Introduction
The Epistle to the Galatians is known as the “Magna Carta” of Christian freedom. It was addressed to a group of churches in Galatia. It was a Roman province in the Asia Minor. Paul and Barnabas evangelized the southern part of Galatia during their first missionary journey and founded these churches (Acts 13:14-14:26). The people of Galatia once worshiped nature and had a love for new ideas. Many Bible commentators favor the Pauline authorship of this letter. Scholars believe that Paul wrote this letter from Antioch in A.D. 49, just before the council of Jerusalem. Some distorted the gospel of Christ by mixing faith with work and urged the Galatians to submit to circumcision to be saved (Gal 1:6; 4:10). They taught that gentiles should obey the law of Moses to attain salvation. Many believers were influenced by these false teachers. The purpose of writing this letter was to root out the error of the legalism and win back the believers to Christ. Paul destroys their argument in favor of mixing the law with faith by pointing out that Abraham was justified by faith 430 years before the law was given. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ. Paul clearly sets forth grace as opposed to law, faith as opposed to works and Spirit as opposed to flesh in this epistle. The letter to the Galatians teaches that justification is by faith and not by work. Christendom is permeated by the leaven of legalism, ritualism and materialism. A little leaven leavens the whole lump (5:9). Our performance never is the basis of our acceptance with God. As the present church is facing many challenges from the cults, the epistle of Galatians has relevance in its message today.
Chapter 1
Greetings from Paul:
(Read Galatians 1:1-3)
Paul begins the letter by claiming his authority as an apostle. The false teachers undermined his authority by claiming that Paul was a self appointed apostle and not one of the twelve apostles of Jerusalem. So Paul defends himself against their false charge by pointing out that he is divinely appointed by Jesus Christ and God the Father (Gal 1:1; Acts 9:15). The false teachers said that Paul could not be an apostle because he had not seen the risen Jesus. Paul says that he was called by the risen Christ (1 Cor 9:1; 15:8). Jesus' resurrection was God's Amen to Christ's divinity and his "It is finished" statement. His mission and message were divine and not human. Paul knew nothing about Apostolic Succession. Paul was born in Tarsus in Cilicia of Jewish parents (Acts 22:3; Phil 3:5). Soul was his Jewish name. He was a Roman citizen by birth (Acts 22:27-28). He studied under the renowned Pharisee, Gamaliel. Paul was a Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee (Act 23:6). He tried to destroy the church. But on the Damascus road, he met the risen Christ and got saved. Paul does not include normal thanksgiving in the introduction of this letter. But he does pray that God will bestow grace and peace upon his readers (Gal 1:3). Paul joints fellow workers in sending greetings. Local church is the assembly of born again believers. Paul prays that God will give grace and peace to his readers. Grace is the Greek greeting word and peace the Hebrew greeting. Grace is the sum of unmerited blessings extended by God in Christ Jesus to believers. Christ is the embodiment of grace and truth (John 1:14). The peace is available only because of Jesus' death and his forgiveness of sin (2 Cor 5:17-21). The peace Christ provides cannot be found anywhere else (John 14:27; Rom 5:1). Have you found the peace God offers through Jesus Christ by receiving Him as Lord and Savior?
The Purpose of Christ’ Sacrificial Death:
(Read Galatians 1:4-5)
Christ died to rescue us out of the present evil world (Gal 1:4). By His atoning death Christ purchased us who had been enslaved to sin. Christ came to set us free from this evil world system and its deceptions. The word “evil” means, not only evil in its nature and but also in its influence. Satan is the god of this age and he controls the world system. Christ alone can set us free from Sin and Satan. The death of Christ was not an accident but it was according to the determined council and foreknowledge of God (Act 2:23). Paul praises God for His life transforming salvation. In the doxology, Paul gives glory to God forever and ever (Gal 1:5).
There is Only One Gospel:
(Read Galatians 1:6-10)
Paul marvels how quickly the Galatians departed from the gospel of grace into a different gospel. They listened to false teachers who distorted the gospel of Christ. They taught that, Galatians should obey the law in order to be accepted by God (Gal 5:2-6). Paul worries that this transfer from grace to law already began. Their defection is not only from the gospel of grace but from God himself who called them. Their salvation is by grace, through faith in Christ. Paul fervently condemned the false teachers. They preached a different gospel than what Paul preached. It looks to be gospel but not the gospel Paul preached. Paul was concerned that Galatians were fooled by this perverted gospel. The truth of the gospel never changes. God cannot tolerate the perversion of his gospel (1 John 2:2; Rom 3:26). Paul pronounces curse on those who pervert the gospel. Paul has already warned Galatians about false teachers while he was with them. Therefore their defection from the gospel was inexcusable. The unlearned and unstable men always try to pervert the gospel (2 Pet 3:17). The believers should content for the once for all given Word of God (Jude 3).The false teachers tried to discredit both Paul and his ministry. He denies their charges. His ultimate loyalty was to God. Paul never tried to please men and sought human approval. He knew that if he tried to please men, he would not be a servant of Christ (Gal 1:10). Pray that God would strengthen us to stand up for the gospel. We are accepted and approved by our faith in Christ alone.
Paul’s Apostleship and the Message:
(Read Galatians 1:11-17)
Paul insists that his apostleship and message came from God (Gal 1:11-12). Paul calls Galatians brethren because they have the same heavenly Father. Man has nothing to do with Paul’s apostleship. Prior to his encounter with Christ , he tried to persecute the church (Acts 9:1-7). He was zealous for the traditions of Judaism. After Jesus revealed himself to Paul, he understood that the gospel is the fulfillment of the Jewish law (4:4-5; Rom 10:4). Paul also received his revelation during his stay in Arabia (Acts 9:5-17). Thus Paul became a new man with a new message. He was very religious but lost in sin. He had great zeal for Judaism but not according to knowledge of righteousness (Rom 10:2). Paul’s misguided zeal for Law blinded him but the grace of God found him. Only the Holy Spirit enlightens our understanding of Christ. Christ commissioned him to declare the gospel of grace to the gentiles. Paul was prepared to preach the gospel even prior to his birth ( Gal 1:15). The believers are chosen and prepared for every good work (Ephesians 2:10). We are saved to serve. Salvation is not an end in itself but a means to an end. Paul did not preach the plan of salvation but the person of salvation. Christ was the sum total of Paul’s message (Acts 9:15). Paul had no need of man’s approval because he knew that he was chosen by the Lord (Acts 26:14-19). His apostleship did not come from the confirmation of other apostles but from Christ (Gal 1:17). The believers are given the full approval of God to preach the gospel. Paul spent considerable time alone with God in Arabia and later returned to Damascus. Spending time alone with Christ prepare us for his worship and service.
Paul’s Visit to Jerusalem: .
(Read Galatians 1:18-24)
Paul is trying to explain that he did not learn the gospel from the apostles in Jerusalem. He did not meet Peter (Cephas was the Aramaic name of Peter) until three years after his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road (Acts 9:26-30). The Paul stayed with Peter only fifteen days. Paul preached the same gospel others apostles embraced. Paul’s visit was interrupted because Jews sought to kill him. The Lord appeared to him and told him to depart from Jerusalem to Gentiles (Acts 9:29; 22:17-21). The purpose of his visit was to become personally acquainted with Peter. Only other apostle he met at that time was James, the half-brother of Jesus Christ. God does not reveal conflicting messages. The Bible is not a book of contradictions. After this visit to Jerusalem, Paul went to the province of Syria and Cilicia and ministered there for about six years. The churches in Judea didn’t know Paul personally. All they knew was that Paul preaches the very faith he tried to root out before his conversion and glorified God. God does all things well. The gospel of Jesus Christ is always been same.
