Pulpit Curriculum - Living Unleashed
Derek Ward
April 21, 2024

Pulpit Curriculum: Living Unleashed

April 21st – April 27th, 2024

Sermon Summary

This week’s sermon marked the study’s conclusion on the book of Galatians. This book of the Bible addresses the fundamental question of how a person can be made right with God. This week’s sermon provided a review of the entire series and an overview of the key messages from Galatians, from chapter 1 to chapter 6.

Overall, Galatians is a passionate defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasising that salvation is received by faith alone, apart from obeying the law. The letter addresses the tension between law and grace, the role of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life, and the importance of living out the Christian faith in community. The Pastor shared that we should view this letter as an urgent plea from the heart of the apostle Paul to the Galatian believers—and, by extension, us—to stand firm in the freedom Christ has secured for us.

Verse of the Week

Galatians 6:14-15
14“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.”

Going Deeper

Review Galatians 1 – 6

1) In Galatians 1: vs 11-17, Paul shares a profound testimony of his personal encounter with Jesus Christ. This encounter led to his conversion and brought about a radical transformation in his life.

a) How does Paul’s testimony influence the authenticity and authority of this letter to the Galatians?

b) What do you see as its relevance to the Law and the Prophets?

2) How does Paul’s emphasis on justification only by faith in Christ challenge the legalistic tendencies within the Galatian church and in some churches today? Galatians 2:15-21

3a) Referring to Galatians 3:26-29, explain how faith in Christ is the basis for the believer’s identity and purpose

3b) Reflect on how this passage helps us address social and cultural divisions in the Christian community as heirs of the promise

4) What is the significance of Paul’s allegory of Hagar and Sarah for helping us understand slavery under the law and freedom through faith in Christ? Galatians 4
:21-31

5a) What does Paul mean when he says that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires? Galatians 5:24?

5b) How does crucifying the flesh relate to the concept of “walking in the Spirit?”

What does Paul mean when he says that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires Galatians 5:24?

6) How do Paul’s closing remarks in Galatians 6:11-18 reinforce the themes and messages of the letter as a whole?

Assess Your Life

a) Spend some time reflecting on the extent to which you find your identity and worth in Christ alone, or seek validation from worldly sources?

b) Identify some ways to more fully embrace your identity as a child of God and an heir to His promises, thereby releasing yourself from the need for external approval.

Application

Identify 3 practical steps you can take this week to crucify the flesh and live in closer alignment with the Spirit.

Sermon Main Points

The main point of the letter to the Galatians is to proclaim the sufficiency of Christ’s work for salvation, affirming that salvation is by grace through faith alone and not by adherence to the law or human effort. The letter challenges believers to:

i. Embrace the true gospel (Chapter 1)
ii. Affirm the doctrine of justification by faith (Chapter 2)
iii. Embrace salvation through faith (Chapter 3)
iv. Value the privilege of being Sons and Heirs of God (Chapter 4)
v. Walk in the Spirit (Chapter 5)
vi. Boast in the cross of Christ (Chapter 6)

Sermon Reflection

What stood out for me in this sermon?

What is something I can do to remember this?

5 Day Study Plan

Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.

Follow these steps
1. Observe the text.
(What do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)
2. Interpret the text.
(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)
3. Apply the text.
(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)


Day 1 - Romans 5: 8-10

Day 2 - Colossians 3:1-4

Day 3 - Ephesians 1:11-14

Day 4 - 2 Corinthians 10:13-17

Day 5 - John 1:9-13


For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.