Customer Reviews

Galatians: Experiencing the Grace of Christ (John Stott Bible Studies)

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My women's group was tired of the studies that are written "especially for women". We were ready to just get down to business, dive into the word and actually study the Bible! This study is refreshingly simple and short-winded yet still inspires deep thought and excellent conversations. In this book, interpretation is welcomed and then directed unmistakably toward Truth. This is an excellent study about the difference between being under the law versus under God's grace. Not intended for bashing legalism, it encourages Christian love and understanding toward the various places that Christians can land spiritually, with the intent of setting each of us free. This is a great study for both women and men alike.

I'm a pastor who uses this study guide in my Galatians Small Group, and sometimes for sermon exegesis. One of the great things about this guide is that Stott asks a lot of great questions which build on each other. For a bible study leader, his questions are excellent discussion starters. Some of the most penetrating questions we have dealt with in our study of Galatians have come straight out of this guide.

I would recommend a different IVP author for a matching commentary...check out Ann Jervis on Galatians or Ron Fung (NICNT). Those two seem to be more interactive on the key issues throughout Galatians than Stott is in his commentary. But for a study guide, this one here is the best I have found. I recommend you get this. It will help you a lot!

The reason I recommend a commentary to go with this, is because Stott doesn't give a lot of information about Galatians in this book. It's important to note that this is not a commentary, only a study guide.

This book is a study manual for small groups. John Stott adds comments from his own study as well as pointers from the meaning of Greek words. A teacher or study leader can use these pointers to foster deeper understanding and conversation about the texts under consideration.

Please realize this is a study guide and not a commentary. Each member of the group study will want to have their own book in order to write in their answers and reflections.

The great thing about this study is that it explores what grace means. By raising awareness of grace in our lives, it helped quell some disputes in our church. The simple discussion of grace and it's application to us by God, followed by our responsible use of grace in our relationships with others, makes this a very effective study. I highly recommend it.

This study gives you many interesting questions to share in a small group study, which I what I needed it for.

This is a very good study guide on Galatians. Also recommended is the commentary by G. Walter Hansen in IVP New Testament Series.