STUDY NOTES

INTRODUCTION TO GALATIANS

(Norm Herr)

AUTHORSHIP: The apostle Paul.

Internal evidence: 1:1; 5:2

• Chapters 1 & 2 are autobiographical and coincide with Acts.
• Theology bears same hallmarks as in other Pauline writings.
• External evidence:
• In the second and third centuries Galatians was attributed to Paul and quoted
• by Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• Early Church Helped clarify the separation between Judaism and Christianity in 1st century church.
• Reformation: called “the cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation.” Sola gratia, sola fide.; Luther meditated long on 2:16 and other verses.
• Today: “Magna Charta of Christian Liberty,” salvation comes not by works but by grace through faith in Christ. Galatians is a defense of Christian liberty against any form of legalism.

ORIGINAL READERS

Ethnic Galatia? (north central and east central areas of Asia Minor and its principal cities were Ancyra, Pessinus, and Tavium). This was the view of the church fathers, since shortly after this time, the political province of Galatia disappeared while the ethnic regions remained.

Political Galatia? ( in 25 B.C. this kingdom was converted to a Roman province, and territory was added to the south, including the cities of Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. The “southern view” is more common among scholars today.

• If Galatia in Galatians 1:1 means the Roman province, then the churches addressed were those founded on the first missionary journey (Acts 13-14); if it means the ethnographic territory of Galatia, then the churches were established on the second missionary journey (Acts 16:6)
• “The churches of Galatia were founded by Paul himself (Acts 16:6; Gal. 1:8; 4:13, 19). They seem to have been composed mainly of converts from heathenism (4:8), but partly also of Jewish converts, who probably, under the influence of Judaizing teachers, sought to incorporate the rites of Judaism with Christianity, and by their active zeal had succeeded in inducing the majority of the churches to adopt their views (1:6; 3:1).” Easton's Bible Dictionary.
• Southern Galatia was on a major trade route, and was influenced by Roman, Greek, Jewish, and Gaelic thinking, among others.
• Who were the ethnic Galatians and what was their influence?
  • Origin: Western Germany, Northern France (related terms: Kelt, Keltai, Celtic, Gaul, Galic, Galatia). “In the 4th century BC the Celts invaded the Greco-Roman world, conquering northern Italy and sacking Rome, whilst also conquering Macedonia and Thessaly. They plundered Rome in 390, sacked Delphi in 279, and penetrated Asia Minor, where they were known as Galatians.”.... “In medieval and modern times the Celtic tradition and languages survived in Brittany ( Western France), Cornwall, Galicia (North Western Spain) , Galatia ( Central Turkey), Wales, the Scottish Highlands, Isle of Man and Ireland, and to a lesser extent in the Norse/Celtic culture of Iceland.” from A General History of the Celts.
  • Characteristics of the Gaelic tribes: tribal, common religion (druidic; highly superstitious), pastoral, weak central government, ferocious warriors.
  • Celtic mythology: included earth gods, woodland spirits, and sun deities, was particularly rich in elfin demons and tutelaries.
  • “Cæsar describes the Gauls as restless and changeable, characteristics still of the French, and this epistle shows that the Galatians were not unlike their European kinsmen.” B. W. Johnson The People's New Testament (1891)
  • According to Josephus, there were many Jews in Galatia, but the majority were Gentiles.

History of the Galatians:

• 280 BC Conquered North-central Asia Minor (region around Ankara, Turkey).
• 189 BC: Subjugated by Rome, but kept their own government
• 25 BC: Converted to a Roman Province: The province of Galatia included the area inhabited by the Galatians as well as Phrygia, Pisisdia, Lycanoia, and Isauria.
• Paul apparently passed through Galatia on at least three occasions:
• 46-48 AD: Paul's first missionary Journey to Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.( Acts 13:4-14:28)
• 49-52 AD: Paul's second missionary Journey (Acts 15:39-18:22)
• 53-57 AD : Paul's 3rd missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-21:17)
• The churches of Galatia were founded by Paul himself (Acts 16:6; Gal. 1:8; 4:13, 19).
• They had welcomed Paul (Gal 4:14): “...you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God..”

Other Biblical References to Galatia:

• Ac 16:6* Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia...
• Ac 18:23* After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and travelled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
• 1Pe 1:1* Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.

TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING

Perhaps written from Antioch, Ephesus or Corinth.

At the time or after the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15; Galatians 2:1-10).

Apparently Judaizing false teachers had infiltrated the churches in Galatia and denied his apostolic authority.

MAJOR PURPOSES OF THE EPISTLE

(1) PERSONAL (Chapters 1-2)

Judaizers in Galatia discredited Paul.

Therefore, Paul needed to vindicate his apostleship (chapters 1-2).

• He defends his apostolic authority (1:11-19; 2:1-14). Paul demonstrates his apostleship and message came by revelation from the risen Christ.
  1. Gal. 1:1 Paul, an apostle --sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead--
  2. • What is an apostle?
  3. • What are the marks of an apostle?
  4. Apostolos: to send, commissioned under the authority and responsibility of the sender; sent on a definite mission; acts with full authority on behalf of the sender and is accountable to him.
  5. Three kinds of evidence for apostleship according to Charles Hodge: "1. The immediate commission from Christ in the sight of witnesses, or otherwise confirmed. 2. Signs and wonders, and mighty deeds (2 Cor 12:12), 3. The success of their ministry. "
  6. Eph. 2:19-20 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

(2) DOCTRINAL (Chapters 3-4)

Judaizers in Galatia proclaimed a false gospel or works.