(Read Galatians 1:1-3)
Paul begins the letter by claiming his authority as an apostle. The false teachers undermined his authority by claiming that Paul was a self appointed apostle and not one of the twelve apostles of Jerusalem. So Paul defends himself against their false charge by pointing out that he is divinely appointed by Jesus Christ and God the Father (Gal 1:1; Acts 9:15). The false teachers said that Paul could not be an apostle because he had not seen the risen Jesus. Paul says that he was called by the risen Christ (1 Cor 9:1; 15:8). Jesus' resurrection was God's Amen to Christ's divinity and his "It is finished" statement. His mission and message were divine and not human. Paul knew nothing about Apostolic Succession. Paul was born in Tarsus in Cilicia of Jewish parents (Acts 22:3; Phil 3:5). Soul was his Jewish name. He was a Roman citizen by birth (Acts 22:27-28). He studied under the renowned Pharisee, Gamaliel. Paul was a Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee (Act 23:6). He tried to destroy the church. But on the Damascus road, he met the risen Christ and got saved. Paul does not include normal thanksgiving in the introduction of this letter. But he does pray that God will bestow grace and peace upon his readers (Gal 1:3). Paul joints fellow workers in sending greetings. Local church is the assembly of born again believers. Paul prays that God will give grace and peace to his readers. Grace is the Greek greeting word and peace the Hebrew greeting. Grace is the sum of unmerited blessings extended by God in Christ Jesus to believers. Christ is the embodiment of grace and truth (John 1:14). The peace is available only because of Jesus' death and his forgiveness of sin (2 Cor 5:17-21). The peace Christ provides cannot be found anywhere else (John 14:27; Rom 5:1). Have you found the peace God offers through Jesus Christ by receiving Him as Lord and Savior?
The Purpose of Christ’ Sacrificial Death:
(Read Galatians 1:4-5)
Christ died to rescue us out of the present evil world (Gal 1:4). By His atoning death Christ purchased us who had been enslaved to sin. Christ came to set us free from this evil world system and its deceptions. The word “evil” means, not only evil in its nature and but also in its influence. Satan is the god of this age and he controls the world system. Christ alone can set us free from Sin and Satan. The death of Christ was not an accident but it was according to the determined council and foreknowledge of God (Act 2:23). Paul praises God for His life transforming salvation. In the doxology, Paul gives glory to God forever and ever (Gal 1:5).
There is Only One Gospel:
(Read Galatians 1:6-10)
Paul marvels how quickly the Galatians departed from the gospel of grace into a different gospel. They listened to false teachers who distorted the gospel of Christ. They taught that, Galatians should obey the law in order to be accepted by God (Gal 5:2-6). Paul worries that this transfer from grace to law already began. Their defection is not only from the gospel of grace but from God himself who called them. Their salvation is by grace, through faith in Christ. Paul fervently condemned the false teachers. They preached a different gospel than what Paul preached. It looks to be gospel but not the gospel Paul preached. Paul was concerned that Galatians were fooled by this perverted gospel. The truth of the gospel never changes. God cannot tolerate the perversion of his gospel (1 John 2:2; Rom 3:26). Paul pronounces curse on those who pervert the gospel. Paul has already warned Galatians about false teachers while he was with them. Therefore their defection from the gospel was inexcusable. The unlearned and unstable men always try to pervert the gospel (2 Pet 3:17). The believers should content for the once for all given Word of God (Jude 3).The false teachers tried to discredit both Paul and his ministry. He denies their charges. His ultimate loyalty was to God. Paul never tried to please men and sought human approval. He knew that if he tried to please men, he would not be a servant of Christ (Gal 1:10). Pray that God would strengthen us to stand up for the gospel. We are accepted and approved by our faith in Christ alone.
Paul’s Apostleship and the Message:
(Read Galatians 1:11-17)
Paul insists that his apostleship and message came from God (Gal 1:11-12). Paul calls Galatians brethren because they have the same heavenly Father. Man has nothing to do with Paul’s apostleship. Prior to his encounter with Christ , he tried to persecute the church (Acts 9:1-7). He was zealous for the traditions of Judaism. After Jesus revealed himself to Paul, he understood that the gospel is the fulfillment of the Jewish law (4:4-5; Rom 10:4). Paul also received his revelation during his stay in Arabia (Acts 9:5-17). Thus Paul became a new man with a new message. He was very religious but lost in sin. He had great zeal for Judaism but not according to knowledge of righteousness (Rom 10:2). Paul’s misguided zeal for Law blinded him but the grace of God found him. Only the Holy Spirit enlightens our understanding of Christ. Christ commissioned him to declare the gospel of grace to the gentiles. Paul was prepared to preach the gospel even prior to his birth ( Gal 1:15). The believers are chosen and prepared for every good work (Ephesians 2:10). We are saved to serve. Salvation is not an end in itself but a means to an end. Paul did not preach the plan of salvation but the person of salvation. Christ was the sum total of Paul’s message (Acts 9:15). Paul had no need of man’s approval because he knew that he was chosen by the Lord (Acts 26:14-19). His apostleship did not come from the confirmation of other apostles but from Christ (Gal 1:17). The believers are given the full approval of God to preach the gospel. Paul spent considerable time alone with God in Arabia and later returned to Damascus. Spending time alone with Christ prepare us for his worship and service.
Paul’s Visit to Jerusalem: .
(Read Galatians 1:18-24)
Paul is trying to explain that he did not learn the gospel from the apostles in Jerusalem. He did not meet Peter (Cephas was the Aramaic name of Peter) until three years after his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road (Acts 9:26-30). The Paul stayed with Peter only fifteen days. Paul preached the same gospel others apostles embraced. Paul’s visit was interrupted because Jews sought to kill him. The Lord appeared to him and told him to depart from Jerusalem to Gentiles (Acts 9:29; 22:17-21). The purpose of his visit was to become personally acquainted with Peter. Only other apostle he met at that time was James, the half-brother of Jesus Christ. God does not reveal conflicting messages. The Bible is not a book of contradictions. After this visit to Jerusalem, Paul went to the province of Syria and Cilicia and ministered there for about six years. The churches in Judea didn’t know Paul personally. All they knew was that Paul preaches the very faith he tried to root out before his conversion and glorified God. God does all things well. The gospel of Jesus Christ is always been same.
Chapter 2
Paul’s Approval by the Apostles;
(Read Galatians 2:1-10)
After fourteen years, Paul went to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus (Acts 15:2). He went there because of a revelation from God (Gal 2:2). Barnabas was known to the Jerusalem churches and Titus was a Gentile convert. The purpose of this visit was to explain the gospel they were preaching among the Gentiles to the apostles. Apostles were held in high regard and considered as pillars of the church (Gal 2:2, 9). Paul desires unity and harmony among believers. Paul wanted to make sure they agree with his message and mission. The apostles did not demand that Titus should be circumcised. They did not believe that circumcision was necessary for salvation. They gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship and endorsed their ministry among Gentiles (Gal 2:9). The only thing they suggested was to remember the poor. Thus the Lord helped Paul to prevail against the false teachers who insisted that non-Jews need to be circumcised to become part of the church. Paul considered it as a form of spiritual slavery (Gal 2:4). Paul resisted this teaching that undermines the spiritual liberty in Christ. There is only one gospel for Paul and Peter. They are divinely appointed to proclaim the gospel. God gets glory for what He accomplishes through Peter among Jews and Paul among Gentiles. The gospel is universal and personal message. Paul was not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes (Rom 1:16). Our performance is not the basis of our acceptance with God but how faithfully we finish the work of Jesus Christ.
