Wednesday in the Word

what the Bible means and how we know

Galatians

15 Galatians 6:8-18 Invest in Truth

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15 Galatians 6:8-18 Invest in Truth _ Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

Paul encourages his listeners to invest their lives in truth. We reap what we sow. If we seek teachers who flatter and entertain us, that is what we will harvest. God is not mocked. He knows what we seek.

Review

Chapter 1: Paul introduced two of his three key themes: 1) his apostolic authority and 2) the gospel of justification by faith alone. Paul claimed you can recognize the true gospel by its substance (grace based on the cross of Jesus Christ); its source (divine revelation).

Chapter 2: Paul argued he learned the gospel through revelation from Jesus Christ. He reviewed his biography to prove that he had no chance to learn the gospel from the other human beings. Yet the other apostles confirmed he preached the same gospel.

Chapter 3-4: Paul gives five persuasive arguments for justification by faith alone.

Chapter 5: Paul encouraged them to stand firm in the gospel and then gave a series of four exhortations.

In this final section from 5:13 to the end, Paul gives a series of four exhortations, closing with his final thoughts in 6:11-18.

  1. Galatians 5:13-24—Paul exhorts them not to use freedom as an excuse to indulge in sin.
  2. Galatians 5:25-6:5—Paul exhorts them to humility and loving others.
  3. Galatians 6:6-8—Paul exhorts them to invest in the truth.
  4. Galatians 6:9-10—Paul exhorts them to pursue doing what is good.

Passage

6Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.  – Galatians 6:6-10

  • Galatians 6:6 is not an exhortation to support teachers financially. That doesn’t fit the context.
  • My rough translation of Galatians 6:6: The one who is taught the gospel that consists in all good things is to hold those good things in common with the one who teaches the gospel. 
  • Galatians 6:6-7 work together: Embrace the gospel when a good teacher teaches it to you and do not be deceived by a false gospel.
  • Paul encourages listeners is embrace the gospel no matter who teaches it, and not to be deceived by false teachers. 
  • Everyone needs to understand what the Bible says well enough to recognize when someone teaches something contrary to it.
  • If I seek teachers who plant truth, that is what I will harvest in my life.
  • If I seek teachers who entertain me and make me feel good about myself but fail to teach the truth, then that is what I will harvest. 
  • False teachers eventually give themselves away. Their lifestyle will reveal that they are not running toward God. 
  • The telltale sign is false teacher teaches they sow and reap the works of the flesh. They tell us what our sinful selves want to hear and that will eventually bring strife and discord in the church.
  • Let us not lose heart in pursuing that with is morally beautiful. In due time, if we don’t give up, we will reap the harvest of eternal life.
  • Paul’s final exhortation is: while we have the opportunity (in other words in this life) live out the Golden Rule, especially to the household of faith.

11See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.  – Galatians 6:11-18

  • Paul typically dictated his letters to a scribe. Here he picks up the pen to write with his own hand.
  • His final point is: embrace the truth.
  • The Judaizers want you to seek the Law so that other Jews won’t persecute them for associating with you. They boast in how many they win to law-keeping.
  • In contrast, Paul boasts in teaching the gospel.
  • Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters for salvation. 
  • Paul began this letter, with grace and peace from God the Father and he closes it with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Previous: 14 Galatians 5:25-6:5 Bear Others’ Burdens

Series: Galatians: Living by Faith

Study: Galatians Resources

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14 Galatians 5:25-6:5 Bear Each Others’ Burdens

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14 Galatians 5:25-6:5 Bear Each Others’ Burdens _ Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

As he closes the letter, Paul explains how the fact that we all believe the same gospel translates into our lives as a community. First, he urges us to stop competing with our teammates. Then Paul explains how to respond when someone stumbles on this metaphorical race to glory.

Review

Chapter 1: Paul introduced two of his three key themes: 1) his apostolic authority and 2) the gospel of justification by faith alone. Paul claimed you can recognize the true gospel by its substance (grace based on the cross of Jesus Christ); its source (divine revelation).

Chapter 2: Paul argued he learned the gospel through revelation from Jesus Christ. He reviewed his biography to prove that he had no chance to learn the gospel from the other human beings. Yet the other apostles confirmed he preached the same gospel.

