OUR HOPE: GOD’S GRACE Galatians 1:1-5
Grace and Peace
Renee Scott

In an opening message to the churches in Galatia, Paul offers a message of freedom, grace, and peace.

Galatians 1:1-5
Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers who are with me. To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul wants to dispute the Judaizers (extreme legalistic Jewish believers) that are trying to convince the new Gentile believers (non-Jews who want to follow Christ) that they must obey Jewish laws. Paul desires to draw God’s people to faith, hope & freedom in Christ alone.

Discussion Questions:
1. Peace is talked about throughout the Bible. Read Philippians 4:6-7. What does the verse say the peace of God will do (verse 7)? The verse tells us do not to be anxious about anything. Is there anything or any area in your life you struggle to trust God with?

2. God’s grace is the love and mercy given to us by God because He desires us to have it, not because of anything we have done to earn it. Read Hebrews 4:16. How do we come to God with our concerns? How do we achieve what’s discussed in this verse of scripture?

3. Share a time when God provided you peace in the midst of a really hard time?

4. Christian salvation is being saved or protected from the consequences of sin, which is eternal death. It is the gift of eternal life with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Read Romans 10:9. What are the 2 steps to salvation? Is there anyone you want to see accept the gift of salvation?


Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 4:16
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Romans 10:9
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Homework:
1. Read Galatians 1:6-10 in preparation for next week’s lesson.

2. Share the good news of what you learned about grace and peace in Jesus Christ with one person this week.