Paul Confronts Peter:
(Read Galatians 2:11-16)
Paul continues to defend the faithfulness of the gospel. When Peter arrived in Antioch, he ate with Gentile believers. The love feast among believer was a common practice at that time. He knew that God is no respecter of persons (Act 10:10-16). But Peter refused to eat with Gentiles when the false teachers arrived from Jerusalem. This caused misunderstanding and division among the believers in the church. Jewish believers followed the example of Peter. Even Barnabas was influenced to join in this hypocrisy. Jews regarded Gentiles as unclean and sinners. Peter was trying to earn the approval of men rather than God. Paul confronted Peter and reprimanded him in public for his inconsistent conduct. Peter did not try to defend himself but graciously accepted Paul’s rebuke. Peter was teachable. One of the greatest pitfalls among Christians is their unwillingness to be corrected. Later Peter calls Paul “our beloved brother” (2 Pet 3:15-16). Both Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith apart from the work of the law (Gal 2:15-16). To be justified is to be found not guilty before the holy God. Justification is the judicial act of God whereby He declares righteous those who trust in Christ. God accepts all who put their faith in Christ regardless of religious or ethnic back ground. The gospel is not only to be shared with the unsaved, it spiritually nourishes believers in their daily walk. Pray that we may be kept from the temptation of seeking men's approval rather than God's approval. Someone has said "Sinners need to hear the gospel and saints loved to hear the gospel".
Salvation is wholly by Divine Mercy:
(Read Galatians 2:17-21)
Gospel clearly teaches that both Jews and gentiles can be justified by faith apart from works of the law (2:15-16). The Law reveals that both Jews and Gentiles are sinner (Rom 3:20). Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ. Since grace does not encourage men to sin, Christ is not a promoter of sin (Gal 2:17). Thus Paul silenced the argument of the false teachers that faith in Christ in not sufficient for salvation. If righteousness is by keeping the law, Paul was guilty of building the system he tried to destroy. Under the law Paul was brought to despair and it led him to Christ for salvation. By keeping the law Paul could never earn God’s approval. So he was died to the law so that he might live in the newness of life in Christ. By faith Paul is united to Christ’s death and His resurrection. In Christ he found his perfect sacrifice for sin. A Christian is, one in whom Christ lives (Col 1:27). This is likened to the union of the vine and its branches (John 15:1-5). The believer manifests the life of Christ through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. It is no longer we live but Christ lives in us. This new life must be lived in the flesh, but not by the flesh but by the Spirit (Gal 2:20). Paul affirms that the sovereign Lord loved him and gave himself for him. Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for our salvation. The false teachers were seeking to add works to the grace. If salvation is through the law, then there was no need for Christ to die (Gal 2:21). If salvation is by works, the death of Christ was a tragedy and the grace of God is meaningless. If we are saved by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace (Rom 11:6). God desires all men to be saved (1 Tim 2:4). Pray for the salvation of your unsaved friends.
(Read Galatians 2:1-10)
After fourteen years, Paul went to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus (Acts 15:2). He went there because of a revelation from God (Gal 2:2). Barnabas was known to the Jerusalem churches and Titus was a Gentile convert. The purpose of this visit was to explain the gospel they were preaching among the Gentiles to the apostles. Apostles were held in high regard and considered as pillars of the church (Gal 2:2, 9). Paul desires unity and harmony among believers. Paul wanted to make sure they agree with his message and mission. The apostles did not demand that Titus should be circumcised. They did not believe that circumcision was necessary for salvation. They gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship and endorsed their ministry among Gentiles (Gal 2:9). The only thing they suggested was to remember the poor. Thus the Lord helped Paul to prevail against the false teachers who insisted that non-Jews need to be circumcised to become part of the church. Paul considered it as a form of spiritual slavery (Gal 2:4). Paul resisted this teaching that undermines the spiritual liberty in Christ. There is only one gospel for Paul and Peter. They are divinely appointed to proclaim the gospel. God gets glory for what He accomplishes through Peter among Jews and Paul among Gentiles. The gospel is universal and personal message. Paul was not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes (Rom 1:16). Our performance is not the basis of our acceptance with God but how faithfully we finish the work of Jesus Christ.
Paul Confronts Peter:
(Read Galatians 2:11-16)
Paul continues to defend the faithfulness of the gospel. When Peter arrived in Antioch, he ate with Gentile believers. The love feast among believer was a common practice at that time. He knew that God is no respecter of persons (Act 10:10-16). But Peter refused to eat with Gentiles when the false teachers arrived from Jerusalem. This caused misunderstanding and division among the believers in the church. Jewish believers followed the example of Peter. Even Barnabas was influenced to join in this hypocrisy. Jews regarded Gentiles as unclean and sinners. Peter was trying to earn the approval of men rather than God. Paul confronted Peter and reprimanded him in public for his inconsistent conduct. Peter did not try to defend himself but graciously accepted Paul’s rebuke. Peter was teachable. One of the greatest pitfalls among Christians is their unwillingness to be corrected. Later Peter calls Paul “our beloved brother” (2 Pet 3:15-16). Both Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith apart from the work of the law (Gal 2:15-16). To be justified is to be found not guilty before the holy God. Justification is the judicial act of God whereby He declares righteous those who trust in Christ. God accepts all who put their faith in Christ regardless of religious or ethnic back ground. The gospel is not only to be shared with the unsaved, it spiritually nourishes believers in their daily walk. Pray that we may be kept from the temptation of seeking men's approval rather than God's approval. Someone has said "Sinners need to hear the gospel and saints loved to hear the gospel".
Salvation is wholly by Divine Mercy:
(Read Galatians 2:17-21)
Gospel clearly teaches that both Jews and gentiles can be justified by faith apart from works of the law (2:15-16). The Law reveals that both Jews and Gentiles are sinner (Rom 3:20). Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ. Since grace does not encourage men to sin, Christ is not a promoter of sin (Gal 2:17). Thus Paul silenced the argument of the false teachers that faith in Christ in not sufficient for salvation. If righteousness is by keeping the law, Paul was guilty of building the system he tried to destroy. Under the law Paul was brought to despair and it led him to Christ for salvation. By keeping the law Paul could never earn God’s approval. So he was died to the law so that he might live in the newness of life in Christ. By faith Paul is united to Christ’s death and His resurrection. In Christ he found his perfect sacrifice for sin. A Christian is, one in whom Christ lives (Col 1:27). This is likened to the union of the vine and its branches (John 15:1-5). The believer manifests the life of Christ through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. It is no longer we live but Christ lives in us. This new life must be lived in the flesh, but not by the flesh but by the Spirit (Gal 2:20). Paul affirms that the sovereign Lord loved him and gave himself for him. Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for our salvation. The false teachers were seeking to add works to the grace. If salvation is through the law, then there was no need for Christ to die (Gal 2:21). If salvation is by works, the death of Christ was a tragedy and the grace of God is meaningless. If we are saved by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace (Rom 11:6). God desires all men to be saved (1 Tim 2:4). Pray for the salvation of your unsaved friends.