Chapter 3-4: Paul gives five persuasive arguments for justification by faith alone.

Chapter 5: Paul encouraged them to stand firm in the gospel and then gave a series of exhortations.

In this final section from 5:13 to the end, Paul gives a series of exhortations, closing with his final thoughts in 6:11-18.

  1. Galatians 5:13-24—Paul exhorts them not to use freedom as an excuse to indulge in sin.
  2. Galatians 5:25-6:5—Paul exhorts them to humility and loving others.
  3. Galatians 6:6-8—Paul exhorts them to invest in the truth.
  4. Galatians 6:9-10—Paul exhorts them to pursue doing what is good.

Passage

25If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 6:1Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5For each will have to bear his own load.  – Galatians 5:25-6:5

  • We easily fall into competition over who keeps the Law best. But if we know we’ll find life because of the sanctifying work of the Spirit, we’re free to treat each other as fellow-heirs.
  • Paul uses a verb refers to an army marching together in unison. As a community, we should see ourselves as on the same team rather than competing for the Father’s favor.
  • Since we embrace the same gospel, as a community we should walk in agreement, having the same values and goals because we all listen to the same Spirit. 
  • If someone is out of step or caught in transgression, we approach them from a position of unassuming humility.
  • In this metaphorical race, it doesn’t matter who crosses the finish line first. God will ensure we all cross the finish line. If someone else stumbles, it’s not a chance for us to get ahead.
  • Sin creates a metaphorical burden or “backpack” that we have to carry. If someone else stumbles, we carry their metaphorical backpack by forgiving, speaking truth and exercising patience.
  • In doing that, we fulfill the instruction Jesus gave us that we love God and love one another. 
  • If we think we’ve got this problem with sin under control, or that we’d never fall the way our brother or sister fell, we’re fooling ourselves. We are nothing in the sense that we have the same problem with sin that everyone else has.
  • Before you approach your sinful brother, take a good long look at yourself. The temptation of the human heart is to glory in someone else’s failure. If you want to compare yourself to someone, compare yourself to Christ. Boast in what he has done for you.

Each of us must bear our own burden and run our own race. Each of us must decide to repent and follow Christ. No one else can do that for us.  

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Next: 15 Galatians 6:8-18 Invest in Truth

Previous: 13 Galatians 5:13-25 Walk by the Spirit

Series: Galatians: Living by Faith

Study: Galatians Resources

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13 Galatians 5:13-24 Walk by the Spirit

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13 Galatians 5:13-25 Walk by the Spirit - Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

When Paul urges us to walk by the Spirit in Galatians, what does he mean? Paul argues we don’t need the Law to keep us from pursuing sin. We have something better. We have the Spirit of God teaching us to pursue goodness.

Review

Chapter 1: Paul introduced two of his three key themes: 1) his apostolic authority and 2) the gospel of justification by faith alone. Paul claimed you can recognize the true gospel by its substance (grace based on the cross of Jesus Christ); its source (divine revelation).

Chapter 2: Paul argued he learned the gospel through revelation from Jesus Christ. He reviewed his biography to prove that he had no chance to learn the gospel from the other human beings. Yet the other apostles confirmed he preached the same gospel.

Chapter 3-4: Paul gives five persuasive arguments for justification by faith alone.

Chapter 5: Paul encouraged them to stand firm in the gospel and then begins a series of five exhortations.

In this final section from 5:13 to the end, Paul gives a series of four exhortations, closing with his final thoughts in 6:11-18.

  1. Galatians 5:13-24—Paul exhorts them not to use freedom as an excuse to indulge in sin.
  2. Galatians 5:25-6:5—Paul exhorts them to humility and loving others.
  3. Galatians 6:6-8—Paul exhorts them to invest in the truth.
  4. Galatians 6:9-10—Paul exhorts them to pursue doing what is good.

