In Christ ‘there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.’ Neither male nor female is superior to the other in the sight of God. All are equal in spiritual value before God.
‘Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.’
‘For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.’
The closing words of the epistle are rich in promised strength from the Lord. Here we expound the peace and mercy of believers, the ‘Israel of God’, how we bear the marks of Christ, and consciously keeping our spirit or soul.
The supreme love of believers (enshrining total trust, dependance, dedication and delight) is vested in the cross – the redemptive love of Christ. Here are some of the glories of the cross by which the world dies to us, and we to the world.
Following ‘Walk in the Spirit’, Paul turns to well-doing, or beautiful deeds, the practical outcome of unselfishness and humility. Here is mutual correction, and burden-sharing which fulfils Christ’s law of love. Paul presents these as the great tests of true Christian progress.
Endowments, seen supremely in our Saviour, are hopefully growing continuously in believers by the power of the Spirit as they mortify the deeds of the flesh. Here is the key to our happiness in the Lord and our usefulness for Him.
From defining the command, ‘ Walk in the Spirit’, Paul turns to how the Spirit works, because after conversion the desires of our fallen natures are still within us. Here is the progressive conquest of the old nature by the new, through the work of the Spirit.
It is a magnificent promise, that if we walk in the Spirit we will not succumb to the lusts of fallen nature. Here is the Bible’s definition of walking in the Spirit, with the five points of special attention required by the Spirit.
In reviewing the sins of the flesh (Galatians 5.19-21) the apostle uses a word for ‘witchcraft’ which we have in English today. It is a form of our word ‘pharmacy’. Obviously, no translation would use this term, because for us it denotes a healing profession, not a sin of the flesh. So in what way were witches of old times involved in pharmacy?
The Gospel of eternal life through the atonement of Christ is the most precious treasure, and believers are called to proclaim and guard it. Here are Satan’s methods of hindering and obscuring the Gospel, and the duty of opposing them and those who promote them.
This message considers: 1) what Christian Liberty does and does not mean; 2) activities and objectives that entangle and ensnare us; 3) that Christ’s church has only two symbolic actions (ordinances); and 4) The visible evidence of true faith (love) and its forms.
How earnestly Paul pleads with the Galatians to leave the Judaisers! He urges, warns and reasons – the features of true preaching. How strenuously he evangelised and taught despite his own infirmity! We see his persistence, patience and prayerfulness in securing Christ’s reign in their hearts.
Christ redeemed all who trust in Him, and the Holy Spirit applies salvation to them. The Spirit is sent from on high to every true child of God to reside in the ‘heart’. Here are the results and evidences of His presence. Do we have them?
Paul here focuses on the coming of Christ, and we consider why the timing was chosen by God, the love that sent Christ into the world, the obedience of Christ to the law, His redeeming work, and the privilege of adoption as sons and daughters.
Who is the ‘seed’ of Abraham to whom the promises of salvation were given? Saved people from all lands (many not being descendants of Abraham) are the outcome. Christ primarily is the seed, and the redeemed are His by adoption. Here is the key to so much.
A passage in which Paul gives all the reasons why salvation is through faith, and not by works, providing a full rebuttal of the ‘Judaisers’ who called Gentile believers to observe Jewish ceremonies. An insight into the subtle power of error in every age.
Conversion is an intensely personal experience. It is a conscious awareness of Christ intervening in our life. We become certain that Christ, in incomprehensible love, bore away the punishment of our sin in His sufferings on Calvary’s cross. It is to become truly related to Him.
When Peter fell into compromise, Paul gave six convicting reproofs. It was caused by faithless fear, set a disastrous example, destroyed the Gospel, defamed Christ, placed Peter in opposition to the truth, and effectively proclaimed that Christ died for nothing. Here are today’s lessons.
God’s true message is a simple, exclusive plan of salvation. Paul, like the other apostles, needed three years of training in God’s revelation to prepare for the task. Here are Satan’s attacks, the apostles’ resolute defence, and how they reached out to different forms of unbelief.
To prove that his Gospel was not a human product, Paul points to his Jewish training and zealotry. He did not comprehend the gospel until Christ was revealed in him. Here is the meaning, and how Christ should be seen by us daily.
