BREAKING THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE THROUGH EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE by Jess Garcia

There was bondage for all until Jesus Christ.

A STUDY IN THE BOOK OF

GALATIANS

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE THROUGH EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

‘yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ … and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.’ Gal. 2:16 2

Table of Contents Chapter 1: The Greatest Transformation of Your Life Begins with Embracing the Pure Gospel of Grace........................................................................................................................ pg. 1 Chapter 2: Faith in Christ is the Simple Gospel ………….…..………...………………………........….. pg. 12 Chapter 3: Spiritual Life Supersedes Following the Law …….….……….……………………........…. pg. 23 Chapter 4: The Difference Between Law & Grace …...........................................................…. pg. 36 Chapter 5: Grace Enables the Believer to Live by the Spirit …………….……….…………..........…. pg. 46 Chapter 6: The Spiritual Believer ………………………………….……...………….....…………...........…. pg. 55 Endnotes ………………….…………………………………………….…………………..…………………………….. pg. 63

Introduction The Book of Galatians is about the explosion of the early church. Christ had come, was crucified, buried, resurrected, and ascended to heaven. God was reaching out to the world. Christ seated in heaven as head of the church is bringing the lost to Himself. Gentiles were coming to the Lord. They embraced Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, as their Savior and Lord. The promises in the Old Testament concerning God’s outreach to the gentile world were becoming fulfilled. What a great thing! The church was born, the people of God were expanding, and a transition was taking place. God was doing a new thing. The Mosaic Law was being displaced with the New Covenant. The Lord raised up the Apostle Paul to reach out to the gentile world with the “gospel of grace” which reveals that the just shall live by faith in Christ alone thus breaking the curse of sin to all who believe. God was indwelling the hearts of those that would call up Him. How tremendous! Anyone could enjoy an intimate relationship with God in Jesus Christ through faith and live a new dynamic life with God at their side. In the Book of Galatians, Paul works out the problems that the churches had concerning Judaizers (Paul calls them “false brothers”) that and had come into the region of Galatia, and were teaching that a believer could believe in Christ but had to keep the Law of Moses. These agitators were discrediting the teachings of Paul and the gospel of grace. What a slap in the face to what God was doing. Paul confronts this heresy, and strongly condemns the Judaizers. He explains the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ and how through grace one is able to live a new life by walking in the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. He teaches that the Spirit of God is to have dominion over one’s life which produces personal joy, an intimate relationship with God, and the ability to overcome sin.

Paul would meet his destiny when he was confronted by Christ in Acts 9:3-11. He would receive his apostleship from Christ to preach the gospel of grace to the gentile world. He traveled through Galatia during his missionary journeys (Acts 13, 14, 16, 18:23, see map) among many other places. He evangelized, led people to Christ, planted churches, and returned to the region of Galatia to strengthen the believers there. Map provided by courtesy of Logos Bible Sotware1.

Outline

iii

CHAPTER 1

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE THROUGH EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

Chapter 1 The Greatest Transformation of Your Life Begins with the Embracing the Pure Gospel of Grace Group Question: Have you ever seen someone tremendously changed by the gospel of Christ? What was that like?

Key Verse: I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—Gal. 1:6 Introduction: 1. The greatest thing to happen to mankind is the Second Birth. 2. The Second Birth comes from the gospel of Christ. 3. The gospel cannot be changed, otherwise it is not the gospel and there is no 2nd Birth.

Lesson: The Greatest Transformation of Your Life Begins with the Embracing the Pure Gospel of Grace. The Gospel in the New Testament begins with the leadership of the Apostles of the early church that grew and glorified God. 1. According to verses 1 & 2, how does Paul describe himself to the churches of Galatia? Gal. 1:1 Paul, an apostle--not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— Gal. 1:2 and all the brothers who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: ________________________________________________________________________________ 2. How does Paul greet the churches of Galatia? Gal. 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Gal. 1:4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, Gal. 1:5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 2

The Gospel must remain pure in order to change lives and for the church to grow. 1. What is the greatest threat that will destroy any church? Gal.1:6 Gal.1:7 Gal. 1:8

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospelâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. but even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.

________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

2. What do we learn about how the gospel should be presented? Gal. 1:9

as we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. Gal. 1:10 for am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Gal. 1:11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. Gal. 1:12 for I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

3. When Paul believed in the wrong gospel, what was the result? Gal. 1:13 for you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. Gal. 1:14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

4. How did Paul learn the correct and pure gospel of grace? Gal. 1:15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, Gal. 1:16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

5. How does Paul prove that he received the gospel of grace, not from man, but directly from Christ? Gal. 1:17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Gal. 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. Gal. 1:19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. Gal. 1:20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ 6. How did embracing the gospel of grace affect Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life? Gal. 1:21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. Gal. 1:22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. Gal. 1:23 they only were hearing it said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." Gal. 1:24 and they glorified God because of me. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Reality Check: How did you receive the gospel of Christ? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

Has the gospel in which you believe really changed your life where others see the grace of God at work in you? Or, do others see you as they are, unchanged? Explain. ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

The gospel cannot be changed

CHAPTER 1 NOTES

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE THROUGH EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

Key Verse: I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— Gal. 1:6

Introduction: 1. The greatest thing to happen to mankind is the Second Birth. 2. The Second Birth comes from the gospel of Christ. 3. The gospel cannot be changed, otherwise it is not the gospel and there is no 2nd Birth.

Paul describes himself as an official Apostle.



The Apostles were the foundation of the church. 

They had to have seen Jesus Christ and have been commissioned by Him.



They had to ability to perform miracles.



They had the ability to write Scripture.



They had direct revelation from God.



Paul affirms that he is an official Apostle, not by man, but by God.



It is important for the church at large to know that the gospel of grace comes Jesus Christ.



It is the true gospel of grace that changes lives. Any addition to it negates it.



It teaches that believers are saved by faith in Christ alone, and that they are live by the Spirit of God (Galatians 3:2), who indwells, and empowers them.

Personal Application: 

Notice that Paul’s apostleship does not come from man, but from God. Being an apostle would become Paul’s life. This calling came from heaven. Learn from Paul. Realize that your gift and ministry that God has for you come from heaven (from the very throne of the Lord Jesus Christ). Do you know what God has called you to do? How important is it to you? Look at how it was crucial to Paul.



Learn to serve Him with honor and devotion because you know and experience the love of God that was revealed in the shedding of Christ’s blood at the cross on your behalf. You serve the Lord Jesus, not out repayment, but out of a love that is self-sacrificial in nature.



You are not saved by grace to live by works (that is, being good). You will never have enough good works. We all fail at some point. So, God says that we can die to all our past struggles. Do you have any bad memories? Are there past hurts or present problems that are holding you back? God says that His grace (help) can turn these things around by the outworking of the indwelling Christ. If Christ dwells in you, let Him get rid of all the wrong things in your life and allow Him to put in all the good things of His Kingdom in it.

2. How does Paul greet the churches of Galatia? Gal. 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Gal. 1:4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, Gal. 1:5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Notes: 

Paul brings a greeting, to the churches in Galatia, from God the Father & the Lord Jesus Christ from a standpoint of grace and peace. This is how God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit feel about the church. God’s grace is revealed in justification, sanctification, and glorification. This how God is working His program regarding the church.



In grace, God freely lavishes the church with great and wonderful blessings. God’s work in the church is by grace alone. It is by grace that God gave His Son. There is no work that a person can do that can add to the cross. The purpose of God giving His Son is that people would live new lives that stem from Him.



It is by the work of grace that believers are also delivered from this present evil age. All must admit that they cannot deliver themselves. The present evil age is too great for one individual to overcome. It would take God to defeat it. It is by the goodness of God that people are delivered. It is His work in the lives of believers that manifests His glory.



Peace is the result of God’s grace that brings about a personal calm and wholeness in the midst of adversity. The Greek used is ierene comes from eiro, which means “to join” (Strong3). The idea is to join together that which once separated into a whole. Man in himself is disjointed from God. It is the working of God’s grace that brings him peace, that is, a state of wholeness. It is God that makes one whole through the gospel of grace. Because it is of God, therefore it cannot be taken away. It may fail to be experienced by the believer that minds the things that are not of grace. 7

Personal Application: 

This is what your life is about. God’s greatest work has been done. Now allow Him to have you take advantage of the things that were won at the cross. Because of what He has provided by grace, you can enjoy His peace in the midst of any adversity in your life. God has made you whole, live out of that wholeness (which is wellness). You don’t have to do things to become whole, but you do have to realize what grace provides for you. Learn to be motivated out of a sense of wholeness because your fulfillment is in God, and not out of sense of emptiness in which you must work to achieve a sense of wholeness as a person. Later in the Book of Galatians, Paul will discuss life in the Spirit where one walks by the fullness of God Spirit (Galatians 5).



