__ In this Bible study on Galatians, we will go through the three processes of Understanding, Application and Communication.
_A. The Process of Understanding
We use the acronym "START" to determine how the original receivers of Galatians understood the message.
1. Situation
Paul
wrote this letter in order to correct the false teachings which had
arisen with regard to the observance of the Law. It explains the concept
of justification (how to be put right with God) by grace through faith
and how this is applied.
Click here for more information on the background.
2. Type of Literature
Galatians 5: 16-26 is in Prose form. The form of Prose is Instruction and Explanation.
Hint: All the letters (epistles) of the New Testament are in this genre
3. Analyze the passage
The structure is fascinating.It is like an accordion where the main point is in the center (E).
A - verse 16: Live by the Spirit B - verse 17: Desires of the Spirit and sinful nature in conflict C - verse 18: Free from punishment of law D - verses 19-21a: Acts of the sinful nature E - verse 21b: Strong Warning D'- verses 22-23a: Fruit of the Spirit C'- verse 23b: No law against fruit B'- verse 24: Victory over sinful acts A'- verses 25: Live by the Spirit
_ Message of Galatians 5: 16-26
We need to choose to live by the
Spirit. This will result in the fruit of the Spirit. The reality is
that our sinful nature is in conflict what the Spirit desires.
We
just need to keep on allowing the Spirit to guide us. Such a life
style makes us free from the punishment of the law. We cannot take this
lightly because the kingdom belongs to people living by the Spirit.
4. Relate the message to the rest of the Bible
In this step we determine whether the findings of the previous steps relate to the rest of the Bible.
The
message of Galatians 5 relates to the rest of the Bible. It is very
clear that this message is an essential and therefor applicable to us.
There are no references to the triple C's (Ceremonial - and Civil law as
well as Cultural practices).
5. Test your findings
In this step you test your own findings (Biblical interpretation) against those of others.(e.g. commentaries and study Bibles)
The commentaries and study Bibles confirm that the message to the original receivers is:
The message to the original receiver is:
We
need to choose to live by the Spirit. This will result in the fruit of
the Spirit. The reality is that our sinful nature is in conflict what
the Spirit desires.
We just need to keep on allowing the Spirit
to guide us. Such a life style makes us free from the punishment of the
law. We cannot take this lightly because the kingdom belongs to people
living by the Spirit.
B. The Process of Application
In
this process we determine whether the message to the original receiver
is applicable (essential) or not (incidental) to our situation.
It is very clear that this message is an essential. There is no references to the triple C's (Ceremonial - and Civil law as well as Cultural practices).
C. The Process of Communication
In this process we communicate the message to a specific target group.
Discuss the following questions …
Someone (e.g. a friend) approaches you with some difficulties in his/her life. How will you answer his/her questions in the light of this passage (and other Bible passages)?
Questions of friend:
1. I really try hard not to watch pornography on the internet. I pray very hard about it and for God to help me. I start a day with good intentions but just don’t seem to control myself. What is going on with me?
2. How can I have victory over temptations?
Get some feedback from the group. If there is time, ask the group to read Day 302 from “The Bible as Your GPS” or Page 189 from “Hearing God’s Tweet.”
