A Space for Growth and Study
Verse-by-Verse Bible Study
Explore a deeper connection between God’s Word and the daily struggles faced by the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Practical wisdom for modern issues.
Galatians
Chapter 1
[Vs1—2] Galatians is one of Paul’s earliest letters [epistles]. He wrote this letter to confront the false gospel, being preached to the Churches in Galatia.
As we know, Paul was an apostle [messenger from God] to preached the gospel of grace and sent by the resurrected Son of God – given authority to declare salvation by grace through faith in Christ, READ Mt 11:27; Jn 8:42; Ac 9:6, 20:24, 22:10—21, 26:16 – Ac 18:23.
There are serious consequences for rejecting this message. Open your mind and listen to what it means to be saved by grace [independent of works]. Encourage one another!
[Vs3—4] God is holy and cannot overlook sin and rebellion against His Word; therefore, no sin goes unpunished!
Because God is love, He sent His only Son [Jesus] to die on the cross to pay for our sin – gearing the wrath of His father against sin.
Henceforth, those who trust in what Christ had done for us on the cross [not in themselves; good works] will be saved.
Christ’s sacrifice on the cross not only justifies believers for Heaven; it delivers us from the power of sin in this present world, READ Rom 6:23; Ti 2:14; Mt 20:28; Rom 4:25; 1Co 15:3; Gal 2:20; 1Th 3:13; 1Pt 3:17.
I urge you to trust in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, not self and you will have eternal life. Encourage one another!
[V6] No other gospel:Jesus, the “Substitute Atonement”, gave His life for us and on the third day God raised Him from the dead – having paid the full penalty for our sins. Without such, we are doomed to death and cannot be delivered from this present evil age!
Like the Corinthian, false teachers had infiltrated the Churches in Galatia. Seemingly, they are Judaizers [in Acts 15:1], who told the Gentile Christians that they cannot be saved unless they were circumcised [according to the customs, which Moses prescribed]; undermining justification [being made righteous before God through faith in Christ].
Subsequently, the Galatian believers would question the authenticity of their salvation [believing in Jesus’ sacrifice for sin]; hence, the urge to return to the Law of Moses, as to be sanctified, READ 1Pt 1:15.
Christians, your works will be paid in full [rewards in Heaven]; however, no work is required to ascertain a place in God’s family. Jesus had paid the price in full, 2000 years ago. Encourage one another!
[V7] Paul is writing to the Galatian Church because some Christians are deserting Jesus and turning to another gospel [Moses Law].
The Galatians had believed the true gospel [Christ crucified and rose again], when Paul and Barnabas went to them [Ac 13:43, 48—49], but Judaizers [a faction of Jewish-Christians] were preaching a false gospel – that one cannot be saved without observing the Law of Moses: circumcision, dietary law.
This was an attempt to distort the gospel of Christ; hence, leaving grace and returning to the Law, which paralleled a loss in Christian liberty, READ Ac 4:12; 1Co 3:11; Jd 4.
We are created unto good works [Eph 2:10], but we can’t do good [Rom 3:12, 23; Ps 14:3] and if we say we have no sin, God’s truth is not in us [1Jn 1:8]; therefore, you can only be saved by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone [Eph 2:8—9]. Encourage one another!
[Vs8—9] Judaizers – a faction of Jewish-Christians – went to the Gentiles, who had received salvation through Paul’s preaching [faith in Christ], teaching them that salvation required faith in Christ plus obedience to the Law of Moses. Still, many Christians are preaching this same error today.
This swayed some Galatian believers; hence, Paul, in the authority of his apostleship, declared, if anyone, to include an angel from Heaven, insist on adding obedience of Old Testament laws to the gospel of salvation [or warps the gospel in anyway] from the gospel he proclaimed, should be cursed.
Lesson: the Law of Moses was a covenant between God and the sons of Israel, through their obedience [Ex 34; Lev 26:46; Deu 29:1]. The Israelites could not keep the law; hence, Christ came to save them [Christ crucified] superseding the old covenant and the Law [Mt 5:17; Rom 10:4; Eph 2:15; Heb 8:13].
When you sin, you broke the law; therefore, no one on Earth can ever keep the Law; hence, the cross. God’s grace is sufficient, run to the cross not the law. Amen. Encourage one another!
[V10] Paul called by God: After Paul left Galatia, Judaizers went and convinced some believers that more was required to be saved. They taught ‘good works’ – an addition to Paul’s message: ‘saved by grace’ lone [v4; Eph 2:9—9]; attempted to make Jesus’ death on the cross meaningless [Gal 2:21].
In the latter part of 2 Corinthians, Judaizers questioned whether Paul was a true apostle. More so, it seems they were suggesting that Paul did not require the Gentiles to follow Moses’ Law because he wanted to please them.
Paul clarified, he was not trying to please man but sought God’s approval in everything he did. And so, if this were the case, why he did not accept what the false teachers did; instead of, pronouncing a curse on anyone, who added to the gospel [Christ crucified], which he taught them? READ 1Th 2:4.
No one can do good [Rom 3:23]. We know that when the Israelites were commanded to obey the Law they failed miserably; hence, Jesus’ sacrifice and now, we can only be saved by grace – saved by grace plus something else is false. Encourage one another!
[Vs11—12] Paul defended his authority as an apostle of Christ; declaring that Christ sent him with the message of grace [not works; works were required only under the Law]. It was Christ, who revealed the gospel of grace to Paul; it is not from ‘man’, READ 1Pt 4:13; 1Co 11:23, 15:3.
Everyone who preaches that works must be added to acquire salvation, implies that Christ’s blood was not enough to saved and that ‘man’ must do something for themselves [2Co 12:9]. Christ came to save those, who were under the law [Gal 4:4—5]; the law could not save [Rom 10:4; Gal 2:16, 3:11; Rom 3:20]. Hence, obeying the Law cannot be a criterion to heaven as no one can keep the Law [Ac 15:10]; hence the cross.
Paul preached, by grace we are saved and not of works [Eph 2:8—9]. Encourage one another!
[Vs13—14] Anyone, who preaches another gospel than Christ crucified, is preaching something entirely false and worthy of being cursed.
Now, Paul tells of his personal story. He was a prominent persecutor, who wanted to destroy the Church, using violence [Ac 23:6]. The Church was a hindrance to the Jewish religion even for Paul, who held onto the tradition of his Jewish ancestors, READ Ac 8:1—9; Php 3:5—6; Mk 7:3.
Like Judaizers, Paul had studied the Old Testament Law extensively and were more advanced than them; hence, he kept the law more rigorous than they.
‘Good works’ is not a criterion to enter Heaven – only God’s grace. Tomorrow, we will find out why Paul left the Law and traditions to follow the One, whom he persecuted. Encourage one another
[V15] What Paul taught the Galatians about Christ was directly from God, not man. He gave his own life’s story in Judaism as a prominent Pharisee persecuting the Church of God.
Today, he is saying that God appeared to him and turned his life around [Ac 9:1—22]. Looking back, he now understands that God sets him apart for the role of apostleship even before he was born. God had intervened and placed Paul as an apostle – the role God had destined him to fill.
Furthermore, Paul was called by God; not that he earned his role, but he was positioned to represent God to the Galatians by God’s grace. The only thing Paul did was, simply received it.
You too, can obtain salvation through God’s grace, if you believe that Christ died for your sin Encourage one another!
[V16—17] Paul tried to convince the Galatian Church, what he preached [Christ crucified] to them, God revealed to him, after a zealous career as a Pharisee [holding fast the Law and traditions].
When God revealed His Son to Paul on the road to Damascus [Ac 9:3—9, 22:6—11, 26:12—18], God displayed His divine sovereignty, election and grace and in the process, saved Paul from the destruction of Judaism. This emphasizes that salvation is an act of God’s mercy; rather than, something man can earn [Eph 2:8—9, Rom 9:18].
God saved Paul to spread His Word – this is what Paul was born to do! And because the gospel was not from man, Paul needed no training from man – having received power from the Holy Spirit to carry out his earthly ministry. Encourage one another!
[Vs18—19] Paul told the Galatian believers that his apostleship did not derive from the apostles, who were before him; they did not ordain him; neither did he get his gospel authority from Peter.
He claimed, when he went to Jerusalem, he stayed with Peter for 15 days and the only other apostle he saw, while in Jerusalem was James – the brother of Christ, READ Ac 9:26; Jd 1.
