Does freedom mean we are careless about how we live with God? No, in fact Paul draws upon Old Testament teaching to say that our daily lives are to be a reflection of the grace of God that frees us from slavery to sin and into a new creation way of life. He boasts in the cross of Christ (6:14) and summarizes it all with the grace of Jesus (6:18).
(Galatians 6:18)
Sermon Outline
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14)
Living to Love – free from pride (Galatians 6:1-6)
- “Carry each other’s burdens”
- “Test your own actions”
Living to Plant – free from foolishness (Galatians 6:7-10)
- “A man reaps what he sows”
- “At the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”
Living by the Cross – free from fear (Galatians 6:11-15)
- “the only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ”
- “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ”
Living by Grace – free from earning (Galatians 6:16-18)
- “Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule”
- “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit”
Discussion Questions
- This week we conclude our series “Free: A Study on Galatians” by looking at Galatians, chapter 6. Before you begin, pray that God would speak to you through your study of the Scripture. Next, read Galatians 6 out loud.
- The first part of Galatians 6, verses 1-10, continues Paul’s train of thought begun in Galatians 5:13 about living by the Spirit. How does Paul practically instruct the Galatian believers about life in the Holy Spirit in verses 1-7?
- Why do you think Paul brings together the ideas of carrying another’s burden and taking pride in ourselves in these verses?
- Have you ever struggled with pride when confronted with another’s sin or difficulties? What did you do?
- With verses 8-10, Paul confronts the tendency to take advantage of freedom in Christ for “acts of the flesh” (5:19). What does Paul call the believers toward in these verses?
- Why do you think Paul includes phrases like “let us not become weary” or “if we do not give up” in the context of doing good deeds?
- How would you describe what it practically looks like to “sow to please the Spirit” (6:8) in our lives?
- In the second part of Galatians 6, verses 11-18, Paul summarizes and concludes the letter. He emphasizes – “see what large letters” (6:11) – the contrast between him and his opponents. What is that contrast and why is it important?
- What would you say Paul means by his strong statement in verse 14? What does that truth mean for you in your life?
- What is your biggest take-away from this study or the entire series on Galatians. If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone this week.