Sample Study Guide on Galatians

8/3/2019 Sample Study Guide on Galatians

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DISCOVERGalatians, an early epistle by the Apostle Paul that...Helped define first-century Christianity

Was a pivotal text for the Protestant Reformation

Holds earth-shaking implications for Christianity today, and

Can radically change your life!

The path to that end is a penetrating case study in biblical interpretation. It

explores timeless controversies and essential background issues that challengedthe early church and will shed light on just about every New Testament passage

youll ever read. This is a how-to class for intermediate-to-advanced Bible

loversor for anyone who wants to become one!

Dave Leigh holds an M.A. in theological studies from Wheaton College. Hisvaried ministry experiences include having served as an editor and freelance

writer for a number of Christian publications, and more than a decade in pastoral

ministries. Ive learned more from my many failures than from books, he says.But my greatest life-lesson has been that Gods grace is big enough even forme. Dave brings academic and experiential dimensions to his classes in a way

that will make you smile and bring you insight.

Copyright 2008 David R. Leigh. Revised 2012. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reproduce for class purposes.


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Class Objectives:

1. Learn how to hear God's Word to the original recipients of this epistle.

2. Then hear, understand, and apply God's Word to USthrough God's Word to them.

3. Discover and explore key underlying background issues that will help us better

understand Galatians and the rest of the New Testament.

4. Therefore becoming better self-feeders as Christ-followers.

Recommended Reading:

How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart (especially chp 3)

Genius of GenresAn Overview(Dave's hand-out/study companion to Fee & Stuart, above)

How to Read the Bible Book By Book, Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart (pp. 340-346)

Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament, J. Julius Scott

The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible, Scot McKnight

The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited, Scot McKnight

Outside Assignment: Read the epistle through in three different translations (one sitting each).

If you don't own three translations, you can read many online at www.BibleGateway.com.Ideally you should choose one from each of the following categories:

a dynamic equivalent translation (e.g. TNIV, NIV, NLT)

a formal/literal translation (e.g., NASB, NKJV, NRSV)

a paraphrase (e.g. The Message, The Living Bible, J.B. Phillips' NT in Modern English).

Remember: The proper stance toward the Bible as the Word of God is always one of prayerful

humility and expectation. As the Holy Spirit must be our Teacher, remember to pray before

reading, while reading, and after reading!

http://www.biblegateway.com/http://www.biblegateway.com/


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Introduction

The Two Horizons

1. Exegesis: Their questions

2. Hermeneutics: Our questions

The epistles were written to address first-century problems. The theology we pull from them for

our questions is sometimes incidental to the writer's central purpose.

For example, when we come to passages about things like slavery, meat sacrificed to idols, and

circumcision we often do one of three things:

1. Skip over it (not for us)

2. Spiritualize it (treating particulars as symbolic)

3. Draw tenuous parallels (cf. slavery and employment), throwing away the heart of

the content

What weshoulddo is get ourselves inside the horizon of the first readers. Once we get God's

Word to them, we can discern God's Word to us and make applications.

Concerns Raised In Galatians

Galatians may be Paul's earliest epistle and certainly one of his angriest.

1. Note Galatians 1:8-9 (curse = damned)

2. Note Galatians 5:12, where Paul suggests the troublemakers should go all the way and

castrate themselves!

3. Yet Paul stands in the solid tradition of the prophets and Jesus (cf. Matthew 23:15).

At issue [in Galatians] is the question, Who are the true children/seedof

Abraham and thus true heirs of thepromises made to Abraham. -- Fee & Stuart,

How to Read the Bible Book By Book, p 342


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While slaying the dragon of legalism is certainly a central concern of Paul in Galatians, the more

fundamental issue he faces has to do with the nature and essence of the Messianic Kingdom of

God, specifically:

How are God's covenant, blessings, and promises toward Abraham fulfilled with respect

to the nations/Gentiles who are specifically noted in those covenant promises?

How do Gentiles relate to Israel and become one people with them in the Messianic age?

As two peoples (cf. clubs) become one, whose customs and rules (etc.) prevail?

And therefore, how are Jews and Gentiles to relate to the Law of the Old Covenant, along

with the additional layers of customs and conventions that emerged as sacrosanct in the

legacy of Second-Temple Judaism?