Notice that Galatians 1:5 ends with a reference to God’s glory. It is His work of grace in our lives that brings Him glory. You may have thought that your life was about you only to learn that your life is about God. Every person’s life is about God. Our life is not about personal glory, even though we may seek it. It is about bringing God glory, which is manifested through your walk with Him.

The Gospel must remain pure in order to change lives and for the church to grow. 1. What is the greatest threat that will destroy any church? Gal. 1:6 Gal. 1:7 Gal. 1:8

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. but even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.

Notes: 

The Judaizers came into the region of Galatia and said to the believers that they needed to practice the Law of Moses in addition to believing in Christ.



Changing the gospel will destroy the work of God in any church.



Satan as God’s adversary will always use “false brothers” that want to add something to the gospel, and therefore nullifying it. This is why God puts a curse on those that teach a different gospel. A curse is when God is working against someone because of His judgment against sin in their life.



Today, people say that it is OK to believe in Christ, but you must believe: 

In gay marriage



In all religions



In the Pope



In the Book of Mormon



In the goodness of yourself, etc.

Personal Application: 

If the Galatian believers that were taught by the great apostle Paul can desert the gospel of grace, then can we? They didn’t know what happened. Realize that it can happen in your life. Identifying the signs: 

Do you sense that you have lost your joy in God?



Have been feeling excessively filled with guilt?





Have you been overtaken by serving God and wonder why God isn’t helping you?



Have you noticed an increase in the outworking of the flesh in your life; that is, certain uncontrollable desires have been hard to fight against, such as outbursts of anger, impatience with people, wanting drugs, etc.?

If you have these symptoms, return to the gospel of grace; that is, tell God of your failings and trust Him accept you, cleanse you, and make you new again. Grace is all about experiencing new life which God imparts. It is new life that overcomes our old manner of living. Know that with God, it is all about “newness.” God’s plan of newness begins with all believers and will continue until He makes all things new (Rev. 21&22).

2. What do we learn about how the gospel should be presented? Gal. 1:9

The person that preaches the wrong gospel is deemed suitable to being accursed, that is, damned to hell!



In giving out the gospel in the name of Christ, it is important to seek to teach the correct gospel that is approved by Him. There is a curse to those that are presenting and believing a false gospel.



The true gospel of grace comes from Christ, Himself. That is the gospel that authentic Christians believe.



Notice that Paul sought the approval of God and did not seek to please others. He knew what it was to teach the wrong gospel that is not of God, so he stresses that he now seeks to please only God.

Personal Application: 

In ministry you have to watch yourself in what you believe and in what you teach. It must be consistent with the Word of God. Ask yourself if you are teaching the fear of God to motivate people by guilt and shame? Or, are you instructing people in the love and acceptance of God that comes from His grace, so that people are serving God out of intimacy with Him, which brings about a love that is real, and a life that is free of guilt and shame?



Perhaps it may be you that that is found wanting in the grace of God.

Notes: 

Paul did evil in the sight of God – he persecuted the church. His goal was to destroy it. He was violent and self-seeking.



He did not really seek the will of God. Know that it is in our human nature to promote self over God.

Personal Application: 

All of us have a past life of sin. It was our belief system that was driving us. But now in Christ, our belief system has changed. Depend on God to keep you from your past and walk with Him daily. The hardest fight will always be to overcome your sinful nature. It can only be defeated by realizing the vast overpowering grace of God.

God had a plan for Paul’s life.



God’s plan was to reveal the gospel of grace to Paul, and have him minister to the world with it. That gave Paul a new focus from his life that was out of control. It gave him purpose from a misdirected life of hurting God and people. He stated that living a dynamic life empowered by God.

Personal Application: 

God also has a plan for your life. It is revealed in embracing the gospel of grace. Paul states (verse 15), “But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,”.



Dear believer, has God called you by his grace? All your life you have been working your way toward the Lord Jesus Christ. Look at Paul, he didn’t know it until Christ met on the Damascus road. Then, he would realize that God’s plan for his life began before he was born. Now, it is for you to complete God’s plan for your life. If it becomes difficult, call out to Him. Remember that He is for you. He will give you the strength you need to continue.

Paul went to the desert to learn the things of God.



He did not spend much time with the Apostles.

Personal Application: 

It is a good thing to spend time at church in fellowship with others, but spending time alone with God is a great necessity. All the great men and women of the Bible spent time alone with Him.



David, when he was running from Saul, spent much time alone with God in the caves, John the Baptist in the wilderness, Joseph in prison, etc. It is time alone with God that will prepare you for life.

6. How did embracing the gospel of grace affect Paul’s life? Gal. 1:21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. Gal. 1:22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. Gal. 1:23 they only were hearing it said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." Gal. 1:24 and they glorified God because of me. Notes: 

People saw the change in Paul’s life.



It brought glory to God.



Paul’s transformed life proves the greatness of the gospel of grace.

Personal Application: 

Did others see the change in you when you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior? You say, “Yes.” Question: Do they see Him in you now? Continue the work of God and bring Him glory.

This map traces Paul’s 3rd missionary journey.

Map provided by courtesy of Logos Bible Sotware1.

CHAPTER 2

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE THROUGH EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

Chapter 2 Faith in Christ is the Simple Gospel Group Question: Do you know of anyone that was saved as a child and still saved today? Key Verse: ‘yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.’ Gal. 2:16 Introduction: 1. God makes the gospel “full proof.” It is so simple that a child can understand it. 2. We make things complicated by God makes things simple. 3. The church down through history flourished when people believed in the gospel of grace.

Lesson: Faith in Christ is the Simple Gospel. Principle #1: Faith in Christ means that you cannot add to the Gospel otherwise you become enslaved. 1. What do you notice about Paul’s ministry? Gal. 2:1 Gal. 2:2

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.

________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

2. What did the false brothers (Judaizes) seek to do?

Gal. 2:3 Gal. 2:4 Gal. 2:5

But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in--who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery-to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

________________________________________________________________________________ Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 13

Principle #2: Faith in Christ is all the authority you need to live a new life. 1. How did the church in authority in Jerusalem feel about Paul and the gospel he was teaching? Gal. 2:6

And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)--those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. Gal. 2:7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised Gal. 2:8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), Gal. 2:9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Gal. 2:10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

2. What blunder did the Apostle Peter (Cephas) commit that contradicted the gospel of grace? Gal. 2:11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. Gal. 2:12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. Gal. 2:13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. Gal. 2:14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?" ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Principle #3: Faith in Christ is what make you right (justified) before God. 1. How are people justified (made right) before God? Gal. 2:15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; Gal. 2:16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

2. What does it mean to â&#x20AC;&#x153;die to the lawâ&#x20AC;? and why is that important? Gal. 2:17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! Gal. 2:18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. Gal. 2:19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

3. Having died to keeping the Law, how should believers live their Christian life? Ga.. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Gal. 2:21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Reality Check: Do you live by rules instead of just depending on Christ that lives in you to empower you to live a new life? Explain. ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

Are you like Paul that lives in boldness of the Gospel, or like Peter, who is still working out what the gospel of grace mean? Explain. ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

God makes things simple

CHAPTER 2 NOTES

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE THROUGH EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

Chapter 2 Faith in Christ is the Simple Gospel Group Question: Do you know of anyone that was saved as a child and is still saved today? Key Verse: ‘yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.’ Gal. 2:16

Introduction: 1. God makes the gospel “full-proof.” It is so simple that a child can understand it. a. A child may be presented with the Gospel, respond by receiving Christ, and be saved forever. b. Know that a child is given enough faith to believe in God. c.

God gives every person enough faith to receive Christ.

d. John 1:3-5, states, John 1:3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. e. Everyone is born with a God-consciousness. f.

Christ created us in the image of God. In our heart of hearts, we know that there is a God. That is the light Christ has put in everyone. The darkness of Satan cannot overtake it, even though men choose to deny the existence of God.

g. Children have this consciousness and therefore can receive Christ, as does all men and women. 2. We make things complicated by God makes things simple. 3. The church down through history flourished when people believed in the gospel of grace. 4. The growth a believer or church is built on believing in the gospel of grace. a. When people believe in the gospel of grace, great things happen. Look at the Reformation and the two Great Awakenings. The true gospel was unleashed and people embraced it. 5. We also know that the Holy Spirit is convicting (convincing) the world of sin, righteousness and the gospel of God’s Son. This gives us an advantage in sharing the gospel. The Holy Spirit has already gone before us.