Therefore, Paul needed to reemphasize God's grace (chapters 3-4).

• Written to call early Christians back from the Mosaic Law to grace, from legalism to faith.
• Which of the “solas” is emphasized in Galatians? Sola gratia, Sola fide, Sola Christo, Sola Deo Gloria, Sola Scriptura .
• “The great question discussed is, Was the Jewish law binding on Christians? The epistle is designed to prove against the Judaizers that men are justified by faith without the works of the law of Moses.” Eastons Bible Dictionary

(3) PRACTICAL (Chapters 5-6)

Some taught that grace meant license.

Therefore, Paul clarified the work of the Holy Spirit

• Galatians 5:22-23.

GOD'S GRACE AND SOVEREIGNTY

A desperate situation existed in Galatia at the time of this epistle. How was God's sovereignty and grace illustrated in the midst of this difficult situation.

“The Epistle to the Galatians and that to the Romans taken together `form a complete proof that justification is not to be obtained meritoriously either by works of morality or by rites and ceremonies, though of divine appointment; but that it is a free gift, proceeding entirely from the mercy of God, to those who receive it by faith in Jesus our Lord'” Easton's

KEY VERSES OF GALATIANS

Gal: 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Gal 2:16...know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no-one will be justified.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

 

(1) What teaching to the Gentile Christians jeopardized their salvation? (cf. Ac 15:1; Ga 5:2-4)

(2) What tactics were apparently used by "Judaizing teachers"? (Discredit Paul as an apostle, Challenge his concept of the gospel of Christ , Charge his doctrine with leading to loose living)

(3) What is Paul's purpose in writing this epistle? - To verify his apostleship and the gospel of justification by faith in Christ

(4) What is the message of Galatians to us today?

GALATIANS 1:1-10 PAUL'S AUTHORITY & GOSPEL, FALSE TEACHERS AND FAITHLESS GALATIANS (Bruce Mateko)

1. THE CONTEXT

• Churches founded by Paul (most common view is southern province cities of Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe visited by Paul on first missionary journey, Acts 13-14), Acts 16:6
• Written at time of or after Jerusalem Council Acts 15, Gal 2:1-10
• Church composed of Jewish and gentile converts, Gal 4:8
• Judiazing false teachers infiltrating the church, Acts 15:1, Gal 1:7

2. APOSTLE PAUL's AUTHORITY (1:1-2)

(v. 1) A. Epistle starts w/o standard greeting (writer's name, recipient's name and

a greeting), so why start with immediately with apostleship and gospel?

Problem areas in Galatian church:

- Who was this Paul anyway? Where is he? Apostle or self-appointed?

- You have to be circumcised, faith alone isn't enough.

B. Apostle of Jesus Christ

i. What's an Apostle?

- Special messenger, authority and commission from higher authority

- Jesus appointed delegates and teachers, He chose 12

(Luke 6:13, Mark 3:14 — New Testatment), no successors

ii. What was Paul?

- Originally a Jewish Sanhedrin appointed "apostle" to travel and teach

in their name and oppose/eradicate christianity (Acts 9:1-2)

- Paul makes claim to this same calling, by Jesus (Acts 9:3-6, 10-20)

- Called by God's will, not human will (Rom 1:1, 1Cor 1:1)

(v. 2) C. What Paul's Not

i. Distinguishes himself from other Christians who were with him

ii. Not just one of the brethren, different title, he's an apostle

3. PAUL's GOSPEL (1:3-4)

(v. 3) A. Grace - source of salvation is God, free favour, irrespective of human merit,

His love flows to the undeserved and flows from Father and Son together

B. Peace — nature of salvation message is reconciliation or peace with God,

Men (externally), and yourself (internally), not based on human circumstances

(v. 4) C. Christ Died For Our Sins:

i. A sacrifice - "peri" — for our sins an OT expression for sin offering (Lv. 5:11)

ii. Unique — became "a curse for us" (Gal 3:13), what we deserved

iii. Realization is we are unable, we must give up trusting ourselves and trust in

Christ's death/righteousness, can't earn it or work to get it

D. Died To Rescue Us From This Present Evil Age

i. Object — rescue, from what?, slaves to what? Out of this present age of evil

or out of present age of the evil one

ii. Out of this evil world? No, we are to be salt and light in this world (in not of)

iii. Two ages:

