How To Enjoy Bible Study

Lesson Six

Understanding the letter to the Galatians.

Asking Questions and Making Observations When Surveying a Book.

  1. Remember, read it through once at a good pace to see the overall content.

  2. This lesson provides instruction for the second and third reading. This will help you as you try to Read, Reflect, Record, Respond. These 4 R’s are crucial for us to become doers of God’s word.

22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does (James 1:22-25).

3. Try reading with a pencil and remember Professor Agassis. Observations and questions need to be jotted down in order to see everything in the text. Don’t overlook what you don’t understand. Think about it briefly and if understanding doesn’t come then write down a question concerning it.

4. Remember Paul said these things orally. In Galatians 4:20 he mentions his tone. Try to imagine a tone as you are reading it out loud.

5. Understanding a Roman letter’s normal structure will assist you in understanding the uniqueness of this letter to the Galatians. It is a mold of its own.

Typical Modern Letter

Greeting, Body, Closing Salutation, Name of Author

Typical Letter in Roman World

Author & Official Title, Recipient, Salutation, Thanksgiving, Body of Letter, Closing & Greeting to Various People

6. The goal is to write down observations that you find interesting and questions that you will later investigate to fully understand the text.

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Okay, go ahead and read the letter for your second time and write down observations and questions.

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Second Reading Thoughts

  1. Ask why the letter is written and try to explain.

  2. What is the progression of thought in this book? How is the letter structured in comparison with the Roman letter?

  3. Where are the major divisions?

  4. Write down what you consider the overall message to the Galatians in each section.

  5. How do these sections connect with each other?

  6. Write down what you think the overall message to be in this letter to the Galatians.

  7. Did you notice any code words in the text? What code words did you see?

Now, Make Your Chart (See Lesson Five)

Major Observations

  1. Peter and Paul taught the same.

  2. Keeping one part of the Law meant you were obligated to keep it all.

  3. It is possible to fall from grace.

  4. Paul condemns the rules of men and defends the gospel.

  5. Supreme message seems to be that Paul’s confidence must be in the promise of God in the Spirit and not in the Law.

  6. Supreme Question: Am I of Abraham’s seed?

Now you have a good big picture understanding of Galatians and sets you up for a detailed study to allow you to analyze and unlock an accurate and deep understanding of the text revealed by God.

The mysteries of God have been revealed for us, but we have to do the work.

Never forget the importance of praying and asking God for help in understanding His word and the wisdom of God to know how to make correct application for your life. Pray and Ask for these things.