Galatians
Outlines • Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 3 viewsNotes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Intro: Tonight we enter into the 48th book of the bible, the book of Galatians...
Author
The apostle Paul wrote the book of Galatians addressing it to a group of church assemblies rather than to one.
credentials
Paul was born in the city of Tarsus in the southern part of the region of Galatia (modern-day Turkey). After his conversion to Christ (around AD 34), Paul spent the remainder of his life ministering God’s grace and preaching the gospel. He was executed for his faith around AD 67.
Date Written
While there are different theories regarding the date Galatians was written, they span the period from AD 47–55
Purpose
The apostle Paul was a church-planting missionary. After he planted a church and left a region, he continued to supervise new congregations through his letters. One of these letters is this epistle to the Christian churches in the area of Galatia
Most scholars agree that this letter was written by Paul around AD50 (only 15-20 years after the death of Christ). It is helpful to recognize the following three things from the historical setting, which will help us understand this epistle
Skip Hidzig said this about the book...
The apostle Paul was a church-planting missionary. After he planted a church and left a region, he continued to supervise new congregations through his letters. One of these letters is this epistle to the Christian churches in the area of Galatia in Asia Minor. Most scholars agree that this letter was written by Paul around AD50 (only 15-20 years after the death of Christ). It is helpful to recognize the following three things from the historical setting, which will help us understand this epistle:
This letter addresses a social and racial division in the churches of Galatia. The first Christians in Jerusalem were Jewish but as the gospel spread out from that center, increasing numbers of Gentiles began to receive Christ...However, a group of teachers in Galatia were now insisting that the Gentile Christians practice all the traditional ceremonial customs of the law of Moses, as the Jewish Christians did…all 613 of them specifically the dietary laws and circumcision for full acceptance and to be completely pleasing to God.
“Galatians is a classic statement of the doctrine of justification by grace through faith alone, written to counter false teachers who were saying that a person must keep the Jewish law to be righteous before God.”
In Galatians, Paul addressed problems raised by the oppressive theology of certain Jewish leaders who had caused believers in Galatia to trade their freedom in Christ for bondage to the law. Paul also defended the gospel and his apostleship, described the differences between law and grace, and explained the practical application of these truths.
This letter addresses a social and racial division in the churches of Galatia. The first Christians in Jerusalem were Jewish but as the gospel spread out from that center, increasing numbers of Gentiles began to receive Christ.
”
Excerpt From: Timothy Keller. “Galatians for You.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/galatians-for-you/id602085400
However, a group of teachers in Galatia were now insisting that the Gentile Christians practice all the traditional ceremonial customs of the law of Moses, as the Jewish Christians did. They taught that the Gentiles had to observe all the dietary laws and be circumcised for full acceptance and to be completely pleasing to God.
in Jerusalem were Jewish, but as the gospel spread out from that center, increasing numbers of Gentiles began to receive Christ. However, a group of teachers in Galatia were now insisting that the Gentile Christians practice all the traditional ceremonial customs of the law of Moses, as the Jewish Christians did. They taught that the Gentiles had to observe all the dietary laws and be circumcised for full acceptance and to be completely pleasing to God.
In this letter Paul taught that the cultural divisions and disunity in the churches were due to a confusion about the nature of the gospel.
By insisting on Christ-plus-anything-else as a requirement for full acceptance by God, these teachers were presenting a whole different way of relating to God from the one Paul had given them. It is this different gospel that was creating the cultural division and strife.
By insisting on Christ-plus-anything-else as a requirement for full acceptance by God, these teachers were presenting a whole different way of relating to God (a “different gospel”, 1:6) from the one Paul had given them (“the one we preached”, 1:8). It is this different gospel that was creating the cultural division and strife.
By insisting on Christ-plus-anything-else as a requirement for full acceptance by God, these teachers were presenting a whole different way of relating to God (a “different gospel”, 1:6) from the one Paul had given them (“the one we preached”, 1:8). It is this different gospel that was creating the cultural division and strife. Paul forcefully and unapologetically fought the “different gospel” because to lose one’s grip of the true gospel is to desert and lose Christ[…]”
“Paul forcefully and unapologetically fought the “different gospel” because to lose one’s grip of the true gospel is to desert and lose Christ Himself (1:6). Therefore, everything was at stake in this debate.
Paul forcefully and unapologetically fought the “different gospel” because to lose one’s grip of the true gospel is to desert and lose Christ Himself (1:6). Therefore, everything was at stake in this debate.
The most obvious fact about the historical setting is often the most overlooked. In the letter to the Galatians, Paul expounds in detail what the gospel is and how it works. But the intended audience of this exposition of the gospel are all professing Christians. It is not simply non-Christians but also believers who need continually to learn the gospel and apply it to their lives.”
The most obvious fact about the historical setting is often the most overlooked. In the letter to the Galatians, Paul expounds in detail what the gospel is and how it works. But the intended audience are all professing Christians. It is not simply non-Christians but also believers who need continually to learn the gospel and apply it to their lives.”
Outline
This letter addresses a social and racial division in the churches of Galatia. The first Christians in Jerusalem were Jewish, but as the”
Excerpt From: Timothy Keller. “Galatians for You.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/galatians-for-you/id602085400
Outline
This book can be broken into some nice and tidy portions...
“• The Personal ()
The Personal ()
Excerpt From: Skip Heitzig. “The Bible from 30,000 Feet™.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-from-30-000-feet/id1233862428
• The Doctrinal ()
The Doctrinal ()
The Practical ()
• The Practical ()
Important to note...
Galatians is all about the doctrine of Christian freedom. It declares total liberty in Christ from the religious laws of Moses
Galatians is all about the doctrine of Christian freedom. It declares total liberty in Christ from the religious laws of Moses, emphasizing that freedom from sin is accompanied by freedom from the law and doctrines of man. The law is a curse for us because we’re not perfect and can never fulfill its demands. But because Jesus lived a perfect life and fulfilled its demands, He was able to take our place and take the punishment we deserved, becoming the curse for us, suffering its consequences, and defeating it once and for all by rising from the dead.