Paul’s gospel authority came directly from Christ, so I urge, when you preach the gospel, preach the one, which was given to Paul [Christ crucified and rose again, minus works]. Encourage one another!
[V23] Paul committed one of the vilest sins ever – persecuting the Church [Body of Christ], holding fast the Law and traditions before converting to Christianity – saved by the mercies of God [God have mercy on whom He will, Rom 9:15—18].
Paul’s story reminds us that no man is beyond God’s grace. Even the vilest of all sinners can repent and believe, READ Ac 8:1—3; Jd 3.
Know this, if you had committed murder, theft, adultery, fornication or the likes, you are no longer condemned by the Law; you have hope if you believe in the resurrected Christ. Encourage one another!
Chapter 2
[V1] The Apostles accepted Paul: Paul is still proving that Judaizers’ claim of obtaining salvation – that the Gentiles must keep the Law – is wrong. At His crucifixion, Christ ended the Law for righteousness, inaugurating a new covenant [Rom 10:4; Heb 8:6, 13].
Now, Paul recalls a trip he made to Jerusalem with Barnabas [a Jewish Christian] and Titus [a Gentile, Greek Christian], READ Ac 11:27—30, where all the apostles agreed that Gentiles, like all people, are saved by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone – Eph 2:8; not through the Law of Moses – Eph 2:9].
When you sin, you don’t go to the Law, for it is the Law, which reveals your sin and propels you to the cross, where your sin is forgiven. Seek the blood and encourage one another!
[V3] Yesterday, we learned, while in Jerusalem Paul met privately with Church leaders – communicating to them that Christ’s death on the cross was sufficient for the forgiveness of sins [2Co 12:9]; thus, He fulfilled the requirements of the Law [Mat 5:17]. They all perceived the same gospel.
Jesus substituted Himself for us on the cross and now, there is no need to keep the Law of Moses to be saved. Christ died for those, who were under the Law [Gal 4:4—5], as no one could keep the Law [Rom 3:20, 23; Gal 3:11; Jms 2:10].
To bolster his argument, Paul points to Titus [a Greek Christian]. Titus knew that submitting to circumcision added nothing to his salvation, as required under the Law [Ex 12:48]. You can’t keep the Law so look to the cross. Amen. Encourage one another!
[V4] When the Church was born, the people were mostly Jewish, who followed the Law; then placed their faith in Christ after His death and resurrection.
The ‘false brothers,’ who penetrated the Church were not true followers of Christ. Their goal was to enslave the Church to legalism; to earn salvation and sanctification by observing the Law; this is a false gospel [2Pt 2:1].
No one can do good [Mk 10:18; Rom 3:10—12]; no one can keep the Law [Rom 3:20; Gal 2:16, 3:11; Jms 2:10]. More so, salvation is unearned [Rom 11:6] and if so, it means all have sinned [Rom 3:23]. And if all have sinned, our only hope is faith in Christ Jesus [death on the cross].
On your best day, you are like dignified dirt, and you cannot do anything to earn your way to Heaven. Christ already did it all. Encourage one another!
[V5] Paul received the gospel message of grace from Christ Himself – insisting that nothing is required of humans to acquire salvation, because Jesus already paid the price in full on the cross.
Judaizers could not accept this, they insisted that the Law must be kept for salvation and sanctification. Many Judaizers today are making the same mistake; trusting in their performance; rather than, trusting in the blood of Jesus. If your works were good enough, Christ didn’t have to die, 2Th 2:10.
Grace is the unmerited favour of God [and cannot be diluted with works], Eph 2:8—9. Trust in Christ, not yourselves. Encourage one another!
[V6] Paul describes a meeting he had with the Church leaders in Jerusalem; discussing the gospel of grace, which God [not man] had given him to preach to Gentiles. The leaders agreed with Paul that we are only saved through faith in Christ [Eph 2:8—9].
Neither baptism, nor Sabbath, nor circumcision nor other work is required for salvation [Gal 5:6; Col 2:16; Rom 3:20]. Those who preach these conditions, Paul calls them “false brothers” [Judaizers], v4.
When you sin, it leads you to the cross, where your sin was paid for not to ‘good work’ [Law], which could not save; hence, Jesus’ death on the cross [Rom 8:3]. Encourage one another!
[V6] Paul describes a meeting he had with the Church leaders in Jerusalem; discussing the gospel of grace, which God [not man] had given him to preach to Gentiles. The leaders agreed with Paul that we are only saved through faith in Christ [Eph 2:8—9].
Neither baptism, nor Sabbath, nor circumcision nor other work is required for salvation [Gal 5:6; Col 2:16; Rom 3:20]. Those who preach these conditions, Paul calls them “false brothers” [Judaizers], v4.
When you sin, it leads you to the cross, where your sin was paid for not to ‘good work’ [Law], which could not save; hence, Jesus’ death on the cross [Rom 8:3]. Encourage one another!
[Vs7—8] Disciples, who worked with Jesus worked in unison with Paul, who became an apostle after Jesus’ resurrection, concerning the gospel of God’s grace [alone].
Primarily, Peter and Paul preached to 2 different groups [Jews (circumcised) and Gentiles (uncircumcised), respectively], they preached the same message, that all must be saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ apart from works [Eph 2:8—9; Ti 3:5]. They agreed that no ritual, tradition or works is required to be saved.
Noteworthy, the same Jesus, who worked through Paul in his ministry is the same Jesus, who worked through Peter and his ministry. The only difference was the audience, but same message. Encourage one another!
[V9] Paul’s message of salvation by God’s grace was approved by the influential leaders in Jerusalem: James, Peter, John, READ v15.
They agreed that Christ had revealed Himself to Paul and called him as an apostle. Henceforth, those 3 Church leaders gave to Paul and Barnabas ‘the right hand of fellowship’ [KJV]; meaning, the seal of approval; the New Testament acceptance and inclusion into the group.
Thereafter, James, Peter and John would go to the circumcision [Jews] and Paul and Barnabas to the heathen [Gentiles], preaching the same gospel [grace alone]. READ Jd 1; Jn 1:42.
Henceforth, anyone who rejects the gospel, which was revealed to Paul [1Co 15:1—4] – adding other requirements to salvation, beyond faith in Christ, are ‘false brothers [v4] and subject to condemnation [Gal 1:8—9]. Take heed. Encourage one another!
[V10] Freedom from the Law: We are aware, Jerusalem Church leaders: James, Peter and John, agreed with the gospel of grace, a mystery God revealed to Paul [Damascus Road].
While in Jerusalem, the apostles asked Paul to remember the poor. In the Old Testament, God often take care of the poor and oppressed [including marginalized and widow], Ex 22:22; 23:6; Lev 19:10.
In 1 John 3:17, the Church is commanded to take care of the poor. Paul also commanded the Corinthians Church to gather a collection for the poor Church in Jerusalem, 1Co 16:1—3. Other Ref: Rom 15:26
God’s agenda for the poor should be our agenda as well. Let us help those, who are in need. Encourage one another!
[V11] Freedom from the Law: No apostle preached to Paul. It was God, who saved, and revealed the gospel of grace directly to him. Paul was not under the authority of Peter or other apostles, but directly under God’s.
However, when Peter visited Antioch in Syria, Paul confronted him about an issue. We will learn more about what Peter was doing wrong. Say tuned. Encourage one another!
[V14] Peter believed that Jews and Gentiles were now saved the same way – by God’s grace through Faith in Jesus. He was scared, when men saw him eating with Gentiles at a table; he got up and left – a hypocritical example of the gospel. Apparently, these men were Judaizer, who believe that God’s grace saves; in addition to, observing the Law, READ Rom 3:20, 14:2; Gal 3:2, 5, 10.
Paul openly confronted Peter about his action, for the sake of the gospel. Christians do have two models: a Jewish and the other Gentiles; all are saved by God’s grace alone through faith alone – no addition [Eph 2:8—9].
Christ’s redemptive work on the cross is enough. Any addition to this is a false gospel and the one, who preaches it must be accursed [Gal 1:8—9]. Encourage one another!
[Vs12—13] Under the Law the Jews were forbidden to eat with Gentiles; they were not circumcised, and the foods they ate were unclean. Hence, to fellowship with Gentiles over a meal, makes Jews spiritually unclean before God.
