KEY TO UNDERSTAND GALATIANS - faith / law / justified by faith / teacher / Christian baptism / Christians as "Abraham’s offspring"

BASIC IDEA - key theological concepts that may need some explanation in order for 21st century listeners to understand Paul’s basic argument-the role of the law prior to the emphasis of faith / why Paul considers Jewish law to function as a disciplinarian"  / the relationship of baptism to faith / and why faith in Christ makes gender, race, and economic status of little significance.

IDEA IN CHAPTER ONE - This lesson from chapter one is part of a longer argument that recalls Paul’s earlier experience with the Jerusalem Christian leaders to ensure that Paul’s gospel is consistent with the apostolic tradition. In this section of chapter 1, Paul establishes his own apostolic authority which he connects to the dramatic revelation of Jesus Christ on the way to Damascus. He claims that his personal encounter with the risen Christ was of such clarity that it constituted an apostolic calling.  Paul sees the evidence for this is his radical conversion from persecutor to champion of the church of Christ.

How does God reveal Godself to us today? How does law and faith interact in our lives?  What role do our Jewish roots play in "Gentile Christianity" to this very day?  How do we responsibly interpret the Hebrew scriptures, especially the ones that clash in terms of the law vs. faith issue?

In preparing a sermon on this text, consider sharing your own experience of revelation; or your calling experience. In what ways did your life change? Did your attitude and perspective change as radically as that of Paul?

You may also want to explore the role of pastor's in terms of theological educators/teachers.  Clearly, Paul takes on this pastoral role in Galatians.  How can this be done most effectively?  Paul's approach seems to have been that of argument and a claim of apostolic authority.  How can pastors and church educators teach most effectively in a postmodern church?  How can we re-kindle the lost passion for theology and its application in everyday life?