Esther & Galatians: Liberated in Christ Lesson 3: Liberty


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Esther & Galatians: Liberated in Christ Lesson 3: Liberty through Resurrection Key Verses: ...to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.~Galatians 1.5 *All scripture will be from the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible. We recommend reading Paul’s writings using several translations found through Bible Gateway: Amplified Bible (AMP), New Living Translation (NLT), The Message, and New International Version (NIV) *

Using the “3 Deep Bible Study” handout, use this space to write notes, observations, questions, and applications as you prayerfully study this passage of the Bible.

Galatians 1.1-5 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. DEITY: Deliverer~“A deliverer is one who rescues from danger. Two of the judges [in the Bible], Othniel and Ehud (Judges 3.9, 15), are called deliverers in the sense of military heroes.

Highlight within the above scripture where you identify God as ”Deliverer”.

“More often God is spoken of as the Deliverer of His people (2 Samuel 22.2; Psalm 18.2; 40.17; 144.2). The picture of God as deliverer is paralleled with the images of a rock, fortress, helper, and strong tower.

Which of the descriptions of God as “Deliverer” provided in this definition is most meaningful to you? How do the accompanying verses make this attribute of God more meaningful? “The verb ‘deliver’ is used in a wide range of contexts. According to Job Choose one of these verses and 5.19-26, God delivers in seven ways: from famine, war, the scourge of commit to memorizing it this week. the tongue, wild animals, to safety, [provision of] abundant offspring, and [provision of a] long life. “Scripture also speaks to deliverance: -from sins (Psalm 39.8; 79.9); -the way of evil (Proverbs 2.6-15); -the power of evil (Matthew 6.13; Galatians 1.4; Colossians 1.13); -the law (Romans 7.6); -the body of death (Romans 7.24-25); and -the coming wrath of God (1 Thessalonians 1.10).

Which of the types of deliverance referenced in this definition is most meaningful to you? How do the accompanying verses make this type of deliverance meaningful? Choose one verse and commit to memorizing it this week.

“God is the agent of deliverance in Colossians 1.13 and Romans 7.2425. Christ is the agent in 1 Thessalonians 1.10 and Galatians 1.4, where He brings deliverance by giving Himself for sins.” (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary) DOCTRINE: Resurrection~The Christian doctrine of the resurrection begins with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a fact of history (Acts 1.3; 1 Corinthians 15.3-8) and a proof of most other important doctrines (1 Corinthians 15.12-21).

Highlight within the above scripture where you see the teaching of “Resurrection”. Why is this doctrine important?

The resurrection of the Lord was no mere resuscitation, as if Jesus, like Lazarus, would have had to die again. The resurrection was a 1

Esther & Galatians: Liberated in Christ passing from existence in a fallen, decaying human body to existence in a glorified body, which lives forever (1 Corinthians 15.42-49). The doctrine of the resurrection also concerns us, however, because the Bible teaches that we, too, will be raised, as Jesus was (1 Corinthians 15.22-23; Philippians 3.20-21). Because He lives, we shall live also (1 Corinthians 15.50-58).

How does the provided scripture help you understand this doctrine's importance?

Diamonds: These questions are to be completed prior to listening to the lecture. Their purpose is to provide context, connect the passage to God’s work in the entire Bible, and facilitate thoughtful meditation of the passage for personal application. We encourage you to spend time answering as many of these questions as you can answer. Please be prepared to share your thoughts from one or two of these questions in your weekly group discussion. 1. Paul defines himself as an “apostle” (V 1). Using a dictionary, write down the definition of an “apostle”: a. According to verse 1 how did Paul become an “apostle”?_______________________________ b. Read Paul’s conversion story and beginning of ministry, in Acts 9.1-31. List details of his story that surprise you, are new to you, and/or encourage you:

2. From verses 1-5, what role(s) does Jesus have?___________________________________________ a. Read 1 Timothy 2.5-6; 1 Peter 3.18. Using these verses alongside any verses from the deity and/or doctrine, list more details about what Jesus has done:___________________________ b. From our passage (V 1-5), how is this a different role(s) than God? What role(s) does God have in these verses?______________________________________________________________ c. According to verse 3, What do both Jesus and God provide?____________________________ 3. Using your answers to Questions 1 and 2, reflect on the will of God and the role of Jesus Christ. Consider how this changed Paul and his life's purpose. How has knowing Jesus Christ changed you?

Practicing Remembrance (“zakar”): This Hebrew verb is an action word. As we are intentional about remembering God, and His work in us, we are called to take action (1 Chronicles 16.8-12; Isaiah 46.9; Luke 22.10-20). In this section we want to know what action(s) you will take, or have taken, as you remembered God while studying this week. And/Or, write an eye-opening or mind-blowing truth about God revealed to you in this lesson, or in the lecture. What action(s) will you take, or have taken in light of this truth about God?

Praying for God’s work in our lives: Write a prayer and/or praise using what God revealed to you this week in your personal study of this lesson, or as you reflected on this week’s lecture. Please be willing to share this prayer and/or praise, in your weekly group discussion. Your discussion group leader will provide you details about the appropriate time for sharing personal prayer requests.

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Esther & Galatians: Liberated in Christ (Optional) Write out the scriptures you are committing to memorize this week from your deity answers:

Lecture Outline: Aim: The resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything. I. Resurrection Power (Galatians 1.1-2) T1: The resurrection of Jesus Christ empowers His disciples. a. What significant and monumental change has the fact of Christ’s resurrection made in you? b. What in your way of living and thinking most reflects that you are filled with resurrection power? c. How are you following Him and fulfilling His kingdom purposes in His power? II. Resurrection PLUS (Galatians 1.3-5) T2: The resurrection of Jesus Christ PLUS His death on the Cross delivers us from sin, evil, and death. a. How complete is the gospel you preach to yourself? b. Do elevate the importance of Christ’s Cross over the importance of His resurrection or vice versa? Closing Questions: a. Has the life, death, & resurrection of Jesus Christ been a significant, monumental turning point in your life? b. What profound effects has He had on your life? c. What assurance do you have that you have received Jesus by grace through faith? d. Has He delivered you from the power of sin? How are you triumphing over sin each day to live and love more and more like Jesus?

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