Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from … · The Holy Bible: English Standard...

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a

publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

2 Copyright 2013 David Bearden and Firewheel Bible Fellowship All Rights Reserved Updated: 24 August 2013

Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Who ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Where ................................................................................................................................................................................. 3

When ................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Why ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

The Book of Galatians ............................................................................................................................................................. 4

Greetings to the Galatians .................................................................................................................................................. 4

Perversion of the Gospel ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

Paul defends his ministry .................................................................................................................................................... 5

Lessons for Life .................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Paul and the Apostles ............................................................................................................................................................. 6

The Jerusalem Visit ............................................................................................................................................................. 6

Peters Mistake ................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Lessons for Life .................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Faith, the Law and Gods Children .......................................................................................................................................... 9

Live by faith or by works? ................................................................................................................................................... 9

The Intent of the Law ........................................................................................................................................................ 10

Sonship in Christ ................................................................................................................................................................ 10

Bond and Free ................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Lessons for Life .................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Walking by the Spirit ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

Set Free ............................................................................................................................................................................. 13

Called to Freedom ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

Deeds of the Flesh ............................................................................................................................................................. 14

Fruit of the Spirit ............................................................................................................................................................... 16

Lessons for Life .................................................................................................................................................................. 17

Faith in Action ....................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Bearing one anothers burdens ........................................................................................................................................ 18

The Law of Sowing and Reaping ....................................................................................................................................... 18

Final Warning and Benediction ......................................................................................................................................... 19

Lessons for Life .................................................................................................................................................................. 19

References ............................................................................................................................................................................ 20


Introduction

Who From Paul the Apostle to the churches of Galatia (Galatians 1:1)

Where Roman province of Galatia

North Galatia or South Galatia?

North Galatia Popular use of the term Galatia Luke normally referred to geographical districts in

Acts There seems to be similarities between the

Galatians that Paul describes with the inhabitants of this region

Paul traveled through this region during his 2nd missionary journey

South Galatia Acts 16:6 and 18:23 make no mention of a trip

through northern Galatia No information about northern Galatian cities in

Acts North Galatia was geographically isolated The name Galatians was also appropriate for

southern Galatia Judaizers were known to be abundant in south

Galatia

When If North Galatia c 52-57 If South Galatia c 48

Why Paul wrote to address the Judaizers who were trying to blend

the Jewish Law and Traditions with the Gospel

Source: Logos Bible Software


The Book of Galatians

Greetings to the Galatians Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostlenot 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, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ga 1:15.

Paul begins by making a strong statement of his authority as an apostle (compare this to Ephesians 1:1 and Philippians 1:1)

Paul uses the word apostle here in its technical sense

Apparently Paul was being accused of being placed in a position of power by men and not God

Paul set a stern tone for the letter immediately, but he does so in a loving way

Paul also reminded the Galatians of what Jesus had done for them both bodily and spiritually

Perversion of the Gospel Galatians 1:6 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 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. 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.

10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.


There is only one true Gospel that gives us eternal life (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-11)

The true Gospel + anything else = legalism!

Gospel means good news. Is legalism ever good news?

We must be careful about what anyone teaches us!

Adding anything to the Gospel is a very dangerous thing

Pauls preaching did not win him favor with anyone, but Paul was trying to please God and not men

Discussion Questions

1. Can you give examples of things that some people like to add to the Gospel? 2. Paul was very direct in stating his view of those who teach anything other than

the pure Gospel. Why is changing the Gospel so dangerous even when it appears that people are attempting to strengthen it?


Paul defends his ministry Galatians 1:11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not mans gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 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. 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 Lords 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.


See Philippians 4:10-14 See 2 Corinthians 11:22-29

Paul received his message directly from Jesus (see Acts 9:1-18)

Before Pauls conversion, he was a hard core Pharisee (Philippians 3:1-6)

God set Paul apart and revealed His son to him (v15-16)

After Pauls conversion, he disappeared to Arabia for 3 years. No one knows for sure what he was doing while he was there

Paul had been a believer for 3 years before he met any of the other apostles. In other words, they had nothing to do with his conversion, appointment or theology

God was glorified through Paul


1. According to verse 15, did Paul have a choice in his conversion? 2. What does Pauls life tell us about the importance of preparation for ministry?