Notes: 

When we read Acts, it seems that Paul gets saved and not too long after he starts his missionary journeys. But this is not true.



It was about 14 years from meeting Christ on the road to Damascus to the Holy Spirit separating he and Barnabas in Antioch for the work of the ministry.



We learn from Galatians 1:12 & 1:7 that he was taught the gospel of grace (and all supportive doctrine of justification by faith, that is, a re-look at the Old Testament because it was there all the time) by Jesus Christ. He spent much time in the Arabian desert to study, pray, and get his doctrine correct. This puts him in the position to write books, appose apostles, and build people up in the faith. Note what Galatians 1:2 & 1:17 has to say. Gal. 1:12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Gal. 1:17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.



Notice the word “revelation” used in Galatians 1:12 & 2:2. 1) In general, apokalupsis (revelation), means an uncovering or unveiling of something previously hidden. 2) According to Vine4: apokalupsis, an expression of the mind of God for the instruction of the church, 1Co 14:6, 1Co 14:26, for the instruction of the Apostle Paul, 2Co 12:1, 2Co 12:7; Gal. 1:12, and for his guidance, Gal. 2:2; 3) According to Thayer5: apokalupsis, a disclosure of truth, instruction.



Paul goes to Jerusalem to get approval from the authorities of the church concerning the presentation of the gospel grace, that displaces the Mosaic Law, to the gentile world. The judgment of the Jerusalem Council. Acts 15:1-2, 6-7, & 19 Acts 15:1 Acts 15:2

But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.

Acts 15:6

The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.

Acts 15:7

And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.

Acts 15:19 Therefore my [James] judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 18



The church authorities affirm Paul’s doctrine. Paul’s new convert (Titus) is set free from being circumcised. He does not have to follow the Law plus faith in Christ. And all of us are set free.

Practical Application: 

Today, many want to add to the gospel of Christ. It never ends. But you must stand up to any deviation in your church, Bible study, etc. It is always faith in Christ alone. Not faith plus something. Faith in Christ also comes before repentance. We believe, then repent because we believe. A person does not repent and then turn to Christ. In hearing the word of Christ, a person can accept it and believe it, or reject it and continue to live in unbelief.



You must teach & promote simple faith in Christ; that is, any believer can have the same glorious relationship with Christ that any so-called great believer has. Christ is there for any one of us and for all of us. You are all to develop a deep personal relationship with Christ. We all have equal access to Christ and equal illumination of His Word. But deepening that relationship depends on you, because God does not have favorites. In other words, your relationship with God is where you have chosen it to be.

2. What did the Judaizers seek to do? Gal. 2:3 Gal. 2:4 Gal. 2:5

Notes: 

The Judzaizers sought to enslave believers in Christ to the keeping of the Law of Moses.



Many in churches today claim that you are saved by faith, but live by works without believers even realizing it. 

Many these people that add to the gospel are quick to condemn those that fail in their Christian life.



These people are filled with spiritual pride in that they are keeping the laws of the Bible.



Notice that Titus (a new believer) was not forced to keep the Law of Moses in verse 1, but he believed in the Jewish Messiah, Abraham, and the Prophets. Seeing saved gentiles was something new to the Jews. They were astonished. So, Paul’s ministry was to the gentiles. He would take them the gospel of grace which emphasizes simple faith in Christ.



Notice that Paul calls those that want to keep the Law of Moses “false brothers.” They look like, smell like believers, but are not believers because of their doctrine.

Practical Application: 

You, like Paul, should always stand firm concerning the gospel of grace and seek to protect it from anyone entering the church with false doctrine. You must treat as being sacred because it is.



You are to live by the law of grace which is having continual fellowship with Christ; which means, hearing His voice and following Him, because you feel and know His guidance in your life. It is inward, and not outward.

Principle #2: Faith in Christ is all the authority you need to live a new life. 1. How did the church in authority in Jerusalem feel about Paul and the gospel he was teaching? Gal. 2:6

The church authorities in Jerusalem extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul & Barnabas, meaning that they are O.K.



The early church recognized that God was reaching out to the gentiles (this was a new thing) with the gospel of grace (which is, having a personal relationship with God through Christ in simple faith). No more tabernacle. No more use of the High Priest. When the curtain of the temple was rent, Caiaphas was no longer the High Priest of Israel. He just didn’t know it yet. Christ is the Heavenly High Priest interceding for the people of God (Heb. 4:14).

Practical Application: 

Paul did the right thing in choosing to seek the approval of the early church authority. Before we decide on a lifelong ministry, even we know that it is right, we should seek the authority of the church we serve and abide by seeking to be recognized and supported by it.



God was doing a new thing. How wonderful that we are a result of it, meaning that God is continuing to do a new thing in our lives. Being in touch with God always brings about newness in our lives.

Paul is now telling the Galatian believers what happened (not in Jerusalem) in Antioch. It seems that Peter approved the gospel of Paul (God’s Apostle to the gentiles) but had problems applying it to his own life. He knew better, but was falling back into his old ways. He started to eat with the gentiles then drew back because he did not want to be criticized for it by other Jews because Jews do not break bread with sinners, that is, gentiles.



Paul (as all believers) had the authority to correct Peter. 20

Practical Application: 

We have the authority to correct men that are leaders, pastors, professors, etc., that contradict simple faith in Christ.



Rule of thumb, it is a good idea is to confront someone privately. But Paul confronts Peter publicly because what he did was very public.

People are made righteous before God only by faith in Christ, that is, His work on the cross as payment for our sins, His resurrection (by which believers have their resurrection to new life), His ascension into heaven (which the church will follow), and by recognizing the place of authority God has given Him. There is no greater authority.

Practical Application: 

God has created the Christian life for you to follow. It begins, continues, and ends with simple faith in Christ. He is your Savior, healer, friend, and comforter that empowers you to live life.

2. What does it mean to “die to the law” and why is that important? Gal. 2:17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! Gal. 2:18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. Gal. 2:19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. Notes: 

When you are dead to something, it means that it no longer has an effect or hold over you. It is rendered powerless, like a dead battery. But realize that a dead battery can be recharged. When people try to live by the law, their flesh becomes aroused and they become overcome by sin.



Keeping laws and rules does not lead us to salvation. It leads to personal failure.



So, when a person says, knowing God is more important than anything, it is then that God will reveal Himself to that person.



Salvation does not come with rules, but by a Person; that is, Jesus Christ the Jewish Messiah.

Practical Application: 

It is time to die to the Law. Quit blaming yourself for your failures. Stop telling yourself that you will never make it! You are a born sinner; you are going to do things that are wrong. That is the truth. But you can deny the truth by living in pride that you are falsely perfect and never fall short. How long can you lie to yourself? God has always said that you fall short but God does not say that you are not worthless. You are worth everything to Him; for you, He gave His Son on the cross. 21

Who else has done that for you? So, what are you to do? Start embracing the gospel of grace. Take advantage of forgiveness, new life, the power of God over sin, and start to believe that you are a new person in Christ, and live it out.  3. Having died to keeping the Law, how should believers live their Christian life? Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Gal. 2:21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. Notes: 

Believers are to live by having a personal relationship with God through Christ. This is exciting.



Everything needed to make a person righteous before God has been done. Believers are forever righteous in Christ. This righteousness is not of themselves, therefore, it cannot be lost or gained. When believers sin, they are still righteous in Christ. Again, not in themselves are they righteous. Yes, believers may sin, but their righteousness comes from Christ, and from their behavior.



Keeping the Law is meaningless. Faith in Christ does what the Law cannot. It brings righteousness.

Practical Application: 

So, when you fall short, what do you do? What work can make you without sin? It is only Christ. So, what you do is to go to Him (and confess). He will bring cleansing and newness in your life.



When you are struggling, what law can help you? Ans. None. It is only Christ that can help you. When you feel discouraged, what rule or law that you have broken can encourage you? None. It is only Christ that can lift you out of sin and encourage you. His love has always been greater than your failures, or disappointments.



Being crucified with Christ means the you are dead to the things that have been holding you back in life. Imagine being dead to all the wrong things in your life, and being made alive to all the good things God has for you. How great is that? You as a believer need to cast all the worries and setbacks of your life on Christ, who cares for you, and allow Him to bring about–in you: a new life, a new attitude, and a new manner of living that overpowers all the dead things that bring you to sin.