Passage

13For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. 16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. – Galatians 5:13-24

  • The Judaizers teach that if we aren’t required to obey the Law, then we’ll return to a life of hedonism and debauchary.
  • Paul counters we don’t need the Law to restrain us from evil, because now we have something better: the Spirit of God at work in our lives.
  • Most often when Paul speaks of “the flesh” he means everything we are apart from God, i.e. the moral condition of fallen people apart from any work of God. 
  • “To walk by the flesh” is pursing holiness with my own resources and self-effort.
  • “To walk by the Spirit” is to count on God to make me holy through the work of His Spirit.
  • Paul’s first exhortation is don’t use freedom from keeping the Law as an excuse to pursue evil. Instead, serve one another through love.
  • Paul contrasts two different responses to not being under threat from the Law. 1) I could use that freedom as an excuse to be selfish. Or I could use that freedom to treat others as I would wish to be treated. We are free to treat others with love because we are secure in our inheritance from God.
  • The Spirit can curb your natural inclination to evil in a way Law-keeping never could.
  • We don’t control the Spirit. We can’t manipulate him into transforming us. His hands are not tied until we pray the right prayer (John 3:7-8). The Spirit is like the wind, an invisible force we can’t control, but we see its effects.
  • The natural inclination of unredeemed humanity and the direction of the Spirit are opposites. 
  • If we take the work of the Spirit of God seriously, we are not free to just do whatever we want to do. We don’t have a license to sin. The Spirit teaches us to flee from sin and run the opposite direction because we are seeking the things of God.
  • In this list (Galatians 5:19-21), Paul gives examples of the kinds of things the Spirit teaches us to flee from. These behaviors do not put you beyond the mercy of God, but they ought to make you seriously evaluate the direction you are heading.
  • The Law is like a thermometer. A thermometer tells me I am sick, but it doesn’t make me well. Trying to follow the Law shows me I have a problem, but it won’t make me the kind of person described on this list. Only the Spirit of God can do that.
  • To be crucified with Christ is a metaphor for repenting and making that about face. 

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Next: 14 Galatians 5:25-6:5 Bear Others’ Burdens

Previous: 12 Galatians 5:1-12 Keep Standing Firm

Series: Galatians: Living by Faith

Study: Galatians Resources

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12 Galatians 5:1-12 Keep Standing Firm

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12 Galatians 5:1-12 Keep Standing Firm - Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

In the final chapters, he develops his third major theme, which is the freedom the gospel brings. Because the gospel solves our two biggest problems, it brings freedom from the law and freedom from slavery to sin.

Review

Chapter 1: Paul introduced two of his key themes: 1) his apostolic authority and 2) the gospel of justification by faith alone. Paul claimed you can recognize the true gospel by its substance (grace based on the cross of Jesus Christ); its source (divine revelation).

Chapter 2: Paul argued he learned the gospel through revelation from Jesus Christ. He reviewed his biography to prove that he had no chance to learn the gospel from the other human beings. Yet the other apostles confirmed he preached the same gospel.

Chapter 3-4: Paul gives five persuasive arguments for justification by faith alone.

Passage

1For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.  – Galatians 5:1-6

  • The main point of this section is Galatians 5:1. The gospel of justification by faith leads to freedom from sin and freedom from slavery to the law. Therefore, stand firm or hold fast to the gospel and don’t return to the yoke of slavery.
  • Paul uses term circumcision in Galatians 5:2-3 as shorthand for the historical fact that these Gentiles deciding to practice the Jewish religion in order to complete or finish their salvation.
  • This is not like getting a tattoo. If you choose to follow the teaching of the Judaizers, and get circumcised and begin keeping the Law, then the Messiah is of no benefit to you. If you accept one part of the Law, you accept all the Law and you are bound to it. You cannot choose which laws to keep. You are now obligated to keep them all.
  • If you seek to be justified through the law that alienates you from the Messiah, in contrast to those who seek justification by faith (Galatians 5:5).
  • Once you come to faith, it doesn’t matter if prior to that time you lived like a Jew or not. We all come to Christ the same way.

7You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!  – Galatians 5:7-12

  • Paul uses the image of a runner running a race. The runner was doing well and making good time, but now someone else started running in his lane, trying to make him fall.
  • Leaven is a metaphor for something contagious, just as a little yeast permeates the entire lump of dough. A little law-keeping negates the whole gospel. 
  • Paul expresses his confidence in God. If God has truly called them, chosen them and given them saving faith, then they will repent and embrace the gospel. 
  • Paul specifically denies he agrees with the Judaizers. Why would the Jews persecute him if he was teaching everyone to live like Jews as the Judaizers do?