The law was given by God for a couple of big reasons…but let’s talk about one
To shoe us God’s holy standard and character
To reveal to us our sinful condition and need for a Savior…It Spiritually diagnoses us as sick
But the Law on it’s own can’t save us…it just shows us that we’re cursed
it is a curse for us because we’re not perfect and can never fulfill its demands. But because Jesus lived a perfect life and fulfilled its demands, He was able to take our place and take the punishment we deserved, becoming the curse for us, suffering its consequences, and defeating it once and for all by rising from the dead.
But because Jesus lived a perfect life and fulfilled its demands, He was able to take our place and take the punishment we deserved, becoming the curse for us, suffering its consequences, and defeating it once and for all by rising from the dead.
But because Jesus lived a perfect life and fulfilled its demands, He was able to take our place and take the punishment we deserved, becoming the curse for us, suffering its consequences, and defeating it once and for all by rising from the dead.
Paul wrote this...
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—
14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Paul’s point was that Jesus died in a way that the Jews considered cursed (Crucifixtion)…but The weight of the true curse—our sins—was then placed on Him, and because of that, He was able to purchase for us freedom from sin and perfect liberty in Christ.
As Paul wrote in , “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Capital punishment by stoning was part of Jewish law, but crucifixion wasn’t. Stoning was a holy remedy, but being nailed to a cross was considered to be defiling—an unclean death for an unholy people.
He was the perfect substitute for us, the only One who could bear the weight of all our sin. Only Jesus could do it—and that’s why salvation is a gift of God’s grace and not something any human being could ever earn
History
The history of the Galatia of Paul’s day is shrouded in mystery. In the early part of the first century AD, the term Galatia had ethnic as well as political meaning.
On the one hand, Galatians were ethnically Celtic people who had migrated from Europe. But politically speaking, Galatia could refer to several cities in the region (Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and Tarsus).
The Roman emperor Augustus made the area a Roman province in 25 BC, meaning that Paul, who was born in southern Galatia, was also born a Roman citizen.65
There are two theories regarding the date Galatians was written. The north Galatian theory (also known as the geographical view) puts the date of authorship circa AD 55, when Paul was in Ephesus (sometime around or after ). The south Galatian theory (or the political view) puts the date of authorship at AD 47–49, which meant Paul was in Antioch when he wrote the letter (sometime around ),66 perhaps establishing the need for church-wide clarification on the doctrine of salvation by grace.
There are two theories regarding the date Galatians was written.
The north Galatian theory (also known as the geographical view) puts the date of authorship around AD 55, when Paul was in Ephesus (sometime around or after ).
The south Galatian theory (or the political view) puts the date of authorship at AD 47–49, which meant Paul was in Antioch when he wrote the letter (sometime around ), perhaps establishing the need for church-wide clarification on the doctrine of salvation by grace.
However, Paul’s focus throughout the book is exposing the Judaizers’ false teaching that salvation depended on keeping the Law of Moses, which was one of the major issues resolved by the first council of Jerusalem (described in ). Paul makes mention of his report to the council (), which suggests that he wrote the letter at the later date.
However, Paul’s focus throughout the book is exposing the Judaizers’ false teaching that salvation depended on keeping the Law of Moses, which was one of the major issues resolved by the first council of Jerusalem (described in ). Paul makes mention of his report to the council (), which suggests that he wrote the letter at the later date.
The Personal - Chapter 1&2
The Personal - Chapter 1&2
1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—
2 and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—
2 and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
Look at how Paul opens this letter up and introduces himself...
Gal 1:1
1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—
So Paul calls himself “an apostles” which means “Sent one” and he goes on to say, “Not from men, nor though men, but though Jesus”…in other words this is Paul putting on his full credits to deal with this issues here…he’s saying you didn’t put me in this office…Jesus did
Then he finishes his greeting with a clear exposition of the gospel…
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
So here Paul gives a good concise description of the gospel...
Who we are?: Helpless and lost. thats why Paul said Jesus delivered us v.4
Who we are?: Helpless and lost. That is what the word “deliver” implies in verse 4.
Who we are?: Helpless and lost. That is what the word “deliver” implies in verse 4.
Think about that you don’t deliver people who are capable of saving themselves…you deliver people who are lost
How did Jesus deliver us? He “gave himself for our sins” (v 4a). He made a sacrifice which was substitutionary in nature. The word “for” means “on behalf of” or “in place of”
What Jesus did: How did Jesus rescue us? He “gave himself for our sins” (v 4a). He made a sacrifice which was substitutionary in nature. The word “for” means “on behalf of” or “in place of”. Substitution is why[…]”
How did Jesus deliver us? He “gave himself for our sins” (v 4a). He made a sacrifice which was substitutionary in nature. The word “for” means “on behalf of” or “in place of”
Substitution is why the gospel is so revolutionary - Christ’s death was not just a general sacrifice, but a substitutionary one. He did not merely buy us a “second chance”, giving us another opportunity to get life right and stay right with God. He did all we needed to do, but cannot do.
Here we see the spiritual wealth God has for us, the way we should walk in that wealth, and the spiritual defenses God has provided to help us resist the devil and our own fleshly desires.
God sent Jesus to accomplish something no one else ever could have, and when He did and do you know that when Jesus died on the cross...something significant happened in the temple
51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.
This veil had symbolically separated the people from the presence of God, but its rending at Christ’s death symbolized that anyone who received Him could now enter God’s presence. Atonement’s price had been paid, and the world changed forever.
Jesus did all we should have done, in our place, so when He becomes our Savior, we are absolutely free from penalty or condemnation.
This veil had symbolically separated the people from the presence of God, but its rending at Christ’s death symbolized that anyone who received Him could now enter God’s presence. Atonement’s price had been paid, and the world changed forever.
