Galatians 2:1-10 Freedom & Fellowship

In this week's large group message, Paul continues his autobiography. Paul argues that since we are fully accepted by God without anything “added” besides faith in Christ, then we should, without anything added besides faith in Christ, fully accept other Christians.  “The Gospel sets freedom at the very center of existence. It is not an extra, not an option, not a superstructure on a foundation of tradition and morality. [Freedom] is the foundation.” - Eugene Peterson DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Review Gal 1: 11-12. How does the passage above (2:1-10) illustrate Paul’s point that the source of his gospel message is God, not men? 2. In Gal 2:4, Paul describes the Christian life as “freedom in Christ.” What things does being accepted by God through faith in Jesus free us from?  3. What other things does our salvation free us up for? (Gal 2:9-10) 4. What are the good/proper/nice things that we tend to “add-on” to belief in Christ as an expectation for other Christians? How do these add-on’s limit others freedom and limit our fellowship with them? 5. Do you ever feel guilty or insecure in your relationship with God? What might this be telling you about how you view your acceptance with him?