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Next: 13 Galatians 5:23-24 Walk by the Spirit

Previous: 11 Galatians 4:21-31 A Tale of Two Mothers

Series: Galatians: Living by Faith

Study: Galatians Resources

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11 Galatians 4:21-31 A Tale of Two Mothers

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11 Galatians 4:21-31 A Tale of Two Mothers - Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

In the story of Abraham, we find two sons, two wives, two covenants, two mountains, and two cities. So we have only two options. One option leads to eternal life in the kingdom of God. The other leads to destruction.

Review

Chapter 1: Paul introduced the two of his main themes: 1) his apostolic authority and, 2) the gospel of justification by faith alone. Paul claimed you can recognize the true gospel by its substance (grace based on the cross of Jesus Christ); its source (divine revelation).

Chapter 2: Paul argued that the gospel he preaches is not man-made, but he received it through revelation from Jesus Christ. He reviewed his biography to prove that he had no chance to learn the gospel from the other human beings. Yet the other apostles confirmed he preached the same gospel.

Chapter 3-4: Paul gives five persuasive arguments for justification by faith alone.

  • Galatians 3:2-5—First, Paul argues from experience. Did you receive the Spirit because you got your act together and finally started keeping the law? Or because you heard the gospel—that Jesus died in your place — and believed it? You received the Spirit because you have faith.
  • Galatians 3:6-14—Second, Paul argues Scripture confirms our experience. The Scripture teaches Abraham believed and God counted it to him as righteousness. From the beginning, righteousness came through faith and God promised He would bless all those who have faith like Abraham. Those who fail to keep the law are cursed and Jesus took the curse for us, so that we might be saved through faith.
  • Galatians 3:15-22—Third, Paul appeals to common sense. Paul argued God made a promise to Abraham, but the Law which came later was a deal. And the deal does not nullify the promise.
  • Galatians 3:22-4:11—Paul explains why God gave the Law. “Why the Law then?” The law teaches us we are sinful and we need a savior. But having learned that lesson, we should graduate from law-keeping to the maturity of faith.
  • Galatians 4:12-20—Fourth, Paul appeals to the Galatians to return to the true gospel on the basis of his deep affection and his demonstrated concern for them.

Historical Background

21Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. – Galatians 4:21-23

  • God promised to make Abraham a great nation, to give Abraham’s descendants the land of Canaan and bless all nations of the earth through Abraham. The Jews thought they were part of God’s chosen people because of this covenant.
  • John the Baptist (Matthew 3:7-10), Jesus (John 8:31-42) and Paul (Galatians 3) taught that the true children of Abraham are not those physically descended from him, but those who share his faith.
  • Paul illustrated that same point with Abraham’s two sons. Both sons had the same father, but only one who had faith inherited the promise.  
  • Paul addresses this passage to people who want to be under the Law as a means to justification.
  • Hagar was a slave and her son Ishmael was born into slavery (Genesis 16).
  • Sarah, Abraham’s wife, was a free woman, and her son Isaac was free. Isaac was Abraham’s heir (Genesis 17-18).
  • This story clarifies that not every physical child of Abraham inherits the promises given to Abraham.

The Allegory

24Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.” – Galatians 4:24-37

  • Allegories, parables, and metaphors abound in the writings of the ancient near east.
  • An allegory is a continued metaphor in one object symbolizes something. The point of resemblance is the point of allegory.
  • Sarah and Hagar symbolize two different ways to approach God: the slavery of Old Covenant Law and freedom in Christ under the New Covenant.
  • If you seek God’s favor through the Old Covenant, you are bond by the law. You’re not free to choose which laws to keep and which to ignore. 
  • If you seek God’s favor through faith in Christ, then you are free with respect to the law. You can keep kosher when appropriate. You can eat with the Gentiles when appropriate.
  • Both sons are descendants of Abraham, but when determining the heir, it matters who their mother is. Likewise, when God determines who inherits, it matters who has faith.
  • Paul quotes Isaiah 54:1. Isaiah says poetically, God’s people have great cause for joy because the New Covenant is greater than the Old Covenant.