. This veil had symbolically separated the people from the presence of God, but its rending at Christ’s death symbolized that anyone who received Him could now enter God’s presence. Atonement’s price had been paid, and the world changed forever.
Jesus did all we should have done, in our place, so when He becomes our Savior, we are absolutely free from penalty or condemnation.
“What Jesus did: How did Jesus rescue us? He “gave himself for our sins” (v 4a). He made a sacrifice which was substitutionary in nature. The word “for” means “on behalf of” or “in place of”. Substitution is why the gospel is so revolutionary. Christ’s death was not just a general sacrifice, but a substitutionary one. He did not merely buy us a “second chance”, giving us another opportunity to get life right and stay right with God. He did all we needed to do, but cannot do. If Jesus’ death really paid for our sins on our behalf, we can never fall back into condemnation. Why? Because God would then be getting two payments for the same sin, which is unjust! Jesus did all we should have done, in our place, so when He becomes our Savior, we are absolutely free from penalty or condemnation.
Jesus did all we should have done, in our place, so when He becomes our Savior, we are absolutely free from penalty or condemnation.
How did the Father respond? God accepted the work of Christ on our behalf by raising Him “from the dead” (v 1) and by giving us the “grace and peace” (v 3) that Christ won and achieved for us.
How did the Father respond? God accepted the work of Christ on our behalf by raising Him “from the dead” (v 1) and by giving us the “grace and peace” (v 3) that Christ won and achieved for us.
What the Father did: God accepted the work of Christ on our behalf by raising Him “from the dead” (v 1) and by giving us the “grace and peace” (v 3) that Christ won and achieved for us.
Why God did it?: This was all done out of grace - Not because of anything we have done, but “according to the will of our God and Father” (v 4d). We did not ask for rescue, but God in His grace planned what we didn’t realize we needed...
Why God did it?: This was all done out of grace - Not because of anything we have done, but “according to the will of our God and Father” (v 4d). We did not ask for rescue, but God in His grace planned what we didn’t realize we needed...
App: There is no indication of any other motivation or cause for Christ’s mission except the will of God. There is nothing in us which merits it. Salvation is sheer grace.
Why God did it: This was all done out of grace—not because of anything[…]”
• Members of the body of Christ are wealthy for three main reasons: God’s fatherhood, God’s great forgiveness, and our new spiritual family—the believers with whom we share our lives. It can sometimes be challenging to work with other Christians, but what an amazing comfort and resource God has given us in each other! Through Christ, we are able to love, pray for, encourage, commiserate with, and hold each other accountable. Jesus is our foundation, strength, and unity ().
Paul opened with his blessing of grace and peace, but then got right down to business:
Excerpt From: Timothy Keller. “Galatians for You.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/galatians-for-you/id602085400
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—
Members of the body of Christ are wealthy for three main reasons: God’s fatherhood, God’s great forgiveness, and our new spiritual family—the believers with whom we share our lives. It can sometimes be challenging to work with other Christians, but what an amazing comfort and resource God has given us in each other! Through Christ, we are able to love, pray for, encourage, commiserate with, and hold each other accountable. Jesus is our foundation, strength, and unity ()
Paul’s obveously not happy…because the Christians in Galatia heard the good news of Jesus Christ from the greatest teacher in all of church history, next to Jesus Himself. They sat under Paul’s teaching, but when he moved on to the next stop on his missionary journey, they turned from his teaching toward people who badmouthed him and turned them from the truth.
They sat under Paul’s teaching, but when he moved on to the next stop on his missionary journey, they turned from his teaching toward people who badmouthed him and turned them from the truth.
It’s astonishing, really; the Christians in Galatia heard the good news of Jesus Christ from the greatest teacher in all of church history, next to Jesus Himself. They sat under Paul’s teaching, but when he moved on to the next stop on his missionary journey, they turned from his teaching toward people who badmouthed him and turned them from the truth. “There are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (v. 7). The Judaizers were reversing it, going backward to the fetters of the law instead of forward into the freedom of grace.
7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
The Judaizers were reversing it, going backward to the bondage of the law instead of forward into the freedom of grace...Paul and Barnabas had already fought against that teaching just after their first missionary journey, while they were living in Antioch ().
“There are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (v. 7). The Judaizers were reversing it, going backward to the fetters of the law instead of forward into the freedom of grace.
Paul and Barnabas had already fought against that teaching just after their first missionary journey, while they were living in Antioch (). It was a critical battle: God sent Jesus to accomplish something no one else ever could have, and when He did, something significant happened: The veil in the temple, which enclosed the Holy of Holies tore from top to bottom (). This veil had symbolically separated the people from the presence of God, but its rending at Christ’s death symbolized that anyone who received Him could now enter God’s presence. Atonement’s price had been paid, and the world changed forever.
Paul opened with his standard blessing of grace and peace, but then got right down to business: “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel” (). It’s astonishing, really; the Christians in Galatia heard the good news of Jesus Christ from the greatest teacher in all of church history, next to Jesus Himself. They sat under Paul’s teaching, but when he moved on to the next stop on his missionary journey, they turned from his teaching toward people who badmouthed him and turned them from the truth. “There are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (v. 7). The Judaizers were reversing it, going backward to the fetters of the law instead of forward into the freedom of grace.
Excerpt From: Timothy Keller. “Galatians for You.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/galatians-for-you/id602085400
Paul and Barnabas had already fought against that teaching just after their first missionary journey, while they were living in Antioch (). It was a critical battle: God sent Jesus to accomplish something no one else ever could have, and when He did, something significant happened: The veil in the temple, which enclosed the Holy of Holies[…]”
Did you know that when Jesus died on the cross...something significant happened in the temple
History, however, tells us that the Jews quickly began to offer sacrifices again, indicating the veil had been either stitched up or replaced.67 It was a typical human response. God removes a barrier; people put up another barrier as soon as possible, addicted to the self-sufficiency of their rituals and ceremonies. What God simplifies, we complicate. Paul wasn’t having it. “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (). Like a doctor who knew he had to act quickly and decisively to save a patient, Paul moved to cut the cancer out.
