The Perils of a Personality-Driven Church | Galatians 1:10-2:16 | Dr. Seth Pankratz

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Has pleasing God ever meant that you would displease other people? What did you decide? This week, join us as Dr. Pankratz examines Paul's experience as recorded in his letter to the Galatians to teach us the importance of listening and following God rather than people.

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Questions for Small-Group Discussion

- Before you meet, read Galatians 1:10-2:16. For deeper study, read Acts 9:1-22.
- With your group share what impressed or surprised you as you read these verses.
- Describe a situation in which you had to choose between pleasing God or pleasing people.
- What might Paul had done differently if he cared more about seeking approval from people?
- Why does a focus on pleasing people make it impossible to effectively serve Jesus? (1:10)
- Why did Paul emphasize that his message was not from men?
- What did you learn from Paul’s perspective on position and influence within the church (see 2:6)?
- Why do you think Paul did not try to hide his “embarrassing” past as an enemy of God and a persecutor of His church?
- What does Paul’s example in sharing his own story teach us about telling our testimonies?
- Did Paul’s conflict with Peter surprise you? Why or why not?
- Should Christians be willing to publicly “call out” and/or address all conflicts or just when “essential” issues (like the Gospel) are at stake? How do you know the difference between conflicts that require public recourse and conflicts that should be overlooked or settled in private?
- Why is hypocrisy such a danger to the church and its message?
- Do you think a person can depend on rules and still have faith in Christ?” Why or why not?
- In what ways does the true Gospel impact your day-to-day situation?
- How can you let your own story of meeting Jesus give glory to God this week?