Why is Paul so insistent that the Galatians not allow
themselves to be circumcised?

How can he warn them in v.2 that Christ will be of no value
to them if they let themselves be circumcised, then in v.6 say it doesn’t
matter whether someone is circumcised or not?

Why did Paul have Timothy be circumcised (see Acts 15:1-3)?

Some of the Galatians were trying to attain a good standing
before God by obeying the Law of Moses (see v.4). What do you depend upon for a good standing
before God?

Is there anything you can do to deserve God’s favor?

Journaling

Paul compares the Christian life to a race. He says someone must have cut in front of the
Galatians to keep them from obeying the truth.
Are you running a good race? If
not, who or what cut in front of you?

This is not the only text in which Paul talks about yeast
working through dough. He says something
similar in 1 Corinthians 5:6-8. What
does the analogy of yeast mean?

Paul says that someone is throwing them into confusion. How does Paul want the Galatians to respond
to this person? What “penalty” will he
pay?

Why is Paul being persecuted for his teaching about
circumcision? For help answering this
question read Acts 21:17-36.

Journaling

Do you use your freedom to indulge your sinful nature?

“Love your neighbor as yourself” is found several times in
Scripture. Look up the following: Matthew 22:34-40, Romans 13:8-10, James
2:8-9.

Do you use your freedom in a way that harms someone else –
physically, emotionally or spiritually?

Paul describes a battle between the sinful nature and the
Spirit. Do you feel this struggle inside
you?

In v.16 Paul gives the key to win the struggle – live by the
Spirit. What do you think it means to
live by the Spirit?

In what ways are you living by the Spirit? In what ways are you not?

Journaling

Paul lists 15 actions typical of the sinful nature. Chew on
each of these and think about how they commonly manifest in our lives. Do any
of these actions characterize your life? Have you prayed about these areas
before? Allow God to work through those areas of your life. Try praying about
them now.

Whether on Paul’s list or not, what actions of the sinful
nature do you see most often in your life?

Paul makes the strong statement that those who live
according to the sinful nature will not inherit the kingdom of God. How does this truth fit with Paul’s statement
that those who live by the Spirit are not under law (v.18), and that we are not
justified by observing the law (2:15-16)?

Journaling

Paul lists 9 fruits of the Spirit. Think about what each one means. You can use a dictionary to give you a better
understanding of each word. Chew on it and try to imagine such a person in your
mind.

Which of the fruits of the Spirit most consistently
characterize your life? Are there any
that you see only rarely?

“Fruit of the Spirit” suggests that these characteristics
are produced by the Spirit. No amount of
human will power can produce them.

What law is Paul referring to in v.23 (hint: what law did
Paul talk about earlier in chapter 5)?

What does it look like to keep in step with the Spirit? Is there anyone you know who exemplifies this
lifestyle? What would it look like for
you to keep in better step with the Spirit?

Journaling

In the preceding chapters Paul explained the purpose of the
Law of Moses. He said, “the Law was put
in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer
under the supervision of the Law.” He
goes on to explain that Jesus came so “we might receive the full rights of
sons.” He concludes that “you are no
longer a slave, but a son.”