Coachlight Bible Study – Galatians Chapters 1-6

Liberty To Live For God In Love

 

Paul had heard a report that the false teaching of the Judaizers had taken hold in the groups at Galatia. Paul’s intent with this letter was to expose this deadly teaching, and to exhort these people to stand fast in the liberty given to them by Christ. 

The application to this teaching today does not have to exclude religions other than  Judaism – especially Christianity.  Our intention is to expose religion for what it is and exhort to accept the liberty that Christ gave us by His sacrifice making us heirs.

 

The Book Of Galatians

Reference

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Focus

True Gospel & Perversions

The Purpose of the Father sending Christ

Christ’s Liberty Brings Forth The Fruits Of The Spirit

Intention

To write a letter of exhortation to freedom from bondage in response to a report that the false teaching of Judaizers had taken over at Galatia

Plan

Justification By Faith

Living for God is being dead to the Law

Purpose of the Law

Heirs of the Promise

Fruit of the Spirit

Others Esteem

Reference

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Time

Probably Between 49-56 AD

 

I. The True Gospel And Perversions

A. Salutation

 

Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

Galatians 1:2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

Galatians 1:3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver<1807> us from this present evil world<165>, according to the will of God and our Father:

Galatians 1:5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

A.  Paul was an Apostle – One sent with a message from God Who raised Christ

1. Paul’s apostleship was not ordained by mankind

2. Paul’s apostleship was ordained by Christ

B. Grace and Peace comes from The Father and Christ

C. Christ’s work on the cross was to snatch us up out of this evil Age

1. This is what was in God’s mind when He planned it

2. This is what was in Christ’s mind when He performed it. (Philippians 2:5-8)

3. This is what needs to be our mindset, to have Christ’s mindset. (Philippians 2:5)

 

1807 exairew exaireo ex-ahee-reh’-o - from 1537 and 138; ; v

deliver 5, pluck out 2, rescue 1; 8

1) to pluck out, draw out, i.e. root out

2) to choose out (for one’s self), select, one person from many

3) to rescue, deliver

165 aiwn aion ahee-ohn’ - from the same as 104; TDNT-1:197,31; n m

ever 71, world 38, never + 3364 + 1519 + 3588 6, evermore 4, age 2, eternal 2, misc 5; 128

1) for ever, an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity

2) the worlds, universe

3) period of time, age

 

II. Perversion of the Gospel – Removes one from Christ

Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed<3346> from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:<2087>

Galatians 1:7 Which is not another;<243> but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert<3344> the gospel of Christ.

 

A. Accepting false teaching like judaizing removes one from Christ to the allegiance of another.

 

3346 metatiyhmi metatithemi met-at-ith’-ay-mee- from 3326 and 5087; v

translate 2, carry over 1, remove 1, change 1, turn 1; 6

1) to transpose (two things, one of which is put in place of the other)

1a) to transfer

1b) to change

1c) to transfer one’s self or suffer one’s self to be transferred

1c1) to go or pass over

1c2) to fall away or desert from one person or thing to another

B. False teaching is not another gospel, but rather a perversion of the gospel

1. A different gospel of different quality.

2. Two Greek words used, both translated, “another gospel”

 

2087 eterov heteros het’-er-os - of uncertain affinity; TDNT-2:702,265; adj

another 43, other 42, other thing 3, some 2, next day 2, misc 7; 99

1) the other, another, other

1a) to number

1a1) to number as opposed to some former person or thing

1a2) the other of two

1b) to quality

243 allov allos al’-los - a primary word; TDNT-1:264,43; adj

other(s) 81, another 62, some 11, one 4, misc 2; 160

1) another, other

a. Judaizing is a different quality of gospel

b. Judaizing is not just another gospel of the same kind as Paul taught

c. Judaizing is a twisted gospel

3344 metastrefw metastrepho met-as-tref’-o - from 3326 and 4762; v

turn 2, pervert 1; 3

1) to turn around, turn around, twist

III. Man Pleasers Can’t Serve God

Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Galatians 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

 

C. Let the false teachers be accursed

D. If The Mindset is to please man – Cannot serve God

 

IV. True Gospel Comes From God’s Word – Not Of Man

 

Galatians 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

Galatians 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

Galatians 1:14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. {equals: Gr. equals in years}

 

A. Paul did not receive his gospel from man – Not even the apostles

 

Galatians 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,

Galatians 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Galatians 1:17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

Galatians 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see<2477> Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. {went up: or, returned}

Galatians 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.

