5.21.22 - Jesus Is Better (Kenny Camacho)

Revolution Church Annapolis

SCRIPTURE: Galatians 3.1-3 & 1.10

“The difference between a legalistic faith and a relational faith is in who we are focused on: in a legalistic faith, your eyes are always on your neighbors, to see if they approve of what you are doing–to see if they even see you at all! But in a relational faith, your focus is entirely–even blindingly–on the one you love. What Paul asks us to consider is who our behavior pleases–who the behavior is for. Under the old system of the Law, you could only love and serve God by proxy, through the medium of rule-following and ritual. Paul’s challenge is to try and remind the Galatians that Jesus is better: the rule-following and rituals are responses to a real and personal delight in being loved and known by God.”

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Reading Paul’s letter to the Galatians can feel a bit like eavesdropping on an argument. Why do you think it is important for us to continue to read and consider letters like this one? What do they contribute to the greater whole of Scripture?

2. At the center of Paul’s frustrations with the Galatians is this verse, from chapter 3: “After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” What do you think this verse means in context? What does it mean to you?

3. How would you define “legalism”? What makes it not only tempting but reasonable, at least some of the time?

4. Paul’s response to the legalism of the Galatians is to insist that Jesus is enough–in fact, Jesus is better. What do you think Paul means? How can it help the Galatians in their situation?

5. Although we really want everyone to return to the regular rhythms of church, we are committed to encouraging folks to rediscover God’s love for them first. What do you think of this value for our church in this season? How are you taking steps to better feel and know God’s love for you?