Key Thought: After strong spiritual argument, Paul made an emotional appeal to the Galatians to remain in the gospel of grace.

[Teaching plan for “Paul’s Pastoral Appeal” November 23, 2011]

1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 4:12.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What did Paul mean when he told the Galatians that he was like they are, but encouraged them to be like him?
C. Personal Application: Is there any Christian leader that you look up to and would like to emulate in their behavior, lifestyle, or faith? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “What did Paul mean when he said they hadn’t hurt him at all? Was this physical, mental, emotional, or a spiritual hurt that he was referring to?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Galatians 4:13-15.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What infirmity of the flesh does Paul have that he refers here to?
C. Personal Application: Do you have any thorns of the flesh that trouble you? Why do you think some infirmities of the flesh come to us? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, ”God has promised healing through the fervent, faithful prayer of a righteous man. So are we to pray to heal people and expect them to be healed by faith, or should we expect them not to be, like Paul, because there is a reason for the affliction?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Galatians 4:16.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How does telling someone the truth make them your enemy?
C. Personal Application: Have you ever made anyone angry at you for telling them the truth about something? 1) Do people get angrier about the truth about natural things or spiritual things? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Is it better not to tell the truth or not say anything to keep peace? Isn’t it better to tell little lies and not make waves than to be brutally honest?” How do you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Galatians 4:17-20.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How do the Galatians’ enemies afflict them, but not well? What kind of affliction isn’t done well?
C. Personal Application: What service could modern day people do to those who by nature are no gods?.
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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