Adult Object Lesson: Galatians 5: 1, 13-25
This Is A Job for Superman
This Sunday’s lectionary addresses the cost of discipleship. Both the Old Testament lesson (1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21) and the Gospel (Luke 9:51-62) talk about exactly what is expected of a follower of Christ. Weave these expectations into your discussion of Galatians.
Today’s object is a superhero action figure. Use your favorite: Batman, Spiderman, Superman, Wonder Woman . . . whatever.
All superheroes have a mission. They fight evil. Galatians gives us a good list for any writer of action stories to reference.
- fornication
- impurity
- licentiousness
- idolatry
- sorcery
- enmities
- strife
- jealousy
- anger
- quarrels
- dissensions
- factions
- envy
- drunkenness
- carousing, and things like these.
Each action hero has certain strengths and weaknesses. Knowing them is part of the fun in following the story. Will Superman finally be overcome by kryptonite? Will his bullet proof outfit save him? Will he remember to use his X-ray vision?
Talk about your superheroes’ special qualities.
Ask your congregation to create a superhero to fight the list of evils presented in Galatians. What special powers would their hero have? What weaknesses might hinder him or her in conquering evil?
This should lead to an interesting discussion. Have fun with it.
In the end, refer your congregation to the qualities that Paul lists as antidotes for evil.
By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is
- love
- joy
- peace
- patience
- kindness
- generosity
- faithfulness
- gentleness
- and self-control.
How many of these qualities did you give your superhero? Are these qualities enough to get the job done?