Preparation is the key to success. This is just as true in Bible study as it is anywhere else in life. In the coming weeks we are going to spend many hours in personal study, listening to teaching, and discussing the book of Galatians. The question is, “Are we ready to receive what God has for us in this great book?”
I want to suggest several things that would help you prepare for our study of Galatians. If you will commit to preparing yourself for our study with one or more of these, I believe it will greatly enrich the personal benefit you receive from Galatians and corporate benefit we receive from the discussion.
- Read through the book of Galatians once per week while we study it together. If you go to website [www.bradhambrick.com], you can download the book of Galatians (in several translations) to print out on 10-15 pages of paper double-spaced and with extra wide margins. This will allow you to read the book as a letter (how it was written) and make notes all over it (those you like you add to your Bible).
- Review the handout of topically arranged memory passages from Galatians. Identify one or more that fit you and commit to memorize them. As we study through the book of Galatians pay particular attention to how Paul is “setting the stage” for the passage(s) you are memorizing. This will allow your Bible memorization to be enriched by a more complete understanding of the context of the passage that speaks to your need.
- Pray at least once per week for me, as your teacher, and my time of preparation. Ask God to use our time of study and discussion to expand your understanding of and ability to apply (live out) the book of Galatians.
Bible Memory Verses for Galatians
Below are passages to memorize from the book of Galatians based upon various life struggles and family roles. Use this not only to assist you in strengthening the discipline of memorizing Scripture (Psalm 119:11; Hebrews 4:12-13), but also to prepare your heart for this study.
- Those who struggle with the existence of different religions (1:6-7)
- Those who struggle with people-pleasing or peer pressure (1:10)
- Those who struggle with guilt/regret over forgiven sin (1:23-24)
- Those who struggle with wanting acceptance from “important people” (2:6)
- Those who struggle with a desire to avoid conflict (2:14; 5:11)
- Those who struggle with anxiety caused by legalism (2:15-21; 3:18, 22; 5:1)
- Those who struggle with relating to God as Father (4:4-7)
- Those who struggle to understand their past sins (4:8-9; 5:17)
- Those who struggle to allow others the blessing of serving them (4:13-15)
- Those who struggle to show emotion or admit weakness (4:19-20)
- Those who struggle to see the significance of everyday life (5:6)
- Those who struggle with serving others at their expense (5:13-14)
- Those who struggle with forms of speech that belittle or insult (5:15)
- Those who are unclear about where they need to grow (5:22-24)
- Those who often think “this is nobody’s business” (6:1-2)
- Those who do not understand why giving financially is important (6:6-10)
- Those who struggle with pride in their achievements (6:14)
Psalm 119:11
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”