Read Galatians 5:13-15.

1. Paul’s letter to the Galatian church was largely precipitated by his desire to combat some of the false teachings of a missionary group known as Judaizers. Who were the Judaizers and what was wrong with their teachings?

2. Paul talks about freedom in our passage for today. What does he mean by freedom? What did the Galatians not understand about this freedom? What do we still not understand about this freedom today? How do we misuse this freedom?

3. How was religious legalism harming the Galatian church? How was this legalism causing the people to act toward one another in the church? Do we still have this problem today?

4. Paul offers up a better way to exercise our freedom than “indulging the flesh.” What does Paul say we should be doing instead?

5. What did you think about the elephant story? When have you acted like that elephant, being free without realizing it?

6. How does Paul say the entire law is fulfilled? What does that mean to you? What would living like that look like in your own life?

7. What is the difference between reverence for God and intimacy with God? Why do we need both?

8. Regarding our freedom in Christ, Pastor Mick said, “We’re not just free from something, but free for something? What did he mean by that?

9. Jesus said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” What are you going to do with your freedom?

Prayer for the Week:
Jesus, I need to give myself up. I am not strong enough to love you and walk with you on my own. I can’t do it, and I need you. I need you deeply and desperately. I believe you are worth it, that you are better than anything else I could have in this life or the next. I want you. And when I don’t, I want to want you. Be all in me. Take all of me. Have your way with me. Transform me more and more into your image every day. Help me live the free and full life available to me through your sacrifice. Help me to offer this free and full life to others as I serve them in love. May all that I say and do, always and everywhere, bring you glory. Amen."