For Luther, the best of the Bible and the rallying call of the Reformation, these verses affirm the one and only true Gospel, by contrast with the alternatives offered in Paul’s time and today. Here is the message that leads to God and eternal life.
Paul esteems the cross of Christ as the greatest event in history. You might think a horrific death ending Christ’s earthly mission would be a disaster. But it was a matter of WHO died and WHY. Here are the eternal achievements secured for us on Calvary.
First, we must know who He is who cares for our souls, then observe the nature of this love, then ask who gains from His love, then in what way He gave Himself for us, and how this obtains for us new life and Heaven.
The apostle’s famous words, ‘I am crucified with Christ,’ points out the greatest hindrance to reconciliation with God: the problem of self-regard. Here is how it ‘requisitions’ every part of a person to dominate life, and how Christ forgives and remakes us to walk with Himself.
‘And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. … Continued
‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a … Continued
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in … Continued
‘Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s … Continued
‘Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his … Continued
‘Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of … Continued
‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, … Continued
‘This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 5 … Continued
‘For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith … Continued
‘Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the … Continued
‘Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from … Continued
‘Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, … Continued
‘Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 4 Now I say, That … Continued
‘Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as … Continued
‘Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 4 … Continued
‘Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 4 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, … Continued
Full chapter _____________ Galatians 3 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? … Continued
‘Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is … Continued
Full chapter _____________ Galatians 3 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? … Continued
‘Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So … Continued
‘O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 3 O … Continued
‘O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 3 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set … Continued
‘Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh … Continued
‘But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 2 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which … Continued
Full chapter _____________ Galatians 2 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should … Continued
‘But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and … Continued
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) For God so loved the world, that he gave … Continued
‘I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by … Continued
‘Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ’ Full chapter _____________ … Continued
Roles of men and women at creation; relationships fixed as a reminder of the Fall; roles in the church and marriage, with duties of husbands and wives. The question answered: Do the same rules apply also to roles in society and business?
Paul’s appeal to the Galatians – shrewd independent thinkers – not to be entranced by the ancient heresy of salvation by works. How easily we, though able thinkers, succumb to the poor arguments of unbelief today! Here are the issues that should lead us to find the Lord.
Why is this such a prominent and distinctive doctrine? How does it relate to regeneration and sanctification? What are its purposes and what should we do to keep it alive in our hearts, and to reap its benefits in our lives and service for Christ?
Full chapter _____________ Galatians 6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, … Continued
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (Galatians 6:14-15) The deeper things of life are so easily crowded … Continued
Many people do not know how the cross of Christ can give new spiritual life and reconcile them with God. Yet the cross of Christ stands infinitely higher than every other event of history in its kindness, power, enduring effect and costliness to God. Here is how.
The hindrance identified in the Bible is the inner reservoir of self-regard, the great ‘I’, that interferes with all taste, desires, aims, decisions and actions. Here is what we do not see of God, and here also is the transformation that conversion brings.
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Galatians 1:3-5) The deeper things of … Continued
The enduring amazement of Paul the Apostle shines through these famous words, urging us to explore and ponder the glorious Person of Christ and the way in which He ‘gave Himself’, or handed Himself over, to the work of redeeming His people.
‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto … Continued
Paul expresses amazement at how many intelligent people are so easily duped into rejecting Christ, and mesmerised by vain hopes of fulfilment without God. Here are the traps, and their deceitful attractions. And here are the proven results of finding Christ and conversion.
Full chapter _____________ Galatians 4 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the … Continued
Here are famous words of Paul identifying our greatest problem of thinking and outlook. Life is all a matter of how we feel, want, like and need. We do not see our spiritual needs. Paul points to a far better life walking with God.
‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.’ Full chapter _____________ Galatians 2 Then fourteen years after I … Continued
Paul defines Christian conversion as a new creation, and the church as a community of new-created people. Here are their distinctive features and blessings. Here also is the three-fold meaning of Paul having the scars of Christ, and the meaning for us.
We cannot glory in the life of Christ, or the Bible or any doctrine without supremely glorying in what took place on Calvary’s cross, something only Christ could do, displaying his attributes, saving billions of souls, and crucifying the world to us, and us to the world.