In other words, as Israel's Messianic movement progressed toward Israel's God-intended

goal of being a light for the nations (Gentiles) and fulfillment of the Abrahamic

Covenant, how were the Gentiles to fit into that restored and corrected Israel of covenantpeople? And by implication, how were believing Jews to accommodate this expansion of

the Kingdom and the inclusion of these new citizens with respect to their understandingof orthodoxy and orthopraxy? This affected not only initiation (circumcision) but also

ongoing practice.

History of circumcision from Abraham to the Jerusalem Council

I. Why Circumcision?

A. The Abrahamic Covenant:

i. Genesis 12:1-3

ii. Genesis 15

iii.Genesis 17

B. Circumcision and the Wilderness Wanderings:

i. Joshua 5:2-9

C. Circumcision's Intended Symbolism:

i. Deuteronomy 10:16

ii. Deuteronomy 30:6

iii. Jeremiah 4:4iv. Jeremiah 9:25-26

v. Romans 2:29

vi. Colossians 2:11-12


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II. Circumcision's link to Jewish identity, expectations of Messianic Kingdom and how the

Gentiles relate

A. History of Political Influence

i. Intertestamental/Second Temple developments

a) Babylonian Captivity (Judah) 605-538 BC

b) Persian Period 539-331 BCc) Hellenistic Period 331-164 BC

d) Hasmonean Period 164-63 BC

e) Roman Period 63 BC AD 135

ii. Jewish Response to the crises of the 6th and 4th centuries BC

a) Destruction of Temple

b) Hellenism

Note: Factions among the Jews found their way into the church as it wasoriginally made up of Jews.

iii. As in every controversy, there are non-rational factors at work; the Jews had

strong emotional commitments to deal with regarding circumcision (cf. Woman'sissue & happy slaves, civil rights, etc.)

a) Note the strong emotions present from the start of their return to the land(Ezra 3:12-13; 10:1; Nehemiah 8:9) as in the exile (Psalm 137:1)

b) After taking a beating via exiles, etc., many Jews did not want to repeat thepast by angering God

c) They wanted to preserve their identity as the chosen people and just as apeople! (cf. Ecumenism v. Assimilation)

d) Many zealously longed for purity and holiness, for themselves and their nation

e) Many nurtured a mystical and spiritual love of ritual

f) Spiritual, cultural, and ethnic pride was as work, as well as patriotism andracism

g) Now back in the land, they wanted to see the Kingdom happen and thought itdepended on them.

iv. First-century Judaism was not monolithic (meaning you can't always generalize as

to what all Jews thought or believed or practiced at the time). Consider:


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a) Hellenism v. Hebraic (cf Acts 6:1, 9)

b) Phariseesc) Zealots

d) Sadducees

e) Essenesf) Fourth Philosophy

g) The masses

(The early church inherited many of the problems, questions, and divisions reflected in

this diversity.)

III. The Jewishness of the Early Church

A. Salvation is from the Jews Jesus in John 4:22

B. Restoration of the Kingdom to Israel Acts 1:6

C. They continued in the Temple courts while they could Acts 2:46; 3:1

D. Peter's perspective is representative of the early church's predicament

i. Messiah was to rule fromDavid's throne Acts 2:30-31

ii. Disturbed by vision regarding including Gentiles Acts 10 (cf. 11:18)

E. The Jerusalem council, led by James, affirmed the Gentile mission and their inclusion

without circumcision Acts 15

i. The council of apostles and elders, addressed objections raised by some of the

believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees v. 5

ii. James saw the inclusion of Gentiles as a restoration of David's kingdom as

predicted by the prophets vv. 14-19

iii. The council wrote a letter, to be delivered by Paul and Barnabas, acknowledgingthat circumcision was not an appropriate imposition on the Gentiles vv. 22-35

F. For his second missionary journey, Paul takes Timothy, a half-Jew/half-Greek fromLystra (in southern Galatia) and circumcises him! Acts 16:1-5

G. As late as Acts 21, James points out that thousands of Jews in Jerusalem havebelieved, and all of them are zealous for the law. -- v. 20


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i. He asks Paul to prove to these Jewish believers that the following charges were

false (vv. 21-24). They charged that Paul teachesJews of the dispersion to:

ii. turn away from Moses

iii. not circumcise their children

iv. not live according to Jewish customs

v. His plan would also show the Jews that Paul himself was living in obedience to

the law -- v. 24

vi. Paul agrees and complies! vv. 26-36

H. Paul continued to identify himself as still being an exemplary Jew and Pharisee

throughout his ministry (cf. Acts 23:6)

