I           Introduction

Introduce Galatians 5 as the beginning of the application section of the letter. Mention the arguments that Paul has made to support justification by faith, some of the key truths that have been learned. What do we need to be careful about if we are going to enjoy the freedom that comes from faith in Christ?

II          Two warnings

A          Explain: Circumcision has no value.

B          Explain: Circumcision must be avoided if it has anything to do with religion.

C          Explain: Peer pressure in Galatia from the Judaizers.

D          Explain: Good and bad peer pressure. 

E          Explain: The need to be kept from future confusion/pressure.

III         Faith working through love

A          Explain: How was Paul’s life consistent with faith working through love?

B          Explain: What is the result of faith in Christ? What did he do for the Christian?

C          Explain/Apply: how does faith working through love help us to resist the pressure of false teachers?

D          Explain/Apply: What is the love that we are to pursue? Whose example do we follow and why?

Concluding prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the words inspired by your Spirit and written through the hand of your servant Paul. Thank you that these words were used to keep your people from error, so that we can persevere in the precious faith that you have worked in our hearts. Thank you for the warnings that we have heard. Please help us to remember them. May we remember the place of circumcision and not be swayed by the pressure and expectations of those around us. May we live in the freedom that Christ has purchased, with full assurance of your favour and the certainty of life in your presence. May this confidence also help us to pursue works of love. May it help us to evaluate various things we are told and taught, knowing that our deeds do not contribute to our salvation. Also, may we be helped to respond to persecution and wrongdoing in the way that Christ has shown us, to forgive, and to seek what is best for our neighbour. This is not a response that comes naturally to us; strengthen us for this work by your Spirit.

We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.