Liberty or Law?

Introduction

Today we continue our series through the book of Galatians.

Introduction (1:1-2:10)

‘A Church with a Problem’ (Gal. 1:1-12)

‘Setting the Table’ (Gal. 1:13-24)

‘Looking Back’ (Gal. 2:1-10)

‘A Church with a Problem’ (Gal. 1:1-12)

I. The Prayer of Paul (v1-5)

Defense; Disposition; God’s Deliverance Praised

II. The Perversion of the Gospel (v6-9)

The Gospel has been Perverted (def) transmuted, corrupted, distorted from it’s true use and end.

Write this down: “It’s either All by Grace, or it’s not at all by Grace” - Me. It’s either by Faith, or it’s by Works.

The Church had been Effected (v6-7a); the Offenders Cursed (v8-9)

III. The Preeminence of Christ (v10)

A Choice v10a); a Consequence (v10b)

IV. The Providence of Christ (v11-12)

Not Received by Man (v11-12a); Given by Christ (v12b)

‘Setting the Table’ (Gal. 1:13-24)

I. Times Past (v13-14)

A Religious Man; a Self-Righteous Man; a Man of Renown

II. Transformation & Tutelage (v15-19)

A Calling (v15); A Change (v16a); A Cause (v16b); a Communion (v17-19)

III. Testimony Observed (v20-24)

Truth Exposed; Change Evidenced; God was Exalted

‘Looking Back’ (Gal. 2:1-10) - (At the ‘Counsel of Jerusalem’ meeting - Act. 15)

I. Following the Call (v1-2)

Faithfulness in Service (v1a); Fellowship in Ministry (v1b); Following the Spirit (v2)

II. False Brethren Emerge (v3-5)

Tension (v3); Tares (v4); Resistance (v5a); Reason (v5b)

III. The Furtherance of the Gospel

No Partiality of Persons (v6); A Perception of Purpose (v7-9); A Plan for the Poor (v10)

Repudiation (2:11-4:31)

‘Apostles at Odds’ (Gal. 2:11-14)

‘The Doctrine of Justification’ Pt. 1&2 (Gal. 2:11-21)

‘A Confrontation of Questions’ (Gal. 3:1-5)

‘The Seed of Abraham - pt. 1’ (Gal. 3:6-18)

‘The Seed of Abraham - pt. 2’ - (Gal. 3:19-29)

The Contention of False Doctrine - (Gal. 4:1-20)

‘The Inferiority of a Fleshly Gospel’ - (Gal. 4:21-31)

‘Apostles at Odds’ (Gal. 2:11-14)

I. The Person (Peter)

Loved by Christ; Labored for Christ; In the Lineage of Christ

II. The Problem

A Confrontation Over Cowardice; A Confrontation that was Correct; A Confrontation that was Not Concealed

‘The Doctrine of Justification’ Pt. 1&2 (Gal. 2:11-21)

I. The Prelude

The People had been Troubled; The Gospel had been Perverted; The Church had been Parted; Paul Confronted Peter

II. The Position (v16)

Justification is a Judgment of Innocence Rendered; It’s Not a Pardon; It’s God who Justifies; It’s an Act, not a Process; It’s Obtained by Faith, not by Works

III. The Power (v15; 17-20)

A Testifying Power; A Transformative Power; A Transitioning Power; A Transfiguring Power

IV. The Proof (v21)

Either Grace is Important; Or the Sacrifice was Ineffective

‘A Confrontation of Questions’ (Gal. 3:1-5)

I. Who hath Bewitched You? (v1)

They were Spellbound; They Rejected Truth; They Should have Known Better

II. How was the Spirit Received? (v2)

What Work did you Do to Merit the Spirit?; Didn’t you Receive when you Believed?

III. Has your Flesh Made you Better? (v3)

He Marvels at their Mindset; He Acknowledges their Beginning; He Illustrates the Absurdity

IV. Have you Suffered for Nothing?

Their Faith brought Persecution; It Meant Nothing if Faith is Abandoned

V. How is God’s Work Completed? (v4)

Keeping the Law Yourself doesn’t Manifest the Spirit in Others; Keeping the Law doesn’t Produce Miracles

‘The Seed of Abraham - pt. 1’ (Gal. 3:6-18)

I. A Progenitor to Consider

His Condition [Righteous] (v6); His Children (v7); His Covenant (v8); Paul’s Conclusion (v9)