- "This age" is an under the influence and rule of the evil one

- "The age to come" inaugurated by Christ, runs in parallel with evil age,

conversion is rescue from present/old and transfer to new

- Rescued to live the life of the age to come, Christ centered living,

previously we were unable to live for Christ and this new age

3. PAUL's GOSPEL (cont'd)

E. Christ Died According to God's will

i. Source is God, not us or not according to our will

ii. Father and Son's will in perfect harmony ("not my will but thine be done"),

Christ didn't do something against His will, a willing sacrifice

4. FALSE TEACHERS and FAITHLESS GALATIANS (1:6-10)

(v. 6) A. Unfaithfulness of the Galatians

i. Deserting — (metaithemi) transferring one's allegiance = soldier's

revolt or desertion (deserting Christ), one who changes sides

ii. So quickly — present active tense, astonished at the timing and the activity,

spiritual turncoats, deserters both theologically and experientially

iii. Embracing another gospel — gospel of works & circumcision (Acts 15:1)

from false teachers / Judiazers, which is in opposition to the true gospel

"gospel of grace of God" (Acts 20:24) - Christ's work is insufficient

(v. 7) B. Activity of the False Teachers

i. Why deserting Him? "some are disturbing you", agitation from false teachers,

same verb used in Council of Jerusalem letter to churches (Acts 15:24)

ii. Desertion to a changed message, perversion or distortion of gospel

iii. Result is a troubled church and troubled fellowship

iv. Tells us a good churchman is a good gospel-man

C. Reaction of the Apostle

(v. 6) i. Astonishment, converts quickly give up embracing gospel,

as if they've been bewitched — Satan deceives with doctrine when sin fails

(v. 8-9) ii. Indignation so he pronounces a curse — curse of God, the divine ban,

curse of separation and destruction, divine judgment upon false teachers

iii. Implication — don't offer them welcome fellowship in Galatian church,

refuse to listen to them or to heed their teaching (2 John 10-11)

iv. "We or an angel" — anyone, even Paul, can't charge personal spite, zealous

v. Repeated twice — it's an unalterable position

(v. 10) vi. Detractors claim he's a man pleaser — but no one can serve 2 masters,

Paul first and foremost a servant of Jesus, ambition to please Christ not men

vii. So 2 reasons for curse — glory of Christ, men's souls at stake

5. APPLICATION / QUESTIONS

A. We've been rescued from this present evil age, our lives should reflect it.

What specific behaviors or activities reflect a life entangled in this evil age?

 

B. My church and my personal beliefs embrace a "true gospel".

Are there teaching or beliefs I cling to that distort the work of Christ?

Do I embrace teachings that please me at the expense of Christ's kingdom?

 

C. Desertion or false teaching is not tolerated, it's dealt with in a loving way.

In what ways do I reach out to "casual" christians?

Do I call my friends when I don't see them at church or Sunday school?

How do I stand up for what's right when I hear something I know is false

or wrong? Is my response always measured? Do I step out on faith?

 

D. Strive to be a God pleaser (obedient) rather than a man pleaser.

In what situations do I strive to blend in or get along when I know I shouldn't?

Are there specific areas of my walk where I'm trying to please God and men?

GALATIANS 2:11-21
(Joe Morgan)

As we read through this passage, what themes or topics pop out?

Focus today: Christ Living In Me

Suppose I were to come to you and say one of two things. How might you react to each?

(Mat 11:28-30 NIV) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. {29} Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. {30} For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

How can we reconcile the above verse with Gal 2:20?

I have been crucified with Christ

The law holds me no longer. Rom 7:1,2,4

Dead men can’t be held for their crimes! They’ve paid their debt to society.

Christ lives in me

His righteousness

His values, goals

The life I live in the body, I live by faith

Our bodies are central to our spirituality

Faith: confidence in Christ (Heb 11:1,2)

Despite the darkness of youth and it’s lusts; of age and it’s decaying

We will have renewed bodies

In the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me

The greatest power for human change is not legal obligation. It is love. When I ask for a testimony … tell me not how you became a Christian, but tell me of Christ’s love for you and how you’ve come to experience it in your life, and how it has changed you.

Summary: Christ Living In Me

1. Begins with death. No longer circumcised on the outside but in the heart.
2. Does not revolve around me. Get over it. Life is not about me. It’s about Christ.
3. Involves confidently moving in darkness by faith. Is a lifestyle.
4. Is motivated by love.

Galatians 3:1-14

(Norm Herr)

Grace Alone through Faith Alone

The Folly of the Galatians (Gal 3:1)

Gal. 3:1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.

• Why is the word "Who" singular? John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
• How have they been bewitched? Gal. 2:16 know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.
• Why might "as crucified" appears as an emphatic participle at the end of the sentence?

1Cor. 1:22-24 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

1Cor. 2:2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1Cor. 15:2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance : that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. Gal. 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" 1 Corinthians 15:3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

The Argument from their own experience (Gal 3:2-5)

Gal. 3:2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?

Gal. 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?

Gal. 3:4 Have you suffered so much for nothing –if it really was for nothing?

Gal. 3:5 Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?