Galatians 1:20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.

Galatians 1:21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;

Galatians 1:22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:

Galatians 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

Galatians 1:24 And they glorified God in me.

 

B. It is evident that Paul had Isaiah’s prophecies on his mind: (Verses 15-16)

 

Isaiah 49:5  And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength. {Though…: or, That Israel may be gathered to him, and I may, etc}

Isaiah 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:7 Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

 

C. Paul knew his calling from God’s Word and God’s Revelation

D. It is evident that God’s revelation comes from His Word.

1. Holy Spirit Interpreting

2. Comparing Spiritual with Spiritual - I Corinthians 2:13

E. Paul visited Peter to get acquainted with him – Not to be instructed by Peter

 

2477 istorew historeo his-tor-eh’-o - from a derivative of 1492; v

see 1; 1

1) to enquire into, examine, investigate

2) to find out, learn, by enquiry

3) to gain knowledge of by visiting

3a) of some distinguished person, to become personally acquainted with, know face to face

 

V. Paul’s Gospel Approved By The Apostles – Not Added To

 

Galatians 2:1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

Galatians 2:2  And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

Galatians 2:3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

Galatians 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty<1657> which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

Galatians 2:5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Galatians 2:6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

Galatians 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

Galatians 2:8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

Galatians 2:9  And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Galatians 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

 

A. 14 years from the time of meeting Peter - Paul returned to Jerusalem

1. Barnabas went with Paul

2. Titus, A Greek, went with Paul

B. God revealed the importance of telling the apostles God’s work with Gentiles

C. Paul privately desired the approval of the Apostles for his 14 year work

1. This was not approval of Paul’s Gospel

2. This was approval of the way the gospel had been presented to the Gentiles

a. The Gentiles were in the group – Not by circumcision, but by faith

b. Titus being a Greek did not choose to be circumcised

c. Judaizers sneaked in to

1. Spy on their liberty – <1657>

2. Lead them into bondage to the Law

 

1657 eleuyeria eleutheria el-yoo-ther-ee’-ah - from 1658; n f

liberty 11; 11

1) liberty to do or to omit things having no relationship to salvation

2) fancied liberty

2a) licence, the liberty to do as one pleases

3) true liberty is living as we should not as we please

 

d. Paul was not against circumcision – He circumcised Timothy (Acts 16:3)

e. Paul knew the sneakiness of the false teaching (Galatians 5:1-12)

3. Paul did not seek approval because of the Jerusalem Apostles standing with God

a. God accepts no man’s person – (Galatians 2:6)

b. The Jerusalem Council added nothing to Paul’s Gospel – (Galatians 2:6)

4. What did the Jerusalem council realize about Paul’s ministry to Gentiles?

a. The Gospel of un-circumcision was given to Paul by God

b. The right hands of fellowship was given to Paul – (Galatians 2:9)

D. Paul was instructed not to forget the poor – Which he was doing anyway

 

VI. Peter Corrected for making Gentiles Live As Jews

 

Galatians 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

Galatians 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

Galatians 2:13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

Galatians 2:14  But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

 

A. Peter was rebuked for living differently among different people

1. Peter lived one way among the Jews

2. Peter lived another way among Gentile converts

3. Peter was compelling the Gentiles to turn into Jews

 

Galatians 2:15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

Galatians 2:16  Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Galatians 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

Galatians 2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

Galatians 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

 

B. Paul’s ministry to Peter at Antioch

1. Jews and Gentiles have different backgrounds and lifestyles

2. God justifies a Jew or Gentile

a. Nobody is justified by the works of the Law

b. But because the person believes God’s Word, trusting He will perform it.