The gospel is full-proof

CHAPTER 3

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE THROUGH EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

Chapter 3 Spiritual Life Supersedes Following the Law Group Question: In your salvation experience, what prompted you to receive Christ? Key Verse: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"-- Gal. 3:13 Introduction: 1. For us, spiritual life supersedes everything.

Lesson: Spiritual Life Supersedes Following the Law. Principle #1: Look at your own personal experience. 1. How does the Spirit come into a person’s life and change it? Gal. 3:1 Gal. 3:2 Gal. 3:3 Gal. 3:4 Gal. 3:5

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain--if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—

________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Principle #2: Look at the experience of Abraham. 1. How did Abraham live as a life principle?

Gal. 3:6 Gal. 3:7 Gal. 3:8 Gal. 3:9

just as Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed." So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

Principle #3: Look at what the Word of God states. The Word of God states that the Law brings a curse. 1. According to Gal. 3:10, how does following the Law help you? Explain. Gal. 3:10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

The Word of God states that because we are under a curse, therefore the just, that is, the righteous before God, shall live not by the law - but by faith. 2. What is the way that you can live righteous before God? Gal. 3:11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith." Gal. 3:12 But the law is not of faith, rather "The one who does them shall live by them." _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

The Word of God states that Christ, the promised Messiah, would become the sacrificial lamb and set us free to live a new life that is pleasing to God. 3. Even though Christ died on a cross for our sins, what is also needed for us to live the Christian life? Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"-Gal. 3:14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

The Word of God states that the seed of Abraham was Christ the Messiah. 4. If God promised to Abraham before giving the Law to have children of faith, then does that mean that you as a believer are a child of Abraham without the Law? Explain. Gal. 3:15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. Gal. 3:16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring [seed]. It does not say, "And to offsprings [seeds]," referring to many, but referring to one, "And to your offspring," who is Christ. Gal. 3:17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 25

Gal. 3:18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise. _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

The Word of God states that the Law cannot give life. 5. If the Law cannot give us life, then how can a person have spiritual life (that is, the New Birth experience), and come to know and walk with God (See verse 22)? Gal. 3:19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring [seed, meaning Christ] should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. Gal. 3:20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. Gal. 3:21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. Gal. 3:22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

The Word of God reveals that the purpose of the law is to bring us to Christ, so that we could become sons of God. 6. According to the passage below, how does spiritual life come, and how should it affect our living the Christian life? Gal. 3:23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. Gal. 3:24 o then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. Gal. 3:25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, Gal. 3:26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. Gal. 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal. 3:28 here is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3:29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

Reality Check: What was the most interesting thing you learned from Galatians 3? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

What can you apply concerning living by the Spirit? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

Grace is greater than the Law

CHAPTER 3

NOTES

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE THROUGH EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

Chapter 3 Spiritual Life Supersedes Following the Law Group Question: In your salvation experience what prompted you to receive Christ? Key Verse: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"-- Gal. 3:13 Introduction: 1. For us, spiritual life supersedes everything. 2. We are to live by the Spirit. a. We are to walk by the Spirit. We are not to quench the Spirit, or grieve the Spirit because we have been sealed by the Spirit. The Spirit is the voice of God to us. The Spirit prompts us, leads us, opens our eyes and teaches us. So, we live by the Spirit. 3. The New Birth is about Spiritual Life. We follow God inwardly, that is, from the heart. a. There are many that follow God in an outward way, but never knowing the inward experience of having a personal relationship with God. b. We see this in religious people. They love their way of life so much that it is hard for them to leave it for the gospel of grace. 4. As believers, something in us tells us what to do. We do not negate the Bible because the Spirit of God in us confirms what the Bible has to say. We need the Spirit of God to illuminate the Word of God to us. We read a verse and the Holy Spirit confirms the truth of it in our heart, and there it is kept. No man can take it away.

Lesson: Spiritual Life Supersedes Following the Law. Principle #1: Look at your own personal experience. 1. How does the Spirit come into a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and change it? Gal. 3:1 Gal. 3:2 Gal. 3:3 Gal. 3:4 Gal. 3:5

Notes: 

The salvation of a believer comes through faith in Christ, which is accompanied by the abiding presence of the Spirit of God. It is yieldness to the Spirit, and the opening the eyes to the things of God that adds to the faith of a believer.



The sacrifice of Christ on the cross was a gift from God to man. No one can add to the cross.



So, beginning in the Spirit means that that a believer should continue to live in the power of the Spirit all the days of one’s life. The Psalmist cries out, LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? . It is the righteous man that lives by the Spirit of God that is invited to commune with God. KJV



It is the Spirit of God that is sealed in the believer (Eph. 1:13) and resides in him or her. It is the Spirit’s voice the believer in Christ hears in his or her walk with the Lord.



It is the Spirit of God that perfects Christ in the believer.



Living out the Christian life is dependent on the Spirit. So, the believer is to learn to rely on the Spirit of God in all of life’s situations.

Practical Application: 

The Spirit came into your life by the grace of God. It did not come from being good. The Spirit changed your life by revealing Christ to you, and the abundant life that God has for you. 



You learned that He loved you and gave Himself for you. You learned that He waits to spend eternity with you as His Bride, and you shall be with Him forever.

Because the Spirit was a part of your spiritual birth, know that He is also part of your day to day living. It is through yielding the Spirit that more faith is produced. You learn that Christ is not only your Savior, but your Deliverer from all the adverse things of life. If you are suffering, there is comfort. If you are in a state of depression, there is the joy of God that will lift out of it. If it seems that all the burdens life on your shoulders to bear, learn to cast your cares upon Christ because He cares for you. Then, you will know the reality of being in Christ.

Principle #2: Look at the experience of Abraham. 1. How did Abraham live as a life principle? Gal. 3:6 Gal. 3:7 Gal. 3:8 Gal. 3:9

Notes: 

Abraham lived by putting his faith in God (not in the Law).



Abraham was made righteous by believing in God.



The real children of Abraham are sons by faith, even though they may not be of Jewish birth.



Abraham believed in the God of Noah and Adam. He knew that a Messiah was promised and that God punishes sin and requires a sacrifice for sin. That is what believers at that time had faith in. It is what believers today also have faith in. Righteousness has not changed. 30



So, after God created the nations at the Tower of Babel, He looked to Abraham to start a nation of faith. A nation of righteousness to show the world how to live and believe in God (Deut. 4:6-7). This was witnessed by the Queen of Sheba (at a later time) when she visited Solomon. 

She said: “Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness." 1 Kings 10:9



Abraham believed in the coming Messiah. Then, he finds out that the coming Messiah will come through him and that a great nation will come through him who’s is builder and maker is God.



So, this is what Abraham believed and what the Jewish people believed. The Christian church also believes in the Jewish Messiah promised to Adam and his ancestors.



In God’s kingdom, the Jews are the subjects of the Kingdom, but the church is the gentile Bride of the King! The church has a special place in the Kingdom of God. She will always be at Christ’s side. God said that it is not good for the man to be alone Gen. 2:18). When Christ became a man, God provided a bride for Him. She is eternally seated with Him (Eph. 2:6) and emotionally bound to Him with all the affections being married to her Beloved (Eph. 1:6, 5:31-32).

Practical Application: 

When you came to believe in Christ, you became a son of Abraham (whether you were a male or female) even though you are a gentile. You became grafted into the Israel of God (Rom. 11:17). Later, the unbelieving Jews will be grafted back in (Rom. 11:19).



As a believer your place is being part of the heavenly bride of the King (the Lord Jesus Christ, Eph. 5:23). So, shower Him with all the love a bride has for her husband.



Our promises are heavenly. Our future as being part of the people of God is in heaven. Christ has promised to return for His bride and take her to the third heaven to be with Him forever (John 14:3). What a wonderful position of being the bride of Christ, and what a tremendous promise of His personal return for you. Knowing this should change how you live. You now live not for yourself, but for Him. Also know that there will be a tremendous change of heart among the Jews in the future. God has not forgotten the Nation Israel.

Principle #3: Look at what the Word of God states. The Word of God states that the Law brings a curse. 1.

According to Gal. 3:10, does following the Law help you? Explain. Gal. 3:10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." Notes: 

The people that believe they can keep the Law are under God’s judgment for sin (curse).

Practical Application: 

The Law does not help you at all in any progress toward salvation. It brings a curse. The curse that it brings is God’s judgment toward sin (that is, falling short of keeping the law).



The law helps you to know that you have broken it; that is, that you are not perfect and fall short. 31

All believers are righteous before God only by faith, and not by the things they do.



It is because of the things that come with faith (such as, spiritual knowledge, power, guidance, etc.) that believers can live a new life, that is, a transformed life that is pleasing to God.



