TEXT GALATIANS 5:1-12

:: Challenge ::
To be convicted of any pride or thought of “I am good enough” and to rely on Christ alone for our freedom.

:: Parents Challenge ::
Discuss the meaning of Christian freedom with your child. Ask them:
“What does it mean that Christ has set you free?”
Freedom from what?

:: Focused Points of Study ::
{Q3} In verse 2 Paul states “that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you.”
Q: Is this verse an overstatement?
A: No, it is a very strong warning against turning to circumcision as a work to obtain faith.
Q: Couldn’t a person receive circumcision and still trust in Christ for salvation? Why?
A: Yes, circumcision is often done for health reasons. At the same time No, because if circumcision is received as a action to earn righteousness it states the one receiving no longer believes they need to be saved, but that they can “save” themselves by their work.

READ: Romans 2:28-29 for more info behind the deeper meaning behind circumcision seen through God’s definition.

{Q5} There is only one outcome of the Christian seeking righteousness by God based on works.
Q: What this outcome and why is this the outcome?
A1: The outcome of us trying to earn salvation is to be “severed from Christ” and “fallen from grace.” In other words, we cut ourselves off from salvation.
A2: This is because if it is by works or the fact that one is “ok,” or better then other’s that we can enter into heaven, then that one believing this no longer can see their need of forgiveness. This is a huge WARNING to us as Christians that our pride leads us away from salvation. The very thought that “we live good enough of a life” in the eye’s of God is the downward slope that leads us away from the fact and realization that we NEED HIM. In everything we are flawed, if we don’t see that, it’s not that it’s not true, just that we can’t see our flaws.

{Q14}Paul goes to the extent in verse 12 that he says, “I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.” (Mutilate is also translated – cut themselves off or castration)
Q:Why does Paul use such strong language here?
A: Paul uses strong language for mainly two reasons. First, because of the dire warning of the situation Paul is dealing with here. Second, because if it is by our works, what we do, that we earn merit and righteousness with God, to what extent could we take this. Meaning who’s to say how far this works requirement goes. In false religions this works righteousness and works to gain merit with “god” has even led to obedience to the point suicide. This is a dangerous concept and these Jews will quickly resemble the pagan priests in Galatia who mutilate themselves for their false gods.

I pray that this study will strengthen you in your walk, brining you closer to God and further from trust in yourself as able to be good enough. He alone is our salvation, He alone can set us free from the Law, from Sin and ultimately He alone can set us free from eternal separation from God. That is true freedom, lets “stand firm” in this freedom and not fall back into slavery again!