• Walking with Christ means leaving your old life behind. More than just leave the old crowd you used to run with, you must start at the root of the problem and transform the way you think about the world in general. “For you were once darkness,” says, “but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.
Walking with Christ means leaving your old life behind. More than just leave the old crowd you used to run with, you must start at the root of the problem and transform the way you think about the world in general. “For you were once darkness,” says, “but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
History, however, tells us that the Jews quickly began to offer sacrifices again, indicating the veil had been either stitched up or replaced. It was a typical human response. God removes a barrier; people put up another barrier as soon as possible, addicted to the self-sufficiency of their rituals and ceremonies. What God simplifies, we complicate. Paul wasn’t having it. “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (). Like a doctor who knew he had to act quickly and decisively to save a patient, Paul moved to cut the cancer out.
“tore from top to bottom (). This veil had symbolically separated the people from the presence of God, but its rending at Christ’s death symbolized that anyone who received Him could now enter God’s presence. Atonement’s price had been paid, and the world changed forever.
This veil had symbolically separated the people from the presence of God, but its rending at Christ’s death symbolized that anyone who received Him could now enter God’s presence. Atonement’s price had been paid, and the world changed forever.
History, however, tells us that the Jews quickly began to offer sacrifices again, indicating the veil had been either stitched up or replaced.67 It was a typical human response. God removes a barrier; people put up another barrier as soon as possible, addicted to the self-sufficiency of their rituals and ceremonies. What God simplifies, we complicate. Paul wasn’t having it. “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (). Like a doctor who knew he had to act quickly and decisively to save a patient, Paul moved to cut the cancer out.
History, however, tells us that the Jews quickly began to offer sacrifices again, indicating the veil had been either stitched up or replaced.
App: It was a typical human response. God removes a barrier; people put up another barrier as soon as possible, addicted to the self-sufficiency of their rituals and ceremonies. What God simplifies, we complicate.
Paul wasn’t having it so he says this...
7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
Like a doctor who knew he had to act quickly and decisively to save a patient, Paul moved to cut the cancer out.
Like a doctor who knew he had to act quickly and decisively to save a patient, Paul moved to cut the cancer out.
Paul says here’s the…the public gospel that was publicly proclaimed by Jesus…the I proclaimed to you…If anyone comes and tries to sell you another one… don’t care how, much you might like it LET THEM BE ACCURSED
and he even says it again...
9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
For the holy spirit to inspire that once is enough to say “I probably should listen” but for the Spirit to inspire Paul to say that twice is a sobering and scary warning
I shared this with some young ladies this past sat...
It wasn’t that Paul didn’t know what it was to be legalistic…look at v.13
• Submission is the oil that makes the gears of relationships—especially family relationships—run smoothly. In , Paul laid out the hierarchy of a godly marriage: a wife submits to her husband, and a husband sacrifices his life for his wife (vv. 22-33). The key to this marriage relationship, however, is found in both parties “submitting to one another in the fear of God” (v. 21). And that’s the key to any Christian relationship: To love like Jesus, you need to voluntarily put other people first.
13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.
14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.
13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.
and then he says...
15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,
16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.
19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.
20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!)
21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.
23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
24 And they glorified God because of me.
and then he says...
And where did he learn that...alone...
You it’s important to understand that their are both public and personal aspects of walking with Jesus...
alone...
14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,
15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,
16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.
19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.
Gal 1:
You it’s important to understand that their are both public and personal aspects of walking with Jesus...
Paul believed in the public, preaching, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus…all of those things were publicly documented
But He also had a personal revelation of who Jesus was, and that took place when he V.17 “Went away to Arabia”
Paul did not travel to what we would call Saudi Arabia. The area known in that day as Arabia in his day extended all the way to the city of Damascus. Paul probably lived in some quiet desert place outside of Damascus
App: It’s
.App: It’s still important to get alone with God because he still
But Eventually the apostles in Jerusalem accepted him... and they all realized that God had given Paul a ministry to the Gentiles, just as He had given Peter a ministry to the Jews (). Above all, Paul made one thing clear—the driving thought behind his ministry: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (v. 20). This deep, personal conviction was founded on the pure doctrine of the gospel—Paul’s next topic.
“It wasn’t that Paul didn’t know what it was to be legalistic. He recounted his salvation, his “former conduct in Judaism” (v. 13), and how his advanced Judaism compelled him to persecute the church. Being Mr. Judaism meant he missed God’s point—that only Christ’s perfect sacrifice could save him—something that God spent a lot of time teaching Paul in isolation (vv. 15-19). Eventually the apostles in Jerusalem accepted him, and they all realized that God had given Paul a ministry to the Gentiles, just as He had given Peter a ministry to the Jews (). Above all, Paul made one thing clear—the driving thought behind his ministry: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (v. 20). This deep, personal conviction was founded on the pure doctrine of the gospel—Paul’s next topic.
Eventually the apostles in Jerusalem accepted him, and they all realized that God had given Paul a ministry to the Gentiles, just as He had given Peter a ministry to the Jews (). Above all, Paul made one thing clear—the driving thought behind his ministry: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (v. 20). This deep, personal conviction was founded on the pure doctrine of the gospel—Paul’s next topic.
So lets recap...
First - Paul refutes the idea that he came to his gospel message through his own reflection, reasoning and thinking - He recounts that, until his conversion, he was “intensely” hostile to the church and to Christianity (v 13). He wanted to “destroy it”. There was no gradual process of consideration, discussion, revision. There was no way that Paul’s Christian message was the product of his own line of thinking. Rather, it was the exact, polar opposite of where he had been going.
Pre-Christian Paul was so violently opposed to Christ that even watching the faith and certainty of Christian martyrs had no effect on him ().