Prior, God showed Peter different unclean foods [according to the Law] in a vision and commanded him to eat, READ Ac 10:9—13.
The interpretation is, God was not only telling Peter that now he can eat any kind of food, but with all kinds of people [Jews, Gentiles] – all are equal before God [Gal 3:28; Ac 10:34; Pro 22:2].
While in Antioch, Peter ate with his Gentile brothers, but in sight of other Jews, he withdrew himself – fearing, Judaizers, who were still acting under the Law and did not approve associating with Gentiles.
Peter’s action was hypocritical; preaching a unifying gospel but separated himself. Furthermore, Christ’s death tore down the middle wall [Eph 2:14] and now all things are made clean [Ac 10:15; 1Tim 4:4]. Encourage one another!
[V16] Paul began teaching about justification. In Christian theology, justification simply means to be made righteous before God.
To be saved, one must be righteous and since we are all sinners, we cannot achieve this through the works of the Law [Gal 2:16, 3:11; Rom 3:20]. We can only achieve justification through faith in Christ, READ Rom 3:23—24, 4:3—6, :1, 9; 2Co 5:21.
‘Man’ in his own righteousness [a false brother] is teaching additions to the gospel of grace [let him be accursed]. They did not learn from the self-righteous Pharisees, who trusted in themselves; ignoring the Saviour right in front of them. Encourage one another!
[V17] Paul is answering an objection – if righteousness is so free [only require faith in Jesus], then everyone will go sinning? Maybe, they looked at Peter, who was eating ‘unclean meat’ and with Gentiles [according to tradition]. Instead of, searching Scriptures for answers, Christians are making the same objection today.
One of the clearest Scriptures is Galatians 2:16: ‘no man is justified by the works of the Law, but by faith in Christ.’ Adding any other requirements to the gospel of grace is false [Gal 2:4] and worthy of condemnation [Gal 1:8—9].
So, does this idea of justification by faith makes Jesus the minister of sin? Paul said, “certainly not.”
Peter did not lose his salvation; he was not living a sinful life and justification by faith gives Christians the urge to glorify God; rather than, sinning wilfully! Encourage one another!
[V18] No one can be justified by the works of the Law, but only through faith in Christ, v16. And justification by faith does not permit anyone to sin nor does it make Christ the Minister of sin!
Before Paul was converted, he was a Pharisee, who kept the Law and persecuted those, who did not. Now, he says, the real sin was turning back to the Law, after one had been justified by faith in Christ – building up what was torn down.
Christ does not encourage sin and certainly, God’s forgiveness does not condone sin, READ Rom 6:1, 15; Gal 3:21.
It is the Law, which reveals our sinfulness; however, it is God’s grace, which saves us from our sinfulness [Ac 20:32; Rom 2:25, 27; Jms 2:9, 11. Encourage one another!
[V18] No one can be justified by the works of the Law, but only through faith in Christ, v16. And justification by faith does not permit anyone to sin nor does it make Christ the Minister of sin!
Before Paul was converted, he was a Pharisee, who kept the Law and persecuted those, who did not. Now, he says, the real sin was turning back to the Law, after one had been justified by faith in Christ – building up what was torn down.
Christ does not encourage sin and certainly, God’s forgiveness does not condone sin, READ Rom 6:1, 15; Gal 3:21.
It is the Law, which reveals our sinfulness; however, it is God’s grace, which saves us from our sinfulness [Ac 20:32; Rom 2:25, 27; Jms 2:9, 11. Encourage one another!
[V19] Paul is still making the case that no one is justified by the works of the Law. In its context, this verse is difficult to fully understand. As a former Pharisee, Paul teaches – no one [except Jesus] – can perfectly keep the Law [Rom 3:23]; hence, death became the penalty [Rom 6:23].
The Law revealed how sinful Paul was and condemned him to death. However, Christ paid the penalty on the cross he owed for not being able to keep the Law. He imputed [credited] His righteous to him [2Co 5:21; Rom 4:22—24]] and now, Paul is declared righteous [holy] before God.
Through Christ we are dead to the Law so we can ‘live unto God.’ Christ died for those, who were under the law [Gal 4:5]; hence, we are redeemed. The Law condemns; however, it is God’s grace, which saves us. Encourage one another!
[V20] When we are saved and justified through our faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross, we become part of Him and therefore, have died with Him; thereafter, He begins to live in us.
Adding any requirement of ‘good works’ and, or rituals is contrary to the Gospel, READ Gal 1:8—9, 2:16.
Christ died in our place and so, we were crucified with Him. The sinful man died and replaced by the resurrected Christ, who indwells us. Because we still have the flesh, we still have desires to sin, and we do sin, but now, it is the Holy Spirit, who guides our lives, READ Rom 6:1—6; Ti 2:14; Lk 20:38; Rom 14:8; Heb 1:2; 2Th 2:13; 2Co 13:5.
Why did Christ die? He loves us! [Jn 3:16]; therefore, he gave Himself as a sacrifice for us, so we can have eternal life. Trust in what Christ did on the cross and not your own performance [like the Pharisees]. Encourage one another!
[V21] If it were possible to acquire righteousness by the works of the Law, why did Christ die? If this were true, then Christ’s death was in vain; hence, the gospel of grace is irrelevant. The two cannot co-exist, “If it is by grace then it’s no longer works” [vice versa], Rom 11:6.
Noteworthy, grace is not a license to sin. Being justified by faith in Christ means we’ve died to the Law; henceforth, by the power of the Holy Spirit we seek to obey God, though we sin in the flesh READ Rom 7:1—5, 9:31; Gal 5:4; Php 3:6; 1Co 8:11.
Put your faith in Jesus’ shed blood and righteousness, not your own performance [good works, the Law]. The Law could not save; hence, Christ died, Rom 8:3—4. Encourage one another!
Chapter 3
[V1] Faith or Works of the Law: Paul still addressing the people in the region of Galatia, who believed faith in Christ saved, but is now being fooled by Judaizers that Gentiles must be circumcised and keep the Law to be saved.
If keeping the law saves, then Christ died for nothing, c2, v21. Paul calls the people, who believe this lie – fools. In Scripture, a fool is not someone, who lacks formal education or intelligence, a fool is a person, who lacks spiritual sense, READ Rom 1:14; Mt 27:22.
To believe that you are saved by the Law, after the truth has been preached to you [Christ crucified], is a fool [Scripture]. Stay focused on Christ, not self. Encourage one another!
[V2] False teachers claimed that faith in Christ is not enough to obtain salvation – falling for this is ‘foolish’.
From this, Paul began to ask a series of questions to help the Galatians reevaluate their stance. First, ‘when you got saved, did you receive the Holy Spirit by observing the 10 commandments? Or by hearing of faith?’ Clearly, the Galatians received the Holy Spirit, when they put their faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross!
Don’t be fooled, in Christ alone is your hope, not by works of the Law. Encourage one another!
[V3] The people of Galatia started to believe that they needed to live like the Jews – observing the Law and its traditions, to be saved. Paul describes this as ‘foolish’.
If the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, when they first believed, why are they now believing that they need to follow the Law to be accepted by God? They began in the power of the Holy Spirit and now they believe that they are made perfect in their own effort – in the flesh – to live according to the Law – obviously not!
Sanctification is derived through empowerment of the Holy Spirit – 2Co 3:17—18 – not self-performance. Encourage one another!
[V4] Paul is asking the Galatians a series of questions concerning their salvation through God’s grace while dismantling their self-effort, vs1—3.
So, he asked, have you suffered in vain?’ Maybe he was referring to the persecution they faced for their faith in Christ. Early Christians were mistreated for following Christ. Henceforth, if they go back to observing the Law, Paul says, their suffering was meaningless, READ Php 1:29.
However, this suffering [Greek word epathete, also means an ‘experience’] and instead of persecution, it could also refer to the supernatural experiences God had shown them, since they’ve come to faith in Christ. This argument coincides with verse 5.
Either way, Paul is asking the Galatians to consider whatever experiences they encountered [persecution or supernatural] and know that it is God and not their own works. Encourage one another!
[V5] Paul continues the series of questions to the Galatians. ‘Who works miracles among you? Is it the Spirt of God or the Law?
Noteworthy, early Christians had often received God’s Spirit with a demonstration of His power to include miracles. Now, miracles include the supernatural phenomena, which no one can demonstrate. This was only possible through faith in the power of the Holy Spirit.
