New Testament Reading Plan Week 13: Galatians 4–James 2
In Galatians 4:24, Paul says the birth stories in Genesis 16–17 “may be interpreted allegorically.” Anytime the biblical writers pull back the curtain as to how they interpret other parts of Scripture, it gives insight into how the Bible holds together. What do the two births in Genesis 16–17 represent? How is what God did through Christ a fulfillment of Sarah’s birth?
Galatians 5 contains the famous list of the fruit of the Spirit (vv. 22–23). Contrast this with the works of the flesh (vv. 19–21), and spend time before the Lord examining your life and asking him to reveal sin and areas for growth. Rest in the confidence that the Spirit who leads you (v. 18) will grow his fruit in your life.
At 6:1–10, Paul shifts to a communal emphasis. In your own words, describe a Spirit-filled community based on Paul’s description here.
James is sometimes called the “Proverbs of the New Testament,” for its practical nature and heavy emphasis on wisdom. Several themes appear and reappear throughout James, and many are introduced in chapter 1. Read the chapter, and make a list of the main themes that jump out to you.
It’s uncanny how aligned James 2:8–26 and Galatians are, thematically. As you read through the section, note the similarities and differences. What points does James make or develop that Paul does not? How do these similarities underscore the unity of Scripture?
New Testament Reading Plan Week 13: Galatians 4–James 2