Galatians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 6

Galatians 6

 

-Paul gives some sage advice in this last, but really important, chapter of the book. He begins with a brother who has been caught in a transgression (a false step, a sin). This person should be restore by the spiritual (those that are free from the yoke of slavery by the Law) in a spirit of gentleness. These spiritual people must stay on watch and be vigilant as well because they too can be tempted and carried away by the lures of Satan themselves if not careful and steadfast on Christ (Galatians 6:1). Paul’s admonition is for them to bear each other’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ Jesus, which is all about love (Galatians 6:2, Matthew 22:36-39). Stay humble and contrite; test your own work and bear your own load (Galatians 6:3-5). * Application* Restoration and reconciliation is paramount in the body of Christ and in the greater sense, His Kingdom. Bear with one another. We do not live in a perfect world and sin will be a nagging part of even our new life existence in Christ. There will be people that wrong you, and at times you will unfortunately wrong others, even those you dearly love. We need to be spiritual and we need to allow spiritual people in our lives to correct us when we fail. God loves us and cares enough about us to redeem and discipline. It may be a tough and difficult process, but it will yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness rather than a bitter root (Hebrews 12:5-15). Abide in His Grace!

-Paul gives further counsel in the participation of the teaching aspects of the good word of God. The student is to “share all good things with the one who teaches (Galatians 6:6).” *Application* Participatory teaching is what Paul is advising here. The gospel of Christ is not a lecture series. It is to be shared and feedback is needed to know if comprehension is taking place or maybe if further instruction may be required. The student should always share back to his teacher the good things he or she is learning. This gives encouragement and edification to the instructor and all so that progress can be made. Apply these principles in any discipleship process you engage in.

-Paul uses strong exhortation next with principles about sowing and reaping. God is not mocked; He is true and faithful, all-knowing and never fooled. He will reward those who continue to sow from His Holy Spirit for eternal life. The admonition for us is to not give up and grow weary of doing good. In due season, we will reap a bountiful harvest of righteousness and blessing from the Heavenly Father, who rewards our abiding faith and obedience (Galatians 6:7-9). Therefore, as we have opportunity we need to do good to everyone, and especially our Christian brothers and sisters who are in the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). *Application* Don’t ever quit! Be strong and steadfast, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Your faith work is never in vain. Be patient and finish the tasks and assignments God has called you to (1 Corinthians 15:5, James 5:7-8).

-Paul makes a final appeal against the legalists who want to make a good showing in the flesh with his own hand. Their objective in this return is exposed. They do not want persecution for the cross of Christ (Galatians 6:11-12). Paul reiterates the fallibility of this system in stating that even these circumcised ones cannot themselves keep the Law. Paul’s boast will be in the Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He states that the new creation by the Spirit is all that matters, and those who walk by this rule will have peace and mercy upon them as the true Israel of God (Galatians 6:13-16). He hopes this is the last of this legalism within the Galatian church as he has born the marks on his body for his presentation of the gospel to them in persecution (2 Corinthians 11:23-27, Galatians 6:17). *Application* For us this is a final stanza to not abide by external and manmade systems of religious observance. Walk by the Holy Spirit who indwells you as a believer and experience the freedom of Jesus Christ in your soul!

 

Verses to Memorize- Galatians 6:7, 9

Galatians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 5

Galatians 5

 