II. A Premise to Understand

Those Under the Curse (v10); The Law is Contrary to Faith (v11-12) - FOR SALVATION; The Curse of the Crucified (v13); The Cause of the Crucified (v14) - FOR US

III. A Promise to Claim

The Surety of the Promise

Whether Confirmed by Man (v15)

Or Especially by God (v17)

The Subject of the Promise (v16); The Simplicity of the Promise (v18)

‘The Seed of Abraham - pt. 2’ - Gal. 3:19-29

The Insufficiency of the Law

It’s Dependent (v19a); It’s Determinate (v19b)

It’s Deficient

It Requires an Intermediary (v19c-20)

It’s Insufficient for Righteousness (v21)

The Intent of the Law

The Condemnation of the Law (v21-22a); The Cooperation of the Law (v22b-23); The Counsel of the Law (v24); The Conclusion of the Law (v25); The Children are by Faith (v26)

In Identification in Christ

A Baptism is Required (v27); A Balance is Found (v28); We’re Beneficiaries of the Promise (v29)

The Contention of False Doctrine - (Gal. 4:1-20)

Sonship Examined

Progression Assuymed (v1-3); Redemption by Christ (v4-5a); Adoption Enjoyed (v5-7); Inhabitation Experienced (v6)

Stunted Growth

A Regenerate Position (v8-9a); A Regressive Mindset (v9b-10); A Restless Under-Shepherd

A Forsaken Servant

A Plea for Unity (v12); Their Previous Devotion (v13-15); Their Present Distain (v16)

A Sorrowful Situation

They were Negatively Affected (v17-18); Paul was in Angst (v19-20)

‘The Inferiority of a Fleshly Gospel’ - Gal. 4:21-31

The Allegory

There was Intention; Intervention; a Celebration; Contention & Separation

The Application

Two Covenants:

Mosaic (Hagar) v. Abrahamic (Sarah)

In Bondage < at Liberty; of Man < of God; was Added < was Intended; Barren < Fruitful

Two Children

The Law (Ishmael) v. Grace (Isaac)

Of Flesh < of Promise; brings Bondage < brings Freedom; was Cast Out < is the Only Heir

Two Creations

Old Nature v. New Nature

Born of Flesh < born of the Spirit; Condemned < Cleansed; Enslaved < Free

Now we begin the final division in this book. Application

Paul has introduced himself, his perspective and relevant historical context concerning the issue at hand, now he’s beginning to explain ‘what this means to them’ - as any good preacher will do. “Tell them what it says, tell them what it means then tell them what it means to them”.

Paul begins to tells them to ‘Stand Fast therefore in the Liberty, wherewith Christ hath made us free’

Application (5:1-6:18)

We see first - Living in Liberty

I. Living In Liberty (v1-6)

The Contrast with Bondage (v1)

Paul begins this section contrasting the opposite ends of the spectrum concerning the doctrines of Law vs. Grace, Abrahamic Covenant vs. Mosaic Covenant, Flesh vs. Spiritual living, and that is the results thereof - Liberty vs. Bondage.

One thing that is necessary to understand as we approach these verses is to understand that Paul is not speaking of Salvation, but Christian Living.

On that note, understand this: The majority of Paul’s writings to the church is not centered around Salvation, but rather Sanctification - Not ‘how to get to Heaven’, but ‘How to Live here on Earth’. Understanding this distinction is what makes the difference in those knowledgeable in the Word of God vs. those ignorant.

That being said: Remember that we spoke about Paul is speaking to THE CHURCH.

He’s coming from the perspective that they have been saved: Galatians 4:9 “But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?”

Here he states that they have been ‘made free’: Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

(THIS WILL BECOME MORE IMPORTANT AS WE PROGRESS IN A MOMENT)

But for now, know that Paul is once again contrasting living a life of Liberty vs. a life in Bondage. It’s the difference between being free vs. being a Slave (a point he just made in the last chapter w/ Hagar & Sarah).

Notice also Paul speaks of the ‘Yoke of Bondage’ - farmers used a yoke to control the oxen because they wouldn’t serve if they didn’t have to. That yoke pulls us in a direction we don’t want to go. Now, contrast that with the Yoke of Christ: Matthew 11:28–30 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

The Yoke of Christ is not burdensome, but rather a blessing.