Lessons for Life

Dont compromise on the Gospel

Take time (make time) to study the Word of God

Let God be glorified through you


Paul and the Apostles

The Jerusalem Visit Galatians 2:1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought inwho slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.


Was this the Famine Visit (Acts 11) or the Jerusalem Council Visit (Acts 15)?

Paul went to Jerusalem to seek private counsel regarding his teaching

Some false brothers tried to compel Titus to be circumcised

Legalism brings slavery

Cephas (Peter), James and John all accepted Pauls teaching of Grace apart from the Law

Paul and Barnabas were sent to the (uncircumcised) Gentiles and Peter, James and John were sent to the (circumcised) Jews to share the Gospel

Paul was also asked to remember the poor in Jerusalem


1. Do you believe that God can give different people different rules to follow depending on the ministry He has called them to? Why or why not?

2. Why did Paul mention the importance of providing for the poor in this section?

Peters Mistake Paul Opposes Peter Galatians 2:11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?


Justified by Faith 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. 17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.


Even though Peter agreed with Paul in Jerusalem about the doctrine of Grace alone, in Antioch Peter let peer pressure influence from the pro-circumcision group influence him

Paul called Peter out on his hypocrisy publicly

People are justified by Jesus alone and not by the Law, good works or anything they do!

If we need the Law to obtain righteousness then Jesus died for nothing!

As believers, we no longer live for ourselves but for God

Justification o Justification is not the same as forgiveness o Justification means that we are declared righteous before God o People are not justified by following the Law or works. They are justified by

Gods grace through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8) o All the Law does for a person is to point out that he or she is a sinner

(Romans 7:7) o Justification frees us from the condemnation of the Mosaic Law; however, it

does not give us a license to sin o The Law kills, but Gods Grace through Jesus death and resurrection brings

life

Summing up his case against Peter, Paul declared, I do not set aside the grace of God. The clear implication is that Peter and the others who followed him were setting aside Gods grace. The essence of grace is for God to give people what they have not worked for (cf. Rom. 4:4). To insist on justification or sanctification by works is to nullify the grace of God. Further, such insistence on legal obedience also means Christ died for nothing. If righteousness comes by keeping the Law, the Cross was a futile gesture, the biggest mistake in the universe.1 Donald Campbell


1. What do you think Peter was afraid of when he gave into the pressure by the pro-circumcision group?

2. What is so dangerous about Peters mistake? 3. Why does the doctrine of Grace make many people nervous?


Lessons for Life Seek godly counsel

Stand firm on what you believe and dont waver in the face of peer pressure

Flee from immorality and legalism

Respect Grace! Remember, Grace is free (complementary) but it is not cheap! Grace came at a very high price the death of Jesus on a cross.


Faith, the Law and Gods Children

Live by faith or by works? Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 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? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vainif indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith 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. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, In you shall all the nations be blessed. 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith 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. 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for The righteous shall live by faith. 12 But the law is not of faith, rather The one who does them shall live by them. 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for usfor 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 asked four questions 1. How did you receive the Holy Spirit? (By Law or Promise?) 2. How is God sanctifying you? 3. Have your experiences been useless? 4. What accounts for the miracles youve witnesses?

We can never take our eyes off of the cross Salvation only comes by faith in what Jesus did for us. It does not come by what

we can do for Him God chose Abraham not only to bless the Jewish people, but to bless the entire

world through the Jewish people Abraham was justified by faith and not the Law (Genesis 15:6) The Law does not justify or sanctify only faith in Jesus does. The Law only brings

a curse To try and live by the Law requires perfect obedience (James 2:10). Righteousness

was made available to us by Jesus perfect obedience to the Law (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Jesus redeemed us by taking our curse for us on the cross (Deut. 21:23) Jesus work on the cross brought two blessings

1. Justification 2. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers


1. Why do you think some people want to find their justification in themselves or in what they do?

2. Why is our faith so important to God?


The Intent of the Law Galatians 3:15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, And to offsprings, referring to many, but referring to one, And to your offspring, who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.

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. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christs, then you are Abrahams offspring, heirs according to promise.


Gods covenant with Abraham came over 400 years before the Law. The Law did not justify Abraham!