Chapter 3
Justification is by Faith alone:
(Read Galatians 3:1-9)
The Galatians were in danger of mixing the law with grace. Paul asks, “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” Paul preached the gospel of grace and the Galatians had responded by faith (Gal 3:2). When they believed they received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Gal 3:5). They were willing to suffer persecution for their faith in Christ (Acts 13: 45, 50). False teachers taught that circumcision and obedience to the law are necessary for salvation. Galatian's defection from their faith in Christ surprises Paul. It would be vain and useless for them to forsake the grace for the law (Gal 3:4). Hearing the gospel alone will not save anybody but it should be combined with faith (1 Thess 2:13; Heb 4:2). All believers receive the Holy Spirit when they get saved (Rom 8:9). They become new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17). Spiritual maturity does not come by the law but by the Holy Spirit. Flesh can be educated, reformed but it still remains flesh. Salvation is of the Lord. What God begins, He will complete (Phil 1:6). The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is the unmistakable proof of our salvation (Rom 8:9). Faith is what enables the Christian life and grace is the way of salvation. Paul brings Abraham’s example to prove that justification is by faith. He was justified by faith 430 years before the law was given (Gen 15:4-6; Rom 4:3). He was not justified by faith plus circumcision. God promised to Abraham “In you all the nations will be blessed” (Gal 3:8). Abraham is the father of all believers. In the Old Testament believers looked forward to the promised Messiah and in the New Testament they look backward. Faith has always been and always will be the means by which people receive the blessings of God. The natural descendants of Abraham are not the children of God. All who put their faith in Christ share the blessing Abraham. Sinners are saved by faith alone apart from work.
Christ has redeemed us from the Curse of the Law:
(Read Galatians 3:10-15)
For all who depend on the law are under curse. For it is written “Cursed be everyone who does not continue in all things written in the Book of the Law”. To fail in one command is to fail in all (Deut 27:26; Jam 2:10). This curse includes both the present alienation from God and the future separation from God forever (John 3:18, 36). Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (3:13). Jesus took our curse upon himself on the cross (Rom 5:8). This curse will not be fully removed until the end of the book of Revelation (Rev 22:3). The just One suffered for the unjust to bring them to God (1 Pet 2:24). The sinless One was made sin for us on the cross (2 Cor 5:21). He took all our sins and gave us all of His righteousness. This is the great exchange passage in the Bible. Thus the demand of the law was silenced and the holy God is satisfied forever. The believers are saved eternally. The only way to find God’s approval is by receiving Christ by faith (Gal 3:11). The blessing promised to Abraham was intended for the whole world. It comes only through Jesus Christ (Gen 12:3). No person is saved apart from Christ (John 6:37). The believers have no need to fear judgment because Christ has suffered the judgment of sin for them on the cross (Rom 8:1). How thankful we must be for the cross!
The Purpose of the Law:
(Read Galatians 3:15-23)
Paul says that Christians obtain eternal inheritance by believing God’s promise and not by the obedience of the law. Since it is an unconditional promise, the emphasis falls on God to fulfill the promise. If an inheritance is based on obedience to the law, the emphasis falls on what people must do. This promise looked forward to Abraham’s offspring, Jesus Christ in whom all the promises were to be fulfilled (Gal 3:16). The law was given 430 years after God made His gracious promise to Abraham. So the law cannot invalidate the promise God has already made to Abraham. Grace and faith supersede law and works. Therefore, all who are united to Christ are the heirs of Abraham’s promise through faith whether Jews or gentiles. The law was given to show people how sinful and guilty they are (Rom 3:19-20). It was a temporary institution. Christ is the end of the law. He fulfilled all the purposes of the law (Rom 10:4). God used angels to communicate the law to Moses (Acts 7:53; John 1:17). But God made his unconditional promise to Abraham directly and not by any mediator. The Law was given to reveal their sinfulness (Gal 3:22-23). Israel was obligated to obey the law (Ex 19:5, 8). The law was their guardian (Gal 3:24). A guardian was responsible to attend children from the age of six to sixteen. He has no authority to punish the children. He has to make sure that they are doing the right thing. Such was the purpose of the law. The law convicts and condemns sin but it cannot save us from sin. Until a man realizes that he is a sinner he cannot be saved. Only faith in Christ saves sinner and gives hope of new life.
The Believers are under Grace:
(Read Galatians 3:24-29)
The born-again believer is no longer under the law but under grace (Rom 6:15). All believers are sons of God through faith in Christ (Gal 3:26). The term “Son” speaks of our legal status and maturity to possess inheritance. The believers are united to Christ through the baptism of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:12-13). Thus they enter into a living union with Christ. It was practiced that when a boy becomes mature, he puts on a garment which signifies the full privilege of a son to enjoy his inheritance. All who belong to Christ through faith are heirs of the promise of God’s grace (Gal 3:29). The believers are exhorted to cloth themselves with Christ (Rom 13:14). In Christ there is no racial or national or class or sexual differences. At the foot of the cross all are equal, and no one enjoys special privilege (3:28). In Christ, believers are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17). Since we are equally received and loved by God, we should treat each other with respect (2 Cor 5:16)
(Read Galatians 3:1-9)
The Galatians were in danger of mixing the law with grace. Paul asks, “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” Paul preached the gospel of grace and the Galatians had responded by faith (Gal 3:2). When they believed they received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Gal 3:5). They were willing to suffer persecution for their faith in Christ (Acts 13: 45, 50). False teachers taught that circumcision and obedience to the law are necessary for salvation. Galatian's defection from their faith in Christ surprises Paul. It would be vain and useless for them to forsake the grace for the law (Gal 3:4). Hearing the gospel alone will not save anybody but it should be combined with faith (1 Thess 2:13; Heb 4:2). All believers receive the Holy Spirit when they get saved (Rom 8:9). They become new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17). Spiritual maturity does not come by the law but by the Holy Spirit. Flesh can be educated, reformed but it still remains flesh. Salvation is of the Lord. What God begins, He will complete (Phil 1:6). The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is the unmistakable proof of our salvation (Rom 8:9). Faith is what enables the Christian life and grace is the way of salvation. Paul brings Abraham’s example to prove that justification is by faith. He was justified by faith 430 years before the law was given (Gen 15:4-6; Rom 4:3). He was not justified by faith plus circumcision. God promised to Abraham “In you all the nations will be blessed” (Gal 3:8). Abraham is the father of all believers. In the Old Testament believers looked forward to the promised Messiah and in the New Testament they look backward. Faith has always been and always will be the means by which people receive the blessings of God. The natural descendants of Abraham are not the children of God. All who put their faith in Christ share the blessing Abraham. Sinners are saved by faith alone apart from work.
Christ has redeemed us from the Curse of the Law:
(Read Galatians 3:10-15)
For all who depend on the law are under curse. For it is written “Cursed be everyone who does not continue in all things written in the Book of the Law”. To fail in one command is to fail in all (Deut 27:26; Jam 2:10). This curse includes both the present alienation from God and the future separation from God forever (John 3:18, 36). Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (3:13). Jesus took our curse upon himself on the cross (Rom 5:8). This curse will not be fully removed until the end of the book of Revelation (Rev 22:3). The just One suffered for the unjust to bring them to God (1 Pet 2:24). The sinless One was made sin for us on the cross (2 Cor 5:21). He took all our sins and gave us all of His righteousness. This is the great exchange passage in the Bible. Thus the demand of the law was silenced and the holy God is satisfied forever. The believers are saved eternally. The only way to find God’s approval is by receiving Christ by faith (Gal 3:11). The blessing promised to Abraham was intended for the whole world. It comes only through Jesus Christ (Gen 12:3). No person is saved apart from Christ (John 6:37). The believers have no need to fear judgment because Christ has suffered the judgment of sin for them on the cross (Rom 8:1). How thankful we must be for the cross!