The Application

28Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.  – Galatians 4:28-31

  • Gentile believers are born according to the promise and the Spirit and are true children of Abraham. Why would you go back to the Law?
  • Just as Ishmael persecuted Isaac, others will persecute you. But what was true of Ishmael and Isaac is true of Gentile believers and the Judaizers. Like Isaac, Gentile believers will inherit the promise. Like Ishmael, the Judaizers will be cast out.
  • The Judaizers say the Messiah set us free from God’s wrath into obedience to the Law. Paul says the Messiah set us from from God’s wrath and the demands of the Law.
  • Keep standing firm in the faith and do not take on the yoke of slavery to the Law again.

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Next: 12 Galatians 5:1-12 Keep Standing Firm

Previous: 10 Galatians 4:12-20 Leadership in action

Series: Galatians: Living by Faith

Study: Galatians Resources

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10 Galatians 4:12-20 Leadership in action

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10 Galatians 4:12-20 Leadership in action - Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

In his fourth argument, Paul appeals to the Galatians to return to the true gospel based on his deep affection and concern for them.

Review

Chapter 1: Paul introduced the two of his key themes: 1) his apostolic authority and, 2) the gospel of justification by faith alone. Paul claimed you can recognize the true gospel by its substance (grace based on the cross of Jesus Christ); its source (divine revelation).

Chapter 2: Paul argued he received the gospel through revelation from Jesus Christ. He reviewed his biography to prove that he had no chance to learn the gospel from the other human beings. Yet the other apostles confirmed he preached the same gospel.

Three Arguments

Paul gives five persuasive arguments justification by faith alone.

Galatians 3:2-5—First, Paul argues from experience. Did you receive the Spirit because you got your act together and finally started keeping the law? Or because you heard the gospel — that Jesus died in your place — and believed it? You received the Spirit because you have faith.

Galatians 3:6-14—Second, Paul argues Scripture confirms our experience. Scripture teaches Abraham believed and God counted it to him as righteousness. From the beginning, righteousness came through faith and God promised to bless all those who have faith, like Abraham.

Galatians 3:15-22—Third, Paul appeals to common sense. Paul argued God made a promise to Abraham, but the Law which came later was a deal. And the deal does not nullify the promise.

Galatians 3:22-4:11—Paul explains why God gave the Law. “Why the Law then?” The law teaches us we are sinful and we need a savior. But having learned that lesson, we should graduate from law-keeping to the maturity of faith.

The Galatians’ attitude toward Paul

Galatians 4:12-16—Paul reminds the Galatians of their attitude toward him. He contrasts how they viewed him when he first met them with how they view him now.

12Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? — Galatians 4:12-16

  • When he was with them, Paul abandoned his Jewish upbringing and Pharisaical lifestyle. He lived as a Gentile as far as possible in order to teach and save them. They treated him with respect and accepted him without animosity.
  • Paul suffered some kind of sickness when he was with them. Perhaps he contracted malaria on his way there. Perhaps he’s referring to his return visit after his beating at Lystra.
  • Since they showed him so much respect before, despite his physical afflictions, shouldn’t they pay him the same respect now?

Paul’s attitude toward the Galatians

Galatians 4:17-20—Paul reminds the Galatians of his attitude toward them. He contrasts his attitude toward them with the attitude of the false teachers.

17They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. — Galatians 4:17-20

  • The false teachers eagerly seek the favor of the Galatians, but their intentions are deceitful. The Judaizers seek to separate the Galatians from Paul.
  • The Judaizers seek to alienate the Galatians from Paul so they can draw the Galatians into their lies.
  • Just as a loving mother wants her child to be safe and wise, so Paul labors over them both when he is present and when he is absent.
  • Paul is not worried about numbers and appearances. He is worried about their faith, their future and their maturity in the gospel.
  • The difference between Paul and the false teachers is not prominence. The difference is motive.