The inheritance is based on Gods promise to Abraham and not the Law

The Law was only a temporary, stop gap measure to point out the need for a Savior

The Law was only a substitute teacher until the real Teacher arrived (John 14:26)

The Law was to be our guardian to direct us toward righteousness, but it did not make us righteous. Only faith in Jesus can do that

All believers share the same privileges equally.

All believers are also spiritual descendants of Abraham


1. Is it easier to be under the Law or not under the Law? Why or why not? 2. Is Pauls main point in verse 28 that we are equal with each other or equal in our

relationship to God?

Sonship in Christ Galatians 4:1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 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! 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.


Pauls Concern for the Galatians 8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain. 12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.


Paul now turns from justification to sanctification

The Law was a guardian for the heirs until the Promise was given

We are on the Fathers timeline He is not on ours!

Gods timing is always perfect for His glory to be achieved

Jesus came to fulfill (complete) the Law (Matthew 5:17) that only He followed perfectly

We dont need the Law to convict us of sin because the Spirit now indwells us (Jer. 31:31-35)

The Galatians were taking a giant step backwards

Notice how Paul loved the Galatians and the Galatians (or at least some of the Galatians) loved Paul

Pauls life was no bed of roses: Philippians 4:10-14 and 2 Corinthians 11:22-29

The Greek word thaumazo (I am amazed) was a conventional expression in Greek letters that signaled astonishment, rebuke, disapproval, and disappointment. The Greek word tacheos (quickly) also has the sense of easily (cf. 2 Thess. 2:2; 1 Tim. 5:22). The one who had called the Galatians was God (cf. v. 15; 5:8).2 Tom Constable


1. Why do you think Paul was so perplexed by the Galatians behavior? 2. Is the Law important today? Why or why not?

Bond and Free Galatians 4:21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the


Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written,

Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor

For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.

28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman. 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.


Paul uses the example of Ishmael and Isaac comparing Ishmael to the slavery of the Law and Isaac to the promise of Gods grace

Hagar = slave; Sarah = free

Ishmael was born naturally Isaac was born supernaturally

Believers are supernaturally born

Mt. Sinai = Mosaic Law; Jerusalem = Grace

Pauls point is that the Galatian Jewish believers were that they needed to associate themselves with the correct family tree!

Pauls defense of salvation by faith alone (chapters 34) points out in the strongest terms the incompatibility of faith and works as methods of obtaining justification and sanctification. The Judaizers were trying to get the Galatians to submit to the Mosaic institutions to merit something from God. This approach is antithetic to grace, which acknowledges that people cannot merit Gods favor and simply trusts in God to deliver what He has promised.3 Tom Constable


1. Does the practice of legalism indicate a lack of faith? Explain your answer. 2. Was Paul suggesting that the Judaizers be thrown out like Hagar and Ishmael were

thrown out?

Lessons for Life

Live by faith

Respect other believers

Live a holy life not because you have to, but because you are thankful for what Jesus did for you

Speak truth in love

Carefully evaluate peoples motives and make sure they are pure. (God glorifying and not man glorifying)

Be on guard about legalists in the church


Walking by the Spirit

Set Free Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

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.


The Judaizers were preaching Grace + circumcision

Jesus died to free us from the yoke of slavery (Law)!

Only complete obedience to the Mosaic Law satisfies its demands

No one can do this and that is why we need Grace

Grace and the Law are mutually exclusive. If you try to live by the Law, you have fallen from grace

This does not mean that they lost their salvation (see John 1:12; 3:16, 36; 5:24; 6:47; 10:28-29)

Grace requires faith!

Beware of the bad apple because a little leaven, leavens the whole lump


1. What kinds of things do we try to add to grace? 2. Why is Grace and the Law mutually exclusive to one another?

Called to Freedom Galatians 5:11 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!

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. 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.


