Jailbreak: What do you stand for?

Galatians 2:11-21

Intro:

Can you recall a time in your life when you had to stand up for what you thought was right at the risk of looking awkward or even rude? Explain. What was it about your conviction that was so important?


Scripture Discussion & Application:

Read Galatians 2:11-14

Who can you relate to most and why?
- Paul who takes a stand
- Peter who gets called out
- The crowd standing by and listening
- Paul, but without the courage to speak

Has someone ever responded to you like Paul responded to Peter? What was that like? Despite the awkwardness of it, was it helpful or hurtful?

Paul chose to step up and say something. If he hadn't, think of the negative impact that it could have had for the church moving forward. How might your friends, family or coworkers suffer and be negatively impacted if you choose to remain silent about the most important things in your life?

Read Galatians 2:15-21

When most people think of Christians, they think of them as the "thou shalt nots." Do you think Christians and religious people are more known for what they stand against, or for what they stand for?

What are some examples of things that you have seen Christians be "against"?

How is being FOR the Gospel different than being AGAINST a particular sin or action?

Have you ever heard someone describe Christians as hypocrites? What is your response when people say that?

Galatians tells us that Barnabas was led astray by the actions of Peter. Have you ever seen a Christian be led astray from the truth by the actions of another Christian? Why do the opinions of others end up having such a strong influence on people?

Instead of giving Peter a list of things that he should do and change, Paul simply reminded Peter of the Gospel message. What's the advantage in reminding people of what Jesus has done for them as opposed to telling someone to do better and act more like Jesus?

Do you ever feel guilty or shame for not being "good enough" as a Christian? Though it feels natural, why is that mindset in opposition to the saving message of the Gospel?


Next Steps:

What's one way that you can stand FOR something instead of standing AGAINST the opposite?

How can you be more sincere and authentic in your belief of who Jesus is and what he has done for you?


How to Pray This Week:

Confess the works you're doing to try to impress God and others.

Ask God to give you boldness to share the gospel to a friend, coworker or family member this week.


Happenings:

During this 8-week study of the book of Galatians, 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!