Off the Shelf Sunday School--Galatians

Conclusion (Gal 6:11-18)

See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God. Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers, Amen.

1.????Paul may have used large letters to emphasize his message or because he had poor eyesight.

2.????Paul says that the Jewish Christians that were teaching that circumcision is necessary were doing so to please others and (to) avoid being persecuted for breaking with Jewish tradition. They wanted some outward sign as a means of showing their faith. Can you think of any Christian religions that require that something be done to provide evidence of salvation? Rituals and other evidence of salvation typically become part of the requirement to be saved and so works and not faith alone becomes part of the teachings. This error can lead to the belief that a person is saved simply by doing something. Such a person may not have the gift of faith and so is deceived. Such ceremonies or traditions make it easy to increase church membership and make people feel good about themselves but it is false deception.

3.????Paul says that being born-again spiritually is the only thing that counts as assurance of salvation. (Jn 3:3) This spiritual birth is by faith in Jesus and results in a person becoming a new creation as an adopted child of God. (Eph 2:8-9; 2 Cor 5:17)

4.????Those who have been born spiritually into the kingdom of God through faith in Jesus experience peace and the forgiveness of their sins (mercy). This applies even to the Jews. There is only one way to become the chosen nation of God called Israel. (Jn 14:6)?

5.????Paul concludes by saying that he has suffered persecution and has the scars as evidence of his suffering for the gospel of faith. (2 Cor 11:22-27)

6.????Paul concludes by praying for the grace provided by faith in Jesus to minister to believers through the presence of the Holy Spirit.?Our salvation and transformation to holiness are totally the work of God. Man’s role is to humbly accept this grace by faith which is also provided by God.?(Phil 1:2-6)