After all, the Galatians had not experienced the power of the Holy Spirit by observing the Law, the Spirit had come upon them after they believed and before any works can be done.
Philippians 4:13 says, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ [KJV]. Take heed, Mk 13:22. Encourage one another!
[V6] Paul concluded his attempt to show the Galatians that they’ve been lied to; no one is required to be circumcised along with faith in Christ to be saved!
Even before the Law was given to Israel, those who believed were made righteous (no work included). Paul referenced Abraham – God promised him an entire nation.
Abraham did not try to earn that promise. He did not get circumcised; instead, he simply believed what God said to him and he was declared righteous on account of his faith in God, READ Jn 14:1; Gen 15:6.
So, why asked the Galatians to be circumcised to be saved? I urge you, believe in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection and you will be saved. Encourage one another!
[Vs7—9] A ‘works-based’ version of Christianity is false. Judaizers taught that salvation begins with believing in Jesus and; thereafter, one must be circumcised and follow the rituals of the law to be saved – a false gospel!
Abraham’s sons [his spiritual children; both Jews and Gentiles] are those, who exhibit faith in God and not the people who endeavour to observe the Law.
The gospel [faith in God] was announced to Abraham ahead of time, when God told Abraham that all nations will be blessed through him [Gen 12:3]; through Christ [Gal 3:16, 19] Refs: Jn 8:37, 39; Gen 16:15, 18:18; Heb 2:16.
God’s blessing is extended to those who have faith in Him, like Abraham, who exerted faith even before the Law and so, keeping the Law to gain acceptance from God is meaningless. Encourage one another!
[Vs7—9] A ‘works-based’ version of Christianity is false. Judaizers taught that salvation begins with believing in Jesus and; thereafter, one must be circumcised and follow the rituals of the law to be saved – a false gospel!
Abraham’s sons [his spiritual children; both Jews and Gentiles] are those, who exhibit faith in God and not the people who endeavour to observe the Law.
The gospel [faith in God] was announced to Abraham ahead of time, when God told Abraham that all nations will be blessed through him [Gen 12:3]; through Christ [Gal 3:16, 19] Refs: Jn 8:37, 39; Gen 16:15, 18:18; Heb 2:16.
God’s blessing is extended to those who have faith in Him, like Abraham, who exerted faith even before the Law and so, keeping the Law to gain acceptance from God is meaningless. Encourage one another!
[V10] Law and promise: Today, Paul is quoting Moses, cursed is everyone, who fails to do everything written in the Law. Anyone, who tries to keep the Law to be saved is always under the threat of being cursed by God, READ Deut 27:26.
No one can perfectly keep the Law [Rom 3:23] and anyone, who keeps the entire Law and stumbles at one point, he is guilty of all [Jms 2:10]; hence, Christ died for those, who were under the Law [Gal 4:4—5]. Ref: Rom 4:15.
Therefore, we can only be saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ [Eph 2:8—9]. Encourage one another!
[V11] Paul is still making his case, pointing to the Old Testament, which underscores that we are justified through faith [Hab 2:4]. Hence, no one can be saved by observing the Law, READ Rom 8:3—4.
God’s intention has always been for us to be saved through Jesus, His Son [Eph 2:8; 1 Co15:1—4]; not by the works of the Law, READ Eph 2:9], READ Php 1:21. Encourage one another!
[V13] Old Testament books of Deuteronomy, Leviticus and Habakkuk show that living by faith in Christ and living under the Law are not compatible; they cannot co-exist!
Christ died and redeemed those, who were under the Law from the curse of the Law [Gal 4:4—5]. He took our curse upon Himself, for cursed is anyone who was hung on a tree – hence fulfilling the Old Testament Scripture [Deut 21:23]. Ref: 1 Pt 2:24; Ac 5:30.
This is the essence of the gospel [good news]. No one can keep the Law without breaking it; hence, we were cursed by the Law, separated from God and need a saver.
Christ stepped in; he became the perfect sacrifice for our sins, which frees us from the Law and gives us the opportunity to be save through faith in Him. Encourage one another!
[V12] The Galatians are drifting away from the truth: from salvation through faith alone to salvation by faith plus works, lured by a group called the ‘Judaizers.’
Paul addressed this false idea. He presented arguments from the Old Testament that living under the Law, was to live under a curse [Deut 27:26]. In Habakkuk 2:4, Scripture says, the righteous shall live by faith.
Paul adds, the Law is not of faith; it is of works and those who live under the Law, must do all the Law without failing [Lev 18:5].
Henceforth, faith and law cannot co-exist. If you live under the Law, you must do what the Law says and since, no one can perfectly keep the Law, they are cursed.
To be saved you must trust in Christ’s blood, which makes you righteous before God. You can’t add works to it. Encourage one another!
[V14] To rely on the Law to make us righteous before God is to live under a curse, c3, v10—13. The Law reveals our sin; however, it cannot save, as it was never intended for salvation.
God had a plan to save us, when the time was right, he sent His Son to die for us on the cross, defeating sin and death—something the Law could not do.
God had promised to bless [justification] all the nations [Jews, Gentiles], v8, 14; Gen 12:3, through the Seed of Abraham [Jesus Christ], v16, 19; Rom 4:16.
Christ fulfils the Law; therefore, all who exhibit faith in Christ received the promise of the Holy Spirit, activating the perfect righteousness of Christ in us. Encourage one another!
[V15] The Law cannot save! The Galatians received the Holy Spirit, when they believed, not by observing the Law. Too, the Old Testament pronounced that faith in Christ saves, starting with Abraham. This was a promise made and cannot be broken!
To bolster his point, Paul makes a reference of a legal agreement [likely a will] between men. Once the agreement was completed and signed and the person dies, under the Grek law, it could not be altered.
Even among man, some contracts cannot be revoked or changed. More of this in our next study. Stay tuned. Encourage one another!
[Vs16—17] In v15, we learn that a human will cannot be altered; similarly, God’s covenant with Abraham was binding, even after the giving of the Law and; therefore, could not be supplanted by the Mosaic Law.
Today, if you trust in what Christ did on the cross you will receive the blessing, which was promised to Abraham’s descendants, READ Gen 15:1—21. Other Refs: Gen 12:7, 13:15, 17:8; Ex 12:40; Ac 7:6.
Seek Christ, do not rely on your own performance. Encourage one another!
[V18] Paul continues to demonstrate that salvation is not acquired through the Law. God promise to Abraham and his offspring were not made based on ‘man’s’ deeds or his performance; it was cemented on the premise of belief.
Too, God did not ask Abraham to do anything. After hearing God’s promise, Abraham simply believed. Therefore, saying the Law brings salvation is to say that God’s Law destroyed His promise to Abraham.
No one can keep the Law; therefore, it cannot be a criterion for salvation and, when you fall short of God’s standards, go to the cross, where you’ve been redeemed, not to the Law, which reveal your sinfulness. Encourage one another!
[V19—20] The Law cannot save, vs10—12. So, why was it instituted? Because of transgression; it identifies sin; actions, which were contrary to God’s will. The Covenant: If Israel obey the Law, God blessed them; if they disobeyed, He punished them.
Additionally, the Law served as a temporary measure; given until the promised Seed [Jesus Christ, v16] came – Christ is the end of the Law’ – Rom 10:4.
God’s promise to bless [justify] the nations through Abraham was fulfilled in Christ, v8, 14, who ushered in a new covenant making the Law obsolete. v8, 14; Heb 8:13; Eph 1:9—12.
Moreover, the Law was ordinary; put in place through angels by an intermediary. This was a two-way covenant – angels represented God [Ac 7:53; Heb 2:2] and Israel by Moses [Ex 32:15—16].
However, God is still one; He does not require humans’ involvement to make a covenant, as seen between God and Abraham – a unilateral covenant. Trust in Christ, not the Law. Encourage one another!
[Vs21—23] God does not work contrary to Himself. It is simple, we must know what the Law can or cannot do. READ Rom 8:3—4, 3:22, 10:9; Mk 11:24; Jn 3;16; Ac 10:43; 1Pt 1:8—9; Jd 3.
No one can be saved by observing the Law. ‘People’ sin everyday Rom 3:23]; hence, it is impossible to obey the Law. ‘We’ need a saviour; hence, Christ came.
The Law cannot empower us to obey, neither can it give life; instead, the Law revealed God’s righteous standard and imprisoned us under the power of sin. It positioned us to receive the promise, which is faith in Christ’s finished work.
