February 12: New Birth Brings Freedom (Galatians 4:8-20)

To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:

Read Galatians 4:8-11 and discuss the following questions with your group.

1. What was happening with the new believers in Galatia that caused the apostle Paul such consternation?
2. What is wrong with “observing special days and months and seasons and years” (v. 10)?

Read Galatians 4:12-16 and discuss the following questions with your group.

3. How does Paul describe the relationship he developed with the Galatians when he first visited them?
4. How was Paul feeling about his relationship with the Galatians now?

Read Galatians 4:17-20 and discuss the following questions with your group.

5. How does Paul describe the Judaizers who were influencing the Galatians? What effect were they having on Paul’s relationship with the Galatians?
6. What is the difference between “good zeal” and “bad zeal”?
7. What barriers affect your allegiance to the gospel?

To encourage personal application:

Lead your group in a discussion of the following questions.

1. A friend says, “I follow Jesus, not rules.” How do you respond?
2. Reflecting on Paul’s relationship with the Galatians, who carries a zealous concern for your spiritual life and condition?
3. On the other hand, who do you care for in that way? How could you express your concern in more practical and effective ways?