-This section can be titled freedom in Christ through the Holy Spirit by faith. The issue for the Galatians, and us in this age, is not going back to a yoke (a burden, a harness) of slavery by feeling the need to follow religious laws and practices. There is no need for that if we have the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence guiding and leading. Paul states if we sever from Christ by going back to the Law’s justification, which can only be attained with perfect obedience to it (this proves impossible), we have fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4). It is through the Spirit by faith that we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness (Galatians 5:5). Therefore circumcision, which is a major issue here with the Galatians, nor uncircumcision count for anything, but only faith in Christ’s loving work that produces love in us (Galatians 5:6). Paul demonstrates confidence that they will wake up and renounce this deception that has entered their camp (Galatians 5:7-12). He has hard language for the person, or perhaps persons, that have stirred up this confusion. They will bear the penalty (Galatians 5:10). *Application* It is easy to get caught up in following rules and regulations even in the Christian faith today. We have natural tendency to move in that direction because it seems more practical and observable. We cannot look at the heart as well as the Lord does (1 Samuel 16:7). But remember, outward compliance may not necessarily mean you are a righteous individual. The Word tells us to examine our heart and apply this to righteousness instead (Psalm 26:2, Proverbs 4:23, Romans 6:17; 10:9, 2 Corinthians 13:5, 1 Timothy 1:5).

-Paul then goes on to teach on how we use this freedom in Christ Jesus. It is NOT to be used as an opportunity for the flesh (licentiousness, recklessness, Galatians 5:13). The works of the flesh are listed and should be pondered in depth as things to avoid (Galatians 5:19-21, 26). Instead, we are to live by the Holy Spirit of God walking in step with Him as He leads the way (Galatians 5:16, 18, 24-25). This will give us the manifestation of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, which he neatly lays out for us (Galatians 5:22-23). Following the Spirit, Paul points out, will help not only the vertical relationship with God, but also the horizontal relationships with others here on earth (Galatians 5:13-15, 26). *Application* The Spirit is set against the flesh and the flesh against the Spirit. Only one will have ultimate control and authority in your life at a particular moment or circumstance. The goal of the Christian is to be completely and whole heartedly surrendered to the Lord’s domination of your life. Yield to His authority and you will be walking with the Holy Spirit displaying His fruits as a beautiful reflection of His glory. Resist Him and you will find yourself gratifying the lusts of your flesh (1 John 2:15-16).

 

Verses to Memorize- Galatians 5:16, 22-23

Galatians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 4

Galatians 4

 

-Chapter 4 contrasts the true sons of faith in the Lord versus the sons of the slave system based on the Law. He again uses the Old Testament to validate his argument with the Abrahamic line, which did not come through the slave woman Hagar depicted as the Law of Mt. Sinai (Galatians 4:25). Instead, the promise came through Isaac by Sarah, which is depicted as the Jerusalem above that is free (Galatians 4:26). *Application* What Paul is saying is that we must not stay enslaved to the Law of God for righteousness. We must look to Jesus Christ, who in the fullness of time came sent as God Incarnate born of a woman under the Law (Galatians 4:4). He is the only One who can redeem us from what Paul calls “the elementary principles of the world,” namely works based religion (Galatians 4:3, 5, 9). He makes the case that we are free from the bondage of sin, which was instituted by the Law, through adoption as free sons. We have the Holy Spirit of His Son in our hearts crying “Abba! Father (Galatians 4:6)!” This is term of endearment and indicates union and closeness with our Creator, a concept that was virtually new and unheard of in the world at this time. The point is that through faith in Christ we become heirs of the promise and gain the eternal inheritance with Him.