Paul had at one time preached circumcision

Paul's point here was that if he taught circumcision was necessary for salvation the Judaizers would not have persecuted him. If people need circumcision, they do not need the cross of Christ. The legalists opposed Paul's preaching of the Cross because it implied that people are unable to please God themselves. - Constable

Notice Pauls strong language mutilate can also be translated as castrate or emasculate


We are free, but we are not to abuse our freedom because Gods grace came at a high cost to Him

The flesh refers to our selfish sin nature

Paul echoes Jesus Greatest Commandment (Lev. 19:18; Matt 7:12; 22:39)

Under grace we are free to fulfill the Law by loving one another. For the Christian the Mosaic Law has revelatory value (2 Tim. 3:16-17) even though it does not have regulatory value, controlling our behavior. Constable

Disunity leads to destruction for all involved

Pauls gospel was a stumbling block for two reasons: it presented a crucified Messiah and it advocated a way of salvation apart from circumcision and the Law.4 Tom Constable


1. Some people claim that it is too hard to love their neighbor. What would you say to them?

2. Why do you think God puts such an emphasis on love of ones neighbor?

Deeds of the Flesh Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 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.


The solution: Walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh

Walking by the flesh keeps us trapped by the Law

Walking by the Spirit means living moment by moment submissively trusting in the Holy Spirit rather than in self.5 Tom Constable

Walking implies steady progress in our spiritual growth

The battle within us is not between the Spirit and Satan. It is between the Spirit and our flesh

As believers we are led by the Spirit; therefore, we are not under the Law (First Class Condition)

However, we must allow the Spirit to lead us!

The common feature in this catalogue of vices seems to reside not in the precise ways in which these fifteen items manifest themselves but in the self-centeredness or egocentricity that underlies all of them.6 Robert Longenecker


Paul adds a solemn warning, saying that those who habitually practice such things will never inherit Gods kingdom. This does not mean that if a Christian falls into sin through getting drunk, or some such thing, he thereby loses his salvation. The tense of the verb (present) indicates a habitual continuation in fleshly sins rather than an isolated lapse, and the point is that those who continually practice such sins give evidence of having never received Gods Spirit. When Paul says that he warned the Galatians of this previously (presumably when he was among them), he reveals that his preaching was never what one might call mere evangelism but that it always contained a strong dose of the standard of morality expected from Christians.7 James Montgomery Boice

Constable states: The deeds of the sinful human nature are as evident as fruit on a tree. Behavior normally demonstrates nature. Paul identified five categories of sins here.

Sexual sins (v. 19) Immorality, fornication (Gr. porneia, all types of forbidden sexual

relationships)

Impurity, uncleanness (Gr. akatharsia, all moral uncleanness in thought, word, and deed)

Sensuality, licentiousness, indecency debauchery, lasciviousness (Gr. aselgeia, the open, shameless display of these sins)

Religious sins (v. 20) Idolatry (Gr. eidololatria, worship of anything but God and the practices

associated with that worship)

Sorcery, witchcraft (Gr. pharmakeia, attempts to aid the powers of evil and the practices associated with that)

Societal sins (vv. 2021) Enmities, quarrels, hatred (Gr. echthrai, hostilities)

Strife, discord, variance (Gr. eris, antagonism)

Jealousy, envy, emulation (Gr. zelos, self-centered animosity)

Outbursts of anger, fits of rage, wrath (Gr. thymoi, temper eruptions)

Disputes, strife, factions selfishness, selfish ambition (Gr. eritheiai, putting others down to get ahead)

Dissensions, divisions, seditions (Gr. dichostasiai, disputes over issues or personalities)

Factions, heresies, party spirit (Gr. haireseis, divisions over issues or personalities)

Envyings, jealousies (Gr. phthonoi, wrong desires to have anothers possessions)

Intemperate sins (v. 21) Drunkenness, drinking bouts (Gr. methai, excessive use of intoxicants)

Carousings, revellings, orgies (Gr. komoi, parties involving excessive eating and drinking)

Other sins (v. 21) Things like these (similar violations of Gods moral will)8



1. What are some tricks that Satan uses to keep us down as Christians? 2. What can we do as Christians to overcome these tricks?

Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22 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. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.


There is only one true fruit of the spirit love. However, it comes in many flavors!

True love brings about joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control

The flesh brings forth destruction; therefore, it must be regulated by law. However, the Spirit brings forth Godly love which needs no regulation

Even though we still have a sin nature, it does not have to control us as it once did!

