I           Introduction

Coming to the end of Paul’s letter, he tells us that this last section is written with large letters. This is not to say that he struggles to see or is unused to writing, but a way to emphasize the importance of his final words. To put it in our context, if he were using a modern-day word processor, then this passage would be underlined and in bold.

We would do well then to listen to these final words. They are crucial for understanding of the letter as a whole, and they serve as a reminder of two key truths that have been repeated again and again.

Firstly, we are made right with God only through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from him there is no hope of life in God’s presence.

Secondly, all those who believe in Jesus are part of God’s people. The children of the free woman, are the children who believe.

II          Justification by faith

A          Explain: Who were the Judaizers? What did they hope to achieve and why?

B          Explain: What was the different gospel that the Judaizers taught? What does it come down to, in terms of boasting? What does it lead to in God’s church?

C          Explain: What is the good news of Jesus Christ that Paul has proclaimed? What does it mean to boast in the cross?

D          Explain/Apply: Does the doctrine of justification by faith mean a licence for sin? What are the changes that the Holy Spirit seeks to bring in the life of the Christian?

E          Explain/Apply: What does the doctrine of justification imply for circumcision? Does it still have a place in the new covenant?

III         One catholic people of God

A          Explain: How do some people try to twist Paul’s words regarding the Israel of God?

B          Explain: Who are the Israel of God?

C          Explain/Apply: What does the catholicity of God’s church mean for who is welcomed?

D          Explain/Apply: What does the catholicity of God’s church imply for politics? Are Christians obligated to support and advance the interests of the modern nation state of Israel in the Middle East?

Concluding prayer

Heavenly Father,

You alone are good and glorious. You are faithful to keep all your promises, holy and just, punishing sin, of purer eyes than to behold evil.

We marvel at the fact that we can have confidence of eternal life in your presence. We know that we are sinners who have never kept your commands, sinners deserving of judgment. And yet we can look forward to life with you in glory because you have graciously united us to your Son Jesus. We thank you that his righteousness has been imputed to us through faith, and his death reckoned as our own.

Thank you also for the apostle Paul, for inspiring him by your Spirit, for the wisdom and clarity that he has given us in this letter. Like him, we want to boast only in Christ and not in ourselves, please help us to do so.

Thank you also for reminding us that your church is catholic. Help us to be what you have made us to be. To welcome fellow believers, to work hard at building relationships, to remember that we are team mates and not competitors.

We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.