“Those who lapse from the Gospel to the Law are no better off than those who lapse from grace into idolatry.” Martin Luther
- Rituals instead of your Father (vv. 8-11) Legalism is simply another form of pagan idolatry that seeks to appease God instead of knowing God.
- Self Improvement instead the Savior’s Sufficiency (vv. 12-15) Paul reminds the Galatians that embracing him in his bodily weaknesses was a display of the weakness needed to embrace the Savior’s help.
- Self promotion instead of Christ – exalting (vv. 16-20) False teachers courted the Galatians for self-serving reasons. Paul’s goal, like a mother in labor, is to see Christ formed in them.
Reflection & Discussion Questions
- What initial observations, convictions, and encouragements do you have from this passage after the sermon?
- When you think of worship and other spiritual activities, are you thinking of appeasing God or knowing God?
- What weaknesses are you tempted to cover up to make yourself look better before others? In what ways could you lean on Christ more by leaning into your weaknesses?
- When you think of personal discipleship (following Jesus), do you think of moving through a system or moving closer to Jesus?
- Are there relationships where you tend to make your desires and expectations for others more important than knowing Christ and being like Him in your expectations?