The Gospel Message that Paul preached to the Galatians

I. Pisidian Antioch (in Galatia)Acts 13:13-43

A. Reviews Israel's history of Messianic hope vv. 16-23

i. Note Paul is speaking in a synagogue (cf. vv. 14,15,42)

ii. Paul addresses both Jews and Gentiles in the same audience (vv. 16,26,43)

B. Describes contemporary events of their day (i.e. News):

i. John the Baptist's Ministry vv. 24-25

ii. Jesus' reception, death, and resurrection vv. 26-31

C. Application Good News!

i. The Messianic promise of the Scriptures has been kept vv. 32-37

ii. Therefore, forgiveness of sin is proclaimed and offered to you vv. 38-39

a) If you will but believe, then justification (cleansing/becoming righteoused)

is yours.

b) This surpasses what the Law was able to provide or accomplish (Note: Old

Testament sacrifices were only for unintentional sins. Intentional sins required

additional restitution by the sinner.)


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c) Therefore, BE SET FREE from every sin NOW!

iii. Warning: Those who scoff at this message will perish vv. 40-41

II. Other Key Examples of Paul's Gospel:

A. 1 Corinthians 15:1-18

B. Romans 10:8-13

C. Galatians 3:7-11



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BREAK-OUT GROUPS: STUDY & DISCUSSION GUIDE

Appoint a spokesperson for your group to share your findings with the larger class at the end of this exercise.

Read the passage(s) assigned to your group (from the three below) and discuss the following questions.

The Abrahamic Covenant[ ] Genesis 12: 1-9 [ ] Genesis 15 [ ] Genesis 17:1-19

1. What promises does God give to Abraham in this passage?

2. What commands does God give Abraham?

3. What does God reveal to Abraham about other nations (Gentiles)?

4. Why do you think God said these things?

5. If you were a believing Jew in the first century, what would you conclude about God's

expectations of you, based on these findings?



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The Abrahamic CovenantGENESIS 12 Promises [] I will make you a great nation,

[] I will bless you,

[] I will make your name great;

[] So you shall be a blessing;

[] I will bless those who bless you,

[] The one who curses you I will curse[] In you all the families of the earth will be blessed. (vv. 2-3)

[] To your descendants I will give this land (v. 7)

Commands & Conditions [] None

GENESIS 15 Promises [] Do not fear, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great. (v. 1)

[] One who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir (v.4)[] Look to the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them. So

shall your descendants be (v. 5)

[] To your descendants I have given this land, from the Wadi of Egypt as far as

the great river, the river Euphratesthe land of the Kenite and the Kenizzite

and the Kadmonite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Rephaim and the

Amorite and the Canaanite and the Girgashite and the Jebusite (vv. 18-21)

Commands & Conditions [] None

The Circumcision CovenantGENISIS 17 Promises [] You will be the father of many nations.

[] No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have

made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful. I will makenations of you, and kings will come from you.

[] I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you

and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God

and the God of your descendants after you.

[] The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give asan everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you

[] And I will be their God (vv. 4-8)

Commands &Conditions [] "I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will

make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase yournumbers." (vv. 1-2)

[] You must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the

generations to come. This is my covenant with you and your descendants; the

covenant you are to keep:


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[] Every male among you shall be circumcised

[] You are to undergo circumcision

[] It will be the sign of the covenant between me and you

[] For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old

must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought withmoney from a foreignerthose who are not your offspring

[] Whether born in your household or bought with your money, they must becircumcised.

[] My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant.

[] Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be

cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant." (vv. 9-14)

[] As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be

Sarah.[] I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her.

[] I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations;

kings of peoples will come from her." (vv. 15-16)[] Your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac.

[] I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant

for his descendants after him (v. 19)



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Background Notes on Paul

Acts 21:37-22:29

Born Saul, a Roman citizen in Tarsus of Cilicia (probably therefore of wealthy parents)

Raised in Jerusalem

Trained under the famous Rabbi Gamaliel

Spoke Greek and Aramaic

Acts 6:8-15; 7:58-8:1

Probably belonged to a Hellenistic synagogue

May have been a rabbi or a leader there

May have belonged to the Sanhedrin

He was a tentmaker by trade (Acts 18:3)

Acts 9

Cooperated with the Sanhedrin in seeking Christians to bring charges against

Was not converted by missionaries or evangelists, but by Jesus himself

Came to be called an apostle (like Barnabas), though not one of the Twelve.