Illust. Does someone that is addicted to drugs change because you tell him that he is doing what is wrong and needs to start doing what is right? Or, is it when he or she believes that God loves and cares for him or her by embracing the gospel faith that he or she changes.



Question: Does following the law bring answers to the prayers of a believer? Or, does crying out to God with all of one’s heart by faith? Know that it is the prayers of faith that are answered by God. God respects those that come to Him in faith, and not those that are keeping the law.



Illust. Did the thief on the cross received salvation by following the Law or by putting His faith in Christ? His only work was to turn to Christ with all the humility of giving Him glory, and looking Him for the salvation of his soul, despite all the wrong things he had done in his life.

Practical Application: 

Faith in God is a powerful force. Trusting God will change your life, give you hope, and the reality of walking in the clouds with God (through the sphere of the Spirit). Christ immediately spoke the thief on the cross. He did not delay to give him paradise, and He does not delay to bring heaven to you in your life. Our body is on earth, but our spirit is in heaven with Him.

The Spirit of God is needed for believers to have a personal relationship with God. This is mentioned in the Joelistic prophecy. God will pour out His Spirit, which is promised to Israel, then to the Gentiles that choose the gospel. Joel 2:28 "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.”



We learn from Ezekiel how God works in the hearts of His people. Eze. 36:26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Eze. 36:27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.

Practical Application: 

Know that the Lord has always had you in mind. He put all these promise in place because He was thinking of you. Then, He was waiting for you to come to Him. Now it is fory you to go to Him, and live the greatest life there is to live. You have procured the greatest love, the most wonderful Savior, and a fantastic future. Know that your life has tremendous meaning because you are part of such an all encompassing plan of God that involves everyone. So then, you are to live according to your heavenly position in Christ.



Know that the enemy will try to bring suffering to your life, but God will make all things good. Take the goodness of God and live by it, like Abraham.

The Word of God states that the seed of Abraham was Christ the Messiah. 4. If God promised to Abraham, before giving the Law, to have children of faith, then does that mean that you as a believer are a child of Abraham without the Law? Explain. Gal. 3:15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. Gal. 3:16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring [seed]. It does not say, "And to offsprings [seeds]," referring to many, but referring to one, "And to your offspring," who is Christ. Gal. 3:17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. Gal. 3:18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise. Notes: 

God promised Abraham that Christ, the coming Messiah, would come through him, and that everyone (Jew & Gentile) that would believe would be blessed by Him (Christ).



The Jews felt that the promise was only for them because of birth, but the promise was to those that put their faith in the seed (Christ) to come, that is, the Messiah that had been promised to their fathers.

Practical Application: 

We have put our faith in the seed, that is, Christ. We are of equal faith of any believer that has gone before us. There is no pride but humility in knowing that we are sinners before God, but given the righteousness of Christ. That was our greatest need, the righteousness of God; that is, to be right before God and live with Him, talk with Him, and have Him smile upon us.

The promise was to Abraham’s concerning his offspring (seed), which is Christ, and that through Him the whole world would be blessed.



The Law was given to show man that he cannot keep it. This, in turn, brings a person to realize the need for a savior. That savior is Christ in fulfillment with the promise given to Abraham.



Notice that the law was given until the seed (Christ) should come. Christ came and fulfilled the Law. He accomplished what no man could do until his coming.



Concerning angels: they were involved in the giving of the Law. See Duet. 33:2 Deut. 33:2 He said, "The LORD came from Sinai and dawned from Seir [the mountain-land of the Edomites] upon us; he shone forth from Mount Paran [the range which forms the northern boundary of the desert of Sinai]; he came from the ten thousands of holy ones [meaning angels], with flaming fire at his right hand.



The Law cannot give life. So, life must come from the seed (Christ).



Illust. If you are going to plant some flowers. The directions (rules) tell you how to do it. So, do the flowers come from the directions, or from the seed that is planted and grows? Life comes from the seed and not from the Law (direction how to live). But the purpose of the Law was to lead people to Christ.



So, new life goes to those that believe in the “seed”, the offspring of Abraham & Adam that was promised to save the world.



Concerning an intermediary: Robertson7 states, Is not a mediator of one (henos ouk estin). That is, a middleman comes in between two. The law is in the nature of a contract between God and the Jewish people with Moses as the mediator or middleman. But God is one (ho de theos heis estin). There was no middleman between God and Abraham. He made the promise directly to Abraham.

Practical Application: 

You have recieved the promise of new life that comes from the promised Messiah. Therefore, you can live out that new life. It is miraculous. A miracle is something that goes against nature. You are going against the nature that you were born with, in receiving new life. You are a miracle of God with the power to go against the world, the Devil, and your old nature. New life means exactly that – New Life!

The Word of God reveals that the purpose of the law is to bring us to Christ, so that we could become sons of God. 6. According to the passage below, how does spiritual life come and how should it affect our everyday living? Gal. 3:23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. Gal. 3:24 o then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. Gal. 3:25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, Gal. 3:26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. Gal. 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal. 3:28 here is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3:29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. Notes: 

Concerning the meaning of “guardian”: Thayer definition 5: a tutor, i.e. a guardian and guide of boys. Among the Greeks and the Romans the name was applied to trustworthy slaves who were charged with the duty of supervising the life and morals of boys belonging to the better class. The boys were not allowed so much as to step out of the house without them before arriving at the age of manhood. Everrett comments 8: Gal. 3:24 tells us that the Law was our “schoolmaster” (KJV), but this is a poor translation of the word παιδαγωγὸς. This word actually refers to the ancient custom of a house attendant who took the boys of nobility to school and turned them over to the school teacher. This custodian and disciplinarian took the child when he was released from his mother and nanny and watched over him, and brought him to his teacher for his education until he was old enough to care for himself. In the same way, the Law simply brought us to Christ, and is now no longer needed.



The Law leads us to Christ. In Christ, we become adult sons, that is, full heirs, having all the power & authority of an adult son. Before adulthood, a son had no power or authority – they were not adult sons.



Believers are not mediocre Christians, but powerful ones, having the full rights of being in Christ. There is no difference if a believer is from a great family, a male or female, a certain race, etc. All believers are great in Christ. All believers have the promises of God, the help of God, the power of God working in their lives, and the ear of God to answer their prayers.



In the eyes of God, there are no inferior Christians.

Practical Application: 

Whether you lived a life of wealth and privilege or an impoverished life of neglect, that doesn’t matter anymore. The past is dead to you in the way that it cannot hold you back from what God has for you. What matters now is your new life in Christ. New life overpowers and overcomes past life. So, live out your new life in Christ despite your past. Enjoy what God has for you.

CHAPTER 4

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE THROUGH EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

Chapter 4 The Difference Between Law & Grace Key Verse: And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" Gal. 4:6 Group question: Does a mom love her child because her child is good, or because her child is hers? Introduction: 1. The whole purpose of the Book of Galatians is for us to enjoy and live in the freedom we have in Christ. God wants us to live a better life. Living by grace makes all the difference. 2. What is meant by the Law? a. In particular, it is the Law given by God to Moses in the Book of Deuteronomy; which consists of the 10 Commandments, rules about living, rules about the priesthood, and rules about the Tabernacle, which is the place where man could atone for his sins and meet God. The purpose of the Law was to teach people about right and wrong, give them a picture of the atoning work of Christ, and point them to Him as the Messiah that would give them a personal relationship with God that the Law could not give. b. In general, it means following rules (like the 10 Commandments) to get closer to God. 3. Some of the differences between Grace and the Law: Grace brings life.

The Law brings death.

Grace brings sonship.

The Law brings separation.

Grace is eternal.

The Law is temporary.

Grace gives freedom.

The Law brings bondage.

