Letters Study #2

Kyle Bartholic   -  

For Freedom Set Free

This week’s teaching unpacked the truth that, when we walk in the Spirit, we walk with an advantage and are strengthened to humbly love our neighbors.

Get STARTED – Talk about who in your life modeled humility for you.

  • Who was it?
  • What imprint on your life?
  • Why was his/her imprint head-and-shoulders over others? God’s hand in this?
  • What fruit was born in their life through a posture of humility?

Explore the WORD    Paul is writing Galatians to a group of believers who are being persuaded away from the simple truth of the gospel, that we are justified through faith in Jesus. And, reminding them that they have the Spirit strengthening them to love their neighbor, and that action is the evidence of their inward faith. As you read chapter 5, follow the study method (OPA) below, paying attention to the noted themes.

Themes to keep an eye out for:

  • The Spirit: Paul talks about the Spirit at least five times in chapter 5.
  • The law vs. loving our neighbor.
  • Fruits of the Spirit vs Fruits of the flesh.

Observations – Make 7–10 observations from the passage.

  • What stands out to you? (Words that are repeated, places, people, ideas, or questions that you might have.)

Principles – From your list of observations, write out 2–4 principles (truths) that stand out in this passage.

Application (Prioritize APPLICATION) – From your list of principles, which 1–2 truths does the Lord want you to apply to your life this week?

  • Remember, a good application is memorable and measurable.
  • Consider: Who is your neighbor? Is there a fruit of the Spirit that God is calling up in your life? Is there a fruit of the flesh that God is calling out of you?

NOTE:  This week’s LETTERS READING PLAN calls for the reading of Ephesians throughout this week. 

IF YOU HAVE TIME…Read through together Ephesians 1–3.  Paul is reminding the believers in Ephesus about the spiritual work he is doing and has done in their lives, and pointing them to the richness of life in Christ.

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