The Purpose of the Law:
(Read Galatians 3:15-23)
Paul says that Christians obtain eternal inheritance by believing God’s promise and not by the obedience of the law. Since it is an unconditional promise, the emphasis falls on God to fulfill the promise. If an inheritance is based on obedience to the law, the emphasis falls on what people must do. This promise looked forward to Abraham’s offspring, Jesus Christ in whom all the promises were to be fulfilled (Gal 3:16). The law was given 430 years after God made His gracious promise to Abraham. So the law cannot invalidate the promise God has already made to Abraham. Grace and faith supersede law and works. Therefore, all who are united to Christ are the heirs of Abraham’s promise through faith whether Jews or gentiles. The law was given to show people how sinful and guilty they are (Rom 3:19-20). It was a temporary institution. Christ is the end of the law. He fulfilled all the purposes of the law (Rom 10:4). God used angels to communicate the law to Moses (Acts 7:53; John 1:17). But God made his unconditional promise to Abraham directly and not by any mediator. The Law was given to reveal their sinfulness (Gal 3:22-23). Israel was obligated to obey the law (Ex 19:5, 8). The law was their guardian (Gal 3:24). A guardian was responsible to attend children from the age of six to sixteen. He has no authority to punish the children. He has to make sure that they are doing the right thing. Such was the purpose of the law. The law convicts and condemns sin but it cannot save us from sin. Until a man realizes that he is a sinner he cannot be saved. Only faith in Christ saves sinner and gives hope of new life.
The Believers are under Grace:
(Read Galatians 3:24-29)
The born-again believer is no longer under the law but under grace (Rom 6:15). All believers are sons of God through faith in Christ (Gal 3:26). The term “Son” speaks of our legal status and maturity to possess inheritance. The believers are united to Christ through the baptism of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:12-13). Thus they enter into a living union with Christ. It was practiced that when a boy becomes mature, he puts on a garment which signifies the full privilege of a son to enjoy his inheritance. All who belong to Christ through faith are heirs of the promise of God’s grace (Gal 3:29). The believers are exhorted to cloth themselves with Christ (Rom 13:14). In Christ there is no racial or national or class or sexual differences. At the foot of the cross all are equal, and no one enjoys special privilege (3:28). In Christ, believers are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17). Since we are equally received and loved by God, we should treat each other with respect (2 Cor 5:16)
Chapter 4
Enjoy the Spiritual Liberty in Christ:
(Read Galatians 4:1-7)
Paul is illustrating the spiritual immaturity of those living under the law. Children are not better than slaves until they grow up to enjoy inheritance (Gal 4:1). They have to obey their guardian until the age appointed by the father. In the same way before Christ, we were children enslaved to the elementary principles of the world (Gal 4:3). But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law to redeem us from the penalty of sin. God sent his Son because there was no other way we could be saved. Christ’ virgin birth perfectly agrees with the language used here. Christ did not cease to be God when He became man. He was one person with two natures. Christ born under the law and was subjects to all the ordinances of the law. The purpose of incarnation was to redeem us from the curse of the law (Gal 4:5). Redemption carries the idea of buying back from slave market and setting free (Gal 3:13). Christ’s death is sufficient to redeem all but efficient to redeem only those who trust Him. God has given us His Spirit and adopted us into his family to call him “Abba Father” (4:6; Rom 8:15). The whole Trinity has been involved in making the believer a son and heir of God to enjoy the blessing promised to Abraham. Someone has said “Regeneration gives us the relationship; adoption gives us the position”. Every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 6:19-20). The Holy Spirit works “inside out” transforming us to the image of Christ. Meditate on Christ and his work to appreciate his salvation.
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians:
(Read Galatians 4:8-20)
Paul is concerned that the Galatians are returning to the bondage of the law. Before their conversion they worshiped idols. They had been enslaved to fertility gods. But they came to know God by God’s initiative (Gal 4:9). Christianity is a living relationship with God (1 Cor 8:3). The Lord knows those who belong to him
(2 Tim 2:19). The Galatians were fooled to become slave to the weak and useless elements of the law by false teachers. Paul warns that turning to the law is equivalent to rejecting the gospel and renouncing Christ. Paul afraid that all his hard work for them was in vain. They forget that Christ has secured their salvation by his death on the cross (Mark 15:38). Paul pleads with Galatians that they should become like him and do not give up their faith in Christ for law. When Paul reached Galatia, he was forced to spend more time with them due to his sickness. Some think Paul was suffering from malaria or epilepsy. The Galatians treated Paul kindly in spite of his repulsive appearance (Gal 4:14). They treated him with love and received as an angel of God. Paul was grieving over their changed attitude toward him by treating him like an enemy now because of telling the truth (4:16). He warns the believers that the ulterior motive of false teachers is to promote Judaism and steal their heart from Christ. Paul expresses his feeling towards them and compares it to labor pain. Paul wanted to visit them and straighten the matter. He wonders what else he could do for them to prevent them from drifting from Christ. He wants them to know that the spiritual maturity is not attained through self efforts but by faith in the sufficiency of Jesus Christ.
Two Covenants:
(Read Galatians 4:21-31)
Paul wants Galatians to know the difference between law and grace. He is using a historical narrative to explain his point. Abraham had two sons. One was from his slave wife Hagar and another from his wife Sarah. The status of mother determines the status of the son. Ishmael was the product of the flesh and Isaac was the product of promise (Gal 4:23). These two women symbolize the two covenants, law and grace. Hagar represents the Mosaic covenant of law and bondage. Sarah represents the Abrahamic covenant of grace and liberty. Hagar represents Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery. She corresponds to the present Jerusalem. But Sarah represents the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb 12:22-24). Christians are like Isaac who was born of the free woman, Sarah. They are of heavenly Jerusalem and sons of promise (Gal 4:28). They have received eternal life by the miraculous work of Holy Spirit (Gal 4:29). The children born of the flesh persecute the children of promise. The children of the promise only receive the inheritance. Abraham by divine direction sent Hagar and Ishmael away. It is impossible to be children of both the slave girl and the free woman at the same time. Those who are in Christ are free from the bondage of the law. It is impossible to be under the law and under grace at the same time. The believers are the children of the free woman. The false teachers who reject the gospel and promote law should be expelled because they are danger to the church (4:30). False teachers are threat to the health of the church. Pray that the church would be protected from them.
(Read Galatians 4:1-7)
Paul is illustrating the spiritual immaturity of those living under the law. Children are not better than slaves until they grow up to enjoy inheritance (Gal 4:1). They have to obey their guardian until the age appointed by the father. In the same way before Christ, we were children enslaved to the elementary principles of the world (Gal 4:3). But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law to redeem us from the penalty of sin. God sent his Son because there was no other way we could be saved. Christ’ virgin birth perfectly agrees with the language used here. Christ did not cease to be God when He became man. He was one person with two natures. Christ born under the law and was subjects to all the ordinances of the law. The purpose of incarnation was to redeem us from the curse of the law (Gal 4:5). Redemption carries the idea of buying back from slave market and setting free (Gal 3:13). Christ’s death is sufficient to redeem all but efficient to redeem only those who trust Him. God has given us His Spirit and adopted us into his family to call him “Abba Father” (4:6; Rom 8:15). The whole Trinity has been involved in making the believer a son and heir of God to enjoy the blessing promised to Abraham. Someone has said “Regeneration gives us the relationship; adoption gives us the position”. Every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 6:19-20). The Holy Spirit works “inside out” transforming us to the image of Christ. Meditate on Christ and his work to appreciate his salvation.