The Law is like a mirror; it reflects our sinfulness, but it cannot fix what it reveals; hence, Christ died to save us [Rom 6:23]. Relying on the Law for righteousness is to tell Christ His sacrifice was meaningless. Encourage one another!
[V24] Paul continues, the Law played a vital role for Israel from Moses’ time until Jesus – ‘Christ is the end of the Law’ – Rom 10:4.
Paul compares the Law to paidagogos – the Greek word meaning, guardian’, a household slave, who was tasked with providing moral instructions and discipline to children.
This comparison suggests, God safeguarded and disciplined Israel until the time was right for Christ to come [Col 2:17; Heb 9:10]. The Law wasn’t the teacher; it could not save the people. It only provided direction and discipline until all can be justified through faith in Christ, READ Mt 5:17. Encourage one another!
[Vs25—26] Continuing from v24, when the children became adults, they left the guardian behind for he had fulfilled his purpose – directing and disciplining children until they’ve grown!
Similarly, when Christ came and the Law had served its purpose – to direct and discipline Istrael, the Israelites were no longer under the Law [Rom 6:14—23]. The real saviour had come; He is the end of the Law [Rom 10:4].
Since Christ came, all [Jews, Gentiles] are now children of God through their faith in Christ, not the Law, READ Jd 3. Encourage one another!
[V27] Sons and Heirs: All [Jews, Gentiles] who are in Christ are now children of God. Everyone, who put their faith in Christ is baptized into His body and clothed with His righteousness [1Co 12:13].
This baptism is not John’s water baptism [the outward water ritual of repentance with Jesus’ inner transformation]; rather it is spiritual baptism, which delivers the active power of the Holy Spirit, Ac 1:5.
Spiritual growth is the on-going process of the Holy Spirit, synching our condition to that of our position. Encourage one another!
[V28] Distinctions did not cease to exist – that’s not what Paul is claiming. He is saying, despite our human differences we are all united because we are one in Christ.
Instead, believers are fully united in Christ. There is no value distinction among us in the eyes of God. Jews do not have a higher ranking than Gentiles; a free person holds no greater honour than a slave. Men are not superior to women, and no ethnicity is inferior to another. READ Jn 8:33, 17:11; Rom 10:12; Gal 5:6.
Hence, the Galatians didn’t have to observe the law and circumcise, nor was it necessary for them to become Jews to be saved, for by grace are ye saved through Christ Eph 2:8—9. Encourage one another!
[V29] Christ is the true Seed of Abraham and those who are united with Him through faith are heirs with Christ and Abraham’s offspring spiritually – a promise made, READ vs7—9.
Our position before God, has nothing to do with following the Law, but everything to do with having faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross.
Romans 4:13—14 – KJV – say, “For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.” “For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:” Other refs: Rom 8:17, 11:1. Encourage one another!
Chapter 4
[Vs1—3] Paul makes a comparison to children. Although they are heirs are like slaves to their guardians until they have grown.
Likewise, Jews and Gentiles [before coming to faith in Christ] were under bondage to the elements of the world; Jews were slaves under the Law and Gentiles slaves, under false religion [paganism].
Under these systems, the guardian [like the Law] directs every aspect of the child’s life until the time has come for the guardian to leave.
In our next study we will explore more of this! In the meantime, encourage one another!
[V4—5] Paul compares living under the Law to a child living under the care of a guardian. Though the child is entitled to an inheritance, he lives like a slave, being directed by his father until a set date for his freedom.
Similarly, the date for freedom from the Law had come. Jesus, born of a woman, under the Law, the Son of God had become incarnate as a Jew of the Mosaic covenant, so He could perfectly keep and fulfil the Law [Mt 5:17—18]. READ Php 2:7.
It is here that He redeemed those, who were under the Law [Gal 3:13] and so, those who put their faith in Him are adopted into God’s family, READ Gen 3:15; Lk 2:7; Heb 1:2.
The Law provided guidance, protection and discipline for Israel, but it could not save from sin. So, God sent His Son to free those, who were in bondage, READ Rom 7:6, 8:3; Col 3:22; 2Pt 2:20. Encourage one another!
[Vs6—7] The amazing truth is, those who are in Christ are free from slavery to the Law and our own sinfulness and adopted by God as Children.
Here God sent His Spirit to live within our hearts and gives us the right, alongside Jesus, to call out to Him, ‘daddy’ – ‘Abba Father!’
And at this juncture we are no longer slaves, but sons of God and if we became sons, then we are also heirs, through Christ, who gave Himself as a ramson for us, READ Ac 16:7; Rom 5:5, 20; 8:9, 15—17; 2Co 3:17; Mk 14:36; Mt 5:9; Rom 4:14.
Here! the Holy Trinity is involved in our salvation: God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us and then indwells us with His Spirit. Seek Christ today, not the Law. Encourage one another!
[Vs8—9]Pauls Concern for the Galatians: Paul is still making the case: why it is useless to seek salvation through the Law, considering that Christ came and saved them through grace. Christ, the end of the Law [Rom 10:4].
Paul reminded the Galatians that they were not even followers of the Law, they were pagan, enslaved to figures like Zues and Hermes, who were not even gods.
Living under the Law [Jews] and worshipping false gods [Gentiles] were living under bondage. So, why would you try to go back under those systems now, you’ve known God [known of God]? Are you desiring to be under bondage again? [Jn 7:28; Php 3:8; Col 2:8].
You cannot perfectly keep the Law [Rom 3:23]; hence, you cannot be saved by the Law or false gods, so why try? Trust in Christ in whom is your salvation. Encourage one another!
[Vs10—12] Judaizers forced the Galatians to observe and celebrate the Jewish religious calendar, which Israel was commanded to observe under the Law [including the Sabbath and its restriction] to be accepted before God. This is wrong. By grace are ye saved [Eph 2:8—9]. Romans 14:5; Col 2:16.
Here Paul is afraid that his effort to teach them the good news about Christ was wasted.
Now, he entreated them to become like him, because he had become like them [Gentiles]. He was like a Gentiles, who has no obligation to keep the Law. Contrarily, the Gentiles are now placing themselves under the Law.
Paul was once a slave to the Law, then saved by God’s grace, why would the Galatians seek to live under the Law, when they are free in Christ? Encourage one another!
[V19] Paul is in grief! Judaizers tried to convince the Galatians that faith in Christ for salvation was not enough [Gal 2:4] – were using the Galatians to aggrandize themselves, v17.
Now, Paul compares himself to a mother in labour as he suffered for them, so they can be delivered from false doctrine and trust in Christ alone.
This is love demonstrated for the Galatians, whom he had brought to Christ. I urge you to trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross, it is your only source of salvation READ 1Th 2:11; 1Co 4:15. Encourage one another!
[Vs21—23] Sarah and Hagar: two covenants: Some Galatian Christians were deceived and desired to live under the Law [Rom :15, 21; Heb 2:15].
Now Paul is using the difference between two of Abrham’s sons: Ishmael born by a slave woman and Isaac, born by a freewoman to illustrate the distinction between human’s endeavour to earn salvation by works against accepting salvation by faith in Christ [grace]. [Gen 15:3—6, 16:1—2, 15, 21:1—3].
Ishmael, born from natural cause, born of the flesh and Isaac, the long-awaited one was born through promise. Once Isaac was born Ishmael existence faded.
This represents the difference between the Law and the long-awaited One – Christ – who was God’s promise to bring salvation [grace]. Trust in Christ. Encourage one another!
[Vs24—26] Paul continues to make the distinction between Law and grace, by figuratively using Sarah and Hagar, mirrored in two covenants.
Hagar is used as a symbol of the Mosaic covenant given on Mt Sinai. Jews living under the Law is like Hagar; the earthly Jerusalem [slave to the Law].
However, the Jerusalem above is free – the city, which will one day descend from Heaven [Rev 21:2]. Sarah symbolizes God’s covenant promise with Abraham – fulfilled in Christ and His new covenant sacrifice.
Those who believe in Christ are of this new covenant; are free children – saved by God’s grace [not by their works]. Encourage one another!
[V28] Paul continues to use symbolism to explain the difference between living under the Law and made righteous through faith in Christ [grace].
