Galatians & Philippians: Comprehensive Study Guide

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary, concepts, and theological themes from the study of Galatians and Philippians.

Apostolic Authority

The authority of an apostle, which Paul defends as coming from Christ, not human appointment.

Justification by Faith

The doctrine that a person is declared righteous before God through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law.

Legalism

The reliance on law-keeping and rituals for salvation instead of trusting in God's grace.

Gospel Freedom

The state of being liberated from the law's requirements through faith in Christ.

Grace

The unmerited favor of God towards humanity, central to Paul's theology.

Judaizers

Individuals who insisted that Gentile converts to Christianity must adopt Jewish laws, including circumcision.

Anathema

A formal curse by a church authority, pronounced against those preaching a false gospel.

Damascus Road Experience

Paul's conversion experience on the road to Damascus, where he encountered Christ.

Pistis Christou

A Greek phrase meaning 'faith in Christ' or 'the faithfulness of Christ'.

Dualistic Anthropology

The belief in two opposing forces within a person, such as flesh and spirit.

Adoption as Sons

The theological concept that believers are granted full rights as children of God through faith.

Abba

An Aramaic term for father, used by Jesus to indicate a close, personal relationship with God.

Ethical Implications of the Cross

The idea that the cross should inform and shape Christian ethics.

Christ's Humility

The self-emptying of Christ, becoming a servant and suffering, as a model for Christian behavior.

Unity in Faith

The call for believers to maintain a shared commitment and harmony in their faith and practice.

Righteousness from God

The righteousness that is bestowed upon believers through faith, rather than earned by works.

Citizens of Heaven

A term describing believers' spiritual identity and future hope in Christ's kingdom.

Fruit of the Spirit

The attributes produced in believers by the Holy Spirit, including love, joy, and peace.

Cross-Centered Life

Living a life defined and shaped by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

Kenosis

The theological term referring to Christ's self-emptying in the incarnation.

Walking by the Spirit

Living a life guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Public Confrontation

Paul's direct challenge to other apostles regarding their actions that compromised the gospel.

Emotional Appeals

Strategies used by Paul in his letters to convey passion and urgent response to theological truths.

Pastoral Heart

Paul's deep concern and love for the spiritual well-being of the churches he addresses.

Promise and Fulfillment

The connection between God's promises to Abraham and their realization in Christ.

Eschatological Hope

The hope of future resurrection and perfection in Christ's kingdom.

Covenantal Language

Terms used in the context of divine agreements between God and humanity.

Crisis Mode

The tense situation in Galatians where Paul reacts to a serious threat to the gospel.

Body of Christ

A metaphor for the church, emphasizing unity and mutual dependence among believers.

Sacrificial Service

The act of serving others selflessly, following the example of Christ.

Irrevocable Call

The unchanging and steadfast nature of God’s promises.

Counter-Cultural Humility

A lifestyle that prioritizes others' needs over seeking personal honor or recognition.

Vicarious Atonement

The doctrine that Christ died as a substitute for sinners, taking the penalty for sin.

Mosaic Law

The set of laws given to Israel; Paul argues that it cannot save.

Imperial Guard

The Roman soldiers who guarded Paul during his imprisonment; made aware of his ministry.

Koinonia

Greek term for fellowship or partnership, often used to describe the communal life of believers.

Joy in Suffering

The ability to experience joy and peace despite hardship, rooted in faith.

Suffering as Gift

The view that suffering can be an opportunity to grow in faith and share in Christ’s life.

Personal Testimony

Paul’s use of his life experiences and background to validate his theological points.

Rhetorical Questions

Questions used by Paul to invite readers to reflect on their beliefs and behaviors.

Grace of God

God's infinite kindness, which is central to Paul's message of salvation.

Empowered Obedience

The ability of believers to respond to God's commands through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Renewed Mind

The transformation of one's thinking to align with God's will, as emphasized by Paul.

Fatherhood of God

The relationship believers have with God as loving and caring, similar to a father.

Sovereignty of God

God's ultimate authority and control over all aspects of life.

Conformity to Christ

The process of becoming more like Christ in character and actions.

Fellowship of Suffering

The shared experience of suffering that believers have in connection with Christ.

