Galatians Lesson 10
A NEW CREATION
Galatians 6:11–18
Key Verse: 6:15
This final section is like the closing argument in a court case, wherein Paul writes in his own handwriting to emphasize his main argument and make a final, strong appeal, with great affection, to hold on to the truth of the gospel.
How did Paul authenticate this letter? (11; cf. 2Th3:17) How did this accentuate the authority of his teachings?
What were the motives of those insisting on circumcision? (12–13) What did Paul mean by “boast about your flesh”? (3:29; 4:17) In focusing on outward appearances, how did they reveal their hypocrisy? (13a) Why did Paul’s preaching the cross of Christ bring about persecution? (5:11; 1Co1:22–23)
Read verse 14. How did Paul’s boast contrast with the Judaizers’? What does it mean to boast (or “glory”—KJV) only in the cross of Christ? (2:20; 3:13) What does it mean to “be crucified to the world”? How does Paul’s testimony serve as a model for all of us?
Read verse 15. What is the only thing that counts? How can we become a “new creation”? (2:16; 3:2,5,26–27) What does it mean to live as a new creation? (4:6; 5:1,6, 13,16,22–23; 6:8,14)
What is the universal rule Paul laid down for all churches? (16) What blessings come to those who follow it? (16a) Practically, how can we keep our ministry focused on becoming and living as new creations? In light of Paul’s teachings in Galatians, who is the “Israel of God”? (3:28–29; 4:26,28) What characterizes this new community?
How did Paul share his agony with them? (17) What did he mean by “the marks of Jesus”? (Ac14:19–20) What final blessing did he bestow upon them? (18)