-Paul’s fear is that he had labored over these Galatians in vain (Galatians 4:11). He was again in anguish of childbirth for his little children until Christ be formed in them (Galatians 4:19). The reason for this is that they had been deceived by false-legalistic teaching that was taking them further away from the grace of God through His Son and the Spirit-controlled life. A life of external conformity was not going to good in the long run for many reasons, and Paul is right in seeing that this was a big deal in this newly converted society. He recounts their love toward him and how they gave sacrificially for his well being as an apostle (Galatians 4:12-15). He now feels like he has become their enemy by telling them the truth about the obedience of faith for righteousness (Galatians 4:16). This change of their heart has become so perplexing to the apostle, and he is determined to win them back to the accurate theological view of the grace of God (Galatians 4:20). They were observing the Jewish calendar of days, months, seasons, and years out of obligation thinking that it would make them more righteous. Paul’s point to them was that they had formerly been enslaved by ungodly idolatrous religions, but had now come to KNOW God and be KNOWN by Him (Galatians 4:8-10). This relationship opens up a newfound freedom. A return to the “elementary principles” of the old Jewish Laws that were guardians (managers, stewards, foreman) and managers (administrators) until the fullness of maturity and revelation came would be nonsensical and detrimental to their spiritual development. This is why Paul is so frustrated with them at this point. The rightful owners of everything good in the Lord were being deceived to go back into the slavery of the Law (Galatians 4:1-5). *Application* It is easier than we think to get prideful in the “right” way to do “spiritual” things. Although the religious practices we tend to gravitate to are not wrong in themselves, we must be ultra careful not to legislate these tendencies on others stating that they are a means of God’s grace, salvation, or sanctification. This is simply not biblical and does not demonstrate the freedom which Christ gives by His simple truth. Don’t get bogged down in human tradition. Serve the Living God with obedient faith and don’t enforce legalistic traditions of man.

 

Verse to Memorize- Galatians 4:6

Galatians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 3

Galatians 3

 

-Paul makes one of the best defenses for salvation by faith, both past (Old Testament dispensation) and present (New Testament dispensation) in all of Scripture here in chapter 3. His defense is, again, against the legalism and Judaizing that was infecting the churches of Galatia to which he calls them out for being foolish (Galatians 3:1, 3). The Spirit is the only One or thing that can give new birth to the believer, and He is the one who does the perfecting work as well (Galatians 3:3, 5, Philippians 2:13-13). No law can ever save a person; it only serves to show them where they are wrong and come short. This is the guardian (tutor, custodian) that served as a guide towards the righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:24-25). This is the valid point that Paul makes imperative here as he winds through his argument with the legalists. Abraham is the father of faith, as the gospel writer points out vividly, and was himself justified by his own faith in the promises of God primarily speaking as to the Offspring (singular) who is Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:16). Those of faith are the true sons of Abraham, both Jew and Gentile, slave or free, male or female (Galatians 3:7, 28). In him (Abraham, the man of faith), through his Offspring (Jesus Christ), the nations (the whole world) would be blessed (Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3:8). *Application* Salvation has always been a matter of faith as we can clearly see here in this passage. God cannot be pleased unless we exhibit life changing belief in Him for what He has done and what He is going to do (Hebrews 11:6). He is our hope and strength. Depend totally on His Word and His work. Jesus Christ has done it all. Enjoy His grace by simple trust.

-Paul now debunks the notion that works of the Law can save in precise language. He uses the Old Testament Scriptures for his apology (defense) using Deuteronomy 27:26 as a means of saying basically that everyone who has broken the Law is under a curse (Galatians 3:10).  Because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), no one is justified before God on the basis of the Law for the “righteous shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11).” Christ Jesus redeemed us from the Law and its curse by becoming a curse for us, for “cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree (Deuteronomy 21:23).” Therefore, those who are IN Christ Jesus are the blessing of Abraham that they might receive the promised Holy Spirit through the means of faith (Galatians 3:14). This is a ratified covenant that nothing needs to be added to or taken away from (Galatians 3:15). This also does not nullify the previous covenant ratified by God with His children Israel; it simply “fulfills” the promise given ages ago (Matthew 5:17, Galatians 3:17-21). Therefore, the Law bound us up as prisoners under sin, but God through Jesus Christ has set us free from that bondage and makes us heirs according to the promise laid from the foundation of the world (Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18, Galatians 3:23-29, Hebrews 4:3). *Application* Do not let anyone ever tell you that you can work your way to Heaven and God’s good graces. This is simply an untrue and deceptive statement that contradicts biblical Christianity. It is no wonder Paul was so upset with this false teaching because it negates the gospel, which is to be received and applied by simple faith. This is contrary to our natural way of thinking because we feel like we need to “earn” everything in this world. This is because of the curse and its laborious effects. Don’t give into the lies of Satan. Trust God to be saved on and by His plan, not your own.