His experience is strong evidence that his conversion was via direct revelation. As shows us, the risen Jesus met and instructed Paul directly. Paul did not have simply a trance or a dream. Christ was there in time and space, since even the other men with Paul recognized the presence (). So Paul became a “capital-A” apostle, like those who were apostles before him ().
Second, Paul undermines the claim that his gospel message was derived from others, from Christian leaders in Jerusalem. “I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was” (v 16-17). There were three years between Paul’s conversion and his first journey to Jerusalem (v 18-19), and even then he did not get instructed by them in any methodical way.
Eventually the apostles in Jerusalem accepted him, and they all realized that God had given Paul a ministry to the Gentiles, just as He had given Peter a ministry to the Jews (). Above all, Paul made one thing clear—the driving thought behind his ministry: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (v. 20). This deep, personal conviction was founded on the pure doctrine of the gospel—Paul’s next topic.
Excerpt From: Timothy Keller. “Galatians for You.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/galatians-for-you/id602085400
Paul’s repeated reference to the apostles at Jerusalem suggest that some people were claiming that Paul had simply gotten his gospel message from this “headquarters”. This would enable them to argue: We have also been trained at the Jerusalem HQ. And we know that Paul did not give you the whole story. There are other things you must do in order to be pleasing to God.”
Paul’s repeated reference to the apostles at Jerusalem suggest that “some people” (v 7) were claiming that Paul had simply gotten his gospel message from this “headquarters”. This would enable them to argue: We have also been trained at the Jerusalem HQ. And we know that Paul did not give you the whole story. There are other things you must do in order to be pleasing to God.”
It wasn’t that Paul didn’t know what it was to be legalistic. He recounted his salvation, his “former conduct in Judaism” (v. 13), and how his advanced Judaism compelled him to persecute the church. Being Mr. Judaism meant
Third, Paul shows that his God-given gospel “checked out” with the message the other apostles had received from God. Peter (v 18), James (v 19) and the churches of Judea (v 22) were among those who “praised God” (v 24) for what He had done for Paul, and for the message He had given Paul. He did not receive his commission or message from the other apostles; but his message squared with the one the other apostles received from the risen Lord ().
So Paul’s account eliminates claims like: That’s what Paul thinks—here’s what we think, and it’s just as valid; Paul’s message is fine, but incomplete; Paul’s message is simply his message—it’s not what the church teaches in Jerusalem.
App: This is how you can tell if someone is right on...
So Paul’s account eliminates claims like: That’s what Paul thinks—here’s what we think, and it’s just as valid; Paul’s message is fine, but incomplete; Paul’s message is simply his message—it’s not what the church teaches in Jerusalem.”
Is there a personal relationship
Does the message aline with whats already been said?
Thats why I love Kanye
Excerpt From: Timothy Keller. “Galatians for You.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/galatians-for-you/id602085400
The Doctrinal ()
The Doctrinal ()
The Doctrinal ()
The Doctrinal ()
The Doctrinal ()
Paul presented several arguments centered on justification by faith—the central teaching that a person is saved by believing in Jesus alone, not by doing good works to try and earn salvation.
The Christians of Galatia had lost sight of this essential truth, and Paul’s frustration was clear
1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.
Paul goes on to say why would anyone want to turn away from liberty in Christ and to bondage in anything—even the law? Why, when Christ set you free, would you say, “Now that I am free, I would like to be a slave of some other teaching”?
“Paul presented several arguments centered on justification by faith—the central teaching that a person is saved by believing in Jesus alone, not by doing good works to try and earn salvation. The Christians of Galatia had lost sight of this essential truth, and Paul’s frustration was clear: “Oh foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?” (). Why would anyone want to turn away from liberty in Christ and to bondage in anything—even the law? Why, when Christ set you free, would you say, “Now that I am free, I would like to be a slave of some other teaching”? Whoever these legalistic preachers were, they must have wowed the Galatians, awed them, persuaded them. Again, it’s human nature to build up barriers, to try and give ourselves walls to scale and mountains to climb—even if the wall of sin revealed by the law makes Everest look like a speed bump.
App: The truth is some people have an issue with the doctrine oof justification by faith…because it’s too simple…and sometimes people want complicated
Whoever these legalistic preachers were, they must have wowed the Galatians, awed them, persuaded them.
Because if it’s complicated and difficult
Illastration: There is something bewitching about a works based system...
Because if it’s complicated and difficult
Why would anyone want to turn away from liberty in Christ and to bondage in anything—even the law? Why, when Christ set you free, would you say, “Now that I am free, I would like to be a slave of some other teaching”? Whoever these legalistic preachers were, they must have wowed the Galatians, awed them, persuaded them. Again, it’s human nature to build up barriers, to try and give ourselves walls to scale and mountains to climb—even if the wall of sin revealed by the law makes Everest look like a speed bump.
Then we can keep score
There’s grounds for boasting then
Thats bewitching to some people - Especially smart, driven, put together people...
Whoever these legalistic preachers were, they must have wowed the Galatians, awed them, persuaded them. Again, it’s human nature to build up barriers, to try and give ourselves walls to scale and mountains to climb—even if the wall of sin revealed by the law makes Everest look like a speed bump.
App: It still happens. If you don’t start first and always with God’s Word, you’re susceptible. People who aren’t biblically astute may find a new book on the Christian bookshelf, read it, and feel as if they have gained new insight: “I never saw that before; I never knew that before; that has to be the truth”not realizing that perhaps the reason they’d never seen it before is because it’s just not in the Bible.
It still happens. If you don’t start first and always with God’s Word, you’re susceptible. People who aren’t biblically astute may find a new book on
Paul wanted the Galatians to think through the matter, to look past their infatuation with religious liturgy and recall what he had taught them...the truth that had come from God Himself Thats why he said...
Thats why he said...
2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
If works couldn’t save you in the first place, why would you return to them seeking spiritual maturity? It baffled Paul.
If works couldn’t save you in the first place, why would you return to them seeking spiritual maturity? It baffled Paul.