Leadership in Action

  • Organizational hierarchies in the church are problematic. Compare with Mark 10:42-45.
  • Faithfulness is more important than short-term accomplishment, because invisible realities are greater than things we can measure.
  • God works through broken and inadequate people like us.
  • Relationships are central to spiritual growth.
  • The truth of Scripture is always relevant.
  • Our job is to do what God has called us to do and trust Him for results.

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Next: 11 Galatians 4:21-31 A Tale of Two Mothers

Previous: 09 Galatians 4:1-11 Sons and slaves

Series: Galatians: Living by Faith

Study: Galatians Resources

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Galatians Outline

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Galatians Outline - Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

Paul wrote this letter to churches he founded on his first missionary journey who are losing their way. False teachers have told them it’s not enough to have faith in Jesus, they must also keep the Law. Paul wrote this letter to correct that view.

Main Themes:

  1. Paul is an apostle, equal to the other apostles of Jesus and he is absolutely trustworthy.
  2. The true gospel is justification by faith. There is no other gospel.
  3. The gospel leads to freedom because it solves our two biggest problems: God’s wrath and our slavery to sin.

Outline of Galatians by Krisan Marotta

  • 1:1-5—Greeting
  • 1:6-10—Overall thesis: There is no other gospel.
  • 2:1-14—Theme 1: Defends his apostleship.
    • 2:1-10—Visit to Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30) meets with Peter & James in private; Titus is not compelled to be circumcised.
    • 2:11-14—Paul rebukes Peter in Antioch over the same issue troubling the Galatians. Paul could rebuke Peter because they believed the same gospel.
  • 2:15-16—Theme 2: Defines justification by faith.
    • 2:17-21—Refutes a common objection that his gospel promotes sinful behavior.
  • 3:1-4:31—Details five persuasive arguments for justification by faith alone.
    • 3:2-5—Argues from experience. Did you receive the Spirit because you got your act together and finally started keeping the law? Or because you heard the gospel and believed it? You received the Spirit because you have faith.
    • 3:6-14—Argues Scripture supports our experience. From the beginning, justification came through faith. God promised He would bless all those who have faith like Abraham.
    • 3:15-22—Appeals to common sense. God made a promise to Abraham, but the Law is a deal which came later. The deal does not nullify the promise. God gave the Law to teach us we are sinful.
      • 3:23-4:11—Explains the purpose of the Law. The Law teaches us we are sinful and need a savior. But having learned that lesson, we should graduate from law-keeping to the maturity of faith.
    • 4:12-20—argues from his relationship to them.
      • 4:12-16—Paul reminds the Galatians of their attitude toward him. He contrasts how they viewed him when he first met them with how they view him now.
      • 4:17-20—Paul reminds the Galatians of his attitude toward them. He contrasts his attitude toward them with the attitude of the false teachers.
    • 4:21-31—uses a story from biblical history as an illustration.
      • 4:24-327—The Story
      • 4:28-31—The Application
  • 5:1-12—Theme 3: The gospel brings freedom from the Law and slavery to sin because the gospel solves our two biggest problems.
  • 5:13-6:10—Paul gives a series of four exhortations. These are implications of the gospel.
    • 5:13-24—Exhorts them not to use freedom as an excuse to indulge in sin.
    • 5:25-6:5—Exhorts them to humility and loving others.
    • 6:6-8—Exhorts them to invest in the truth.
    • 6:9-10—Exhorts them to pursue doing what is good.
  • 6:11-18—Final Thought in Paul’s own hand. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters when it comes to salvation

Series: Galatians: Living by Faith

Study: Galatians Resources

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09 Galatians 4:1-11 Sons and Slaves

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09 Galatians 4:1-11 Sons and Slaves - Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

The Judaizers teach you need to place yourself under the guardianship of the Law. Why would adults want to return the restrictions of childhood? Like a child who has come of age, you have graduated from the guardianship of the Law.

Review

Chapter 1: Paul introduced the two of his major themes: 1) his apostolic authority and, 2) the gospel of justification by faith alone. Paul claimed you can recognize the true gospel by its substance (grace based on the cross of Jesus Christ); its source (divine revelation).

