Galatians 5:7-14

Galatians 5:7–12 ESV

7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!

Introduction:

Did he just say that? Wow! It is the word Jesus used in mark 9:43

If you hand offends you cut it off. It is the same word John used to describe Peter’s action the night in the guarden when Christ was being arrested and Peter drew his sward and cut off his ear.

The gospel gives us liberty.

Be free in Christ.

Don’t sacrifice freedom on the altar of religion.

Be careful

Galatians 5:9–11 ESV

9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.

Religions legalism apart from Christ is a congregational contagion.

It is like leaven - that moves through the entirety of the dough.

Legalism sounds biblical but it is anti-gospel.

Legalism doesn’t help but hinders our faithfulness to Christ.

Galatians 5:7 (ESV)

7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

However!!!

The gospel doesn’t give us a license.

Galatians 5:13 (ESV)

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.

The grace of God is never a permission slip for personal indulgence.

Grace is the antidote for sin not a hall pass for sinners.

Legalism says look like me.

The gospel calls us to look like Christ.

Be gentle

Galatians 5:14–15 ESV

14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

LORD’s Supper

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 ESV

23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.