Key Thought: Through the sacrificial system the Old Testament illustrated the terrible cost of sin and the offering of a perfect substitute in the place of the sinner at death.

[Lesson 5: OLD TESTAMENT FAITH              October 29, 2011]

1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 3:1-5

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.

B. What was the problem many of the Galatian believers had that Paul warned them of being bewitched by?

C. Personal Application: How hard is it to discern our belief in righteousness by faith that leads to perfect obedience and legalism?

D. Case Study : One of your relatives states, “I know I am saved in Jesus Christ. Since I have accepted Him, I have lived a good Christian life and don’t so any of those things I used to.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Galatians 3:6-8

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.

B. Compare James 2:21-24. Are these Scriptures contradictory or complementary statements? Share.

C. Personal Application: Do you sometimes think some Scriptures are more inspired than others because they seem clearer, terser, and more straightforward than others with symbolism, hidden meanings, and literary styles? Share.

D. Case Study : One of your friends states, ”My pastor said that the Jews will be converted as God’s promise to Israel and with Christian believers will make up God’s remnant church to give the gospel to the world. What do you think?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Galatians 5:9-14

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.

B. What does it mean that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law?

C. Personal Application: How could Christ being made a curse for us, turn that curse into a blessing? How could people worship a god who not only died, but also died a cursed death according to God’s Word?

D. Case Study : One of your neighbors states, “My pastor said that if we try to obey the Ten Commandments, then we are putting ourselves under the curse of the law, but others say to believe in faith without obedience is a cheap grace. What am I supposed to believe?” How do you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Genesis 12:1-3

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.

B. Was God’s call to Abraham an arbitrary choice of humans to bless and support, or did He choose Abraham because He knew he would follow and obey him? Was Abraham predestined by God? Share.

C. Personal Application : Do you think that even though the message goes to the whole world, only a select group will hear and accept it because the rest cannot see or hear truth, refuse to accept it, or choose to ignore it?

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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