The Yoke of the Law binds us and enslaves us, the Yoke of Christ gives rest

The Contrast with Bondage

The Curse of the Law (v2-3)

Now that we consider the yoke, look now to v2: Paul is saying that if you bind yourself to the yoke of bondage, then you cannot enjoy the yoke of Christ.

Remember - he’s not speaking about Salvation, but rather Christian living. You’re either going to be yoked up to the Law or Liberty - the Law or Christ - and if you’re bound to the Law, then you can’t enjoy the rest that Christ affords!

Secondly, we also see in v3 Paul states: If that’s the yoke you choose, make no mistake - you’re bound to do it ALL.

(Ill.) The Judaizers, Sabbath keepers and Legalists today treat the Law like the Golden Corral. They walk down the buffet and say ‘I like that, I don’t like that’ and that’s the way they treat the Law of God.

They’ll say you must keep the Sabbath but reject the Sacrifices

They’ll say you must not kill, but they’re ok with lying

They’ll say you must be baptized, but they reject not their pride and arrogancy.

Know that you don’t get to pick and choose law keeper, you must do it all. You don’t get to pick and choose what you deem acceptable.

That’s the curse of the Law

The Change in Lifestyle (v4-6)

The reason why I made the point that this is about Christian living, not Salvation is because of v4. Many will take this verse to mean that one can ‘fall from grace’ in the sense that they lose their Salvation. (Remember, Salvation is of God, by God - if we are saved by God, we are not and cannot ever be ‘unsaved’ by man.)

But Paul’s not speaking about Eternal Life, but rather Lifestyle. Not where we spend eternity, but how we live today.

When he says you’ve ‘fallen from Grace’, what he is saying is that you’ve fallen from living a life of Liberty in the Grace of God, to living a life of Bondage under the Law.

Church, Jesus didn’t just die to get us to Heaven, but so that we could have a better life now!

AND THAT’S WHAT MOST CHRISTIANS DON’T GET! THAT’S WHAT KEEPS CHRISTIANS BABES. THEY THINK THAT LIVING THE LIFE CHRIST WANTS FOR US IS RESTRICTIVE - IT’S NOT RESTRICTIVE, IT’S LIBERATING! IT’S THE BEST LIFE YOU CAN LIVE!

When he says ‘ye are fallen from grace’, what he’s saying is that you’ve gone from living the liberating life of Christianity, to living a life of bondage in the law. HE’S NOT SAYING YOU’VE LOST YOUR SALVATION - BUT RATHER, YOU’VE LOST SOMETHING OF EQUAL VALUE - YOUR BEST LIFE NOW!

(Ill.) I think people really have a wrong perspective of this life vs. the next. They see that we trod through this life only to get to the next. However, consider this: Church, that is where we’re going, that’s a place of peace and rest… but now we’re in the thick of it. We’re on the front lines, we’re in the battle. How many athletes enjoy retirement more than the thrill of the fight? How many Christians will get to Heaven only to wish they had another opportunity to ‘win the game’?

Moving on to v5-6 we see a few things:

Paul now contrasts the life of the Christian in bondage to the Law - WHICH IS DEPENDENT UPON THE FLESH vs. those who are trusting by faith dependent upon the Spirit.

And that faith GROWS because of LOVE.

(Ill.) Do you know that the more you love God, love His Word, the more you’ll trust Him? The more faith you’ll have in Him? It’s really hard to love someone and not trust them. And when you lose trust, you lose love - just ask any divorced couple.

We see the Change in Lifestyle

Living in Liberty

II. Leaven’s Effect (v7-12)

Paul switches gears a little to go back to the beginning, and address how or rather WHO brought this weight upon them.

Confronting the Cause (v7-8)

He says ‘Who’ - who did this to you? Who is the one who brought this evil upon you?

Church, I don’t think this is rhetorical - he’s asking for two reasons:

First so that he could confront the problem himself - just as he did when Peter was out of line.

Secondly, so they would identify the problem.

Church, I don’t care what problem you have - you’ll never solve a problem until you identify the root of the problem.

(Ill.) Next month is my 8 year anniversary here at this church. Prior to that, I pastored in NC for 6 years. 14 years in the pastorate, and I can tell you that there have been times that I’ve had to identify the root of problems within the church on multiple occasions, just as what Paul is doing here. You have to identify the cause in order to correct the problem.

