This week, we will finish Paul’s letter to the Galatian churches (Galatians 4-6) and begin on his letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 1-2). Don’t forget to check out the Rooted Facebook page for a bit more discussion on each chapter.

Discussion Questions:

• “When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son” (Gal. 4:4). What does Paul mean by the fullness of time?

• What is the fruit of the Spirit? (Gal. 5:22-23) And how does it develop in your life? (Gal. 5:16)

• What are you sowing? (Gal. 6:7-10)

• Count how many times you see the expression “in Christ,” “in him,” or “in the beloved” in Ephesians 1:3-14. What do you suppose is the significance of this expression?

• What does it mean that we are seated in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus? (Eph. 2:6)


Some Answers from Last Week's Questions:

• What is the New Jerusalem? (Rev. 21:9-10) – It is the church, the bride of Christ. It is described as a city, but it is the people of God from throughout history.

• What is the significance of the tree of life being in the New Jerusalem? (Rev. 22:2, Gen. 2:22-24) – This is a reversal of the story of Genesis 3, where humanity is exiled from the garden and access to the tree of life is guarded.

• What is the source of the gospel Paul preached? And why was that significant? (Gal. 1:11-12) – Paul received it directly from Jesus. And that gives it more authority than one he might have learned from another person.

• What was Paul’s attitude toward his life in Christ? (Gal. 2:20) – Paul considered his old life to be dead and gone. His focus now was living for Christ.

• What is the significance of being baptized into Christ? (Gal. 3:26-28) – Baptism into Christ is not water baptism. It is the baptism of the Spirit, immersing us into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). And, in Christ, we are all one. The differences that once divided us should no longer divide us.


Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect timing and for the new life I have in Christ. Help me trust You when I cannot see what You are doing. Holy Spirit, help me walk closely with You. Grow Your fruit in my life and show me where my choices, habits, and attitudes need to change. Help me sow what is good and not grow weary in following You. Remind me that my identity is found in Christ - that I am chosen, loved, forgiven, and made alive by Your grace. Shape me each day to become more like Jesus. Amen.


Helpful Resources:


• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration 

• Bible Project New Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals