Chapter 3/4 – some review and extra questions
What is the sign of salvation (or at least faith) – Holy Spirit à Who gives the sign? Compare to circumsicion and the law à what does this mean for us today?
What is Paul also arguing in Ch 4 in terms of his relation with the Galatians? (fellowship)
OVERVIEW Questions on the LAW
How would you characterize Paul’s view of the law (both positive and negative!)
Ch 4
How would you characterize Paul’s tone in the opening verse? What is he effectively saying?
Why does Paul use the Abraham argument? What does this say about culture and evangelism?
What does it say about the opposing argument?
What would a more traditional argument about this passage say, especially in terms of the Gentiles? How does Paul combat this, especially in relation to the Galatians and their place now? What does this say for us?
Make a chart diagramming Paul’s argument in comparing things, what can you see from it?
Who represents what in a traditional argument? Who represents what in Paul’s argument?
What are possible interpretations of New Jerusalem vs Present one and others? (What might it also stand for? Think of Paul’s confrontation with Peter)
What other things does this argument signify? Think in terms of God and his promise and then our response to that?
What is the significance of Isaiah 54 (v27)? What is the normal (and indeed proper) reading? How does that tie in what Paul is saying (how does it fit now with his argument? What links them (God’s Fulfillment)? What does that say about scripture itself?
So how does Paul end his argument? What does Paul say about scripture? What is he saying especially in light of “slavery” and the “law”? What does freedom in Christ mean?
How do we normally read the OT? How does Paul, who quotes a lot of OT, read the OT? (through the lens of the gospel) Should we ONLY or ALWAYS read it this way?
Paul could have rejected the OT altogether or at least just the law… but why doesn’t he (think in terms of who the Galatians – and we! – are)?
What does this say about normalization of Christian practice?
What could be dangerous about this passage?
