
The Truth Matters - Message Study Questions
Message Summary
In the first chapter of Galatians, the Apostle Paul quickly calls down a curse on anyone who distorts the Good News of the gospel of grace. These false teachers taught that salvation required both faith in Jesus, but also human works, specifically keeping the Mosaic law. Paul reiterates the true gospel; that salvation is through grace, a free gift of forgiveness and righteousness that is received only through faith in the risen Jesus Christ alone. Jesus said, “… I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT). There are no other gatekeepers turning people away, for everyone is on equal footing, being pulled toward Jesus Christ and the work He did on the cross. Paul confronted false teaching and presented the gospel of grace—again.
We, too, have the responsibility to speak the truth in love. The Bible is the written Word of God. You have access to accurate translations and study helps. If you have bible or doctrinal questions, you can access Pastor John’s favorite website, gotquestions.org. It’s one thing to be able to quote the bible. It’s another thing to be able to apply it. You must discern what the bible teaches and apply it to your daily life. The Apostle Paul spoke truth in love to people who were being led astray. You and I have the responsibility to know the truth and speak the truth to others, just like he did. You have access to the truth and it’s up to you to apply it and model it for others to do the same.
When you want to warn someone about something important or dangerous, how do you do it?
Is it easier for you to receive grace, extend grace or neither? Why do you think you are like that?
Consider This
At its core, grace is an unmerited and unconditional gift of God’s love that we can never earn or deserve. Grace enables us to respond to God, enfolds us into his family, and empowers us to change. It is both a theological concept and a very important personal understanding.
Read Galatians 1:1. By what authority did Paul confront false teachers? (see also verses 11-12).
Read Galatians 1:2-7. What essential truths did Paul emphasize in the opening of his letter in verse 4? How do Paul’s statements in Galatians 2:16, 21 add to his argument?
What attitude does Paul have in verses 6 and 7? Why do you think that was the case?
How were the Galatians being fooled in verse 7?
How do Christians tend to mix grace with works in their daily experience? How can that error be recognized and repaired?
Why is it important that you examine your beliefs and the way you communicate them to others?
By what authority can you/should you confront those who are teaching false religion?
What do the following verses tell you about the Bible’s claim to be God’s authoritative word?
- 2 Timothy 3:16
- Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 5:17-18
- Peter: 2 Peter 1:16
- John: John 21:24-25, 1 John 1:1-4
- Paul: 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Acts 26:24-26
Do you believe the Bible is absolute truth? Why or why not?
In addition to historical and archeological accuracy, the Bible uses multitudes of minutely detailed predictions of the future to validate its authority. Jesus said, “I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he” (John 13:19 ESV). The accurately predictive nature of the Bible is extraordinarily unique—there is nothing else like it in ancient or modern literature. Only an eternal, sovereign God could predict the future and then order events to accomplish that end.
“Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’” (Isaiah 46:10).
Moving Forward – Application
How would the world be different without God’s grace? What are practical ways to let others know about God’s grace?
How can you prepare to respond next time you hear a distorted message about Jesus Christ?
What are some ideas on how to share the truth with someone who is following an error?
Would you consider writing a letter clarifying truth and error to someone you care about this week? (Galatians 6:1)
Consider studying the reliability of the Bible. See More Than a Carpenter, by Josh and Sean McDowell, chapter 6, Are the Bible Records Reliable? And chapter 11, Will the Real Messiah Please Stand Up. Also consider for further in-depth study, Cold Case Christianity by J. Warner Wallace.