The "formal" cause of the Reformation was stated to be the issue of authority summarized in the phrase scripture alone (sola scriptura), but the "material" cause was stated to be faith alone.. Why were Paul and the reformers so focused on this issue? Gal. 2:16 know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

  Views of Justification

1. Romans 1:17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

Paul's argument from OT: Abraham (Gal 3:6-9)

1. Gal. 3:6 Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
2. Gal. 3:7 Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham.
3. Gal. 3:8 The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you."
4. Gal. 3:9 So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
5. All Jews and some Arab peoples look to Abraham as their father (Is 51;1-2). What does it mean to them?
6. Who does Jesus say about the Jew's claim to being "children of Abraham"? Mt 3:9 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, `We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. Luke 3:8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, `We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. John 8: 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father." 39 "Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. 40 As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. 41 You are doing the things your own father does." "We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself." 42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say.
7. God promised to bless the nations through the offspring of Abraham. What/Who was the blessing? Galatians 3:8 (to bless and justify are used as equivalents) Gen 22: 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18* and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." Mt 1:1 A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: Lu 1:68* "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. Acts 3: 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, `Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."
8. Why did Paul use Abraham as an example to those who have come under the influence of the Judaizers? Genesis 15:5 He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.)
9. According to the NT, Who are Abraham's Children? Romans 9:7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." 8 In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring. Ga 3:29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Ga 3:16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds", meaning many people, but "and to your seed", meaning one person, who is Christ.
10. Complete the chart below:

    	Abraham	To us
    God's promise.	Gen 15:5b
    Man's response	Gen 15:6a
    God's action	Gen 15:6b

    • Most children sing the following song without any understanding of what it means. How would you explain it to them?
      1. Father Abraham, had many sons,
      2. Many sons had father Abraham,
      3. I am one of them, and so are you,
      4. So let's just praise the Lord.

Two "alternatives" for justification and eternal life. Gal 3:10-15

1. Gal. 3:10 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law."
2. Gal. 3:11 Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith."
3. Gal. 3:12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, "The man who does these things will live by them."
4. Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."
5. Gal. 3:14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

• Why does Paul proclaim that "All who rely on observing the law are under a curse"? Deut 27:26 "Cursed is the man who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" Rom 3:22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... 1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness
• When did Christ "become a curse for us"? Mr 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" --which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
• The hanging on a tree was an outward sign in Israel of a man who was cursed. Why do NT authors emphasize that Christ was hung on a tree? Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead--whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
• Paul speaks like a NT Moses: Deut 30:19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live

Application: How do the truths of Galatians 3 (salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone) affect our daily living?

Westminster Larger Catechism Justification

Question 70: What is justification?

Answer: Justification is an act of God's free grace unto sinners, in which he pardons all their sins, accepts and accounts their persons righteous in his sight; not for any thing wrought in them, or done by them, but only for the perfect obedience and full satisfaction of Christ, by God imputed to them, and received by faith alone.

Question 71: How is justification an act of God's free grace?

Answer: Although Christ, by his obedience and death, did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God's justice in the behalf of them that are justified; yet inasmuch as God accepts the satisfaction from a surety, which he might have demanded of them, and did provide this surety, his own only Son, imputing his righteousness to them, and requiring nothing of them for their justification but faith, which also is his gift, their justification is to them of free grace.

Question 72: What is justifying faith?

Answer: Justifying faith is a saving grace, wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit and Word of God, whereby he, being convinced of his sin and misery, and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition, not only assents to the truth of the promise of the gospel, but receives and rests upon Christ and his righteousness, therein held forth, for pardon of sin, and for the accepting and accounting of his person righteous in the sight of God for salvation.

Question 73: How does faith justify a sinner in the sight of God?

Answer: Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God, not because of those other graces which do always accompany it, or of good works that are the fruits of it, nor as if the grace of faith, or any act thereof, were imputed to him for his justification; but only as it is an instrument by which he receives and applies Christ and his righteousness.

GALATIANS 3:15-29
(Bruce Mateko)

1. THE CONTEXT (Galatians 1:1-3:14)

• What were the Judaizers teaching?
  • Obedience to the law of Moses, works, human effort earns one favor, salvation, heaven
  • You must be circumcised to be saved, to belong to the family of God
  • Being a descendant of Abraham secured our place in God's kingdom (bloodline, physical)
• What did we learn from Paul's teaching last week, Gal 3:1-14?
  • Gal 3:7 — Those who believe are children of Abraham (spiritual relationship)
  • Gal 3:8 — God (it's about Him, not us) justifies (Gentiles & all nations) by faith (sola fides),

Romans 9:7

• Gal 3:14 We receive the promise of the Spirit through faith (a gift)
• God of Abraham different than God of Moses? If not why grace and law?
• God's dealings with Abraham & Moses based on 2 different principles
• Abraham given a promise (Gen 12:1,2), "I will... I will..., God's plan, grace, initiative
• Moses given the law (Ex 20), "Thou shalt... Thou shalt not..., Man's duty, responsibility
• Conclusion Paul's leading us to is Xnity a religion of Abraham, not Moses
• But God the God of Abraham and Moses, so he has purpose for grace and law,

