Sermon Overview & Discussion Questions: "Life After Prison"

Overview of Sermon: 
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul is on a mission to rescue the Galatian believers from a false gospel. Chapter 3 begins with Paul arguing that the true people of God are those who have faith like Abraham. In Gal. 3:19-29 Paul addresses the question, if faith is what counts, what then is the purpose of the law? The two purposes of the law are to reveal true nature of sin and to lead us to Christ. Now that Christ has come, we are no longer under the law but are children of God through faith.
 
Discussion Questions: 
1. Paul has made clear that salvation comes through faith not by works of the law. However, Paul does not argue that the law was useless or contrary to God’s promise. What is the purpose of the law according to Paul?
 
2. Jeff pointed out that the law is meant to reveal the true nature of sin and to lead us to Christ. In what ways does the law reveal the nature of sin and lead us to Christ?  
 
3. In verse 21, Paul declares that the law cannot give us what we want. It cannot grant life. In the past, have you tried to find life by obeying the law? Are there anyways that you are currently tempted to look to the law for life?
 
4. Life comes through faith in Christ not through obedience to the law. By faith, we are united to Christ and are adopted into God’s family. As the sermon came to a close, Jeff proclaimed the incredible grace given to us in Christ. What have we received through union with Christ?
 
5. What strength and encouragement have you received this week through your union with Christ?  How can you encourage your family, community group, and neighbors with the grace that you have received?