Jailbreak: Jesus + Nothing

Galatians 1:1-9

Intro:

Everybody knows some things are just better together – like peanut butter and chocolate, campfires and s'mores, macaroni and cheese, and Tuesdays and tacos. But what are some things that you see people mix together that absolutely gross you out?


Scripture Discussion & Application:

Read Galatians 1:1-5

What's it like to gravitate away from the free gift of salvation and towards the rules and demands of religion? What's your experience with this?

When/where have you fallen into the deception of substituting human effort for God's gift?

Everywhere the Gospel has been preached, there have been those who argue that it is too good to be true. Which one of the following areas have you struggled with the most?

• Legalism - Faith isn't enough. We must earn God's approval.
• Intellectualism - Earn God's favor by what you know.
• Moralism - Insist we are saved by what you do.
• Emotionalism - Claim that salvation is determined by what we feel.

What does grace mean to you, and how does it bring you peace?

What other things do you seek to give you peace with God?

What other spiritual accomplishments have you glorified in order to feel like a better Christian and be better accepted by Christ?

Read Galatians 1:6-9

What is the simple gospel Paul advocates?
(After hearing responses, read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.)

Why do some Christians base their identity on things other than Christ?

What does Paul have to say about any message that differs from the true Gospel?

How can you prepare to respond the next time you hear a distorted message about Christ? When/where is it necessary?


Next Steps:

Evaluate your equation of salvation. Is it Jesus + Nothing, or Jesus + Something?

How will you live in peace and glorify God (vs 3-5) by accepting God's grace?

Consider the "other things" you do to gain God's favor. How does God want you to repurpose your motives for them?


How to Pray This Week:

Confess to God that which you have replaced his free gift of salvation.

Ask God to give you discernment and wisdom to appropriately share the real gospel.

Thank God for the freedom of the Gospel.


Happenings:

On Sunday we began an 8-week study of the book of Galatians and we are challenging ourselves to read along in Galatians during the week as we go. Turns out there are 6 chapters in Galatians, so we'd love for you to join us by reading one chapter of Galatians each day Monday–Friday each week during the 8-week study.

If you do, then at the end you'll have read through the book 8 times, heard 8 sermons on it, and had 8 opportunities to discuss it in rGroups if your rGroup follows our sermon series. We hope you'll lean into this challenge and encourage your group to do so as well and that God will speak to you powerfully along the way!