He reminded the Galatians of what Abraham, the father of the Jews himself, had done in response to God’s invitation...
6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?
7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.
GAL 3
Now remember Back in ...God had promised Abraham a nation’s worth of descendants, and Abraham believed Him.
Think about this...
t
It was a singular moment of simple faith in God and His promise made counted Abraham righteous...
Back in , God had promised Abraham a nation’s worth of descendants, and Abraham believed Him. It was a singular moment of simple faith in God and His promise. That genuine faith justified him in God’s eyes—not his works and not the law, which wouldn’t be given for another four-and-a-half centuries. That made Father Abraham, whom the Jews claimed as their source of righteous connection to God, a Gentile who receive God’s justification through faith. God saved him because Abraham believed Him, and God credited it to his account. That’s exactly how it works with Jesus.
That made Father Abraham, whom the Jews claimed as their source of righteous connection to God, a Gentile who receive God’s justification through faith. God saved him because Abraham believed Him, and God credited it to his account. That’s exactly how it works with Jesus.
That made Father Abraham, whom the Jews claimed as their source of righteous connection to God, a Gentile who receive God’s justification through faith. God saved him because Abraham believed Him, and God credited it to his account. That’s exactly how it works with Jesus.
Paul quoted the law to make his point. “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them’ ” (Galatians[…]”
Jesus when asked about what it takes to be righteous...
10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.”
Here ‘s quoting Duet 27:26...No one could keep the law in its entirety, which meant that everyone was under its curse.
No one could keep the law in its entirety, which meant that everyone was under its curse.
11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Here he’s quoting ...The law is a blessing only if you keep every single bit of it, something that’s simply not possible to do (as the system of sacrifices required by the same law demonstrates).
The law is a blessing only if you keep every single bit of it, something that’s simply not possible to do (as the system of sacrifices required by the same law demonstrates).
The law doesn’t demand belief, only obedience. But Jesus said, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent” (). He did what no one has ever done or could ever do. Jesus took the curse on Himself, redeeming anyone who believes in Him the way Abraham believed God, “that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (). Anyone who receives Christ’s sacrifice by faith has life, whereas the law can only bring death”
The law doesn’t demand belief, only obedience. But Jesus said,
29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
He did what no one has ever done or could ever do. Jesus took the curse on Himself, redeeming anyone who believes in Him the way Abraham believed God, “that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (). Anyone who receives Christ’s sacrifice by faith has life, whereas the law can only bring death”
He did what no one has ever done or could ever do. Jesus took the curse of the Law on Himself, redeeming anyone who believes in Him the way Abraham believed God…and look why
14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Anyone who receives Christ’s sacrifice by faith has life, whereas the law can only bring death
Anyone who receives Christ’s sacrifice by faith has life, whereas the law can only bring death”
Anyone who receives Christ’s sacrifice by faith has life, whereas the law can only bring death”
“Paul then acknowledged a reasonable question that would be asked in light of what he had just said. “What purpose then does the law serve?” (). Judaism was the only religion God ever gave to mankind and it served a distinct purpose: to reveal transgression. The law couldn’t remove sin; it could only reveal sin—exposing its presence in human behavior. It was a placeholder from Moses to Jesus, keeping God’s people in check until the Seed He promised Abraham had come. As Paul put it, “The law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be ”
Paul then acknowledged a reasonable question that would be asked in light of what he had just said…why did God give the Law anyway?
Paul then acknowledged a reasonable question that would be asked in light of what he had just said.
19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary.
19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary.
Paul then acknowledged a reasonable question that would be asked in light of what he had just said. “What purpose then does the law serve?” (). Judaism was the only religion God ever gave to mankind and it served a distinct purpose: to reveal transgression. The law couldn’t remove sin; it could only reveal sin—exposing its presence in human behavior. It was a placeholder from Moses to Jesus, keeping God’s people in check until the Seed He promised Abraham had come. As Paul put it, “The law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be ”
Judaism was the only religion God ever gave to mankind and it served a distinct purpose: to reveal transgression. The law couldn’t remove sin; it could only reveal sin—exposing its presence in human behavior. It was a placeholder from Moses to Jesus, keeping God’s people in check until the Seed He promised Abraham had come.
Judaism was the only religion God ever gave to mankind and it served a distinct purpose: to reveal transgression. The law couldn’t remove sin; it could only reveal sin—exposing its presence in human behavior. It was a placeholder from Moses to Jesus, keeping God’s people in check until the Seed He promised Abraham had come. As Paul put it, “The law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be ”
Paul put it like this
24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.
God’s law instructed God’s people on His righteousness, holiness, and mercy, making clear that there was no way any person, no matter how good or hardworking, could stand on their own merit before God. While new covenant grace makes us “come of age” as God’s children, old covenant law keeps us stunted, stifled, and yearning for more
The law revealed sin by pointing to the cross and the empty tomb.
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,
5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
“When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth His Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ ” (). After Adam and Eve fell, sin cursed mankind. The law revealed how pervasive and unavoidable its reach and grasp were, but God’s plan was always to buy back His children from sin’s chains and adopt them as His own children. The Son of God became a man to enable men (and women, of course) to become sons (and daughters) of God. That’s what Abba means; it’s the Aramaic term translated “Daddy,” an indicator of the intimate relationship God wants to have with us. Only grace through faith makes that connection possible.
After Adam and Eve fell, sin cursed mankind. The law revealed how pervasive and unavoidable its reach and grasp were, but God’s plan was always to buy back His children from sin’s chains and adopt them as His own children. The Son of God became a man to enable men (and women, of course) to become sons (and daughters) of God. That’s what Abba means; it’s the Aramaic term translated “Daddy,” an indicator of the intimate relationship God wants to have with us. Only grace through faith makes that connection possible.