Chapter 2: Paul argued that no person invented the gospel, but he received it through revelation from Jesus Christ. He reviewed his biography to prove that he had no chance to learn the gospel from the other human beings. Yet the other apostles confirmed he preached the same gospel.

Three Arguments

Paul gives five persuasive arguments for justification by faith alone.

Galatians 3:2-5—First, Paul argues from experience. Did you receive the Spirit because you got your act together and finally started keeping the law? Or because you heard the gospel — that Jesus died in your place — and believed it? You received the Spirit because you have faith.

Galatians 3:6-14— Second, Paul argues Scripture confirms our experience. Scripture teaches Abraham believed and God counted it to him as righteousness. From the beginning, righteousness came through faith. God promised to bless all who have faith, like Abraham.

Galatians 3:15-22—Third, Paul appeals to common sense. Paul argued God made a promise to Abraham, but the Law which came later was a deal. And the deal does not nullify the promise.

Galatians 3:22-29—Paul explains why God gave the Law. The Law teaches us we are sinful and need a savior. But having learned that lesson, we should graduate from law-keeping to the maturity of faith.

Galatians 4:1-11 continues the theme of the importance of graduation, the importance of being spiritually mature.

Passage

1I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. 8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.  – Galatians 4:1-11

  • Noble Roman children were raised by highly educated slaves who taught and directed them, rather than by their fathers.
  • Ironically, the son will someday own the slave he must now obey. While he is under age, the son is no different from a slave, even though he is the heir.
  • When we Jews were under the law, we were like that roman child taking orders from a slave before reaching the age of majority. 
  • But at the right time, God sent his Son, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from under the law so that we might be reconciled to God and adopted into God’s family.
  • The “elementary principles” are the basics, like the stuff of kindergarten and the things you learn in childhood.
  • Like a child in the house under the rule of his governess, so the Jews were under the rule of the Law. With the coming of the Messiah, like a child who has come of age, believing Jews are no longer under the rule of the Law. 
  • Note the pronoun shift in 4:6. Not only did “we” believing Jews experience this change, becoming adult children of God, but “you” Gentiles are sons as well. Two things change: God is now our Father and we are no longer slaves.
  • We no longer need the Law to fence us in. God now teaches and guides us through the work of the Spirit. 
  • You Gentiles did not know God the way the Jews knew God. You were enslaved to idols. Neither keeping the Jewish law nor following the dictates of idols solves the problem of sin. 
  • Having come to know the one true God through the Messiah, why would go back to the rules and rituals of the Law? Why would adults want to return to the restrictions of childhood?

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08 Galatians 3:23-29 Graduation from the Law

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08 Galatians 3:23-29 Graduation from the Law - Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

The Law teaches valuable lessons that prepare us for faith and keep us from evil. But, after the Messiah came, we graduated from the protective custody of the Law. All of us receive justification by the same path: faith in Jesus Christ.

Review

In the first two chapters, Paul defended his authority and his gospel. He argued he did not invent the gospel nor did he learn it from any other human being. Instead, he received it through revelation from Jesus Christ. He was called and given authority by Jesus to preach the gospel. The other apostles confirmed he preached the same gospel.

Five Arguments

In Galatians 3:1-4:31, the apostle details five persuasive arguments for justification by faith alone.

  • Galatians 3:2-5—argues from experience. Did you receive the Spirit because you got your act together and finally started keeping the law? Or because you heard the gospel — that Jesus died in your place — and believed it? You received the Spirit because you have faith.
  • Galatians 3:6-14—argues from the plain declaration of Scripture. From the beginning, justification came through faith. God promised He would bless all those who have faith like Abraham.
  • Galatians 3:15-22—appeals to common sense. God made a promise to Abraham, but the Law is a deal which came later. The deal does not nullify the promise. God gave the Law to teach us we are sinful.
    • Galatians 3:23-4:11 explains the purpose of the Law.
  • Galatians 4:12-20—argues from his relationship to them.
  • Galatians 4:21-31—uses a story from biblical history as an illustration.