So, now Paul tells us about the relationship between them

2. LAW DOESN'T ANNUL PROMISE OF GOD (Gal 3:15-18)

• Verse 15, A Will?
• Last Will and Testament, legally binding
• Covenant (verse 17), used in Septuagint for covenants of God
• Point —it's unalterable, how much more God's promises (specifically to Abraham)
• Verse 16 — "Promise to Abraham and his offspring" (God's promise/covenant)
• What was the promise? Gen 17:19, Gal 3:17
  • Everlasting covenant/promise of God
  • Seed, singular, collective noun — Christ and those in Him by faith
  • Promise of land, Canaan, How could whole world be blessed through Jews living in the land of Canaan?
  • Eternal promise was spiritual blessing / inheritance to believers (salvation-Christ)
  • Promise free and unconditional "I will", still in force today like a Will
• Verse 17 — If Judaizers were right, inheritance to law keepers, is God's promise intact? No
• Verse 18 — How is inheritance received?
• Given, a free gift, "kecharistai" — free gift of grace given for good
• God's promise still intact, still binding, Sinners trusting in Christ by faith inherit promise God made to Abraham

3. LAW ILLUMINES THE PROMISE OF GOD (Gal 3:19-22)

• Verse 19,20, Why Law?, Doesn't Paul's theology omit Moses? Acts 21:28
• To convince men of their need for salvation

"Satan would have us prove ourselves holy by law, God gave it to prove us sinners"-Jukes

• Romans 3:20 — "Through law comes the knowledge of sin", exposes sin
• Romans 4:15 — "Where there is no law, there is no transgression", sin into transgression
• Romans 7:7 — "If it had not been for the law, I should not have known sin"
• Makes plain our sin is a revolt against the will and authority of God
• Verse 19 — Christ, Abraham's seed, Person transgressions forgiven thru
• Verse 20 — Law came through an intermediary, Moses, then to the people

God spoke to Abraham directly, he was blessed with offspring

• Verse 21, 22— Is the Law against the promises of God?
• Addressed by Paul to Judaizers, "keep the law and gain life"
• What man ever kept the law? Can't do it, hypothesis flawed, (Psalm 14:3)
• Therefore, the law cannot justify us
• How do we reach harmony between law and the promise?
  • Seeing we inherit the promise because we can't keep the law
  • Inability to keep law makes the promise desirable, indespensable

"Principle point of law is to make men not better, but worse, .. it sheweth men their sin, by the knowledge they may be humbled, terrified, .. and driven to seek grace"-Luther

4. WHAT WE WERE UNDER THE LAW (Gal 3:23, 24)

• Verse 23, Confined?
• "Phroureo" — under military guard, keeping enemies out & inhabitants in
• 2 Cor 11:32 "The governor under Aretas the king was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me"- kept Paul in
• Acts 9:24 Jews `were watching city day and night to kill him', smuggled out in a basket
• Phil 4:7, 1 Peter 1:5 Hold in custody, under restraint, here applied to law
• God's laws/commands hold us in prison, keep us confined — prisoners
• Verse 24— What's a Tutor?
• "paidagogos" a guide, a guardian, a disciplinarian, governess
• 1 Cor. 4:15 "10,000 tutors in Christ but only 1 Father"= plenty to discipline, 1 who loves
• Law like prison jailer & child's disciplinarian by expressing will of God and telling us what to and to not do, warns us about penalties of disobedience
• "Before faith came" Gave us law to make promise more desirable so time boundary is described surrounding our bondage, "until faith should be revealed" (Verse 23)
• "Law our custodian until Christ came", Verse 24 is saying the same thing
• Only Christ can deliver us from the curse, He was made a curse for us

5. WHAT WE ARE IN CHRIST (Gal 3:25-29)

• Verse 25, What does verse say about being in Christ?
• "But now" We are different than we were, changed (2 Cor. 5:17)
• "Faith has come" Christ makes us obedient children, don't need a tutor
• From under law to "in Christ" No longer imprisoned, free (John 8:36-37)
• Verse 26,27— What benefits do we receive as sons (& daughters)?
• Have a father — God is now our Father
• We are no longer in fear of our father, we love Him & He loves us
• We are heirs — heaven, kingdom comes upon us at moment of faith
• "All sons (& daughters) in faith" Not universal father, God is Father of Jesus Christ and those adopted into His family by faith
• Does baptism unite a person to Christ? No, theme of epistle is justification by faith, not circumcision, faith the means of the union while baptism signifies it outwardly & visibly
• In Christ by faith inwardly(26), baptism outwardly(27), we're sons of God
• Verse 28— What distinctions are eliminated in Christ?
• Race, `neither Jew nor Greek' when Christ came promise to Abraham fulfilled that in his seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed. Faith, salvation, offer for all. Equal in fellowship having received it (John 17:21)
• Rank, `there is neither slave nor free' no class system in Christ, no circumstances of wealth or privilege coming from our birth circumstances.
• Sex, `There is neither male nor female' a remarkable statement for its time, women were frequently exploited then. In Christ male and female are equal , equal in need of salvation and able to receive Christ by faith
• Verse 28 doesn't mean racial, social and sexual distinction obliterated (races, sexes and cultures still exist) but Christ has abolished these distinctions, they don't matter, they aren't barriers to fellowship
• Verse 29— What are the results of being in Christ?
• Belong to God, each other and Abraham. We have historical significance.
• We find our place in the unfolding purpose of God, not waifs or strays.
• In Christ we find purpose and meaning, the unattached become attached
• 3 —dimensional attachment in Christ
  • Height, reconciliation to God, God above us, transcendent over us
  • Breadth, in Christ we are united to all believers throughout the world
  • Length, in Christ we join the long line of history of believers

6. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATION / QUESTIONS

• Whole bible tells story of salvation, God's master plan of salvation through Christ, Here whole plan in 8 verses, promise to Abraham-confirmed by Moses-fulfilled in Christ (Ephesians 1:11 "He accomplishes all things according to the counsel of His will")
• Law to Moses, after promise to Abraham, discloses what man's really like

underneath — sinful, rebellious, under judgment, don't go to gospel bypassing law, not until law condemns us do we long for the savior — share the full gospel

• Many believe today life is without purpose, they're lost — share promises of Christ
• In Christ we experience fellowship of all believers. How and when do I behave as a snob, sexist, racist?

Galatians 4:21-5:1

(Joe Morgan)

Paul’s Arguments for their sticking to the gospel and not following the Judaizers:

1. It’s Christ’s Gospel 1:1-10
2. It’s messenger, Paul, was called by God, not men 1:11-23
3. Paul was accepted by the apostles, so much so that he could confronting Peter (2:1-14)
4. The relationship between Abraham, Moses, and Christ (2:15 – 4:7)
5. Promise and Deliverance Further explained through Hagar and Sarah

Read Gen 16:1-4, 18:10-15, 21:1-13, then Gal 4:21-5:1. As we read, jot down differences about and surrounding these two births on the next page.

Sarai gives Hagar to Abram

(Gen 16:1-4 NIV) Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar; {2} so she said to Abram, "The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her." Abram agreed to what Sarai said. {3} So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife.

Hagar's misbehaviour to Sarai

{4} He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.

(Gen 18:10-15 NIV) Then the LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son." Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. {11} Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. {12} So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?" {13} Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?' {14} Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son." {15} Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, "I did not laugh." But he said, "Yes, you did laugh."

Birth of Isaac, Sarah's joy

(Gen 21:1-13 NIV) Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. {2} Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. {3} Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. {4} When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. {5} Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. {6} Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." {7} And she added, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age." {8} The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast.

Ishmael mocks Isaac

{9} But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, {10} and she said to Abraham, "Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac." {11} The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. {12} But God said to him, "Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. {13} I will make the son of the maidservant into a nation also, because he is your offspring."

Questions for Reflection:

Has your experience as a Christian been more of a growing into freedom or coming under rules? Why?

Has your joy in Christ ever been crushed by someone’s sense that you were breaking traditions or rules?

How have you imposed standards on others limiting their freedom?

Two Final Thoughts:

Questioning God’s mercy and complete forgiveness of "me" the sinner can seem, on the outside, to be a noble reaching for fairness and striving for obedience. It may, however, also be a rebellious questioning of whether God is really that good.

Isaac’s name: laughter.

Galatians 5:1-12
Stand Firm!
(Norm Herr)

Gal. 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Gal 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

• What synonyms are there in the English language for freedom or liberty?
• What cultural biases do we bring to the scriptures when interpreting this term?
• What kinds of freedom are there? Give examples of the types of freedom.
• What kind of a freedom are we called to?

“At one time the emperor was compelled to grant to the bishop of Rome certain immunities and privileges. This is civil liberty. That liberty exempts the clergy from certain public charges. Then there is also another kind of "liberty," when people obey neither the laws of God nor the laws of men, but do as they please. This carnal liberty the people want in our day. We are not now speaking of this liberty. Neither are we speaking of civil liberty. Paul is speaking of a far better liberty, the liberty "wherewith Christ hath made us free," not from material bonds, not from the Babylonian captivity, not from the tyranny of the Turks, but from the eternal wrath of God. Where is this liberty? In the conscience. Our conscience is free and quiet because it no longer has to fear the wrath of God. This is real liberty, compared with which every other kind of liberty is not worth mentioning.” Luther's commentary on Galatians.

Gal 5:1 Stand firm!

• What imagery do the following verses generate in your mind? 1Co 15:58, 1Co 16:13 , Eph 6:14, 2Th 2:15, Heb 3:14, Heb 4:14, Heb 10:23Heb 10:35
• What do these verses suggest that we have to stand firm against?
• Under what conditions are we most likely to collapse or run?
• Under what conditions were the Galatian church under at this time?
• What should we do to ensure that we “stand firm”? Eph 6:13
• Application Question: What practical things can we do to ensure that we “stand firm”

Gal 5:1 Yoke of Slavery

• In what ways is the term “yoke” used in scripture?
  1. Ex 6:7 I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.
  2. 2Co 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
  3. Mt 11:29* Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
• What is the “slavery” that Paul refers to here?
• Read Acts 15: 1-11. How does Paul use the word “yoke” here? In what ways was the Antioch experience similar to the Galatian one?
• Application: Unlike the Galatian church, we are not confronted with Judaizers today. What philosophies religious beliefs or ideas are analogous to the Judaizers today?
• How does the “yoke” Jesus refers do differ from the yoke that Paul mentions in Galatians?

Gal 5:2-4 Mark my words! Stern Warnings from the Apostle Paul.