The Practical ()
The Practical ()
Excerpt From: Skip Heitzig. “The Bible from 30,000 Feet™.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-from-30-000-feet/id1233862428
”
Excerpt From: Skip Heitzig. “The Bible from 30,000 Feet™.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-from-30-000-feet/id1233862428
Paul had described his personal relationship with the law and outlined proper doctrine on grace versus the law. He wanted to end by bringing all of that back to a practical level so that his readers wouldn’t think the gospel of grace was going to lead to lewd, loose living free of accountability. Rather, it would promote holy living.
1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Living by grace will promote true spirituality, not an unnecessary burden or a tangle of rules and regulations.
Living by grace will promote true spirituality, not an unnecessary burden or a tangle of rules and regulations.
Because here’s the thing…You can still do those things…and still
Those false teachers, the Judaizers, didn’t like Paul’s message because they thought preaching grace was in effect preaching lawlessness—that people would say, “Hey, cool, I’m under grace, so I can do whatever I want.” They reasoned that the law was necessary to keep believers in line, but Paul’s point was that God’s grace will do in a person what the law never could.
John Bunyan, the persecuted English author of The Pilgrim’s Progress, beautifully summed up the difference in a poem:”
John Bunyan, the persecuted English author of The Pilgrim’s Progress, beautifully summed up the difference in a poem:”
“Run, John, run, the law commands...but gives us neither feet nor hands...Far better news the gospel brings...it bids us fly and gives us wings.”
but gives us neither feet nor hands.
Far better news the gospel brings:
Paul’s point was that the gospel of grace won’t make you indulgent; it will make you like Jesus, a true servant to others.
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Excerpt From: Skip Heitzig. “The Bible from 30,000 Feet™.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-from-30-000-feet/id1233862428
He repeated what Jesus had said—that the law could be summed up in two commandments:
14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Love God first with all you are and have, and love other people the way you want to be loved ( and ).
it bids us fly and gives us wings.”
then he says this...
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
The Holy Spirit living inside of you, a believer, energizes the new nature that has been put within you, helping you to live out your belief in Christ.
When you were born physically, you possessed an old nature, driven by the impulses of the flesh, the instinct to sin. When you were born again spiritually, you received a new nature, God’s Spirit within you. But “the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh” (v. 17).”We are a kind of walking civil war then—our unredeemed humanness opposing our redeemed godliness, with our will in the middle.
Paul drew up two lists to contrast the works of the flesh and the works of the Spirit. Living according to your old nature, the flesh, produces all kinds of sin
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
“Paul’s point was that the gospel of grace won’t make you indulgent; it will make you like Jesus, a true servant to others. “You, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (). He repeated what Jesus had said—that the law could be summed up in two commandments: Love God first with all you are and have, and love other people the way you want to be loved ( and ).
“Paul drew up two lists to contrast the works of the flesh and the works of the Spirit. Living according to your old nature, the flesh, produces all kinds of sin (), but living according to Christ produces the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (vv. 22-23).
, but living according to Christ produces the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (vv. 22-23).
but living according to Christ produces the fruit of the Spirit
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of flesh” (). The Holy Spirit living inside of you, a believer, energizes the new nature that has been put within you, helping you to live out your belief in Christ. When you were born physically, you possessed an old nature, driven by the impulses of the flesh, the instinct to sin. When you were born again spiritually, you received a new nature, God’s Spirit within you. But “the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh” (v. 17). We are a kind of walking civil[…]”
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
”
Gal 5:
Illastration: I’m sure you’ve never walked up to an apple on a tree and thought, That tree is working really hard to make that apple. Look at that tree sweat. That’s the thing about fruit: to make an apple, the branch just has to hang in there. No stress. No strain. No strife. That’s what Jesus said:
5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
“I’m sure you’ve never walked up to an apple on a tree and thought, That tree is working really hard to make that apple. Look at that tree sweat. That’s the thing about fruit: to make an apple, the branch just has to hang in there. No stress. No strain. No strife. That’s what Jesus said: “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (). If you just hang in there, staying in fellowship with Jesus, reading the Bible, praying, having fellowship with other believers, you will produce fruit. You won’t have to strive for it. Yes, you’ll have to follow Him, showing your love through obedience, and that’s not ”
If you just hang in there, staying in fellowship with Jesus, reading the Bible, praying, having fellowship with other believers, you will produce fruit. You won’t have to strive for it. Yes, you’ll have to follow Him, showing your love through obedience, and that’s not
always easy, but your faithful discipleship makes you a rebel against the world’s system of producing works in order to have value.
“He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (). If you just hang in there, staying in fellowship with Jesus, reading the Bible, praying, having fellowship with other believers, you will produce fruit. You won’t have to strive for it. Yes, you’ll have to follow Him, showing your love through obedience, and that’s not ”
The law produces an outward display of spiritual-looking behavior, but it can be done without having any inward desire to please or serve God. That desire can only honestly come from giving all you are over to Christ’s control. His Spirit in you will produce fruit. Paul talked about how this comes out in our treatment of people, especially those who are off-target in their walk. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” ().”
Here’s the point: The law produces an outward display of spiritual-looking behavior, but it can be done without having any inward desire to please or serve God. That desire can only honestly come from giving all you are over to Christ’s control. His Spirit in you will produce fruit.
Paul talked about how this comes out in our treatment of people, especially those who are off-target in their walk.
1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
How different this was from the Judaizers, who pointed their fingers and said, “You have to keep the Law of Moses to be saved.” The implication of wrongdoing for them was that the person who sinned wasn’t truly saved. They had no sense of restoration and compassion; it was always condemnation. Rather than shooting its wounded, the church needs to follow God’s lead and be in the business of restoration—the restoration of sinners to a right relationship with God, and of believers to a fruitful walk with Him.
When we do that, we will be able do this…look
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.
That’s all about seeking the inward heart versus feeding the outward appearance. And Paul ended with a note of encouragement
That’s all about seeking the inward heart versus feeding the outward appearance. And Paul ended with a note of encouragement: “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (v. 9).
