Untitled Sermon
Outline of Galatians
Bruce organizes the argument in Galatians into seven sections, which he finds helpful to appreciate “the flow of Paul’s argument”:
• I. 1:1–5—Salutation
• II. 1:6–10—No other gospel
• III. 1:11–2:14—Autobiographical sketch: Paul’s independent gospel
• IV. 2:15–5:1—Faith receives the promise
• V. 5:2–12—Christian freedom
• VI. 5:13–26—Flesh and spirit
• VII. 6:1–10—Mutual help and service
Outline
I. Introduction (1:1–10).
A. Paul greets the Galatians and reminds them his commission came from God (1:1–5).
B. Paul reprimands the Galatians (1:6–10).
1. They are turning to another gospel of a different kind (1:6).
2. There is no other (true) gospel than the one he preached to them (1:7).
3. People who preach another gospel are to be accursed, eternally condemned (1:8–9).
4. Paul seeks to please God and not other persons (1:10).
II. Paul Defends His Gospel (1:11–2:21).
A. He received his gospel directly from Jesus Christ (1:11–12).
B. He recounts his previous life in Judaism (1:13–14).
C. He reminds them of his calling to preach to the Gentiles (1:15–17).
D. He visited Jerusalem for 15 days (1:18–24).
E. After 14 years he made a second visit to Jerusalem (2:1–10).
F. He confronted Peter at Antioch for withdrawing from Gentile believers (2:11–14).
G. He summarizes his understanding of the true gospel—faith alone justifies (2:15–21).
III. Paul Explains His Gospel (3:1–5:12).
A. The Galatians received the Spirit without obeying the law (3:1–5).
B. Abraham was accounted as righteous without obeying the law (3:6–9).
C. All under the law are under the curse of the law (3:10–14).
D. The promises to Abraham could not be altered by the law (3:15–18).
E. The law had a temporary role (3:19–22).
F. Christ came to give to all who believe status as God’s children (3:23–29).
G. Christ’s coming means we can call out to God as “Abba” (4:1–7).
H. Knowing God makes observance of special days or celebrations unnecessary (4:8–11).
I. Paul recounts his visit with the Galatians (4:12–20).
1. They received him well despite his physical infirmity (4:12–13).
2. They welcomed him as if an angel, or as Jesus Christ Himself (4:14).
3. They would have done anything for him (4:15).
4. Paul appeals to them to return to their former belief and trust (4:16–20).
J. Paul appeals to the example of Sarah and Hagar (4:21–31).
1. Isaac was born of the promise to the free woman.
2. Ishmael was born to the slave girl by natural means.
K. Conclusion: They must not forfeit their freedom (5:1–12).
IV. Paul Explains Freedom in the Spirit (5:13–6:10).
A. Freedom is to be used to serve each other through love (5:13–15).
B. Freedom results in being led by the Spirit (5:16–26).
1. The “works of the flesh” are obvious and dangerous (5:16–21).
2. The “fruit of the Spirit” are borne by those who crucify the flesh (5:22–26).
C. Freedom is to be used to minister to others (6:1–10).
1. They must help the wayward, the burdened, and those who teach them (6:1–6).
2. They will reap what they sow in due time (6:7–10).
V. Conclusion (6:11–18).
A. The Judaizers have false motives (6:11–13).
B. Paul will boast only of Jesus Christ (6:14).
C. Being a new creation, not being circumcised, is the intent of the gospel (6:15–16).
D. Farewell (6:17–18).
Galatians 1–2 contains strong apologetic (self-defense) and autobiographical elements. Galatians 3–6 presents clear arguments of persuasion and dissuasion, laced with heavy doses of Scriptural interpretation (Gal 3–4) and strong ethical teaching (Gal 5–6).