Those who lived under the Law were as slaves, as Ishmael, who were born to a slave woman [Gen 16:1—3]. However, those in Christ [saved by grace] are children of promise [through the promised One – Christ], as the promise, which was fulfilled in Isaac, who was born to a free woman [Gen 21:1—3].
Paul is saying, living under the Law is being a slave to the Law, but under grace we are saved through the promised One, Christ, who died for our sins. Encourage one another!
[Vs29—30] Paul concluded his allegory – contrasting living under the Law [slave] to being justified by faith in Christ [free].
Now, he makes a distinction between Ishmael-Isaac relationship [Gen 21:8—9]. Ishmael persecuted Isaac, and in like manner, the Jewish leaders [Judaizers] persecuted the Church for not following the Law.
Because Ishmael mocked Issaac, Sarah cast out Hagar and Ishmael. For this reason, Ishmael could not be co-heir of the inheritance [Gen 21:10]. In the same way, the Galatians should cast out the Judaizers for forcing them into legalism, READ Rom 8:9; Gal 5:25; Titus 3:5; Rev 3:22.
Law and grace cannot coexist; you can only be saved by God’s grace, not of works [Eph 28—9]. If it works, then it’s no longer grace. Encouarage one another!
Chapter 5
[V1] Freedom in Christ: In the last 2 chapters, Paul endeavoured to teach against the false doctrine: that the Galatians should observe the Law to be saved.
Christ, the perfect sacrifice, died and set us free and; therefore, we should not seek to go back under the Law, as slaves to our own sin.
Spiritual freedom is thanking God for His sacrifice and building a relation with Him; rather than, being in obligation [Law]. We gain God’s approval through Christ, not to earn it, READ Gal 4:22; Rom 14:4; Php 1:27.
The Law is like a mirror; it reveals our sinfulness. What it cannot do is rescue us, and this is the gap, which Christ fills, READ Gal 3:22—24. And encourage one another!
[Vs2—3] Paul’s message is clear! To seek God’s approval by keeping the Law of Moses makes Christ’s death worthless. And to accept circumcision makes Christ of no help to us.
One cannot choose, which laws one wants to obey. One, who seeks to be circumcised must also keep the entire Law [Gal 3:10; Jms 2:10] and if one does, then one cannot experience the power of the substitutionary life of Christ in their lives.
Seek Christ in whom is your redemption [not the Law]. Encourage one another!
[V4] Are you trusting in Christ for your salvation? Or are you depending on your own performance to be justified? Both cannot work and if you do both it means that you are not trusting Christ alone.
Believers alienated from Christ have fallen from grace. This does not mean losing one’s salvation; rather, it is one living outside of God’s grace and depending on one’s own strength.
One who adopts a works-based attitude toward eternal life is living one’s life to slavery and spiritual defeat – lacking peace, joy, spiritual intimacy, true obedience, and strength that grace alone can produce, READ 2Pt 3:18.
I urge you to develop a relationship with Christ and stop depending on your own performance because you’ve already failed, which should lead you back to the cross. Encourage one another!
[V5] Anyone, who adds works to acquire salvation is rejecting faith in Christ, His death means nothing to them and; therefore, ‘severed’ from Christ [vs2—4].
Gladly, those who place their trust in Christ awaits the hope of righteousness by faith – the Day of Judgment – when God Himself will declare us righteous for our faith, READ Rom 8:23—25; Jd 21.
Sadly, those who observe the Law are waiting too, but in vain, since no one can be justified by the Law. Galatians 3:11 KJV say, “...no man is justified by the law in the sight of God: for, The just shall live by faith.” CF: Gal 2:16; Rom 3:20.
The Law cannot be a criterion into Heaven, since none of us can perfectly keep the Law [we sinned – Rom 3:23] and if one depends on the Law, one is not justified; hence, Mathew 7:22—23… ’depart from me….’
We can only be made righteous before God through faith in Christ. Encourage one another!
[V6] Paul condemned those, who ‘accepted circumcision’ in hope of being righteous before God. One cannot trust Christ fully, while simultaneously trusting in one’s own ability [or inability] to keep the Law. To him Christ is of no use [vs2—4].
In Christ, circumcision or no circumcision – it does not mater – what counts is ‘faith, expressing itself through love’, READ 1Th 1:3; 1Co 13:1; Jms 2:18—22.
This suggests that our faith in Christ should motivate us to live right. In essence, loving God and others too. Encourage one another!
[V7] In his letter, Paul often uses a metaphor to illustrate his message. The Galatians had ‘run well [KJV] he said. Meaning, they received the good news of Jesus with great joy that Jesus died for their sins, then rose again. By faith they received the Holy Spirit, were welcomed into God’s family, and following Christ.
And now, they’ve stumbled! Who hindered them from obeying the truth? Judaizers mislead the Galatians, telling them they must observe the Law to be saved [Gal 2:4], disobeying the truth that they were justified by God’s grace [Gal 1:6—8].
Trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross, not works [they are like filthy rags – Is 64:6]. Encourage one another!
[V9] Initially, the Galatians accepted salvation by faith in Christ alone, but now, Judaizers are advising them to perform rituals and observing the Law (works) – Gal 2:4.
From this, Paul asked the Galatians, ‘who are leading you astray?’ So, he uses a proverb to illustrate his concern, “A leaven leaveneth the whole lump” KJV.
A small thing can cause a huge impact, like the yeast in bread; suggesting, while the Judaizers were fewer than the Galatians Christians the false doctrine they were spreading produced destructive results among the believers.
Focus on the cross and trust in Christ alone for your salvation. Encourage one another!
[V10] Judaizers were teaching the Galatians that faith in Christ alone [grace] for salvation is not enough – they must also observe the Law – a false doctrine.
In today’s lesson, Paul is confident that the Galatians believing faith in Christ alone would prevail – God’s view of justification and sanctification by grace.
Paul is also optimistic that the false teachers, who were adding works to salvation through grace, would be judged.
To everyone, who is relying on the Law for their salvation, I urge you to turn and seek the blood of Christ, where there’s the power to save. Encourage one another!
[V11] The Jews persecuted Paul because he preached Christ crucified and on the third, He rose from the dead; Paul did not preach the need to keep the Law, demonstrated through circumcision.
This means, we are justified by faith alone in Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice, not by works of the Law, Eph 2:8—9. This message, in Christ alone, became a stumbling block to those, who endeavour to pleasing God through their own performance, READ Lk 9:23.
Salvation is through faith alone and that’s why Christ died. Trust in His sacrifice. Encourage one another!
[V12] Paul has a strong message for the Judaizers, who were misleading the Church – telling believers, in addition to faith in Christ, one must observe the Law.
Paul wished that these Judaizers will castrate themselves; meaning, the inability to reproduce. Here Paul is suggesting something deeper than the physical act. He wished that Judaizers won’t be able to reproduce spiritually.
Circumcisions under the Law, had great meaning in Israel, but Christ’s sacrifice had made it meaningless. The false teachers should be cut off; they have no spiritual value. Encourage one another!
[V13] Life by the Spirit: Faith in Christ gives us freedom from slavery to our sinfulness under the Law; hence, those in Christ are not condemned [Rom 8:1].
However, we are not supposed to use this freedom to selfishly serve the flesh to do what feels good. Instead, we should selflessly serve one another in love.
Living under the Law, one justifies oneself before God through one’s works (meaningless). But salvation is by faith in Christ; and it in nothing else [Eph 2:8-9]. Grace is not a passport to sin; grace should serve as motivation to thank God for His goodness. READ Col 3:15. Encourage one another!
[Vs14—15] God’s grace [freedom in Christ] a passport to go on sinning. We should not waste our freedom and our lives by trying to observe the Law [Gal 3:23—29, 5:1—6]. Here Paul advised everyone to replace the Law of Moses, as the Law was fulfilled in keeping one command: ‘love’. He quotes Lev 19:18; Mt 22:39. Other Res: Mt 1:22, 7:12, 19:19, 22:37—40; Jn 13:34.
Therefore, we are urged to use our freedom in Christ to serve one another in love than being self-serving and tearing down one another, READ Gal 5:20; Php 3:2.
Living under the Law is being enslaved again to your own sin. Christ has paid the penalty, you are free, so serve one another in love – ‘loving your neighbour as yourself’ Encourage one another!
[V16] The Spirit vs the flesh: Previously, Paul warned, do not use your freedom in Christ to serve your own flesh and desires; instead, use it to serve one another in love, vs13—15.