Passage

23Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.  – Galatians 3:23-29

  • The phrase “before faith came” (3:23) refers to before Jesus came. Note the parallel in 3:24 “until Christ came.”
  • Before Jesus came and explained the gospel clearly, we were in protective custody (“held captive” 3 3:23) under the law. The rules fenced us in, teaching us what is right and wrong.
  • The Greek word “guardian” (3:24) is a kind of tutor or “learning enforcer,” something like a drill instructor breaking in new military recruits.
  • The Law teaches valuable lessons that prepare us for faith, point us in the right direction, and keep us from evil.
  • After the Messiah came, we graduated from the protective custody of the Law. All of us (both Jew and Gentile) are children of God through faith.
  • To put on Christ or clothe myself with Christ is to define my identify as one of his followers. The ceremony of baptism symbolizes that I have made that decision.
  • All of us come to faith the same way. The path to faith is the same for Jew, Gentile, male, female, slave and free.
  • If you have faith in Christ, then you are a child of Abraham and stand to inherit the promised blessing from God.

More on Bible Study: 5 C’s of Bible Study

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07 Galatians 3:15-22 The Deal and the Promise

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07 Galatians 3:15-22 The Deal and the Promise - Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

Paul argues the Law, which was a deal, does not nullify the promise given to Abraham. In a deal, two parties agree to certain obligations. But a promise is made by one party unconditionally.

Review

Chapter 1: Paul introduced the two of his major themes: 1) his apostolic authority and, 2) the gospel of justification by faith alone. Paul claimed you can recognize the true gospel by its substance (grace based on the cross of Jesus Christ); its source (divine revelation).

Chapter 2: Paul argued that the gospel he preaches is not man-made, but he received it through revelation from Jesus Christ. He reviewed his biography to prove that he had no chance to learn the gospel from the other human beings. Yet the other apostles confirmed he preached the same gospel.

Outline 3:1-4:31

In Galatians 3:1-4:31, the apostle details five persuasive arguments for justification by faith alone.

  • 3:2-5—argues from experience
  • 3:6-14—argues Scripture confirms experience
  • 3:15-22—appeals to common sense
    • 3:23-4:11 explains the purpose of the Law
  • 4:12-20—argues from his relationship to them
  • 4:21-31—uses a story from biblical history as an illustration

Passage

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

  • 3:15-18—Paul argues that the law, which is a deal, does not annual God’s promise to Abraham.
  • 3:19-22—Paul asks and answers two questions: Why the Law (3:19)? Is the law contrary to the promises of God (3:21)?
  • A deal requires at least two parties. Both parties agree to certain responsibilities and consequences for failure (e.g. contracts).
  • A promise requires only one party. One party pledges to do something regardless (e.g. marriage vows).
  • A covenant is a promise, not a deal.
  • In a unilateral covenant, a greater party commits to fulfill promises to a lesser party unconditionally.
  • In a bilateral covenant, two equal parties commit to fulfill promises to each other unconditionally.
  • 3:15—Once a covenant is made, it cannot be altered.
  • 3:16—God made a promise to Abraham and his descendants. But not all of Abraham’s biological children inherit the promise. Only those who have faith like Abraham inherit the promise.
  • 3:17—First God made a promise to Abraham. Later He made a deal with the children of Israel. The deal does not nullify the promise. The promise still stands.
  • 3:18—If we inherit the promise by keeping the law, it is no longer a promise. It would be a deal. God did not make a deal with Abraham. He made a promise.

19Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. 21Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. -Galatians 3:19-22

  • The word translated “angels” (3:19) means a messenger. It can be a human or divine messenger. A theophany of God (angel/messenger) and a human intermediary, Moses, put the law in place.
  • God did not give the Law so that we could earn salvation. God gave the Law so that we would learn how sinful we are. The Law quantifies our transgressions, increasing our awareness of them.
  • You need an intermediary to make a deal like the Law. But God only needed Himself to make the promise.
  • The promise was made to the people who have faith like Abraham and therefore belong to the Messiah. The Law was in effect until the Messiah came.
  • Does the law contradict the promise? Certainly not. If we could keep the Law, then God would honor the deal. But we can’t keep the law. In striving to keep the Law, we learn we are sinners.
  • The only way any of us will be saved is if we trust in the blood of Jesus Christ.

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Previous: 06 Galatians 3:1-14 The Way to God

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