Paul’s Authority and Gospel – Teaching Plan
Key Thought: Paul opens his letter to the Galatians with reference to God’s gifts of grace and fought against teachings of error in Galatia..
1. Have a volunteer read 2 Peter 3:15,16.
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a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What do these verses tell us about how the early church viewed Paul’s letters?
c. Personal Application : How important is it to believe that Paul’s writings as well as other Scriptures are actually inspired and not just writings of an intelligent man? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “How can people twist the Scriptures to their own destruction? Is it possible to misunderstand or misrepresent the Scriptures?” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Galatians 1:1-16.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What elements of the true gospel does Paul include in Galatians 1?
c. Personal Application : In what ways is the authority of Scripture being challenged today? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “How do we know the difference between the true gospel and another gospel, or false gospel? Sometimes they don’t seem to be much different. Isn’t it okay to join any Christian church since they all preach Christ?” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read Galatians 1:6-9.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Even if we fell God is leading us, why is it important to learn to listen to the counsel of others?
c. Personal Application: How difficult is it to please other people and still be a follower of Christ? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “I don’t need the Scriptures to lead me to Christ or guide my actions. The Spirit speaks to me and my experiences have given me guidance in to the true way of life.” How would you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read Galatians 1:11-14.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What place is there (if any) for traditions in our faith?.
c. Personal Application : How can you know for sure what God has called you to do? Share your thoughts.
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.
(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.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
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