There is one Gospel | Gospel Freedom | Galatians 1:1-12
Introduction
Before we begin
Table Communities are community gatherings for the purpose of:
- Building meaningful relationships through intentional time together
- Engaging in mutual discipleship through directing one another towards Christ with truth shared in love
- Multiplying grace through love, prayer and gifts of the spirit
The notes will guide you through praying together, reading scripture and engaging in intentional relational time together. There are also notes and practices for this month's habit of grace. We know that most groups will not have time to discuss the habit of grace during their time together, but they are available if time allows and are available for those seeking to intentionally engage with God's grace during the week. If that desire is within you, please read the notes on your own time or go through the habit of grace practices with a spiritual friend or your spouse, so as to build one another up in truth and love. Finally, this gathering is not about getting through all the note content, but rather this gathering is about building meaningful relationships, engaging in mutual discipleship and multiplying grace. Let those values shape the direction and pace of your time together.
Kick off with prayer
You can use the kick off prayer below (if you are not comfortable praying aloud), and give time for others to pray into the night together.
Example prayer, if needed. Ideally pray freely as you feel called:
Father we praise you for gathering us together. Despite whatever weighed on our hearts as we entered this house, we pray that your Spirit guides our time together and free us from anything that is not of you. We pray that by the strength of your might we may speak truth in love to one another. We pray that we are led by the gifts of your spirit, so that we may build up one another and your church as a whole. As we read your word, we pray that we may be filled with the knowledge of your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner pleasing to you.
Passage: Gospel Freedom | Galatians
We will read the text together seeking for God to give life to the text through his Spirit. "Lord please help us to hear your word and receive what you have for each of us"
Galatians 1:1-12
1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. 10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Discussion
Discussion Questions
(1) Whether you grew up knowing the gospel or not, what was your default view of God? What was He like, and how did you relate to Him?
Facilitator Guide: The goal is to begin surfacing the false gospels we may have believed. Our beliefs about the character of God shape how we relate to Him.
(2) How does the gospel—salvation through faith alone in Jesus—challenge your default view of God and shape how you relate to Him now because of Jesus?(Feel free to help each other out.)
Facilitator Guide: The goal is to begin surfacing the false gospels we may have believed, and discuss how our beliefs about the character of God shape how we relate to Him.
(3) Paul continues to explain that the gospel is received from Christ alone. What do you think holds most people back from receiving the gospel?
Facilitator Guide: This question helps us reflect on cultural or internal barriers to grace. We want to draw out assumptions like: “I’m too far gone,” “I need to clean myself up first,” “Some people aren’t worthy.”
(4) What holds you back from receiving the gospel into all areas of your life?
Facilitator Guide: For example, do you go to work to receive love and acceptance from others, or do you go to work to love others because you’re already loved and accepted yourself? Help the group explore areas where they live out of striving instead of rest.
Closing Prayer Prompt
Prompts:
- Thank God that the gospel is received, not achieved.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to expose false gospels, and help each person live more freely and joyfully in the grace of Jesus.
Encourage each person to reflect silently: [1 minute]
- Where am I still trying to earn God’s love or prove something to others?
- Where in my heart or life does Jesus want to meet me?
Share anything the Holy Spirit has revealed then pray for one another