Galatians

Galatians

What was happening in the Church when this Epistle was written?

According to the introduction to the book of Galatians in the Sourceview Bible, “Paul, the apostle, wrote [the book of Galatians] probably after completing the first missionary journey (Act 13-14) and just before the council of Jerusalem (Act 15).  The disagreement mentioned by Paul in Acts 15:2 could well be the story that Paul describes in Gal 2:11-16.  It seems that after his run-in with Peter in Antioch, Paul wrote this passionate epistle, as he was preparing for the debate that would ensue in Jerusalem.  This would have taken place about 25 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection.”  Further, Paul wrote this book to the Christians in Galatia (in modern day Turkey) to correct false teachings and defend his authority as an apostle.

Strengths of the Church:  They cared for Paul as if he was an angel from God or even Christ Jesus himself when he was sick (see Galatians 4:12-14). They were running the race so well (see Galatians 5:2).

Weaknesses of the Church:  The church was believing and living false teachings about the Good News and Christ.  Paul said, “I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ.  You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all.  You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ” (see Galatians 1:6-7).  They were not loving one another (see Galatians 5:15).  They were practicing foolishness.  Paul asked the Galatians, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be?  After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? (see Galatians 3:1-3). 

Main Ideas of this Epistle

The truth is that we are saved by faith – not by works (human effort).  We are made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law (see Galatians 2:16).  Paul desired to “preserve the truth of the gospel message for you” (see Galatians 2:5).  We are not to add or subtract from the truth of the Gospel message.  Living in the truth results in the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (see Galatians 5:22).  Following our sinful nature results in negative fruit such as sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, etc. (see Galatians 5:19-21).  People will always reap what they sow; therefore, sow to the Spirit and not to the flesh (see Galatians 6:7-10).  Paul encouraged the believers with the truth that Jesus Christ has set them free and he encouraged them to stay free and not become enslaved to the law once again (see Galatians 5:1).  We are to live free not to satisfy our sinful natures rather to serve one another in love (see Galatians 5:13-14).  We are to follow the truth of the gospel.  For example, Paul confronted Peter on his hypocrisy (see Galatians 2:11-16).  A person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law (see Galatians 2:16).  Galatians 3:6-7 states, “’Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.’ The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.”  It is through faith that a righteous person has life (see Galatians 3:11).  However, no one can be right with God by trying to keep the law (see Galatians 3:11).  “If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it.  But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing Jesus Christ” (see Galatians 3:21-22).  “God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.  God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.  And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba Father.’ Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.  And since you are his child, God had made you his heir” (see Galatians 4:4-7).

Character and Nature of God in this Epistle

God’s truth is truth.  God does not want us to add to or subtract from His truth.  For example, Paul taught the truth “that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law” (see Galatians 2:16).  God desires His people to live in freedom rather than in slavery.  God desires His people to love another. God desires His people to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit rather than follow the leading of their sinful desires.  God desires His people to represent Him well.  God desires His people to exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control).  God desires His people to know the truth and to live the truth – His truth.  God desires His people to know that He is their Father and they are His children and He desires His children to represent Him well.  Furthermore, God, the Father, desires to bless His children, His heir.

Personal Application / Point of Passion

God’s Word is truth.  God’s Word says “that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law” (see Galatians 2:16).  I now have a choice to make.  I can choose to believe what God says about being right with God in His Word or I can choose not to believe it.  Furthermore, God’s Word says that we are not to add to or subtract to His Word.  Knowing this about God and His Word, I choose to believe that I am made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ.  I choose to believe that I am a child of God.  I choose to believe that I am free in Christ.  I choose to believe that I am a co-heir with Christ.  I choose to believe these truths and others based upon what God says in His Word.  I choose not to add to or subtract from these truths from God’s Word.  Other people may tell me that I have to do good works in order to be made right with God; however, God’s Word clearly states that I am made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ.  My feelings may tell me that I have to do good works in order to be made right with God; however, God’s Word clearly states that I am made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ.  I choose to believe the truth of God’s Word.  What God says about Himself is true.  What God says about us, His children, is true.  What God says about His promises is true.  What God says is true.  I choose to believe what God says in His Word.  Furthermore, I choose to live according to what God says in His Word.  My point of passion is to know God and to make Him known – especially to teenagers and young adults.  I greatly desire to know the truth and to live the truth of God’s Word.  Therefore, I greatly desire to teach the truth of God’s Word to others so that they too can know the truth and live in the freedom of the truth.  May each and every one of us truly love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength and may each and every one of us truly love others as ourselves.  Furthermore, may each and every one of us be filled to overflowing with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. May each and every one us, His children, represent our heavenly Father very well by our words and our actions.