We must constantly crucify the flesh in order to walk by the Spirit

God has given us a new life; therefore, we should walk accordingly

Liberty lies between legalism and license. That balance is central in chapter 5. The key to being fruitful as a Christian is being submissive to the Holy Spirit, following His leading, walking in dependence on Him (cf. John 15:45).9 Tom Constable

Mental or God-ward qualities (v. 22)

Love (Gr. agape, self-sacrificing affection for others)

Joy (Gr. chara, deep-seated gladness regardless of circumstances)

Peace (Gr. eirene, inner quietness and repose regardless of circumstances)

Interpersonal or other-ward qualities (v. 22)

Patience (Gr. makrothymia, forbearance even under provocation)

Kindness (Gr. chrestotes, benevolence and graciousness)

Goodness (Gr. agathosyne, constructive action reaching out to others)

General or self-ward qualities (vv. 2223)

Faithfulness (Gr. pistis, reliability, trustworthiness)

Gentleness (Gr. praytes, acquiescence to authority and consideration of others)

Self-control (Gr. enkrateia, ability to master oneself)10

Tom Constable


1. What are some specific ways we can crucify the flesh? 2. What are some specific ways we can demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in our

lives?


Lessons for Life Let go of your fear, control, selfishness, etc. and trust God

Cherish the Grace that God has given you and do not be careless with it

Love your neighbor not because of what they have or have not done to/for you, but because of what God has done for you

Ask God to give you His eyes so that you can look at people the way He looks at them (John 3:16)


Faith in Action

Bearing one anothers burdens Galatians 6:1 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. 2 Bear one anothers 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. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.


Spiritually maturing Christians are to help Christians who are overcome with sin

However, be careful especially if your brother or sister is struggling with a sin that you struggle with

Grace leads to restoration. Law leads to rejection

Loving your neighbor = bearing your neighbors burdens

Being free from the Mosaic Law does not mean being free from responsibility. In this section Paul explained various responsibilities that Christians have to one another to clarify the will of God for his readers. Manifesting the fruit of the Spirit is not a mystical experience. Paul said spirituality is evident in personal relationships (vv. 15) and in the use of money (vv. 610).11 Tom Constable

True love demands action

Dont compare yourself to others compare yourself to God (and then praise God for His grace and mercy)!


1. Do Christians typically try to heal their wounded or kill them? Why is this? 2. Does trying to restore a fellow Christian require judging them? Why or why not?

The Law of Sowing and Reaping Galatians 6:6 6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.


Paul instructed the Galatians to honor their teachers

There are several things to learn about sowing & reaping 1. You reap what you sow 2. You reap more than you sow 3. The harvest comes sometime after you sow

Our sins have consequences (but not to our salvation)

Our good works have consequences (but not to our salvation)

If we sow the fruit of the Spirit, we will reap the fruit of the Spirit

If we sow the deeds of the flesh, we will reap the deeds of the flesh

Never give up in trying to do good

Paul instructed that we are to do good to all people, but especially to other believers



1. How does this teaching differ from what our culture teaches? 2. Why do you think Paul puts an emphasis in serving other believers?

Final Warning and Benediction Galatians 6:11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.


Legalists want to be accepted by the majority

Legalists want everyone to agree with them and conform to their norm

Legalists want to avoid persecution (but, they dont mind giving it out!)

Legalists want to boast in their works

Paul only boasted in the cross of Jesus

Circumcision vs. non-circumcision = NOTHING!

Regeneration exclusively through the cross of Jesus = EVERYTHING!

Paul bore the marks of what he believed do you?


3. In what areas of your life do you personally struggle with legalism? 4. How can we avoid the pitfall of legalism?

Lessons for Life

Help Christians who are caught in sin dont kill them

Bear one anothers burdens ask others how you can do this

Sow the fruit of the Spirit and not the deeds of the flesh

Boast only in the cross of Jesus and not in yourselves

Stand firm on grace even in the furnace of persecution


References 1 Donald K. Campbell, Galatians, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of

the Scriptures, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 596.

2 Tom Constable, Tom Constables Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Ga 1:6.




6 Richard N. Longnecker, Galatians, ed. Bruce M. Metzger, David A. Hubbard and Glenn W. Barker, Word Biblical

Commentary, vol. 41 (Dallas, TX: Word Publishers, 1990), 266.

7 James Montgomery Boice, Galatians, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, The Expositors Bible Commentary, Volume 10: Romans

Through Galatians (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1976), 497.





Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from … · The Holy Bible: English Standard...

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