Freedom in Christ: The Real Christian Life: Gal. 2:17-21

I. Legalism is Spiritual Suicide vs. 17-18

A. Paul is saying that if was seeking justification/salvation from Christ alone, then he would be a sinner if the Judizers were right. But that would have made Jesus a sinner too! That is impossible. John 14:6

John 14:6 NASB95

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Ephesians 2:8–9 NASB95

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

B. If Paul went back to Judaism, (which is what the Judizers were calling for) then he would prove that he was never saved to begin with.

C. Legalism puts you in the driver’s seat, and says that the work of Christ was not enough. It demonically deceives people into thinking they are saved, when in fact they are lost. They cleaned up their “act”, but that’s all legalism leads to, which is acting saved.

II. Dying to Self is Living vs. 19-20

A. Paul died to the hope that the law could save him. He had come to the realization that he couldn’t keep the law.

B. When Jesus died, so did every believer die, when Jesus was resurrected so was every believer resurrected. That is how we have the position spiritually in Christ.

C. We die to self, letting the Holy Spirit live through us. Rom. 14:1-10

Romans 14:1–10 NLT

Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval. In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

III. Grace is the Indicator of Life vs. 21

A. If we could earn salvation then Christ Jesus died in vain. This also goes for the case of losing your salvation. Heb. 9:26

Hebrews 9:26 NASB95

Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

B. Grace is the barometer of salvation. Are we living filled with grace? Paul had to speak hard, but it was from a loving heart. Do people see you as gracious, or a graceless person?