c. If we go back to the ways before Christ, we are transgressors

d. The justified person is dead to the Law

e. The justified person lives unto God

 

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

 

C. Living Unto God

1. Recon myself dead to the Law

2. I am not really living, but rather Christ is living in me

3. While on this earth, I’ll continue by faith in Christ

a. Christ loved me first

b. Christ gave Himself for me to deliver me from this present evil world (1:4)

4. My trust is not in the works of the Law – If I do, Christ died in vain


VII. The Holy Spirit Received By Faith – Not the Works of the Law

Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

Galatians 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Galatians 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Galatians 3:4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.

Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

 

VIII. Abraham Was Justified By Faith – Not By Works of the Law

Galatians 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. {accounted: or, imputed}

Galatians 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Galatians 3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

 

A. The True Gospel is not something new – As old as God’s Plan

B. God preached the Gospel to Abraham

C. Abraham was to take his promise from God by faith

D. If we today live by faith, we have the same promises given to Abraham

 

IX. Christ Has Redeemed From The Curse Of The Law

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Galatians 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

 

A. If we trust in the Law, we are under a curse

B. The Law and faith can not co-exist

C. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law – By becoming a curse

D. Because of Christ’s work, those who live by faith have Abraham’s blessing

 

 


X. Abraham’s Seed Is Christ

Galatians 3:15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.

Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Galatians 3:17  And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

 

A. The promise to Abraham was given by God

B. The promise was to Abraham and his Seed

C. The promise was given 435 years before the Law was in existence

D. The Law can not make God’s promise of none effect

E. The promise and the Law can not co-exist

 

XI. Purpose Of The Law – Metaphor of the Schoolmaster

 

Galatians 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

Galatians 3:20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

 

A. The law was our schoolmaster

1. The purpose was to bring us to Christ

2. So Christ justifies by faith

B. What was a Roman time schoolmaster?

 

3807 paidagwgov paidagogos pahee-dag-o-gos’ - from 3816 and 71;n m

schoolmaster 2, instructor 1; 3

1) a tutor i.e. a guardian and guide of boys. Among the Greeks and the Romans the name was applied to trustworthy slaves who were charged with the duty of supervising the life and morals of boys belonging to the better class. The boys were not allowed so much as to step out of the house without them before arriving at the age of manhood.


XII. Purpose Of Faith -  Make Heirs of the Promise

 

Galatians 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

 

A. After faith is come – No longer need a schoolmaster

B. We are then adopted as children of God

C. God adopts us whether or not we are

1. Jew or Greek

2. Slave or free

3. Male or female

D. God’s Children are then heirs to the promise

 

XIII. Metaphor of Heirs and Children

Galatians 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

Galatians 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

Galatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: {elements: or, rudiments}

Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

 

A.  An heir, when he is a child has no different position than a slave

B. The father sets the time that the heir-child is under governors

C. So, when we were children, we were under the Law

D. At God’s appointed time, He sent His Son to earth

1. His Son was born through a woman

2. His Son came when the earth was under the Law

E. The Purpose Of The Father Sending His Son

1. To redeem them under the Law

2. To adopt us as sons

3. Sons have the Spirit living inside – We have the relationship of a Dad

4. We are no longer have the position of a slave – But sons & heirs


XIV. Why Return To The Weak & Beggerly Elements?

 

Galatians 4:8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.

Galatians 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly<4434> elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? {turn ye again: or, turn ye back} {elements: or, rudiments}

Galatians 4:10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

Galatians 4:11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Galatians 4:12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.

Galatians 4:13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

Galatians 4:14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. {Where…: or, What was then}

Galatians 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

Galatians 4:17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. {exclude you: or, exclude us}

Galatians 4:18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

Galatians 4:20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. {I stand…: or, I am perplexed for you}

 

4434 ptwcov ptochos pto-khos’ - from ptwssw ptosso (to crouch, akin; adj

poor 30, beggar 2, poor man 1, beggarly 1; 34

1) reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms

2) destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour

2a) lowly, afflicted, destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches

2b) helpless, powerless to accomplish an end

2c) poor, needy

3) lacking in anything

 

XV. Allegory - Faith and The Works of the Law Can Not Coexist

Galatians 4:21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?

