Galatians | Week 3
LANDMINES TO THE GOSPEL
Sometimes we, as Christians can unintentionally plant landmines on others that can really damage people’s faith, create roadblocks between them and God, or take them out of the fight entirely. Paul talks about some of these landmines in Galatians. Non-essentials that we turn into non-negotiables. In Paul’s day it was things like being circumcised, or what types of food you ate, or other Jewish cultural customs. Paul was adamant that the message of the Gospel was simply to follow Jesus, but all these other religious leaders kept trying to add on their own non-negotiables. So this week, as you continue on your journey through Galatians, be mindful of the things you may be unintentionally adding to the message of Jesus. Let’s work together to create pathways for people to get to Jesus instead of roadblocks.
Weekly Challenge
Who can you speak life into this week? Give out some medals this week. Have some I-See-in-you conversations. Tell people who you see them becoming. If God has put someone on your heart, actually tell them. Write them a card, send them a text. Who knows? A few words of encouragement can make all the difference.
Questions for Reflection
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What landmines have you been planting by turning non-essentials into non-negotiablefor yourself or for others?
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Where have you accidentally or intentionally created division? How can youbridge that divide?
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Have you excluded certain people from your circle because they think differently,believe differently or act differently than you think they should?
- How can you lighten the spiritual load of those around you this week?
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Who can you come alongside and be with as they find their way back home to a lovingGod?
Further Study
When Jesus walked the earth he made it clear that he cared more about people than he did about keeping the rules or his reputation with the religious elite. Jesus knew that access to himself was going to bring hope and healing to those around him so he wanted to eliminate all the distractions, roadblocks, and non-essentials so that people could simply come to him. Here are a couple examples for you to read this week.