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians:
(Read Galatians 4:8-20)
Paul is concerned that the Galatians are returning to the bondage of the law. Before their conversion they worshiped idols. They had been enslaved to fertility gods. But they came to know God by God’s initiative (Gal 4:9). Christianity is a living relationship with God (1 Cor 8:3). The Lord knows those who belong to him
(2 Tim 2:19). The Galatians were fooled to become slave to the weak and useless elements of the law by false teachers. Paul warns that turning to the law is equivalent to rejecting the gospel and renouncing Christ. Paul afraid that all his hard work for them was in vain. They forget that Christ has secured their salvation by his death on the cross (Mark 15:38). Paul pleads with Galatians that they should become like him and do not give up their faith in Christ for law. When Paul reached Galatia, he was forced to spend more time with them due to his sickness. Some think Paul was suffering from malaria or epilepsy. The Galatians treated Paul kindly in spite of his repulsive appearance (Gal 4:14). They treated him with love and received as an angel of God. Paul was grieving over their changed attitude toward him by treating him like an enemy now because of telling the truth (4:16). He warns the believers that the ulterior motive of false teachers is to promote Judaism and steal their heart from Christ. Paul expresses his feeling towards them and compares it to labor pain. Paul wanted to visit them and straighten the matter. He wonders what else he could do for them to prevent them from drifting from Christ. He wants them to know that the spiritual maturity is not attained through self efforts but by faith in the sufficiency of Jesus Christ.
Two Covenants:
(Read Galatians 4:21-31)
Paul wants Galatians to know the difference between law and grace. He is using a historical narrative to explain his point. Abraham had two sons. One was from his slave wife Hagar and another from his wife Sarah. The status of mother determines the status of the son. Ishmael was the product of the flesh and Isaac was the product of promise (Gal 4:23). These two women symbolize the two covenants, law and grace. Hagar represents the Mosaic covenant of law and bondage. Sarah represents the Abrahamic covenant of grace and liberty. Hagar represents Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery. She corresponds to the present Jerusalem. But Sarah represents the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb 12:22-24). Christians are like Isaac who was born of the free woman, Sarah. They are of heavenly Jerusalem and sons of promise (Gal 4:28). They have received eternal life by the miraculous work of Holy Spirit (Gal 4:29). The children born of the flesh persecute the children of promise. The children of the promise only receive the inheritance. Abraham by divine direction sent Hagar and Ishmael away. It is impossible to be children of both the slave girl and the free woman at the same time. Those who are in Christ are free from the bondage of the law. It is impossible to be under the law and under grace at the same time. The believers are the children of the free woman. The false teachers who reject the gospel and promote law should be expelled because they are danger to the church (4:30). False teachers are threat to the health of the church. Pray that the church would be protected from them.
Chapter 5
Christian Liberty:
(Read Galatians 5:1-6)
Paul urges Galatians to stand firm in the faith because Christ has set them free. Legalism destroys spiritual liberty. Those who are circumcised are obligated to keep the whole law (Gal 5:3; James 2:10). Yoke is a symbol of slavery. Circumcision is a pledge to obey the whole law. If Galatians accept circumcision, Christ will be of no profit to them. Having escaped the slavery of heathenism, now Galatians were in danger of the slavery of Judaism. Grace and law are opposed to each other and there can be no compromise between them. Having been saved by faith, if we try to attain salvation by works, we fall short of the blessing of grace (Gal 5:4). This does not teach that believers can lose their salvation. Paul is contrasting grace with law here. There cannot be two means of salvation. It is either by law or by grace, by works or through faith. The Galatians were in danger of substituting law for grace as the means of salvation. The born-again believers who are saved by grace live in earnest expectation to receive every blessing promised through faith in Christ (Gal 5:5). Grace creates faith, and faith produces obedience. Faith works through love (Gal 5:6). Those who place their faith in Christ whether circumcised or not will be saved (Rom 10:9-10). A living faith expresses itself in love through obedience. Someone has said “Faith alone justifies, but the faith that justifies is not alone”. We are saved to serve God. Good work is the result of salvation (Eph 2:10). The gospel graciously offers salvation through faith in Christ apart from our works. Christians should be marked by gracious works.
Love fulfills the Law:
(Read Galatians 5:7-15)
Grace generates faith and faith produces obedience. Paul refers to this as “faith working through love (Gal 5:6). We love others because we know that God has loved us (1 John 4:19; 2 Cor 5:14). Love is a major theme of this chapter (Gal 5:13-14, 22). The Galatians were making good progress in their Christian life. But their progress was hindered by the false teachers. They should not have listened the false teachers who tried to turn them from the freedom of the gospel to legalism. False teaching is likened to little yeast that spreads the whole lump. False doctrines are dangerous because it corrupts the church. Paul was confident that the Lord would save Galatians from the influence of legalism. False teachers cannot escape the judgment of God. The false teachers accused Paul for inconsistency because he permitted Timothy to be circumcised (Act 16:3). Paul argues that “If I preach legalism, why would the Jews persecute me? He says "If I still being persecuted proves that I am preaching salvation by grace”. Paul wishes that those who trouble believers by demanding circumcision would mutilate themselves (Gal 5:12). Spiritual freedom is not a license to sin but an opportunity to love and serve others. When believers are tempted by the impulses of the flesh, they should remember that their old nature has been crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20). True love is the motivation for Christian conduct and service. It is the fruit of our faith in Christ. The whole moral law is summed up in one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself”. Such love is produced by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5). Love is the fulfillment of the law (Rom 13:10). Christ did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill (Mat 5:17). It was said of early Christians “Behold how they love one another”. When Christians slander and criticize one another, they are destroying one another. Pray that God would help us to love one another (John 13:34-35).
The Spirit and the Flesh are in Conflict:
(Read Galatians 5:16-21)
Paul urges Galatians to live by the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:25). Holy Spirit is mentioned several times in this letter (Gal 3:2-3; 4:6; 5:5; 6:8). Those who are saved have been in-dwelt by the Spirit (Rom 8:9). When God saved us, He did not eradicate our old nature but given us a new nature to live in the newness of life (2 Cor 5:17). These two forces, flesh and Spirit are constantly fighting each other (5:17; Rom 8:7). When believers are controlled by the Spirit, they are no longer subject to the law (Gal 5:18). Someone has said “The flesh is always active; it never takes a vacation”. The works of the flesh are given in verses 19-21. Those who practice sin habitually do not live by the Spirit. They prioritize self above God. This list is representative, not exhaustive. Christian life begins when we receive the Holy Spirit at the time of our salvation (3:2; 4:6). A believer may fall into sin but he will be miserable until he confesses and forsakes them (Pro 28:13).