Lesson: The Difference Between Law & Grace. Believers are justified by faith. Through grace, Christ redeems us from the curse of the Law. 1. Why did Christ come in the fullness of time and how does that help us? Gal. 4:1 Gal. 4:2 Gal. 4:3 Gal. 4:4 Gal. 4:5 Gal. 4:6

I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"

Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV速 Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version速), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 37

________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Rituals do not bring about a personal relationship with God. 2. Why is knowing God better than observing rituals or the Law? Gal. 4:7 Gal. 4:8

So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. Gal. 4:9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? Gal. 4:10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Following the Law does not create a heart of compassion. 3. Where do you think the compassion the Galatian believers felt for Paul came from? Gal. 4:11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain. Gal. 4:12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. Gal. 4:13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, Gal. 4:14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. Gal. 4:15 What then has become of the blessing you felt? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

You have to make a decision where you stand concerning following the Law or Grace in your life. 4. How were the Galatian Christians falling short in their Christian life? Gal. 4:16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? Gal. 4:17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. Gal. 4:18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, Gal. 4:19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! Gal. 4:20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. Gal. 4:21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ 38

In life, there only freedom or bondage. 5. From the following verses, write down something about Ismael in contrast to Isaac? Gal. 4:22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. Gal. 4:23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Gal. 4:24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically [note: the allegory between Law & Grace by contrasting Ismael & Isaac is explained by Paul in this passage]: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Gal. 4:25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. Gal. 4:26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. Gal. 4:27 For it is written, "Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband." Gal. 4:28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. Gal. 4:29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. Ismael/Law â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Slavery

Isaac/Grace â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Freedom

___________________________________

6. What do you understand about the contrast between Ismael and Isaac about how you should live life? ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Reality Check: Have you been living under the bondage of trying to follow rules to get you closer to God? ____________________________________________________________________________________

What has God done for you to enjoy a better life? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 39

CHAPTER 4 NOTES

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE THROUGH EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

Chapter 4 The Difference Between Law & Grace Key Verse: And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" Gal. 4:6

Group question: Does a mom love her child because her child is good, or because her child is hers? What about God? Does He love you because you are good or because you are His? How does that impact your relationship with Him?

Review: 1. Breaking the bonds of the Law through embracing the Gospel of Grace. 

Paul reproves the Galatians because they were leaving the gospel of grace for another gospel, Chapter 1.



He reminds them of his divine calling as an Apostle appointed by Christ who gave him the authority to proclaim the Gospel of grace to the Gentiles, Chapters 1 & 2.



He then explains the role of the Mosaic Law within the revelation of the new covenant in Christ Jesus, Chapters 3 & 4.

Introduction: 1. The whole purpose of the Book of Galatians is for us to enjoy and live in the freedom we have in Christ. God wants us to live a better life. Living by grace makes all the difference. 2. What is meant by the Law? a. In particular, it is the Law given by God to Moses in the Book of Deuteronomy; which consists of the 10 Commandments, rules about living, rules about the priesthood, and rules about the Tabernacle which is the place where man could atone for his sins and meet God. The purpose of the Law was to teach people about right and wrong, give them a picture of the atoning work of Christ, and point them to Him as the Messiah that would give them a personal relationship with God that the Law could not give. b. In general, it means following rules (like the 10 Commandments) to get closer to God. 3. Some of the differences between Grace and the Law: Grace brings life.

The Law brings death.

Grace brings sonship.

The Law brings separation.

Grace is eternal.

The Law is temporary.

Grace gives freedom.

The Law brings bondage.

4. Why is this important? You see, the Law brings fear in our relationship with God. Unless you are filled with pride, you know in your heart that you fall short and that you are not perfect. 41

5. Grace overpowers failure to keep the Law, guilt, shame, fear, disappointment. Instead, it brings celebration. It makes you confident because you know no matter what – you belong to God, He will fellowship with you, and He will take care of you.

Notes: 

When the fullness of time came, Christ appeared and changed everything.



The Old Testament economy was temporary. It was not to continue. It was to get God’s people ready for Christ. 

The Temple pointed to Christ. It was a picture of how a man can have a relationship with God. It was through sacrifice, cleansing, an intermediary (priest) that man would draw near to God for the people and give them God’s message.



The outward law was the bare bones of how to live. The inward law that comes from the New Birth that gives the believer a new conscience of how to live.

Practical Application: 

You are redeemed! We are adopted with the full rights of an adult son (not as a child that has no rights).



Through Christ, God sends His Holy Spirit to live in you and to confirm in your heart that you are His. You can call God – Father.

You are redeemed

Rituals do not bring about a personal relationship with God. 2. Why is knowing God better than observing rituals or the Law? Gal. 4:7 Gal. 4:8

In Christ there is no observance of special days, feasts, etc. The special days in the O.T. had a temporal application until Christ came in fullfillment of those things. Every day is a holy day of celebration for us since Christ’ resurrection. Every day is Resurrection Sunday to the believer.



The things in the Old Testament were there to prepare the people of God for the things of the New Testament. They are there for instruction in righteousness.



I Cor. 10:11 states, “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” 

Concerning the phrase, “the end of the ages has come”, Clarke11 states: “We are to consider the apostle’s words as referring to the end of the Jewish dispensation and the commencement of the Christian, which is the last dispensation which God will vouchsafe to man in the state of probation.”

Practical Application: 

Since knowing God is greater than obeying the law or rules, make sure that He is a part your personal life. When you open your Bible, make it be about Him (and not about more Bible knowledge). When you get up in the morning, say, “What do you have for me today, My Lord.”

Background: in the lowlands of Pamphylia, a region through which Paul had just passed on his way to

Pisidian Antioch, an oriental eye disease called ophthalmia was prevalent. In addition to all this, the Greek words translated despised and rejected, indicate that the illness had caused him to have a repulsive appearance, which answers to the symptoms of ophthalmia. – Wuest 9 43



Paul had an eye disease that gave him an ugly appearance, but the Galatian believers accepted him anyway and embraced the gospel of grace. They were so grateful that they would have given their eyes for him. They loved Paul. Paul is saying, “What happened to the love you had for me that came by grace?” The gospel of grace brings love, compassion, etc. This is what the gospel works cannot do. Paul was deeply concerned for the Galatian believers’ spiritual life. Even though he is absent, he is writing to them to warn them because of his love for them and fond memories of them.

Practical Application: 

Like Paul, love the people you serve, and be commited to them. Because of Paul’s love we have the Book of Galatians.

The Galatian Christians had embraced the agitators (Judaizers) that had come into their region and started preaching a false gospel which was discrediting the teachings of Paul. They were leaving grace to begin living the by the Law. Paul had formerly lived by the Law before his conversion. He knew that it could end in pride and in the harsh treatment of others.



Many have gotten away from the gospel of grace that is taught in the Book of Galatians. The gospel of grace creates compassion toward others that is not judgmental or condemning.



Notice that Paul is condemning, but by the Spirit, he is condemning what is appalling to God.

Practical Application: 

Know that the flesh is always working against grace. It is easy to slip back away from it.



It is meditating on the Word of God, walking in the Spirit, and having communion with Christ that will keep you from the leaving the doctrine of grace.

In life there only freedom or bondage. 5. From the following verses, write down something about Ismael in contrast to Isaac? Gal. 4:22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. Gal. 4:23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 44

Gal. 4:24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically [note: the allegory between Law & Grace by contrasting Ismael & Isaac is explained by Paul in this passage]: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Gal. 4:25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. Gal. 4:26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. Gal. 4:27 For it is written, "Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband." Gal. 4:28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. Gal. 4:29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.

Note: Concerning Gal. 4:27 – which may be difficult to understand: Peter Pett 10 states, A quotation is now cited from Isa. 54:1. It refers to the divine principle that those who initially ‘have not’ are the ones who, through God’s mercy, often eventually ‘have’, because ‘their Maker is their husband’ (Isa. 54:5). They do not look to a husband of the flesh but to a husband of the Spirit. And thus the seemingly barren become fruitful. Paul then refers this to Sarah, who had been barren and had produced no children. Adam Clarke11 states, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not - This quotation is taken from Isa. 54:1, and is certainly a promise which relates to the conversion of the Gentiles, as the following clause proves; for the desolate - the Gentile world, hath many more children - is a much larger and more numerous Church, than she - Jerusalem, the Jewish state, which hath a husband.

6. What do you understand about the contrast between Ismael and Isaac about how you should live life? Notes: 

The gospel of grace is saving people all over the world today because it is greater that the Law.



The flesh and the Spirit have always been at odds, since the beginning. Those that are of the “promise” like Isaac, can live a new, miraculous life.

Practical Application: 

Because of Jesus Christ, you are not a slave to the Law, the flesh, and the devil. You are set free to live a new life before God. You live by the principle of the Spirit. The Spirit is greater than the Law.

CHAPTER 5

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE THROUGH EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

Chapter 5 Grace Enables the Believer to Live by the Spirit Key Verse: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Gal. 5:22-23 Group question: Name a day when you really felt happy and explain what that was like? Introduction: 1. Now we come to the practical part of living by the Spirit. It is something that God gives us through grace. The Spirit was promised by Christ in the upper room (John 14). He is our comforter. 2. Secular and religious people live by the flesh. Man either lives by his wit ends, or he lives by trying to please God in an outward way. 3. We don’t have to live that way. We have the freedom to live a new life every day filled with love, joy, peace, kindness of god, etc. It is truly wonderful. It doesn’t have to be some days, but it can be every day. 4. Galatians chapter 5 teaches us how to live by the Spirit.