Marks of Jesus

Physical scars that Paul endured for the sake of the gospel, indicative of his apostleship.

Athletic Imagery

Metaphors from sports used by Paul to illustrate the Christian life as a race or competition.

Resurrection Power

The divine power that raised Christ from the dead, now at work in believers.

Exalted Jesus

The belief in Christ’s authority and lordship after his resurrection and ascension.

Daily Transformation

The continuous process of change in a believer's life as they grow in faith.

Internal Consistency

The harmonious relationship between a person’s beliefs and their actions.

Carnal Life

Living according to the flesh, contrary to spiritual guidance.

Radical Transformation

The drastic change in identity and purpose that occurs in believers upon receiving Christ.

Divine Initiative

The concept that God takes the first step in the relationship with humanity.

Kindness and Compassion

Virtues that should characterize believers in their interactions with others.

Faithful Stewardship

The responsible management of the gifts and resources entrusted to believers by God.

Promise of Redemption

The assurance that God will redeem and restore his creation.

Collective Identity

The shared identity believers have in Christ, as members of his body.

Grace-Induced Charity

Giving or supporting others motivated by the grace received from God.

Ethical Living

The practice of living in accordance with Christian values and virtues.

Vertical Relationship

The connection between believers and God.

Horizontal Relationships

The connections and interactions between believers and others.

Battle of Faith

The struggle believers face in maintaining their faith against various challenges.

Obedience to God

The action of following God's commandments as an expression of faith.

Affectionate Exhortation

Encouragement and urging to act in a way that reflects love for one another.

Partnership in the Gospel

The mutual support and collaboration of believers in spreading the message of Christ.

Stress Management through Prayer

The practice of using prayer as a means to relieve anxiety and mental pressure.

Crisis and Response

The situation faced by the Galatians and Paul's passionate reply to it.

Transcendent Peace

A profound peace from God that surpasses human understanding.

Pursuit of Holiness

The active effort to live a life set apart for God.

Generosity's Reward

The spiritual benefits gained from acts of generosity.

Contextual Theology

The understanding of God's message as it relates to specific cultural situations.

Immortal Hope

The assurance of eternal life through Christ.

Empowerment through Community

The support received from fellow believers that strengthens faith.

Enduring Legacy

The lasting impact of one's faith and actions on future generations.

Joyful Endurance

The capacity to persevere through trials joyfully, as taught by Paul.

Sacramental Life

Living life in a way that continually acknowledges God’s presence and grace.

Heavenly Citizenship

The believer's identity as a member of God's kingdom, awaiting Christ's return.

Galatians vs. Philippians

Contrasting tones in letters: Galatians urgent and combative; Philippians warm and celebratory.

Pastoral Vulnerability

Paul’s candid sharing of his emotional struggles and joys with the churches.

Expectation of Christ's Return

The hope held by believers for the second coming and final restoration.

Identity in Christ

Understanding oneself as being defined by one's relationship with Jesus, rather than worldly statuses.

Christ's Lordship

The recognition of Jesus as the sovereign ruler over all creation.

Old vs New Covenant

The distinction between the Mosaic Law and the grace offered through Christ.

Stewardship of Gifts

Using the resources and talents given by God for His glory.

Gospel-Centered Community

A community that prioritizes the message and mission of the gospel.

Personal Reliance vs Divine Dependence

The contrast between relying on one's abilities and trusting in God's provision.

Resurrection Hope

The belief in life after death and resurrected bodies in the New Creation.

Epistolary Structure

The organizational format of Paul's letters with a specific opening, body, and conclusion.

Divine Protection

The assurance that God safeguards believers from spiritual harm.

Covenantal Relationship

The established bond between God and His people based on promises.

Life of Sacrifice

Living in a way that prioritizes the needs of others for the sake of Christ.

Christ's Transformative Work

The ongoing process by which believers are changed into Christ's likeness.

Holistic Salvation

The concept that salvation encompasses all aspects of a believer’s life.

Empathy in Ministry

Understanding and sharing the feelings of others as a vital part of serving.

Dual Nature of Believers

The coexistence of the old sinful nature and the new nature in Christ.

Worship in Spirit and Truth

The call for authentic worship that reflects a true relationship with God.

Theological Reflection

The process of contemplating and evaluating one's theological beliefs and implications.