the personal message and interpretation that He intends for us to receive.

Verses 14-15: Paul had studied faithfully the ways of Judaism, but when it pleased God, he received the revelation of Christ in himself. He was saved not through the Law, but through God’s grace.

Verse 16:  “…to reveal His Son in me”- Jesus Christ wants to reveal Himself in us. Many people in the world do not read the Bible, but they do read our lives. As the song says, “they will know we are Christians by our love”.

As you read through this week’s Bible passage, ask yourself:

What are MY thoughts on what I am reading?

How can I apply this to MY life?

Blessings!

Adult and Youth Bible Study Resources:

Adult Bible Link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1&version=NKJV

Please click here for music to accompany this Bible Study.

 Youth Bible Link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1&version=ICB

Younger Children’s Picture Bible Story: Unfortunately, the picture Bible Story is not available for this chapter; please click on the Youth Bible Link above instead.

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