Lesson: Grace Enables the Believer to Live by the Spirit. Living by the Spirit is a matter of choice. 1. How are Christians to live out their new life in Christ? Gal. 5:1 Gal. 5:2 Gal. 5:3 Gal. 5:4 Gal. 5:5 Gal. 5:6

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

________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 47

Living by the Spirit can be hindered. 2. What hinders believers from walking by the Spirit? Gal. 5:7 Gal. 5:8 Gal. 5:9 Gal. 5:10

You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view than mine, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.

________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Living by the Spirit produces change in the heart of the believer. 3. What change should take place in the heart of a believer? Gal. 5:11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. Gal. 5:12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate [Lit. would cut themselves off12] themselves! Gal. 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Gal. 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Living by the Spirit empowers believers. 4. What happens when believers fail to live by the Spirit? Gal. 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. Gal. 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Gal. 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Failing to walk by the Spirit resurrects the flesh with its passions. 5. What are the negative works of the flesh that comes by living by the law? Gal. 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Gal. 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, Gal. 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,

Gal. 5:21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Walking by the Spirit has positive results. 6. What positive results comes from walking by the Spirit? Gal. 5:22 Gal. 5:23 Gal. 5:24 Gal. 5:25 Gal. 5:26

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Reality Check: Ask yourself if you are failing to live by the Spirit and how you can change that? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

How can the simplicity of the gospel of grace help you in your Christian life? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

The Spirit gives life 49

CHAPTER 5 NOTES

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE THROUGH EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

Notes: 

Know that believers must stand firm in what the Bible teaches, despite what someone may tell them.



Circumcision began with Abraham. It was a sign of Abraham’s acceptance of God’s covenant with Him (Gen.17). God promised to make Abraham the father of many nations. As a ratification of the agreement all males had to be circumcised. Not to do this would mean being cut off from the nation Israel and all of God’s promises.



But in Christ, all believers are circumcised. His circumcision counts for those that believe. To go back to physical circumcision would mean that a person is negating the new covenant. The Galatian believers did not understand what they were doing, so Paul explains it to them.



Paul, again, reminds Galatian believers of the preeminence of being justified by faith in Christ alone.



Everyone under the Law is compelled to sin, but in the Law of Moses, there is an atonement for sin which involves a ritual to be followed. But in the new covenant, the Spirit is provided so that believers would not be compelled to sin but follow God. In trying to keep the Law the Galatian believers’ flesh was aroused to sin. Under the Spirit, the human spirit is made alive to follow God by a new divine power is given to the believer. Then the hope of righteousness will be manifested in the lives of believers, in other words, righteousness will be manifested in their lives without the external Law.

Practical Application: 

Christ has a supernatural life for you to live. It runs by the power God working in those that put simple faith in Him. Dear believer, put your simple faith in Christ for everything.



Your relationship with God does not depend of outward forms of following the law or rules that people make up, but by the inward love of God. Believing in the love of God that was displayed in Christ produces a reciprocal love, that is, faith in God produces a love relationship between you and God.

Living by the Spirit can be hindered. 2. What hinders believers from walking the Spirit? Gal. 5:7 Gal. 5:8 Gal. 5:9 Gal. 5:10

Notes: 

What hinders believers from walking in the Spirit is embracing false teaching. Paul now puts blame on the Judaizers that had come in. It is they that had caused the Galatian believers to fail to live out their new life in Christ with their false teaching (of mixing law and grace).



The calling of God and the gospel of grace supersedes anything the Judaizers were teaching. The Judaizers will be judged by God for spreading their corrupt gospel.

Practical Application: 

It is your responsibility to know and live by the doctrine of justification by faith. This only comes through a daily devotion to the Word of God. It is only by knowing the true article that one can detect a counterfeit one.



Today, false doctrine will enter the church by the latest thing the secular world. Many times secular psychology is used in Christian counseling. Then, there was the birth order movement, etc. Know that secular psychology cannot be integrated with Biblical doctrine. They are separate. 52

Living by the Spirit produces love in the heart of the believer. 3. What change should take place in the heart of the believer? Gal. 5:11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. Gal. 5:12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate [Lit. would cut themselves off12] themselves! Gal. 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Gal. 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Notes: 

In failing to live by the Spirit a believers lose their love of God, that is, a love that is self-sacrificial in nature and reaches out to other people. Then, one will become enslaved again to the flesh. So, new life will be replaced with secular living apart God.

Practical Application: 

The gospel of grace breaks the curse that was working in your life causing you to fail in the things of God and to fail yourself. Why return to it? There is much freedom in grace. There is freedom from sin, worry, being left alone, etc. Do not allow anyone to take that away from you the joy you were having in the Lord.

Living by the Spirit empowers believers. 4. What happens when believers fail to live by the Spirit? Gal. 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. Gal. 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Gal. 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Gal. 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Notes: 

Living by the Spirit produces the power not to follow the inward inclinations that are against God, and that takes you away from Him. Here the Galatian believers were fighting amongst each other as a result of failing to practice the gospel of grace and not living by the Spirit that it provides.

Practical Application: 

Paul says to “walk by the Spirit.” A “walk” is an ordered manner of behavior, that is, a habitual manner of living. Walking by the Spirit means living your life in reliance on the Spirit of God. The Spirit will overpower any deficiencies of character in your life. But how does that work? You simply say to God, “I am trusting your Spirit to make up for all my flaws and to help me live a new life that is pleasing to You.” Then, by faith you trust God to answer that prayer that is according to His promise. For instance, when you feel angry, you remember that prayer and trust God to cool your anger, and your anger will cease. When you are afraid, you trust God for courage and the fear will cease, etc.



Know that if you are not led by the Spirit of God, you will be led by the spirit of the world. What you habitually do will become a part of you. We are creatures of habit. Choosing God will have a good long-term outcome, but living by the spirit of the world will lead to disappointment. 53

Failing to walk by the Spirit resurrects the flesh with its passions. 5. What are the negative works of the flesh that comes from living by the Spirit? Gal. 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, Gal. 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, Gal. 5:21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Notes: 

After hearing about the works of the flesh, the Galatian believers must have been silent upon because they knew this was what was happening in their lives. The flesh had taken over and with its results.



Living by the Spirit protects believers from the outworking of the flesh in their lives. Without God’s help, the believer is capable of performing all the works of the flesh. The flesh is the manifestation of human nature. Those that habitually practice the works of the flesh reveal their unsaved state and need God’s saving grace. A believer can live by the flesh but will be tormented by it until he or she goes to God with all their sins for forgiveness and the impartation of newness of life.

Practical Application: 

The only way to overcome addiction, drinking, drugs, heavy partying, bursts of anger, and all the other works of the flesh is through embracing life in the Spirit. In living by the Spirit will never be in a state of hopelessness, or enslavement to sin.

Walking by the Spirit has positive results. 6. What positive results come from walking by the Spirit? Gal. 5:22 Gal. 5:23 Gal. 5:24 Gal. 5:25 Gal. 5:26

Notes: It is the Spirit of God transforms the heart of man. This transformation is manifested by: 

Love: a love that is self-sacrificial in nature and cares for God and people.



Joy: a joy placed in the heart by God that transcends present circumstances.



Peace: a peace in one’s relationship with God that brings about a peace with all others.



Patience: Endurance regards trials. Patience is a forbearance one has for people.



Kindness: kindness is love expressed in the little things of life.



Goodness: Thayer5 defines “goodness” as “uprightness of heart and life.”



Faithfulness: it is a faithfulness to God and accomplishing His will for your life.



Gentleness: translated “meekness” in the King James Version 11. It is a meekness before God and others. In relating to others, one doesn’t feel superior and does not behave in a condescending way.



Self-control: “refers to the mastery of one's own desires and impulses.” – Wuest 9 54

CHAPTER 6

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE THROUGH EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

Chapter 6 The Spiritual Believer Key Verse: Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Gal. 6:1 Group question: Has there ever been someone that really encouraged you in your Christian life, and what he or she like?

Introduction: 1. Previously in chapter 5 we learned about spiritual life. Chapter 6 teaches us the application of spiritual life in helping fellow believers. 2. Know that God wants everyone uplifted and enjoy the fruit of the Gospel of Grace. It is not a mystery. Chapter five explains how to uplift a fallen believer, keep yourself in check, and to stay encouraged to continue the life of grace.

