July 16, 2023

Ridgeline Study Prompts

Galatians 4:21-5:1

Prayer and Preparation
Time studying the Scripture is not a duty but an invitation to experience God’s goodness. Spend a few minutes in prayer preparing your heart to receive God’s goodness through the reading and studying of His Word.

Study

In our early studies of Galatians we highlighted several different groups involved in the discussion around the law. The “brothers,” “sons of Abraham,” and “god-fearers.” Which group were the “sons of Abraham”? (Jews, proselytes, or gentiles)

Paul uses the story of Hagar and Sarah as an allegory (a story that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning) to explain the difference between being a slave and being free. Paraphrase what the following characters symbolized:

-       Hagar

-       Ishmael

-       Sarah

-       Isaac

Summarize the overall message of Paul’s allegory and how it relates to the problem in Galatia.

Application
Salvation is even more miraculous than Sarah giving birth in her old age. What makes salvation through faith, apart from works so special to you?