Remained a Jew and a Pharisee, even as an apostle (Acts 22:3; 23:6)

His home base of operation and his sending church was in Syrian Antioch (Acts 11:19-30;12:25-13:3)

Autobiographical passages:

2 Corinthians 6:3-10; 11:21-12:10 Galatians 1:13-24

Philippians 3:4-14

1 Timothy 1:12-17



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Read the passage(s) assigned to your group (from the three below) and discuss the following questions.

Paul's Gospel[ ] Acts 13:13-41 [ ] 1 Corinthians 15:1-18 [ ] Romans 10:8-13 and Galatians 3:7-11

1. What Jewish elements or Jewish/Gentile concerns do you notice in this passage?

2. What does Paul say his gospel/message is?

3. What are the implications of this message for its first recipients?

4. What are the implications for you?



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Read the passage below and discuss the following questions.

Galatians1:11-241. How did Paul get his Gospel? (1:11-12)

2. What do you learn about Paul's former life in 1:13-15?

A. He intensely ____________________ the church

B. and tried to _____________ it.

C. He was _____________ in Judaism beyond ______________________

D. and was extremely zealous for the ________________ of his fathers.

3. What was God's real plan for Paul? (1:15-16)

Why do you think Paul did not consult others upon learning this?

4. Read 1:17-24.

A. Where would you expect Paul to go, upon learning he was to preach the gospel?

Why?


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B. When Paul finally went to Jerusalem, who did he see and for how long?

C. What was the effect of Paul's activities after that?

5. Bottom Line: Why is Paul making an issue of these things?



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Flesh & The Sinful Naturein Galatians

sarx - Has a wider range of meaning in the NT than in the OT. Its uses in the NT may be analyzed as follows:

"(a) "the substance of the body," whether of beasts or of men, 1Co. 15:39; (b) "the human body," 2Co. 10:3; Ga.2:20; Php. 1:22; (c) by synecdoche, of "mankind," in the totality of all that is essential to manhood, i.e., spirit, soul,

and body, Mt. 24:22; Jn. 1:13; Ro. 3:20; (d) by synecdoche, of "the holy humanity" of the Lord Jesus, in the totality

of all that is essential to manhood, i.e., spirit, soul, and body, Jn. 1:14; 1Ti. 3:16; 1Jo. 4:2; 2Jn. 1:7; in Heb. 5:7, "the

days of His flesh," i.e., His past life on earth in distinction from His present life in resurrection; (e) by synecdoche,

for "the complete person," Jn. 6:51-57; 2Co. 7:5; Jas. 5:3; (f) "the weaker element in human nature," Mt. 26:41; Ro.

6:19; 8:3; (g) "the unregenerate state of men," Ro. 7:5; 8:8,9; (h) "the seat of sin in man" (but this is not the samething as in the body), 2Pe. 2:18; 1Jn. 2:16; (i) "the lower and temporary element in the Christian," Ga. 3:3; 6:8, and

in religious ordinances, Heb. 9:10; (j) "the natural attainments of men," 1Co. 1:26; 2Co. 10:2,3; (k) "circumstances,"1Co. 7:28; the externals of life, 2Co. 7:1; Eph. 6:5; Heb. 9:13; (l) by metonymy, "the outward and seeming," as

contrasted with the spirit, the inward and real, Jn. 6:63; 2Co. 5:16; (m) "natural relationship, consanguine," 1Co.

10:18; Ga. 4:23, or marital, Mt. 19:5." * [* From Notes on Galatians, by Hogg and Vine, pp. 111,112.] In Mt. 26:41;

Ro. 8:4,13; 1Co. 5:5; Ga. 6:8 (not the Holy Spirit, here), "flesh" is contrasted with spirit; in Ro. 2:28,29, with heart

and spirit; in Ro. 7:25, with the mind; cp. Col. 2:1,5. It is coupled with the mind in Eph. 2:3, and with the spirit in

2Co. 7:1. Note: In Col. 2:18 the noun sarx is used in the phrase "(by his) fleshly mind," lit., "by the mind of his

flesh" [see (h) above], whereas the mind ought to be dominated by the Spirit. -- Vines Expository Dictionary of Old

and New Testament Words

Galatians 1:16 - to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediatelyconsult with flesh and blood,

Galatians 2:16 - nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ

Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of

the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.

Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life

which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Galatians 3:3 - Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

Galatians 4:23 - But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free womanthrough the promise.

