Key Thought: Paul closes his letter to the Galatians with a strong appeal, clinging only to the cross as his reason for life.

[Teaching plan for “Boasting in the Cross” December 28, 2011]

1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 6:11-13.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why does Paul say some wanted the new Christians to be circumcised?
C. Personal Application: Are there any “rules” that your church has that are more for show than from Biblical counsel? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Why does Paul say that he wrote such a large letter with his own hand? Didn’t Paul write all his letters, and why was this one so large? It wasn’t any longer than any of his other letters.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Galatians 6:14.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How is the world crucified to us, and how are we crucified to the world? Share.
C. Personal Application: What difference has the cross made in your life? How does it affect your relationship with the world?
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, ”Why shouldn’t we glory in the accomplishments that we make, or our children make? Doesn’t God give us talents and abilities to make us successful? We see baseball players and football players pointing to heaven when they do something godd. Isn’t that glorifying God?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Galatians 6:15,16.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What rule is Paul speaking of that brings peace and mercy? Does this rule have to do with circumcision, or is this speaking of something more spiritual?
C. Personal Application: What does it mean to be a new creation? Since we can’t change ourselves, what goals should we focus our lives and religious efforts on?
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “If there really were a change in people when they accepted Christ, why is so much strife, theft, pride, and sexual immorality found in the church? Does this mean that many really aren’t converted, or that we really don’t become new creatures?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Galatians 6:17,18.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What marks on his body does Paul say he bears? How do they relate to Jesus Christ?
C. Personal Application: How should we relate to worldly issues like the
Environment, racism, and abortion if we have died to the world? Should
Our focus be on these things?
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)

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