Galatians 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Galatians 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul instructs the Galatians to stand firm in the freedom given by Christ and not to return to bondage (v. 1). He warns that receiving circumcision means being obligated to the whole law, which alienates them from Christ (vv.

Key verse

“Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
Galatians 5:1 (WEB)

Outline

Galatians 5:1 Stand Firm in Freedom
Galatians 5:2–4 Warning Against Circumcision
Galatians 5:5–6 Faith Through Love
Galatians 5:7–12 A Call to Love
Galatians 5:13–15 Freedom for Service
Galatians 5:16–21 Life by the Spirit
Galatians 5:22–26 Fruits of the Spirit

Discussion questions

What does Paul say in v1 about the 'yoke of bondage'?
In v14, what does Paul say fulfills the 'whole law'?
Paul's statement in v12 about those who disturb the Galatians: what is he expressing about their actions?
In v19, what does Paul mean by the 'deeds of the flesh'?
When have you experienced conflict in a community that hindered 'faith working through love' (v6)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Galatians 5: Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 13, John 15.

Before next time: read Galatians 6.