It is a law of life that we reap what we sow. Believers, saved by grace, may slip back to sowing for earthly gratification rather than holiness and the service of Christ. Paul here provides needed urgings and promises.
Paul first gives the ‘rules’ for kindly correction between believers, then he applies Christ’s ‘new commandment’, the law of mutual love – or burden bearing. Do we really follow this, the kindest of laws? If not, says Paul, we amount to nothing.
If given spiritual life by the Spirit, we should walk by His rule and help. Here is the manner in which we must read the Word, pursue holiness, engage in prayer and practise dedication to Christ in order to know real happiness and fulfilment.
Meekness is the humble acceptance of God’s providence, as well as such things as the rule of the Word, Christian service and local church order. Temperance is strength over such things as the tongue, gifts, desires, moods and thoughts. Here are the biblical helps.
Ongoing faith is Spirit-given, but must be exercised. This is faith in the Word and its doctrines; living faith in Christ, and also faith in the eternal goal. False and true, hindrances and helps, are here presented.
Longsuffering, gentleness (or kindness) and goodness are given by the Holy Spirit but must be exercised and increased. Here are passages that show how and give spiritual incentives. Here also are the helps and the hindrances.
Peace is given directly to the believer by the Spirit, and also channelled through the Word. Here are descriptions of Satan’s false peace, salvation’s true peace, and Christ’s legacy of Peace. Also, how peace should rule in our hearts when trials come.
Joy given by the Spirit is to be maintained. Here are biblical facts about its character and achievements, and how it may be lost. Here also are the rich sources from which Christian joy is drawn.
Love, the chief of Christian virtues, is imparted by the Spirit, and is a quality of thought, affection and action which must be exercised and protected. Here are its marvellous features, its scope, and its strength.
A passage not about guidance but about sanctification, and how the Spirit gives the power that enables us to avoid fleshly, sensual sins. Here are those lusts, and here also are the spiritual benefits that accompany their defeat
Love is the substance of all the moral law, when it is obeyed by saved hearts full of gratitude to Christ. Here is how it works for each commandment. Here also is how the old fallen nature and the indwelling Holy Spirit are in conflict, and the way sin is to be overcome.
The doctrine of Christian liberty proclaims our freedom from the condemnation of the moral law and from Jewish ceremonial ritual. It includes our freedom to approach God, through Christ, without need of a priesthood. Yet we are to be willing servants of God’s standards, and of other people. Key verses show how.
While making powerful appeals for loyalty to salvation by faith, Paul brings a lesson from Ishmael and Isaac. Here are the great differences between salvation by works and faith; the two covenants are contracts for securing union with God, that are foreshadowed in the history of Abraham’s household.
Paul shows that before Christ all people were under elementary forms of worship. The Jews were given sound rituals designed to lead them to God, while the pagan world devised their own. Then came the marvel of Gospel light.
The moral and ceremonial laws of the Jewish era spelled out the barriers to being accepted by God, along with many lessons of forgiveness through trusting in the coming Christ. But finding this mercy was always through faith, not works, as these great verses prove.
Paul quotes Genesis about Abraham’s belief being ‘accounted to him for righteousness’. He does not mean that belief is accepted in lieu of righteousness; or that it assists justification. Here is the meaning. Also, how faith in Christ brings us into all the blessings promised to Abraham.
To lose sight of the Cross of Calvary is to miss the central event of all history – the kindest act of unparallelled love, the great transaction, the most profound and enduring accomplishment and the most honest and powerful. Here is why.
Peter believed in salvation by faith alone, but at Syrian Antioch he failed to stand up for the truth. Why did he err; and what was at stake? Here are glorious features of the true doctrine.
Paul tells how God dealt directly with him, revealing the Gospel of faith – not works – and making him an apostle. His stand for truth (then against ‘Judaizers’) must be copied today. Here, also, is what it means to have Christ revealed in us.
What is universally worshiped and served by everyone in every age, and why? Our greatest need is to be turned from this chief idol to the forgiveness, new life and eternal home that comes only from Christ the Lord.
Paul is astonished to hear of genuine believers so quickly turning to the false teaching of ‘Judaizers’. Here is his strong defence of justification by faith alone, and of the exclusive saving power of Calvary. Who are the Judaizers today?
