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LEADER'S GUIDE NOTE: Answers are provided for only some of the questions. Many questions are primarily to stimulate discussion and there are no right or wrong answers. Introduction: This passage refers to what was probably Paul's third trip to Jerusalem in the 14 years since his conversion. He tells us (v. 1) that he was traveling with his two good friends, Barnabas and Titus. He goes on to say that he contacted his travel agent only after a revelation in which God told him to go and confer with church leaders in Jerusalem about the message that he was preaching to the Gentiles. Review: What was that message? 1. This meeting probably prevented a major split in the early church. Why? (Acts 15:1-5) The converted Pharisees still felt that the Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses before they could become Christians and be saved. Paul, Barabus, and Peter believed that this was not necessary. 2. Sometimes we avoid conferring with others because we are worried about how they may react. Do you normally discuss your ideas and plans with others? With whom? What usually happens when you do/don't? We often avoid conferring with others because we fear that problems or arguments might develop. Sometimes we feel it is easier to walk away from a problem than to confront it. Sometimes we feel that we are doing the "right thing" and that others just wouldn't understand. 3. Give an example of a time when you did or did not discuss your plans. What happened? 4. Apparently, the leaders in Jerusalem agreed that Titus did not have to be circumcised (v. 3-5). Why does Paul include this information? When Paul took Titus (a Greek) to Jerusalem the first time, the Judaizers said that he must be circumcised. Paul adamantly refused to give in to their demands. The Apostles agreed that circumcism was an unnecessary rite for Gentile believers. Remember, this is letter is being written to the Galatians and by showing that the Apostles agreed that Titus, a Gentile, did not have to be circumcised certainly shows that it was not necessary for the Galatians either. 5. We normally think of "taking a stand" as something we do when someone is trying to lead us into immoral behavior, but Paul is taking a hard line against people who appeared to be and thought that they were super-moral. Why did the Judaizers consider themselves better than others? These false brothers were from the party of the Pharisees. They were the strictest religious leaders of Judiasm, some of whom had been converted to believing in Christ's teaching. They had more education and were the church leaders and teachers. 6. What man-made standards do you impose on others, e.g., dress, speech, actions, etc.? 7. In verse 6, Paul says that "God does not judge by external appearances." What message(s) should we take from that statement? Give examples of how that message is or is not reinforced in our society. 8. How would you change the way you live your life if you unexpectedly inherited $10 million? How do you think God would feel about your plan? With whom would you discuss your plan? |
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