7: Walking in the Spirit (Gal 5:1-26)
I.
The Basics
A.
Setting
Having
established the doctrine of liberty in Christ, Paul urges the Galatians to
remain steadfast in this liberty and not be entangled again by the yoke of
bondage. Then he goes into the practical applications of this doctrine,
expounding the true meaning of Christian liberty in our daily living.
B.
Key Verse
“But if you are led by the
Spirit, you are not under the law” (5:18).
II.
Observation
A.
Outline
(5:1-12)
(5:13-26)
(5:13-18)
(5:19-21)
(5:22-23)
(5:24-26)
B.
Key Words/Phrases
III.
Segment Analysis
A.
5:1-12
1.
How does verse 1 function as a
transition?
2.
According to verses 2 to 4,
what are the consequences of attempting to be justified by the law? Explain
each.
3.
What three aspects of a
Christian life are found in verses 5 and 6?
4.
How are these aspects related
to one another? Apply this to your life.
5.
As believers, we have been
justified by faith. Why should we still “wait for the hope of righteousness by
faith”?
6.
What does it mean that we wait
eagerly “through the Spirit”?
7.
Identify the several references
in verses 7 through 12 to the works of the Judaizers.
8.
Why is the cross offensive?
Have you suffered persecution as a result of the offense of the cross?
B.
5:13-26
9.
How can the liberty in Christ
be misunderstood and misused?
10.
What does the word “flesh” mean
here?
11.
Have you experienced the
struggle between the flesh and the Spirit? What is the solution, according to
this passage?
12.
Record and study the list on
the works of the flesh in 19-21.
13.
What is the consequence of
practicing the works of the flesh?
14.
Record and study the fruit of
the Spirit as stated in 22 and 23.
15.
Why does the
Scripture uses the word “fruit”? How is the analogy of the fruit an apt
description of a Spirit-led life?
16.
Record what this section says
about the law.
17.
Is a Spirit-filled life
contrary to the law? What can we learn from this passage about the true meaning
of liberty in relation to the law?