Lesson: The Spiritual Believer. The spiritual believer cares for those that fall. 1. How is a fallen believer restored to God? Gal. 6:1 Gal. 6:2 Gal. 6:3

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

The spiritual believer serves God. 2. How should the spiritual believer examine his or her life? Gal. 6:4 Gal. 6:5

But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.

________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV速 Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version速), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 56

The spiritual believer continually serves God. 3. How does living by grace benefit to the faithful believer? Gal. 6:6 Gal. 6:7 Gal. 6:8

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

A spiritual believer will heed Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last words to the Galatians believers. 4. What is Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final admonishment to the Galatian believers? Gal. 6:11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. Gal. 6:12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. Gal. 6:13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. Gal. 6:14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Gal. 6:15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Gal. 6:16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. Gal. 6:17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. Gal. 6:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Reality Check: Have you truly learned how to walk in the Spirit so that you can uplift others to enjoy new life? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

What commitment is God asking you to make concerning His grace? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 6 NOTES

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE THROUGH EMBRACING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

Introduction: 1. Previously in chapter 5 we learned about spiritual life. Know that God wants everyone uplifted and enjoy the fruit of the Gospel of Grace. 2. Chapter 6 teaches us the application of spiritual life in helping fellow believers. It explains how to uplift a fallen believer, keep yourself in check, and to stay encouraged to continue to live out the life of grace.

Lesson: The Spiritual Believer. The spiritual believer cares for those that fall. 1. How is a fallen believer restored to God? Gal. 6:1 Gal. 6:2 Gal. 6:3

Notes: 

First of all, walking in the Spirit takes work. All believers are to draw near to God, confess any sin in their life, meditate on God’s Word, allow the Spirit of God to speak to their heart, and live to please God.



When believers begin to live by the law their flesh is aroused to sin. The believer may not even know why he or she has such powerful inclinations that come from the flesh. So, they get entangled in sinful behavior and they need someone to reach out to them, but in the proper way.



Galatians 6:1 gives insight on how to restore those believers that have been taken over by the flesh and have them return to living in the Spirit. All of us need the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives to overcome the flesh in us. The flesh is filled with pride and a strong drive to go against God, but the Spiritual believer is filled with humility. This is because the spiritual believer is aware of his or her flesh; that is, he or she knows what fighting the flesh is, and has learned to gain dominion over it.



In helping believers that have come under the bondage of the flesh, it is necessary for the believer that is ministering to the fallen believer to be empowered and motivated by the Spirit of God. This is evident in the manner of the one helping the fallen believer. His or her demeanor is in a “spirit of gentleness”, meaning that people in sin will be uplifted not by criticism or anger, but by gentleness which is translated “meekness” in the King James Version of the Bible.



The word in Greek used here is praotes. It has been translated – meekness, or gentleness. Thayer5 defines it as, “gentleness, mildness, meekness.” It is power under control. Meekness means that you don’t think that you are better than someone else because you realize that you are always vulnerable to sin and depend on the Spirit to empower you to overcome it moment by moment.



Gentleness (meekness), according to Barnes13, In the spirit of meekness - With a kind, forbearing, and forgiving spirit … Not with anger; not with a lordly and overbearing mind; not with a love of finding others in fault, and with a desire for inflicting the discipline of the church; not with a harsh and unforgiving temper, but with love, and gentleness, and humility, and patience, and with a readiness to forgive when wrong has been done. This is an essential qualification for restoring and recovering an offending brother. No one should attempt to rebuke or admonish another who cannot do it in the spirit of meekness; no man should engage in any way in the work of reform who has not such a temper of mind.



The Spirit-filled believer feels burdened toward the fallen believer. This burden comes from God that cares for people to be uplifted. God is not there to condemn us of our sin, but He is there to lift us up out of sin. It is the spiritual believer that understands this. He or she is burdened for the fallen believer and strongly desires to see that person to be restored to the state of walking in the Spirit in close communion with God.



There is the temptation in helping people to feel superior, but being in close communion with the Spirit will keep the believer in meekness.

Practical Application: 

First, establish yourself in the Lord. Habitually walk in the Spirit. Then, if the Spirit of God prompts you to help someone that has fallen into habitual sin, do so. God can use you in this matter.

2. How should the spiritual believer examine his or her life? Gal. 6:4 Gal. 6:5 Gal. 6:6 Gal. 6:7 Gal. 6:8

But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Notes: 

The believer must examine his or her work in the Lord (what is of God and what is not of God).



Every believer is responsible before God to live his or her life accomplishing what God has given him or her to complete, such as, dominion over the flesh, serving others, using one’s gift, etc.



Concerning Gal. 6:6, Adam Clarke11 states, Communicate unto him that teacheth - Contribute to the support of the man who has dedicated himself to the work of the ministry, and who gives up his time and his life to preach the Gospel. It appears that some of the believers in Galatia could receive the Christian ministry without contributing

to its support. This is both ungrateful and base. We do not expect that a common schoolmaster will give up his time to teach our children their alphabet without being paid for it; and can we suppose that it is just for any person to sit under the preaching of the Gospel in order to grow wise unto salvation by it, and not contribute to the support of the spiritual teacher? It is unjust. 

In good time all will be brought to light, that is the proof of one’s work in the Lord or not. God will manifest the truth about everything. God will give a rich, full life to the faithful.

Practical Application: 

We are allowed to feel good about what God is doing in our life. We are to learn and correct the areas in which we fall short.



The best person to live out your life is you. God has made all of us responsible for ourselves and for our behavior.



What we sow, we will reap. God fashions life in this manner. It is for us to sow good things by living in submission to the Spirit of God, then we will reap the good things God has for us. Time will tell. Know that God gives us an opportunity to do things (sow) in the Spirit to later reap good things of the Spirit.

3. How does the living by grace benefit the faithful believer? Gal. 6:9

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal. 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Notes: 

The Spirit-filled believer continues in the things of God. He or she does not give in or up. God gives he or she the power to overcome stress and any obstacle in life.



Because the believer has this type of steadfastness, he or she is to minister to the people around him or her, especially to fellow believers.

Practical Application: 

The Lord would not you become weary in your Christian life. He is full of encouragement when you begin to slow down, or say, “What’s the use.” Go to Him and seek His help. You are probably trying to do things alone. That is not what He wants. He wants you happy and not take on too much.



People bring their set of circumstances that you have to deal with. Know that you cannot serve all the people, but help those that the Spirit is prompting you to help.

A spiritual believer will heed Paul’s last words to the Galatians believers. 4. What is Paul’s final admonishment to the Galatian believers? Gal. 6:11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. Gal. 6:12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

Gal. 6:13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. Gal. 6:14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Gal. 6:15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Gal. 6:16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. Gal. 6:17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. Gal. 6:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. Notes: 

Because of Paul’s eye condition he had to write in large letters that best way he could. This makes this epistle very personal. Paul humbled himself to write it, and wrote personally to the Galatian believers



How does Paul look at life? He sees the cross. That is what he sees in life.



What is important beyond the cross is the “new creation.” God is creating a new race of mankind; that is, Spirit-filled believers that know Him and seek to do His will. This is the new “Israel” of God.

Practical Application: 

Remember those that have labored for you and bless them. Take what they have to say to heart.



Bottom line: do not depart from grace. Living by grace is what makes all the difference in life.

A Final Word Grace is the expression of the love of God. In grace, the love of God is freely given and received. Grace brings change; that is, it brings knowledge of personal acceptance in the eyes of God, the experience intimacy with Him, a new outlook on life, and the dynamic power to perform God’s will. It affects one’s relationship with others in that it produces a desire to reach out to the lost, uplift the fallen, and encourage fellow believers. Living in grace is the life God wants for His people. They will always find Him there.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit 62

ENDNOTES 1.

Map provided by Logos Bible Software. Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for noncommercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact permissions@faithlife.com. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software (https://www.logos.com)”.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, by Dr. James Strong (1822–1894). First published in 1890. Public domain.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, published in 1940 and without copyright by W.E. Vine's M.A.

Thayer’s Greek Definitions. Published in 1886, 1889; public domain.

King James Version of the Bible. Published in 1769, also known as the Authorized Version; public domain (in the United States).

Gary H. Everrett 2013 Edition Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures© Gary H. Everett, 1981-2013 All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form without prior permission of the author. Fair use.

10. Dr. Peter Pett’s Commentary on the Bible; public domain. 11. Adam’s Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible. Published in 1810-1826; public domain. 12. Vincent’s Word Studies. Written by Marvin R. Vincent. Published in 1888; public domain. 13. Albert Barnes Notes on the Bible; public domain.