What Matters in Christ

Galatians 5:2-12

Introduction

In this passage, Paul really presses the point about circumcision and the true consequences of accepting this “other gospel.”

But the contrast is often presented as doing works on the one hand or having faith on the other.

I believe this is a false premise.

We will show instead that the contrast is about divided loyalties.

Two Paths

The two paths are “in Christ” or in “the Law” (Gal. 5:6; cf. Gal. 2:4, 17; 3:14, 27-29).

So there is a sense in which Paul is pitting the Law and Christ against each other.

But Christ came to fulfill the Law so where is the conflict.

It is found in trying to keep something that has been fulfilled.

The contrast is about identity not performance (Gal. 5:2-3, 6).

Going back to chapter 3, who is the seed. In Moses or in Christ.

Circumcision was a valid identity (Acts 7:51).

You can’t have it both ways (Gal. 5:2, 4, 8, 10).

Far from getting them closer to God, this doctrine is causing them to lose out.

Paul wants them to understand that they cannot have both.

Under Obligation

Obligation goes in the direction of your identity (Gal. 5:3).

This is not about obligation versus no obligation (Rom. 8:12)

The idea is that you cannot choose parts of an identity (Rom. 6:1-14).

This is only the beginning (Gal. 5:9).

The Contrast of Faith

You cannot have divided loyalty (Gal. 5:4).

A covenant with God has always been about faithfulness (Gal. 5:6; Gen. 17: 6-14, 22-27).

Faith is not in contrast with doing works, but in contrast with works that indicate faithlessness in Christ (Gal. 5:11).

Conclusion

There is not likely to be here, anyone who struggles with the divided loyalty of Christ or Moses.

But there are no doubt those here who struggle with divided loyalty of Christ and something in this world.

The only question that will matter in the end is, were you loyal to the King.