 

Verse to Memorize- Galatians 3:11

Galatians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 2

Galatians 2

 

-Paul begins chapter 2 by continuing with us personal history indicating that he spent 14 years in Syria and Cilicia (this may have been primarily a stay in Tarsus, his hometown, Acts 9:11; 21:39; 22:3 and also Antioch). He then took with him Barnabas, the encourager, and Titus, who was an uncircumcised Greek believer back up to Jerusalem by revelation set before them by God (Galatians 2:2-3). Paul relates how false brothers came in at some point of their time in this region to spy out their freedoms in Christ in an effort to enforce legalistic measures on them, which Paul calls “slavery (Galatians 2:4).” Paul claims they did not yield in submission to these Judaizers even for a moment, but kept the accurate revelation of the truth for the purpose of preserving the Gentiles in complete and total faith (Galatians 2:5). Even those who seemed influential (Peter, James, John) added nothing to his requirements, which was simply the obedience of faith in Jesus Christ crucified, buried, and risen for justification from sin. God is impartial (Galatians 2:6). The only requirement these who had as their primary ministry to the circumcised laid on Paul and his party was to remember the poor, which Paul heartily agreed to do (Galatians 2:10). *Application* The freedom in Christ was important for these Gentile converts and it is important for us. Paul will go on to explain this further, but at this point it should be clear that we need to defend our freedoms from works based religious systems. Oppose those who want to eradicate the liberty you have in Christ Jesus by faith. Legalism is a false religious system, which God does not approve of.

-Paul goes into an incident to prove his point on legalism. When Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch, Paul had to oppose him to his face because of Peter’s condemned hypocrisy in this area of Judaizing. Peter had been eating and partaking of the freedoms of Christ with the Gentile brothers, but when certain men came from James, who were legalistic Jews, Peter became afraid of their stance and withdrew in separation from the Gentile party. The rest of the Jews followed suit with him in their hypocrisy even to the point that Barnabas was led astray (Galatians 2:11-13). Paul, seeing that this was wrong and not in step with the gospel truth, told Cephas before them all basically that it was wrong to live like a Gentile with them and then switch around to try to force the Gentiles to live like Jews according to the Law because of man pleasing (Galatians 2:14). Paul’s statement in verse sixteen, “yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the Law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the Law, because by works of the law no one will be justified,” says it all. *Application* Paul was right to expose the hypocrisy in this situation. His focus was on sharing the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, not following man-made traditions and requirements of the Law, which are a pointing to Christ, not a means of justification for salvation. The real issue here is works based forgiveness. We can never be justified apart from the righteous grace of Christ Jesus through His work on the cross. Make sure people understand this as you share your faith with them. There are many in our world that still believe they must try and work their way to Heaven. This is simply not true and the truth needs to be revealed. Be bold in the freedom which has set you free!

-In the remaining verses of this passage, the author denounces the notion that this liberty in Christ makes one free to go on sinning with no repercussions. Christ died so that we might die to ourselves and live in Him by His strength given to us by His Holy Spirit. Paul’s point is that he, and we, have been crucified with Christ. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20).” This is resurrection life by the Spirit of God. We should never nullify the grace of God by trying to work for our salvation. “If righteousness were through the Law, then Christ died for no purpose (Galatians 2:21).” *Application* Though we still live in the flesh and are burdened with the capacity to sin while we walk in these earth suits, the Lord is ever present with us by His Spirit and will give us the needed power and authority to overcome temptation and live according to the righteousness of Christ. Christ is our life (Romans 5:10; 6:23, Philippians 1:21, Colossians 3:4)!