Because if you don’t correct the problem, we see the result:

The Consequence of Pollution (v9)

Leaven is a broad term. Yeast is a leaven, but not all leaven is yeast. Yeast is a leavening agent, but there are others as well. (Ill.) Just as a Harley is a motorcycle, but not all motorcycles are Harleys). But what leaven does is it pollutes, inflates and tears apart the dough - so does leaven in the church - AND SO DOES LEAVEN IN YOUR LIFE.

But the thing about leaven that Paul is using to illustrate his point is that even though it might be one person or a few - it doesn’t take much to pollute the whole.

This principle plays out in every aspect of Christian life.

Church, this is why we cannot dabble in sin - because it will grow and tear up you life in totality.

(Ill.) They used to call marijuana a ‘gateway drug’ because it typically led to something greater. But church, those who are smoking marijuana began with smoking cigarettes or drinking. You see, a little leaven, leaveneth the whole lump.

The Consequence of Pollution

Condemning the Offender (v10-12)

Paul says ‘I have confidence that you’ll get your head on right - but the offender will suffer judgment’.

After commenting on why he suffers persecution - because of the offence of the Cross

Church, preaching the message I preach would have led to imprisonment and persecutions 2,000 years ago! Today it’s just mocked, misunderstood or ignored - BUT IT’S STILL THE TRUTH!

Paul then says: Galatians 5:12 “I would they were even cut off which trouble you.”

If anything in this letter could get you to understand the seriousness of the subject that Paul is addressing - the perversion of a ‘Jesus +’ gospel, it should be this.

Now there are two ways you could interpret this: ‘cut off’ in the sense that they are excommunicated from the church, or that the apostle was desirous that God would take them out of this world.

I think it’s the latter for this reason: If he wanted them kicked out of the church, he would have called the church to do that. The ‘I WOULD would read ‘YOU SHOULD’.

Paul - like Christ - desired the best for the sheep in his care. He didn’t want harm to come unto them and desired that those who were hurting these sheep would not have any more opportunity to do so!

We see Paul Condemning the Offender

Living in Liberty, Leaven’s Effects

III. The Love of Liberty (v13-15)

Liberty not Licentiousness (v13A)

Here now Paul addresses the big question about the doctrine that I and God hold dear. The doctrine of Justification by Grace alone through Christ alone. The question being ‘If we teach that salvation by Grace only, and you can’t lose your salvation - isn’t that just a license to sin?’

You hear it all the time ‘Cheap Grace, Easy Grace, Easy Believism’, etc…

Licentiousness (def) Excessive indulgence of liberty; contempt of the just restraints of law, morality and decorum.

Paul states firmly, ‘Yes, we’re called to liberty - ONLY USE NOT LIBERTY FOR AN OCCASION TO THE FLESH’

Liberty is not to live however WE want to live, but rather the freedom to live how God would have us to live.

We are by necessity breaking down this chapter, but what we will need to recognize today & dive into next week is the connection between Liberty and the Leading of the Spirit.

YOU SEE THE LIBERTY THAT HE’S SPEAKING OF IS NOT THE FREEDOM TO FEED THE FLESH, BUT TO FOLLOW GOD IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH!

After Paul speaks to the Romans about Salvation, he addresses this question there to them as well: Romans 6:1–2 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

Again, those who promote hedonism in the church - and all the new age flesh edifying junk that goes on in the contemporary, self-promoting, flesh gratifying church, then say ‘Oh, I’m living in Christian Liberty’ THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY ARE SAYING.

Once again: THE LIBERTY THAT HE’S SPEAKING OF IS NOT THE FREEDOM TO FEED THE FLESH, BUT TO FOLLOW GOD IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH!

John 4:23–24 “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

Liberty not Licentiousness

Love Fulfills the Law (v13b-14)

Here, Paul says ‘Hey, you want to serve the Law, then love and serve your neighbor.

YOU SEE IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU!

There’s not one Christian who lives a self-absorbed life that is being led of the Spirit.

We are to love and serve one another - because…

The Lack of Love Leads to Destruction (v15)

Contempt breeds hate, which leads to destruction.

The Lack of Love beads to destruction

Conclusion

In closing I want to explain once again what it this Liberty means and how Love will fulfill the Law:

Church, if I love you, I’ll not need a law to direct me not to lie to you.

If I love and serve my wife, I don’t need a law to not cheat on her.

If I love the LORD, I don’t need a law to tell us not to have other gods before Him.

Liberty is not a License to Sin, but a Liberty to enjoy the Leading of the Spirit of God in your life!