Now, he commands us to ‘walk in the Spirit’ – meaning acting according to God’s divine perspective and allowing the Holy Spirit to empower your obedience. Fulfilling the desires of the flesh is to live according to a secular worldview, READ Rom 8:4; 1Tim 3:16; 2Pt 1:4, 2:10.
Noteworthy, ‘walking in the Spirit’ does not mean relaxing, while the Holy Spirit goes to work; rather, it is quit trying to do things in your own strength and rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you. Encourage one another!
[V17] We must ‘walk in the Spirit’ – allowing Him to empower our obedience.
There is a conflict happening in every Christian. The flesh desires things and God desires another. In the flesh, we want to feel good, be honoured and what the world offers. These are the result of pride and selfishness, READ 1Jn 2:16. And mankind will sin against each other to achieve prominence.
On the other hand, the Spirit of God wants us to honour Him and serve one another in love. The Holy Spirit prevents us from doing the things we would often do, READ 1Pt 2:11; Rom 7:15, 23; Php 2:13. Encourage one another!
[V18] In our daily Christian lives we experience inner conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. We try to accomplish things even if it means sinning against God and tearing down each other, vs16—17.
The good news is, God sent his Spirit to live in the heart of every Christian, Gal 4:6. The Spirit empowers every believer to win over conflicts of selfishness and the desire to sin.
More so, the Spirit allows us to love others, as Christ loves us. When we love in this way, we have no need for the Law.
This is how we, who have liberty in Christ should live our lives – serve each other in love. Encourage one another!
[Vs19—21] Sexual immorality, lasciviousness, strife, idolatry, impurity, this is what a sinful lifestyle looks like, when we ‘walk’ according to the flesh.’
Paul is not saying that Christians, who behave this way is not in Christ! False teachers would use these verses to support their ‘losing salvation’ claim.
Noteworthy, if people, who commit sexual immorality [blatant sin] lose their salvation and goes to hell, it means that those of us, who commit ‘concealed’ sin: impurity, idolatry, envy… ] would lose our salvation and go to hell as well, for ‘all have sinned’, Rom 3:23. CF: Mk 7:21 22; 1Th 4:3, 7; Col 3:5; 1Pt 4:3; Rev 18:23; Rom 1:29, 2:8, 8:7, 13:13; 1Co 6:10, 15:50.
We are in Christ and our sins have been paid for; therefore, salvation cannot be determined by our works, Eph 2:9. Paul is simply saying, Christians must purposely avoid these lifestyles and allow the Spirit to empower their obedience. Encourage one another!
[Vs22—23] We should not squander our freedom in Christ to serving ourselves, vs13—15, but use it to serve one another in love. The works of the flesh wrecks us.
Now, Paul describes the results, when Christians allow the Spirit to lead them, ‘fruit of the Spirit’: love, joy, peace…’, which benefits others.
The ‘fruit’ of the Spirit is not nine separate fruits, but nine characteristics. These characteristics emanate, when believers allow the Holy Spirit to take control of their lives. CF: Mt 7:16—20; Rom 6:21, 7:4, 8:5; Eph 5:9; 1Co 13:1; Phm 5; Jn 15:11; 2Co 6:6, 10; 2Tim 3:10; Jms 3:13; 2Pt 1:6. Encourage one another!
[V24] Paul argued extensively that faith in Christ alone saves; our ‘good’ works are helpless in acquiring salvation, Eph 2:8—9; Gal 3:22—29.
Not only are we saved by grace alone, but we cannot lose our salvation, Eph 4:30, Rom 8:38—3; salvation is irreversible – "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." Rom 11:29.
Now, Paul writes, those in Christ stop trying to defeat sin in their own strength; instead, with gratitude believers gave up indulging sinful desires by allowing the indwelling Spirit to take control.
On this side of eternity, God will punish those, who indulge and enjoy their sinful desires. Remember, we all have sinned; when ‘we’ do ‘we’ look toward the cross, READ Rom 8:12; 2Pt 1:4, 2:10. Encourage one another!
[V25] Freedom in Christ is not to do whatever feels good; it is living and walking in the Spirit; it is freedom from being controlled by our own sins.
God sent His Son to pay for our sins and now, we must reply on that same power (Holy Spirit) to counter our sinful desires.
‘We live in the Spirit’ suggests that we walk step-by-step after Christ and; hence, we’ll be lead by the Spirit [walk in the Spirit].
We must live by God’s divine Word and pray for the Holy Spirit to empower us through our sin struggles, then we can have victory over fleshy desires; acquire spiritual fruits, vs22—23; and serve each other in love, v13. Encourage one another!
[V26] Paul urged us to live and walk in the Spirit. If we don’t we become conceited, proud, self-righteous regarding spiritual fruit in our lives.
These self-promoting inconsistencies provoke us to compete against each other, instead of serving each other, alongside each other.
Consequently, these prideful religious competitions lead to envy; hence, preventing us from celebrating fruit-bearing in one another, as we would want others to celebrate our fruit.
Philippians 2:3 KJV, says, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Encourage one another!
Chapter 6
[V1] Carry one another's burdens: Paul start c6, describing a Christian, caught in sin from, which the Christian cannot free him, herself. He instructs those walking, living in the Spirit to help restore that believer.
Note that he said, we must do so in meekness, not condemning. Remember “all have sinned …..”. The spiritual person must be humble, as he too, can also be tempted. The Devil, who tempts your fellow believer in faith, is also coming for you. CF: Jms 1:13, 3:13; Ps 51:12.
For the Body of Christ to function continuously, believers walking in the Spirit must restore those, caught in transgression. Encourage one another!
[V2] Paul instructed those, who are walking uprightly to gently restore those, who have sinned. Now, he urges that we bear one another’s burdens. The English translation for the Greek word ‘bare’ is ‘heavy’ [Rev 2:24; Mt 20:12].
Burdens in this context, do not only imply sin, but other weighty problems: financial, physical, emotional, relational.
When believers are faced with problems, we should help through various means: prayers and practical, time and financial assistance, to name a few.
Helping others in this way fulfils the Law of Christ [the Law of love]. Gal 5:13—14 KJV say, 13 “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” 14 “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Encourage one another!
[V3] We must carry one another’s burdens and in so doing, we fulfil the law of Christ. Some of us are too proud – thinking we are self-reliant and need no one. And at times, too proud to serve another.
We believe that we are better than others [a lie]. The truth is, only Christ possesses the strength through, which we can do all things.
In all His glory, Christ served His disciples; He washed their feet [Jn 13:2—15]. This is the clearest example for us. If the Master Himself, washed the feet of His disciples, what is stopping us [mere man]?
If you believe you are better than another believer, you are deceiving yourself, READ 1Co 3:18; 2C 12:11. Humble yourselves and start serving one another. Encourage one another!
[V4] Yesterday, we learned, if you think of yourself as something, when you are nothing, you lie to yourself.
Now, Paul instructs us to test ourselves, [and no, this is not saying works is required for salvation]; instead of comparing ourselves to others, take the time to rejoice in what God has accomplished through you, in humility.
If you measure what you have, as only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit, you will never think more of yourself than you ought to. Encourage one another!
[V5] In 2, Paul commands us to bear each other’s burden. Then examine our works. Now, he warns, …. ‘every man shall bear his own burden’. Is this a contradiction? No!
In v2, Paul uses the Greek word ‘bare’, meaning extremely heavy; difficult to carry – also used in Mt20:12; Rev2:24. Now, Paul uses a different Greek word for load, ‘phortion’, referred to a soldier’s pack or freight carried by a ship [Mt 11:30; Ac 27:10].
This means that there are burdens, which cannot be carried by others; the believer must overcome the burden through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Helping with burden does not mean carrying another believer’s full load; we cannot alleviate all their responsibilities; each believer must be willing to carry his own load at times. Encourage one another!
[V6] Paul maybe referring to pastors, who teaches. Teaching is one of the spiritual gifs – special abilities the Holy Spirit gives to believers to serve the Church and help others.
Paul did not go into details; he simply says that those who are taught the Word, should provide for those, who teach the Word.
Therefore, providing for those, who pastor the Church is part of the load each of us should carry, READ Rom 15:27; 2Pt 5:2. Encourage one another!
