For Sunday, July 12, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, July 12, 2009.

1) Galatians 6:1-5
What is the connection between helping someone who is caught in sin and pride? How are we to develop our self images, according to Paul in this passage? Is Paul contradicting himself when he says “carry each other’s burdens” and “each one should carry his own load?” Why or why not?
Romans 12:3; Romans 15:7
How do these verses add to Paul’s teaching in Galatians 6?

2) Galatians 6:6-10
What is the lifestyle choice Paul outlines in this passage? Why does Paul equate choosing to please the sinful nature with mocking God? What is the challenge of living a consistently Spirit-led life?
1 Corinthians 15:58; Revelation 2:10
How could you use these verses to encourage a fellow believer who is weary and ready to give up? Can you think of a way to store these verses to encourage yourself when doing good gets hard?

3) Galatians 6:11-18
According to Paul, what was the purpose of those teaching circumcision? What was Paul willing to boast about? What really counts in the evidence of a Christian’s life?
2 Corinthians 5:17
Is your life characterized as a new creation in Christ? Is the difference obvious?

4) Galatians 6:1-18
Prayerfully re-read this passage as a checklist, examining yourself. Ask God to show you how the evidence of your life conforms to Paul’s teaching. Consider making a renewed commitment to not give up in doing good.