"I Do Not Nullify the Grace of God"

Discussion Questions 

Week of: October 4, 2026 // Sermon Text: Galatians 2:11-21

Sermon Overview 

Having been justified by faith, live by faith.

I. Why the gospel can be trusted: all the apostles are accountable to it (vv. 11-14)

II. What it is: right standing with God through faith alone (vv. 15-16)

III. Two arguments for it:

A. Justification by works violates the law, which leads us to life in Christ (vv. 17-20)

B. Justification by works violates the gospel, which operates according to grace (v. 21) 

Prepare 

Before diving into the Digging Deeper questions, your group could take 5-10 minutes to prime deeper discussion as follows. 

Read the passage

As a group, explain the passage in your own words

As a group, briefly recount the sermon outline

Open time to ask questions for understanding the passage or sermon

Pray for God’s help through the Holy Spirit to guide the discussion

Digging Deeper    

Why the gospel can be trusted: all the apostles are accountable to it (vv 11-14)

1. The gospel is not just for unbelievers to start a relationship with God, but it’s news that Christians are to live “in step with” (2:14). For example, Paul addresses Peter’s racial pride and cowardice by saying that he was not living in line with the truth of the gospel. If you’re a Christian, talk about how your life is “in step with the truth of the gospel” and how it isn’t.

2. How can we make the same mistake Peter did by focusing on non-essentials? How can we fail to “eat” with other Christians?

What it is: right standing with God through faith alone (vv. 15-16)

3. Justified means we no longer are under God’s condemnation. Are there any areas of your life right now where you feel condemned? If so, how can you rest in the fact that God has justified you?

Justification by works violates the law, which leads us to life in Christ (vv. 17-20)  

4. Verse 20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.  And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  Have you recently seen any evidence of this new life, living by faith in the Son of God, in yourself or in another believer?  Could you share that evidence as a way to encourage others?

Justification by works violates the gospel, which operates according to grace (v. 21)

5. Brett preached, “When we nullify grace, we assign it a value of zero.  That’s what we do when we seek right standing with God, even in part, through our obedience.”  Have you been tempted lately to try to merit God’s favor or His love?  Do you realize that, if you do that, you are nullifying God’s grace?

6. Brett also preached, “Your heart has muscle memory…  It snaps back every day to living as though righteousness is something you don’t receive but have to achieve.”  Are there any ways where you could train the muscles of your heart to rely on grace each day?    

Prayer