Before the Session

Facilitator: In advance of the session

  • Have the Bible Background Video ready to view.
  • Review today’s scripture text and the session activities to help better facilitate the discussion.
  • Encourage your group to listen to the Faithelement podcast ahead of the next session (Share the link via email or social media)

Context (From the Current Session Page)

Optionally share this eighteen-second video:“I don’t think that means what you think it means” then ask:

  • I understand that this is an invitation to be a bit assiduous about other people’s impecunious vocabulary, but what are some words that you think people commonly misuse?

Share this list of words whose usage has changed then continue by asking:

  • Which of these changed meanings most surprised you and why?
  • What are some words whose original meaning you might use anyway, despite the way everyone else seems to use them, and why?
  • To what degree does the original usage of a word matter if it is widely used to mean something else?

Content (From the Mind Session Page)

Read Galatians 2:15-21, then watch the Bible Background Video.

 

Tell the group:

Remember what’s going on in these Galatian churches: Paul is fighting against the idea that these non-Jewish believers must first live by the Jewish law (including circumcision and dietary restrictions) if they want to be Christians.

ask:

  • What does the English word “justify” mean?
  • What kinds of things do we justify and why?
  • What does it mean to be justified or “made right” with God?
  • According to Paul, how are we justified?
  • Compare some different translations for verse 16 – how do each of them translate the phrase, “faith of/in Christ,” and what do you think that means?
  • Why do you think Paul feels that no one can be justified before God through following the Law?
  • What might it mean to die “through the Law” or “to the Law” and why has this happened?
  • What do you think Paul is really saying in verse 20 and why?

Closure (from the Media Session page)

Play … it’s what you do that defines you and ask:

  • In light of today’s scripture, how do you feel about what Rachel tells Bruce in this video and why?
  • What do you think should shape your life and why?
  • By what means can we enable Christ (or the faith of Christ) to live in us?
  • To what degree do you feel you are defined by either what you are against or by your consistent actions towards citizens in God’s Kingdom?
  • If not through works, in what ways do we show faith in/of Christ by our attempts to act in a manner consistent with what we believe?

Close in prayer

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