• Identify the sins and their consequences addressed in the following verses.

Gal. 5:2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.

Galatians 5:5-8 “The righteousness for which we hope.”

Gal. 5:5 “But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.”

• The church at Antioch encountered similar problems to the church at Galatia (Acts 15:10-11) What was Peter's conclusions regarding our righteousness?
• Application: What does it mean to “eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope”. Practically speaking, how do we do this?

Acts 15:10-11 “Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

Galatians 5:9-12 “The offense of the Cross”

• What is the yeast that Paul refers to in Gal. 5:9: “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” What was the yeast of the Pharisees and Saducees: Matthew 16:6 "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
• What is the “offense of the cross” that Paul refers to in Galatians 5:11?

1Co 1:18* For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

GALATIANS 5:16-25
(BRUCE MATEKO)

1. THE CONTEXT

• Theme of 2^nd half of Galatians is liberty in Christ
• What do prior verses in Galatians tell us we were before Christ?

• • Gal 3:13 Cursed
  • Gal 3:23 Under law, in custody
  • Gal 4:7 Slaves to sin
  • Eph 2:1-2 Dead

• But Christ/Spirit has made us: sons/daughters (4:26), heirs (4:7), free (5:1b)

• What warnings about Christian liberty did Paul provide in 5:1-15?

• • Gal 5:1b: Letter of the Law vs. Spirit of the Law
  • Gal 5:13: Freed to do whatever I want to do

• What characterizes Christian liberty/freedom?

• • God centered vs. self-centered
  • Self control vs. self-gratification

• How can we experience Christian liberty? Gal 5:16, 18 By the Holy Spirit

• Christian liberty depends on the Spirit (Christ sets us free)
• W/O continuing, sanctifying work of Spirit our liberty would degenerate into license

• Gal 5:16-25 - Work of the Spirit:

• • Subdue the flesh
  • Cause the fruit of righteousness to grow

2. CHRISTIAN CONFLICT (5:16-23)

• • How would you describe "the flesh"?

• • Created, natural, earth bound, temporal
  • Fallen, sinful, old-nature

• • How would you describe "the Spirit"?

• • Eternal, super natural, not earth bound
  • New nature, heavenly perspective, lasting

• • What characterizes the "opposition" or inner conflict of the Christian?

• • Gal 5:17 Spirit vs. flesh, self-gratification vs. God glorification
  • Rom 7:14-25 What I want vs. what God/Spirit want

• • How are "works" (5:19a) different than "fruit" (5:22a)?

• • Words, deeds, seen, evident, human endeavor
  • Results of Spirit filled/directed - motivation

• • What are the 4 categories/realms of "works of the flesh" (5:19-21)?

• • 5:19b Self

• • 5:20a God
  • 5:20b Mankind
  • 5:21a World (witness)

• • Warning (5:21b), why? Salvation, inheritance, soul in jeopardy of eternal damnation based on practices (division, factions, dissensions — Judiazers)

2. CHRISTIAN CONFLICT (5:16-23) cont’d:

• • What are the 3 categories/realms of "the fruit of the Spirit" (5:22,23)?

• • 5:22b God (vertical)

• • 5:22c Mankind (horizontal)
  • 5:23a Self (internal)

• • Why is there no law against the fruit of the Spirit? (Hints: What’s one of the main purposes of law?, 1Thes 5:19)

• • Don’t want to restrain good deeds or fruit

• • Society is aided, helped, bettered, blessed

3. CHRISTIAN VICTORY (5:24-25)

• • Characteristics of crucifying the flesh (verse 24)

• • Done by whom? (Hint: Gal 5:24 not same as Gal 2:20 or Rom 6:6)

• • Done how/when? Luke 9:23, Mark 8:34
  • If sin persistently plagues us what does that say about our repentance?
  • • Math 13:20-21, Luke 8:13 Not saved
    • 1 John 1:8-2:1 Not maintaining attitude of repentance

• • Characteristics of walking by the Spirit (verse 25)

• • How/When? Present, continuous tense, active (vs. "led by the Spirit", passive, 5:18)
  • By Whom? Spirit does the leading, we do the walking
  • "Led" means? Farmer herding cattle, shepherd leading sheep, "led" astray by Satan (1Cor 12:20), Christ "led" by Spirit (Luke 4:1,2)
  • Spirit as leader is in charge, gives us heavenly desires, we yield to His direction and control
  • Walk (stoicheo): in line, in his footsteps/example (Rom 4:12)
  • Rom 8:5-6 Set mind on things of the Spirit
  • Col 3:1-2 Set mind on things above, no on earthly things
  • Phil 4:8 Do what’s honorable, pure, lovely, good, excellent, worthy of praise

4. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATION / QUESTIONS

• Submit, yield to the Spirit (passive). Don’t quench the Spirit. Listen to the Lord as you pray, as you read the Word, as you talk to other believers.

• Walk in the Spirit (active) — set your mind on the things of the Spirit (pray, study), occupy yourself with spiritual things (worship, service, ministry)
• Put your body only in the places God wants it.
• Put your body on the line for the cause of Christ (witnessing, protesting)

• Where’s your time & leisure time spent?
• What friendships have you made, do you maintain?

