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Read Galatians 2:16-21

16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

17 “But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker.

19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

Discuss:

1. What stands out from the passage.

2. What are some of the motivations that people have for trying to obey God?

3. In verse 17, Paul anticipates an objection to justification as he has just laid it out. Why would some say that justification might mean that ‘Christ promotes sin?’

4. What are some ways you have seen people use grace as a licence to pursue sin?

5. How is living for God different to living for the law (verse 18?)

6. What does this passage teach us about what happens when Jesus dies on the cross?

7. What is the motivation Paul gives for seeking to obey God?

Apply & pray:

Tertullian said, “Just as Christ was crucified between two thieves, so this doctrine of justification is ever crucified between two opposite errors.” Tertullian meant that there were two basic false ways of thinking, each of which steals the power and the distinctiveness of the gospel by pulling us “off the gospel line” to one side or the other.

Legalism: I must obey in order to be saved.
Lawlessness: I am saved, therefore, there is no reason to obey.
Gospel: I am saved therefore i desire to obey.

1. Which of these do you find yourself more at risk of falling into?

2. What is one area of your life that you need to remember your gospel identity?