[V7] Not because God has saved us through His grace, means that He will not discipline us if we continue in our sins. To believe this is to mock God and making light of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
For those in Christ, what we do on this side of eternity will reflect in our heavenly rewards [1Co 3:12—15; 2Co 5:10]. Or eternal punish for those who reject Christ [Rev 20:11—14].
Until then, the crops we cultivate now, is determined by the seeds we plant. God’s natural laws of cause and effect apply to both saved and unsaved.
If we live according to the flesh, we suffer harm. If according to the Spirit, we have victory over sin. Encourage one another!
[V9] If we trust in our flesh, we will reap corruption and reliance on our own power, and rituals and sacraments of the Law leads only to death. We can only have victory, when we plant the Spirit. Only the Spirit can deliver eternal life not your own performance, v8.
Paul also urges us not to grow tired of doing good [2Th 3:13; Jms 4:17]; living consistent to what we believe. While good works cannot save, it matters in this life. Doing good through the power of the Holy Spirit bears fruit; it glorifies God and, in the life to come, it has its rewards. Encourage one another!
[V10] We must not grow tired of doing good, through the power of the Holy Spirit [planting time], it will pay off, when the harvest comes. And in eternity, there are rewards [Mt 6:19—20].
We must do good to everyone, but intentional about doing good to other believers. Paul describes those of us in Christ, as belonging to the ‘household of faith’. Doing good to others in this household will pay off, in this life and in eternity for all of us, READ 2Jn 8; 3Jn 11; 1Tim 5:8.
We were created unto good works, and let us take this opportunity, available to us today to do good. Encourage one another!
[V11] Not circumcision but the new creation: Paul is concluding his letter to the Galatians. He often used an amanuensis [a secretary] to take dictation [Rom 16:22], when writing his letters. Now, Paul picked up the pen and wrote these last few words himself.
He calls attention to the large letters he uses, to emphasize the point he’s making. Maybe, this is where we got the idea to use bold letter in our modern writing to emphasize an argument. Stay tuned. Encourage one another!
[V12—13] Paul took the pen and began concluding his letter himself, echoing some of his commands prior.
The Judaizer preached a false gospel of circumcision to the Galatians. They did so, because they were afraid of being persecuted by the Jews. The true gospel is Christ crucified and rose[1Co15:1—4], READ Gal 2:4; Php 3:3, 18; Ac 15:1; 2Tim 3:12.
Moreover, the Judaizers were motivated to boast about having convinced the Galatians to be circumcised; hence, returning to life under the Law [slave to sin]; instead of living under God’s new covenant of grace [freedom in Christ] READ Gal 3:10—14.
Paul taught, Law and grace cannot co-exist, Gal 5:4, so chose one. You choose Law and you are lost. Only grace can save [gift]. Encourage one another!
[V14] Paul is still denouncing false teachers, who are encouraging the Galatians to be circumcised to be saved [Gal 2:4]. The false teachers boasted about conversion numbers; they did care about the spiritual well-being of the believers.
In contrast, Paul boasted about the cross of Christ, not even what God had accomplished through him, although he was instrumental in converting many to Christ.
If our claim is that we are covered by Christ’s shed blood on the cross, we fulfil the Law of the Spirit [being free from sin and death]; not by the works of the flesh. Encourage one another!
[V15] Because Christ came it does not matter whether one is circumcised or uncircumcised, countering Judaizers’ false teaching [circumcision to be saved], Gal 2:4; Col 3:11.
Christianity is not about following a set of rules, rituals and sacraments [as under the Law]; it is a growing active relationship with God [faith through love, Gal :6], CF: Gal 3:23—29.
What matters is that we are a new creation, because the old has passed, 2Co 5:17. So, endeavour to build a relationship with God – study Scriptures, pray constantly, and serve one another in love. Encourage one another!
Ephesians
Introduction
Who Wrote Ephesians? The letter directly names Paul as the writer twice (Ephesians 1:1; 3:1), and early Christians widely accepted it as his work. While a few modern scholars argue the writing style feels a bit different from his other letters, these doubts are overstated. The early church was very strict about rejecting fake letters written under someone else’s name. All strong evidence points to one conclusion: Paul wrote Ephesians.
Historical Background: Paul spent nearly three years living and teaching in Ephesus (Acts 20:31). Years later, he wrote this letter while under house arrest in Rome around AD 60–61, guarded day and night by Roman soldiers (Acts 28:30). Even while locked up, Paul stayed focused on God's work—he also wrote Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon during this exact same time.
Message and Purpose: The heart of Ephesians is unity. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, the barrier between Jews and Gentiles was broken down, bringing all believers together into one family under Christ (Ephesians 1:22–23). Now, by the Holy Spirit, God gives us the power to serve together in unity and grow into mature faith (Ephesians 4:1–6:9).
[Vs1—2] Greeting: This first verse, clearly identifies the author of the Ephesians – Paul. He describes himself as “an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God”. Note, “Jesus Christ” and “will of God” are being used throughout the letter. [Eph 1:9, 5:2; Ac 19:9—10].
Moreover, “grace to you” is found in the opening of many of Paul’s letters. Additionally, “peace from God” is also found in the introductions of nine of Paul’s letters.
Stay tuned and encourage one another!
Chapter 1
[V3] Praise for spiritual blessings in Christ: We bless the name of God, when we praise Him and we worship Him in celebration of, who He is [what He’s done and what we are trusting Him to do].
In Christ, God already blessed believers with every spiritual blessing in the Heavens; we are already seated there together with Christ [Eph 1:20—21, 2:6, 3:10, 6:12].
Currently, we live in the physical realm [Earth] with sin and struggles, originated from the spiritual realm. As believers, we are operating from both places, physically [Earth] and from the spiritual [Heaven].
Henceforth, our position in High Places should direct our actions on Earth. Encourage one an another!
[V4] God created us for Himself. Before He created us, He chose everyone, who would believe in Him.
God in His great wisdom and power, knew the present and the end even from the beginning. He created all things, including time He exists outside of time.
God chose us to be His children because of His wisdom, power and love. Our proper response is to be obedient to Him – to be holy [set apart]; hence, we must live in way without blame [1Tim 3:2, Jd 24]. Encourage one another!
[Vs5—6], The apostle Paul continues to discuss the ‘predestination’ of God’s children. This letter to the Ephesians is focused primarily on the corporate Church and not the believer’s salvation – God’s choice to establish a people in the Beloved [Body of Christ], READ Eph 1:22—23; 2:14, 16, 22; 3:10; 4:16; 5:32.
The Body of Christ mirrors God’s holy character in a sinful world. God predetermined a group of people for his family, accepting us as sons in Christ according to His will [Rom 5:2; 2Co 4:15; Jn 10:17; Col 1:13].
Noteworthy; this election is for service to God; hence, spiritual blessings, not for the believer’s personal salvation. Encourage one another!
[Vs7—8] Christ’s death on the cross redeems us from the power of our sins and eternal penalty. This payment covers everything.
All have sinned [Rom 3:23], the judgement for sin is death [Rom 6:23] and sin had to be paid by the shedding of blood [Heb 9:22], through Christ, the sinless Son of God [2Co 5:21; 1Pt 2:2; 1 John 2:2].
God poured out his grace abundantly on us and; therefore, His grace is sufficient for us [2Co 12:9; Heb 9:12].
Works is not required for our salvation, because none of us can do good [Rom 3:10—12]. The grace of God has covered us completely [not partially]. Encourage one another!
[Vs9—10] God’s plan was to reveal to believers the mystery [the unknown] of His will – that Gentiles will come to faith in Christ, READ 1 Co 15.
God’s ‘purpose’ referred to here, was to set forth in Christ – not according to human wisdom – in the fullness of times [at the right time; God’s time], READ Gal 4:4; Rom 11:25, 16:25; Eph 3:3, 5:2; Col 1:27; Php 2:10.
And when the fullness of times has come, all things in Heaven [spiritual] and on Earth [physical] will be unified in Christ, READ Eph 4:3, 13. Encourage one another!
[Vs11—12] Paul speaks about an ‘inheritance’. No, he is not referring to materials things. This inheritance is two-fold: first, we become children of God, hence, we could expect an inheritance. Second, being sons, we live with Christ in His righteousness for eternity.
The Jews first accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ – according to the will of God and for His glory. Then the gospel was spread to the Gentiles, and the Ephesians were among the first of the Gentile community to accept the Word of God [Ac 18:18—19]. Encourage one another!
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