Review of Galatians

(Norm)

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• Early Church Helped clarify the separation between Judaism and Christianity in 1st century church.
• Reformation: called "the cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation." Sola gratia, sola fide.; Luther meditated long on 2:16 and other verses.
• Today: "Magna Charta of Christian Liberty," salvation comes not by works but by grace through faith in Christ. Galatians is a defense of Christian liberty against any form of legalism.

MAJOR PURPOSES OF THE EPISTLE

(3) PRACTICAL (Chapters 5-6)

Some taught that grace meant license.

Therefore, Paul clarified the work of the Holy Spirit

GOD'S GRACE AND SOVEREIGNTY

KEY VERSES OF GALATIANS

Gal: 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Gal 2:16...know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no-one will be justified.

Try to fill in the blanks by memory, and then discuss the significance of each item.

Gal. 1:1 Paul, an _____________________ –sent not from men nor by man, but by _____________________ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead – :2 and all the _____________________ with me, To the churches in _____________________:

Gal. 1:3 Grace and peace to you from God _____________________ and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who _____________________ _____________________ for our sins to _____________________ _____________________ from the present evil age, according to the _____________________ of our God and Father, 5 to whom _____________________ _____________________ for _____________________. Amen.

Gal. 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven _____________________, let him be eternally condemned!

Gal. 1:11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something _____________________.

Gal. 1:12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it_____________________.

Gal. 1:23 They only heard the report: "The man who formerly _____________________ is now _____________________ he once tried to destroy." 24 And they praised God because of _____________________.

Gal. 2:4 This matter arose because some _____________________ had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the _____________________ we have in Christ Jesus and to make us _____________________. 5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the _____________________ might remain with you. :6 As for those who seemed to be important –whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by _____________________ –those men added nothing to my message.

Gal. 2:9 James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the _____________________, and they to the _____________________.

Gal. 2:16 know that a man is not justified by _____________________, but by _____________________. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law _____________________ will be justified.

Gal. 2:19 For through the _____________________ I died to the _____________________ so that I might _____________________ for God.

Gal. 2:20 I have been _____________________ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the _____________________, who _____________________me and _____________________ me.

Gal. 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be _____________________ through the law, Christ died for _____________________!"

Gal. 3:6 Consider Abraham: "He _____________________ God, and it was _____________________ to him as _____________________."

Gal. 3:7 Understand, then, that those who believe are _____________________.

Gal. 3:8 The Scripture foresaw that God would _____________________ by faith, and announced the _____________________ in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be _____________________ through you."

Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the _____________________ of the law by becoming a _____________________ for us, for it is written: "_____________________ is everyone who is hung on a tree."

Gal. 3:14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given _____________________ might come to the _____________________ through Christ Jesus, so that by _____________________ we might receive the _____________________.

Gal. 3:17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced _____________________, does not set aside the _____________________ previously established by God and thus do away with the _____________________.

Gal. 3:18 For if the _____________________ depends on the _____________________, then it no longer depends on a _____________________; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a _____________________.

Gal. 3:19a What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of _____________________ until the _____________________ to whom the promise referred had come.

Gal. 3:24 So the law was put in charge to _____________________ that we might be _____________________.

Gal. 3:28 There is neither Jew nor _____________________, slave nor _____________________, male nor _____________________, for you are all _____________________ in Christ Jesus.

Gal. 3:29 If you belong to Christ, then you are _____________________, and heirs according to the _____________________.

Gal. 4:4 But when the time had _____________________, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law,

Gal. 4:5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the _____________________.

Gal. 4:6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, _____________________."

Gal. 4:7 So you are no longer a _____________________, but a _____________________; and since you are a son, God has made you also an _____________________.

Gal. 4:22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the _____________________ and the other by _____________________.

Gal. 4:31 Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the _____________________, but of _____________________.

Gal. 5:1 It is for _____________________ that Christ has set us _____________________. _____________________, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Gal. 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is _____________________ expressing itself through _____________________.

Gal. 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be _____________________. But do not use your freedom to _____________________ ; rather, _____________________.

Gal. 5:14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "_____________________."

Gal. 5:16 So I say, live by the _____________________, and you will not gratify the desires of the _____________________.

Gal. 5:21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will _____________________.

Gal. 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is _____________________, joy, _____________________, patience, _____________________, goodness, _____________________,

Gal. 5:23 gentleness and _____________________. Against such things there is _____________________.

Gal. 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have _____________________ the _____________________ with its passions and desires.

Gal. 5:25 Since we live by _____________________, let us keep in step with _____________________.

Gal. 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Gal. 6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should _____________________. But watch yourself, or you also _____________________.

Gal. 6:2 Carry each _____________________, and in this way you will fulfill _____________________.

Gal. 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot _____________________. A man reaps _____________________.

Gal. 6:8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap_____________________; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap _____________________.

Gal. 6:9 Let us not _____________________ in doing good, for at the proper time we _____________________ if we do _____________________.

Gal. 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do _____________________, especially to those who belong to the _____________________.

Gal. 6:14 May I never boast except _____________________, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Gal. 6:18 The _____________________ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.