Galatians 4:22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

Galatians 4:23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. {covenants: or, testaments} {Sinai: Gr. Sina}

Galatians 4:25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. {answereth to: or, is in the same rank with}

Galatians 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Galatians 4:27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.

Galatians 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

Galatians 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

Galatians 4:30  Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

Galatians 4:31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

 

A. Figurative Representations

1. The one by bondmaid – A slave, (Hagar)

2. The other by a freewoman – (Sarah)

3. Born after the flesh – Ismael was born by natural means

4. By promise – Isaac was born supernaturally, a promise from God

5. An Allegory – An extended metaphor

6. Hagar represents the Mosaic Covenant (Law)

7. Which genderth to bondage – (Begets children for slavery)

8. Jerusalem which is above – stands for those living for God

B. Interpretation of the Allegory

1. As Hagar gave birth to Ismael who will inherit slavery – So the Law will beget those in bondage

2. As Sarah gave birth to a freeman, so the liberty of Christ begets those free from bondage, free to serve God

 

XVI. Exhortation To Stand In Liberty

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galatians 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

Galatians 5:3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? {hinder you: or, drive you back}

Galatians 5:8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.

Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

Galatians 5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded<5426>: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

Galatians 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

Galatians 5:12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

 

XVII. The Result Of Liberty Is Serving One Another

Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Galatians 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

 

XVIII. War Between The Flesh And The Spirit

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. {ye…: or, fulfil not}

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Galatians 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

 

A. Where Does This War Take Place? – Answer Found In Romans:

 

Romans 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

Romans 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,)dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Romans 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Romans 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Romans 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Romans 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Romans 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

 

B. How Does One Walk In The Spirit? Again Found In Romans:

 

Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: {for sin: or, by a sacrifice for sin}

Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

 

IXX. The Works That Follow One Walking In The Flesh

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Galatians 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

XX. The Works That Follow One Walking In The Spirit – No Law

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Galatians 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. {affections: or, passions}

 

XXI. Living In The Spirit And Walking In The Spirit

Galatians 5:25 If we live<2198> in the Spirit, let us also walk<4748> in the Spirit.

 

2198 zaw zao dzah’-o - a primary verb; TDNT-2:832,290; v

live 117, be alive 9, alive 6, quick 4, lively 3, not tr 1, misc 2, vr live 1; 143

1) to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead)

2) to enjoy real life

2a) to have true life and worthy of the name

2b) active, blessed, endless in the kingdom of God

3) to live i.e. pass life, in the manner of the living and acting

3a) of mortals or character

4) living water, having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul

5) metaph. to be in full vigour

5a) to be fresh, strong, efficient,

5b) as adj. active, powerful, efficacious

 

4748 stoicew stoicheo stoy-kheh’-o - from steicho (to range in regular line); v

walk 4, walk orderly 1; 5

1) to proceed in a row as the march of a soldier, go in order

1a) metaph. to go on prosperously, to turn out well

2) to walk

2a) to direct one’s life, to live

XXII. The Way Walking In The Spirit Works – Others Esteem

Galatians 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 6:1  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. {if: or, although}

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

Galatians 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

 

XXIII. Exhortation Not To Be Weary In Others Esteem

Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

 

XXIV. The Motives of the Religious False Teachers

Galatians 6:11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

Galatians 6:12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

Galatians 6:13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

 

From JFB Commentary:

that they may glory in your flesh—namely, in the outward change (opposed to an inward change wrought by the SPIRIT) which they have effected in bringing you over to their own Jewish-Christian party.

 

XXV. The Proper Motivation

Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. {by whom: or, whereby}

Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Galatians 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

Galatians 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

Galatians 6:18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

 

Pleasing God is not what you eat or what you wear

Pleasing God is in your mindset