Live by the Holy Spirit:
(Read Galatians 5:22-26)
The Holy Spirit produces the spiritual fruit. These are the godly qualities developed by the Holy Spirit. This fruit is composed of nine elements (Gal 5:22-23). The first three are in relation to God. The next three are in relation to others. And the last three are in relation to one’s own life. Only when we abide in Christ, we bear fruit (John 15:1-8). The word “Abide” speaks of our fellowship with Christ. The Holy spirit transforms the life of the person who walks by the Spirit (5:25). The love is the foundation of spiritual fruit (1 Cor 13). It is the Christ-like sacrificial love. Someone has said “The secret of fruit bearing is abiding, the secret of abiding is obeying, the secret of obeying is loving and the secret of loving is knowing Christ”. The joy is the result of the contentment one finds in God. Peace is the restfulness of soul which Christ gives (John 14:27). Long-suffering is patience in afflictions. Kindness is gentle attitude toward others. Goodness is love in action. Faithfulness is reliability. Meekness is not weakness but strength under control. Self-control is the ability to have control over natural impulses. No law forbids the practice of these virtues. Those who belong to Christ have crucified their passion with Christ. This identification with Christ gives us power over sin (Rom 6:11-12). We cannot live a Christian life in our own strength. People living under the law often become proud of their own achievements. But Christian life is produced by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray that God would give us a humble spirit to appreciate all his blessings. The fruit of the Spirit is produced not by human striving but by the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Read Galatians 5:1-6)
Paul urges Galatians to stand firm in the faith because Christ has set them free. Legalism destroys spiritual liberty. Those who are circumcised are obligated to keep the whole law (Gal 5:3; James 2:10). Yoke is a symbol of slavery. Circumcision is a pledge to obey the whole law. If Galatians accept circumcision, Christ will be of no profit to them. Having escaped the slavery of heathenism, now Galatians were in danger of the slavery of Judaism. Grace and law are opposed to each other and there can be no compromise between them. Having been saved by faith, if we try to attain salvation by works, we fall short of the blessing of grace (Gal 5:4). This does not teach that believers can lose their salvation. Paul is contrasting grace with law here. There cannot be two means of salvation. It is either by law or by grace, by works or through faith. The Galatians were in danger of substituting law for grace as the means of salvation. The born-again believers who are saved by grace live in earnest expectation to receive every blessing promised through faith in Christ (Gal 5:5). Grace creates faith, and faith produces obedience. Faith works through love (Gal 5:6). Those who place their faith in Christ whether circumcised or not will be saved (Rom 10:9-10). A living faith expresses itself in love through obedience. Someone has said “Faith alone justifies, but the faith that justifies is not alone”. We are saved to serve God. Good work is the result of salvation (Eph 2:10). The gospel graciously offers salvation through faith in Christ apart from our works. Christians should be marked by gracious works.
Love fulfills the Law:
(Read Galatians 5:7-15)
Grace generates faith and faith produces obedience. Paul refers to this as “faith working through love (Gal 5:6). We love others because we know that God has loved us (1 John 4:19; 2 Cor 5:14). Love is a major theme of this chapter (Gal 5:13-14, 22). The Galatians were making good progress in their Christian life. But their progress was hindered by the false teachers. They should not have listened the false teachers who tried to turn them from the freedom of the gospel to legalism. False teaching is likened to little yeast that spreads the whole lump. False doctrines are dangerous because it corrupts the church. Paul was confident that the Lord would save Galatians from the influence of legalism. False teachers cannot escape the judgment of God. The false teachers accused Paul for inconsistency because he permitted Timothy to be circumcised (Act 16:3). Paul argues that “If I preach legalism, why would the Jews persecute me? He says "If I still being persecuted proves that I am preaching salvation by grace”. Paul wishes that those who trouble believers by demanding circumcision would mutilate themselves (Gal 5:12). Spiritual freedom is not a license to sin but an opportunity to love and serve others. When believers are tempted by the impulses of the flesh, they should remember that their old nature has been crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20). True love is the motivation for Christian conduct and service. It is the fruit of our faith in Christ. The whole moral law is summed up in one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself”. Such love is produced by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5). Love is the fulfillment of the law (Rom 13:10). Christ did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill (Mat 5:17). It was said of early Christians “Behold how they love one another”. When Christians slander and criticize one another, they are destroying one another. Pray that God would help us to love one another (John 13:34-35).
The Spirit and the Flesh are in Conflict:
(Read Galatians 5:16-21)
Paul urges Galatians to live by the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:25). Holy Spirit is mentioned several times in this letter (Gal 3:2-3; 4:6; 5:5; 6:8). Those who are saved have been in-dwelt by the Spirit (Rom 8:9). When God saved us, He did not eradicate our old nature but given us a new nature to live in the newness of life (2 Cor 5:17). These two forces, flesh and Spirit are constantly fighting each other (5:17; Rom 8:7). When believers are controlled by the Spirit, they are no longer subject to the law (Gal 5:18). Someone has said “The flesh is always active; it never takes a vacation”. The works of the flesh are given in verses 19-21. Those who practice sin habitually do not live by the Spirit. They prioritize self above God. This list is representative, not exhaustive. Christian life begins when we receive the Holy Spirit at the time of our salvation (3:2; 4:6). A believer may fall into sin but he will be miserable until he confesses and forsakes them (Pro 28:13).
Live by the Holy Spirit:
(Read Galatians 5:22-26)
The Holy Spirit produces the spiritual fruit. These are the godly qualities developed by the Holy Spirit. This fruit is composed of nine elements (Gal 5:22-23). The first three are in relation to God. The next three are in relation to others. And the last three are in relation to one’s own life. Only when we abide in Christ, we bear fruit (John 15:1-8). The word “Abide” speaks of our fellowship with Christ. The Holy spirit transforms the life of the person who walks by the Spirit (5:25). The love is the foundation of spiritual fruit (1 Cor 13). It is the Christ-like sacrificial love. Someone has said “The secret of fruit bearing is abiding, the secret of abiding is obeying, the secret of obeying is loving and the secret of loving is knowing Christ”. The joy is the result of the contentment one finds in God. Peace is the restfulness of soul which Christ gives (John 14:27). Long-suffering is patience in afflictions. Kindness is gentle attitude toward others. Goodness is love in action. Faithfulness is reliability. Meekness is not weakness but strength under control. Self-control is the ability to have control over natural impulses. No law forbids the practice of these virtues. Those who belong to Christ have crucified their passion with Christ. This identification with Christ gives us power over sin (Rom 6:11-12). We cannot live a Christian life in our own strength. People living under the law often become proud of their own achievements. But Christian life is produced by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray that God would give us a humble spirit to appreciate all his blessings. The fruit of the Spirit is produced not by human striving but by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Chapter 6
Bear one another’s Burdens:
(Read Galatians 6:1-5)
Paul addresses the Galatians as brethren and encourages them to take care of one another. In the family of God it is important that we should have a burden for others (6:1). Just because we have been saved does not mean we are perfect in life (James 3:2). We all fail in many things and have plenty of room to grow spiritually. God has given us godly men to help us in our needs. Sometimes this requires loving confrontation when we see others engage in willful sin. It is possible that believers may fail unexpectedly when they face temptation off guard. Those who are spiritual should gently help those who are overtaken by sin. The believers should guard their thought life so that they may not fall into temptation. It takes spiritual maturity to restore the one who sins with meekness and forbearance. Thus they can fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks, he is important to help someone in need, he is nothing and deceives himself (Gal 6:3). No one is immune from temptation. Let everyone examine their own work, knowing that they are accountable to God (Gal 6:4-5). Who is a spiritual man? He is the one living by the Spirit (Gal 5:16). He does not glory except in the cross of Jesus Christ (Gal 6:14). He manifests the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). A spiritual man takes time to examine his own spiritual condition objectively (6:4). He is willing to bear others burden (Gal 6:2). He gently helps those who are overtaken by sin (Gal 6:1). A spiritual man is not weary of doing good to those who are in need (Gal 6:9). Let us confess the sin of self exaltation and ask God to help us to live humbly before him. Ask God to strengthen us to help those who are in need of encouragement.
