Page 62 - Bible Study Methods-Textbook_Neat

Galatia or the larger Roman province. The problem was somewhat like the one we face when someone
says, “I’m going to New York.” Is he going to the state of New York or to New York City?

History: Paul’s brief letter to the Galatians is one of the New Testament’s earliest, probably written
around A.D. 49, but as late as 53. Like Romans, it explores the relationship of the Mosaic Law to the
Gospel of Jesus Christ and, like Romans, concludes that the Law was temporary. It has now been
replaced by a better, more effective way of relating to God through the Spirit. The Judaizers (we call
these false teachers “Judaizers” because they were trying to entice Christians back into the Jewish
religious system) who “bewitched” the Galatians (3:1) were telling them that Paul’s apostleship and
message were not trustworthy because he lacked official endorsement from Jerusalem. “We have our
credentials from Peter!” they would say, as though the approval of men is proof that a preacher is sent
of God.

Here are some practical suggestions:
1. Begin studying with prayer (Ps. 119: 18, John 16: 13 - 15)
2. Take brief notes on what you read. (use a small notebook)
3. Read slowly through the passage. Ask yourself what the passage is about. Read it again.
4. When finished, answer these questions about the passage:
a. What is the main subject of this passage?
b. Who are the persons revealed in this passage: Who is speaking? To whom is he
speaking? About whom is he speaking?
c. What is the key verse in this passage?
d. Is there any sin for me to confess and forsake in this passage?
e. Is there any command for me to obey in this passage?
f. Is there any promise for me to claim?
g. Is there any instruction for me to follow?
h. Is there a prayer that I should pray?

5. Keep a spiritual diary and write down how God spoke to you through this passage.
6. Memorize the key verse or verses in the passage.
7. Obey what God tells you to do.

Let’s try it. Galatians 5: 16 – 26.
16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful
nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the
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Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each
other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit,
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you are not under law.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and
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debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions,
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factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like
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this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness
and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified
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