Paul had been through a lot to preach the gospel—beatings, scourging, and imprisonment—but his focus wasn’t on what he had done: “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (v. 14). He had walked in the grace of God, and exhorted the Galatians to follow his lead, resting in the finished work of Christ and the gifts of His Spirit. That grace can be hard to receive, but once you surrender to it, you’ll see how your works pale in comparison to the fruitful, loving, life[…]”
9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Paul had been through a lot to preach the gospel—beatings, scourging, and imprisonment—but his focus wasn’t on what he had done: “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (v. 14). He had walked in the grace of God, and exhorted the Galatians to follow his lead, resting in the finished work of Christ and the gifts of His Spirit. That grace can be hard to receive, but once you surrender to it, you’ll see how your works pale in comparison to the fruitful, loving life-producing, and life-affirming work of the Holy Spirit
Conclusion
“How different this was from the Judaizers, who pointed their fingers and said, “You have to keep the Law of Moses to be saved.” The implication of wrongdoing for them was that the person who sinned wasn’t truly saved. They had no sense of restoration and compassion; it was always condemnation. Rather than shooting its wounded, the church needs to follow God’s lead and be in the business of restoration—the restoration of sinners to a right relationship with God, and of believers to a fruitful walk with Him.”
Paul ended the letter of Galatians with some practical applications for those who embrace salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone. True belief in Jesus will translate into a beautiful, holy, loving lifestyle—one that is markedly different from a lifestyle based on salvation by works.
Paul ended the letter of Galatians with some practical applications for those who embrace salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone. True belief in Jesus will translate into a beautiful, holy, loving lifestyle—one that is markedly different from a lifestyle based on salvation by works.
Excerpt From: Skip Heitzig. “The Bible from 30,000 Feet™.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-from-30-000-feet/id1233862428
Submission is the oil that makes the gears of relationships—especially family relationships—run smoothly. In , Paul laid out the hierarchy of a godly marriage: a wife submits to her husband, and a husband sacrifices his life for his wife (vv. 22-33). The key to this marriage relationship, however, is found in both parties “submitting to one another in the fear of God” (v. 21). And that’s the key to any Christian relationship: To love like Jesus, you need to voluntarily put other people first.
• Hold to the true gospel of grace. The Galatians had turned to “a different gospel” ()—one based on works instead of grace. Paul said that if anyone preached a gospel other than the one he had preached, then “let him be accursed” (v. 8). No matter how sweet a preacher’s words are—even if they come from an angel, as Paul said (v. 8)—if they don’t match up with what the Bible says, they are false, and you are to reject them completely.
Hold to the true gospel of grace. The Galatians had turned to “a different gospel” ()—one based on works instead of grace. Paul said that if anyone preached a gospel other than the one he had preached, then “let him be accursed” (v. 8). No matter how sweet a preacher’s words are—even if they come from an angel, as Paul said (v. 8)—if they don’t match up with what the Bible says, they are false, and you are to reject them completely.
• Christianity is a battleground, not a playground. Regardless of your political or philosophical thoughts about war, you cannot be a spiritual pacifist or you will fall. You need to realize that when you became a believer, you defected from the kingdom of darkness and made the devil your enemy. The good news is that God Himself has provided you with spiritual weapons to use against that enemy ().”
Christianity is a battleground, not a playground. Regardless of your political or philosophical thoughts about war, you cannot be a spiritual pacifist or you will fall. You need to realize that when you became a believer, you defected from the kingdom of darkness and made the devil your enemy. The good news is that God Himself has provided you with spiritual weapons to use against that enemy ().”
Hold on to your liberty in Christ. Jesus set you free from the bondage of sin—from human nature and its shackles—so why would you chain yourself to those same things again ()? Jesus has set you free not only from sin, but also from manmade religious rules (). You’re free from any regulation anyone tries to add to the gospel, no matter how convincing it sounds or who is prescribing it.
“Hold on to your liberty in Christ. Jesus set you free from the bondage of sin—from human nature and its shackles—so why would you chain yourself to those same things again ()? Jesus has set you free not only from sin, but also from manmade religious rules (). You’re free from any regulation anyone tries to add to the gospel, no matter how convincing it sounds or who is prescribing it.
• Hold on to your liberty in Christ. Jesus set you free from the bondage of sin—from human nature and its shackles—so why would you chain yourself to those same things again ()? Jesus has set you free not only from sin, but also from manmade religious rules (). You’re free from any regulation anyone tries to add to the[…]”
To fully receive God’s grace, you first must acknowledge your sin. No one can be good enough to earn their way to heaven. But unless you acknowledge you’re a sinner, you’ll never see your need for a Savior. The law is a blessing only for the perfect; for the rest of us—and, yes, that’s all of us—it’s a curse from which only Christ can redeem us (). The law says, “Do this and live,” whereas faith says, “Believe this and live.”
• To fully receive God’s grace, you first must acknowledge your sin. No one can be good enough to earn their way to heaven. But unless you acknowledge you’re a sinner, you’ll never see your need for a Savior. The law is a blessing only for the perfect; for the rest of us—and, yes, that’s all of us—it’s a curse from which only Christ can redeem us (). The law says, “Do this and live,” whereas faith says, “Believe this and live.”
Know What does it mean to “walk in the Spirit” ()? The Holy Spirit lives in every single believer, energizing our new nature in Christ—our liberty and freedom from sin—while helping us resist the impulses of our flesh. Freedom in Christ is not about doing what you want, but doing what Christ wants: loving other people and having a servant’s heart. That produces what Paul called the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control” ().
What does it mean to “walk in the Spirit” ()? The Holy Spirit lives in every single believer, energizing our new nature in Christ—our liberty and freedom from sin—while helping us resist
• What does it mean to “walk in the Spirit” ()? The Holy Spirit lives in every single believer, energizing our new nature in Christ—our liberty and freedom from sin—while helping us resist[…]”
Excerpt From: Skip Heitzig. “The Bible from 30,000 Feet™.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-from-30-000-feet/id1233862428