Glory Only in the Cross of Jesus Christ.
(Read Galatians 6:6-10)
Paul instructs the Galatians to make sure of the importance of sound doctrines and their responsibility toward those who teach them (Gal 6:6). The believers are expected to support their teachers financially because they devote their time for the ministry of the Word of God (1 Cor 9:14; 1 Tim 5:17-18). The church that comments a believer for full time ministry has the responsibility to support him financially. The Christians should be careful that they are not misled by false teachers. None can ignore the false teaching and get away with it. For whatever a man sows that he will also reap. In Galatia, false teaching has negatively impacted the churches (Gal 6:7-9). Those who live to satisfy their passion will reap corruption but those who live by the Spirit will reap eternal life (Gal 6:8; Rom 8:13). Sound teaching is essential for spiritual growth. The believers should do good to everyone, especially to fellow believers (Gal 6:10). They should look for opportunity to serve others. God never intended them to be “solo” Christians. They should continue in fellowship with other believers. The Lord knows that we need fellow believers to help us through our difficulties (Pro 27:6). True believers care for each other. When a brother is overtaken by sin, restore him is a spirit of gentleness. Weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice (Rom 12:15). Having a believer-friend is not just a benefit but it is a necessity in the body of Christ. Be devoted to one another in love. In the Bible words "one another" are used to show interdependence. Christians should live in harmony with one another (Rom 12:10, 16). Those who minister the Word of God need our prayerful support to continue in the ministry. They are accountable to God for the spiritual well being of our souls (Heb 13:7). For God is not unjust to forget the labor of love shown towards others in His name (Heb 6:10).
Conclusion:
(Read Galatians 6:11-18)
Paul concludes the letter by writing with his own hand. He warns the Galatians of the danger of following the false teachers. Those who forced believers to be circumcised want to look good to others (Gal 6:12). They are not concerned about spiritual life of others but only about their own comfort and reputation. They pretend to be zealous for the law and persuade Gentiles to be circumcised but they do not keep the whole law (Gal 6:13). The cross is the symbol of suffering and shame. What was a shame to the false teachers was the object of glory to Paul (Gal 6:14). Paul was crucified to the world when he was crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20). Circumcision affects only the body, not the soul. The law was a failure and the only hope for anyone is the salvation in Christ by grace. Those who trusted in Christ are the true Israel, the spiritual descendants of Abraham (Gal 6:16). Paul answers all the criticisms of false teachers by stating that “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 6:18). Heathens used to stamp their bodies with the names of their gods. Paul bore the marks of stoning and scourging he suffered for the gospel on his body to show that he belongs to Jesus (2 Cor 11:24-27). None can question Paul’s apostleship and authority. Paul ends the letter with the expression of endearment and with a fitting benediction. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen” (Gal 6:18). This is God’s good news for guilty sinners. From beginning to end the salvation is by the grace of God. Amen.
(Read Galatians 6:1-5)
Paul addresses the Galatians as brethren and encourages them to take care of one another. In the family of God it is important that we should have a burden for others (6:1). Just because we have been saved does not mean we are perfect in life (James 3:2). We all fail in many things and have plenty of room to grow spiritually. God has given us godly men to help us in our needs. Sometimes this requires loving confrontation when we see others engage in willful sin. It is possible that believers may fail unexpectedly when they face temptation off guard. Those who are spiritual should gently help those who are overtaken by sin. The believers should guard their thought life so that they may not fall into temptation. It takes spiritual maturity to restore the one who sins with meekness and forbearance. Thus they can fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks, he is important to help someone in need, he is nothing and deceives himself (Gal 6:3). No one is immune from temptation. Let everyone examine their own work, knowing that they are accountable to God (Gal 6:4-5). Who is a spiritual man? He is the one living by the Spirit (Gal 5:16). He does not glory except in the cross of Jesus Christ (Gal 6:14). He manifests the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). A spiritual man takes time to examine his own spiritual condition objectively (6:4). He is willing to bear others burden (Gal 6:2). He gently helps those who are overtaken by sin (Gal 6:1). A spiritual man is not weary of doing good to those who are in need (Gal 6:9). Let us confess the sin of self exaltation and ask God to help us to live humbly before him. Ask God to strengthen us to help those who are in need of encouragement.
Glory Only in the Cross of Jesus Christ.
(Read Galatians 6:6-10)
Paul instructs the Galatians to make sure of the importance of sound doctrines and their responsibility toward those who teach them (Gal 6:6). The believers are expected to support their teachers financially because they devote their time for the ministry of the Word of God (1 Cor 9:14; 1 Tim 5:17-18). The church that comments a believer for full time ministry has the responsibility to support him financially. The Christians should be careful that they are not misled by false teachers. None can ignore the false teaching and get away with it. For whatever a man sows that he will also reap. In Galatia, false teaching has negatively impacted the churches (Gal 6:7-9). Those who live to satisfy their passion will reap corruption but those who live by the Spirit will reap eternal life (Gal 6:8; Rom 8:13). Sound teaching is essential for spiritual growth. The believers should do good to everyone, especially to fellow believers (Gal 6:10). They should look for opportunity to serve others. God never intended them to be “solo” Christians. They should continue in fellowship with other believers. The Lord knows that we need fellow believers to help us through our difficulties (Pro 27:6). True believers care for each other. When a brother is overtaken by sin, restore him is a spirit of gentleness. Weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice (Rom 12:15). Having a believer-friend is not just a benefit but it is a necessity in the body of Christ. Be devoted to one another in love. In the Bible words "one another" are used to show interdependence. Christians should live in harmony with one another (Rom 12:10, 16). Those who minister the Word of God need our prayerful support to continue in the ministry. They are accountable to God for the spiritual well being of our souls (Heb 13:7). For God is not unjust to forget the labor of love shown towards others in His name (Heb 6:10).
Conclusion:
(Read Galatians 6:11-18)
Paul concludes the letter by writing with his own hand. He warns the Galatians of the danger of following the false teachers. Those who forced believers to be circumcised want to look good to others (Gal 6:12). They are not concerned about spiritual life of others but only about their own comfort and reputation. They pretend to be zealous for the law and persuade Gentiles to be circumcised but they do not keep the whole law (Gal 6:13). The cross is the symbol of suffering and shame. What was a shame to the false teachers was the object of glory to Paul (Gal 6:14). Paul was crucified to the world when he was crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20). Circumcision affects only the body, not the soul. The law was a failure and the only hope for anyone is the salvation in Christ by grace. Those who trusted in Christ are the true Israel, the spiritual descendants of Abraham (Gal 6:16). Paul answers all the criticisms of false teachers by stating that “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 6:18). Heathens used to stamp their bodies with the names of their gods. Paul bore the marks of stoning and scourging he suffered for the gospel on his body to show that he belongs to Jesus (2 Cor 11:24-27). None can question Paul’s apostleship and authority. Paul ends the letter with the expression of endearment and with a fitting benediction. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen” (Gal 6:18). This is God’s good news for guilty sinners. From beginning to end the salvation is by the grace of God. Amen.