 

Verses to Memorize- Galatians 2:16, 20

Galatians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 1

Galatians 1

 

- This letter is one of Paul’s first works in his early years of being a missionary. The letter is characterized by expressions of intense feelings, demonstrations of concern as a pastor, and warnings of serious consequences. It is a reliable Pauline writing in his classic style written somewhere in the late 40’s AD, after Paul’s first missionary journey through the region of Galatia. Most scholars conclude that Paul wrote this defense of freedom in Christ before the Jerusalem Council since there is no mention of it precedence in the letter (Acts 15). It would be logical for him to use this item if it had been yet decided by the church authorities. Included here in Galatia would be cities of Asia Minor such as Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. We know these places had some strong reaction to Paul’s message of Christ (Acts 13:50; 14:2, 19) and apparently some Jewish Christians entered these areas and began to teach the believers in Christ that they must submit to Jewish law. This strict adherence to Mosaic rules was a false teaching that is at the heart of Paul’s message to the converts in Galatia. These false teachers are known as Judaizers, and their teaching is known as “legalism.”

-The doctrinal section of Galatians teaches that believers are accepted by God through faith in Jesus Christ and not by works (2:16). Paul explains to them that God had not given the Mosaic law as a means of justification but to prepare them for the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ (3:23-24). He places the work of the Holy Spirit as the power that allows for believers to keep God’s perfect law and walk in righteousness (5:5). Therefore, Paul fights a monumental battle, which maintains the free gift of God for salvation apart from works of the law. *Application* We can then see this book as a literary coherence in its thematic contrasts: the true gospel vs. a false gospel, faith vs. works, law vs. grace, liberty vs. legalism, sonship vs. slavery, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit vs. the desires of the flesh. Ponder these issues as you read Paul’s letter to the Galatians

-After his staple introduction and greetings that upheld his apostleship directly from God through Jesus Christ, who has been resurrected to eternal life, he proclaimed peace and grace upon the readers and a quick theology on Christ’s work. Paul then quickly pronounces his astonishment with the Galatians turning away from the truth he had delivered to them about Jesus Christ to a different gospel (Galatians 1:6). Some had come and troubled them with a distorted gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:7). The apostle is quick to pronounce his anathema on these deceivers claiming that even if we (his team) or an angel from Heaven should preach a contrary gospel, let them be accursed by God (Galatians 1:8-9). *Application* This reminds me of the false teaching in our time with the Morman cult. A so-called angel from Heaven came and gave a different revelation about Christ that we see in the ancient Scriptures and has led many down the wrong road theologically. Deception is real and must be recognized with all diligence and vigilance. Paul takes a strong stand against false teaching and so should we. Heaven and hell depend on it.

-Paul makes a phenomenal statement: “For am I seeking the approval of man, or of God (good question to ask ourselves, right?)? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10).” *Application* What a strong message we need to meditate on here. Our natural desire is to please man and we do want to live peaceably with each other as an admonition of Scripture (Romans 12:8). However, there come many points in our life when we must choose to fear and obey the Lord rather than man in the directional pull that is upon our lives (Acts 5:29). Take the stand that the Lord wants you to take. Have courage to do the right thing and leave the results up to God. He will take care of you. Depend on His strength and protection. Abide in His will. You are His servant bought with a price (1 Corinthians 7:23).

-Paul now develops his call and authority in the Lord by recounting his testimony with his readers in Galatia (Galatians 1:11-24). His emphasis is on how it was solely the Lord’s work in him that has given him his apostleship and that he did not rely on man, but Jesus Christ’s revelation (Galatians 1:12). *Application* There is nothing like hearing from the Lord and knowing that you are sanctified and called out for a specific purpose in His will. In order to understand that will, there is simply no other substitute for quality and extended time in His presence. Take the time for solitude with God, like we see that Paul did. You will have purpose and direction from Him alone that nobody can refute! Seek the approval of the Living God. Let nothing else suffice.

 

Verses to Memorize- Galatians 1:10, 12