Galatians 4:29 - But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born accordingto the Spirit, so it is now also.

Galatians 5:13 - For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for theflesh, but through love serve one another.
http://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=1&verse=16&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=2&verse=16&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=2&verse=20&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=3&verse=3&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=4&verse=23&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=4&verse=29&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=5&verse=13&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=1&verse=16&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=2&verse=16&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=2&verse=20&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=3&verse=3&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=4&verse=23&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=4&verse=29&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=5&verse=13&version=49&context=verse


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Galatians 5:16 - But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Galatians 5:17 - For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in

opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

Galatians 5:19 - Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

Galatians 5:24 - Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Galatians 6:8 - 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.

Galatians 6:12 - Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply

so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

Galatians 6:13 - For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you

circumcised so that they may boast in yourflesh.

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 byThe LockmanFoundation

http://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=5&verse=16&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=5&verse=17&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=5&verse=19&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=5&verse=24&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=6&verse=8&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=6&verse=12&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=6&verse=13&version=49&context=versehttp://www.lockman.org/http://www.lockman.org/http://www.lockman.org/http://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=5&verse=16&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=5&verse=17&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=5&verse=19&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=5&verse=24&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=6&verse=8&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=6&verse=12&version=49&context=versehttp://passage/%3Fbook_id=55&chapter=6&verse=13&version=49&context=versehttp://www.lockman.org/http://www.lockman.org/


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The Choice In GalatiansFLESH/LAW/SINFUL NATURE/HUMAN EFFORT SPIRIT/FAITH/PROMISE/JUSTIFICATION

1:1 Human authority Divine authority

1:3-5 The present evil age Rescue by Christs sacrifice,by Gods will to Gods glory

1:6-9 Another (different) gospel

Brings a curse

The one who called you

1:10 Human approval/pleasing people Gods approval/truly serving Messiah

1:11-12 The false gospel has a human source

and relies on human authority

Pauls gospel, directly from Messiah, not

derived from human teachers or authorities, not

even the Apostles.

1:13 Pauls old way of life:

Second-Temple Judaism/ReligionPersecuted the Church

Zeal for human traditions

Gods calling on Paul

By grace to reveal his Son in mePreached gospel to the nations (Gentiles)

Obeyed without consulting authorities or

Jerusalem Apostles

2:3-5 Circumcision

False Believers

Slavery

The truth of the gospel

Freedom

2:12-14Hypocrisy

Separatism

The Circumcision Party

Forcing religious customs on people

The truth in line with the gospel


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FLESH/LAW/SINFUL NATURE/HUMAN EFFORT SPIRIT/FAITH/PROMISE/JUSTIFICATION

2:15-16Seeking acceptability (justification)

with God by observing laws

Being justified by faith in Jesus the Messiah

apart from observing laws

2:17-18 Rebuilding what I destroyed (i.e. going

back to Law as the basis for right standing with

God),

which is actually the true lawbreaking

Seeking to be justified in Messiah while being

found among sinners

2:19 The Law (of Moses)

Death

Dead to the Law

Living for God

2:20-21Not the place to live/Not a source of

life

No righteousness to be gained here

Messiahs death does not have value to those

who choose to live here.

Crucified with Messiah, Messiah lives in me.

Life in the body now lived by faith

Counted righteous by the grace of God

The reason Messiah died

3:1-6Bewitched (misled/deceived) Receiving the Holy Spirit by believingNew beginning

Continuation of what began (On same basis as

we began: in the Holy Spirit, not in flesh or by

human effort)Righteousness crediting by believing like

ABRAHAM

3:7-12 Reliance on keeping laws/rules

All cursed

Law is NOT of faith

Children of Abraham

The gospel that was given Abraham regarding

the Gentiles

All blessed with Abraham on same basis, by

faith

Justification and life

3:13-14Curse on everyone under the Law Redemption from the curse of the Law

The blessing promised to Abraham given to

believers

The promise of the Spirit also given to thosewho have faith


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3:15-18 The Law, 430 years after The Seed

was promised

Abrahams Covenant (430 years earlier than the

Law)

The promise and inheritance given AbrahamInheritance based on promise given by grace

3:19-22 The Law, a temporary provision until

Messiah/Seed

Required angels and a mediator

Cannot impart life or righteousness

Locks everyone under the control of sin

What was promised to Abraham is given and

received on basis of faith in Messiah

3:23-25 The Law was a custodian prior to faith

Was in charge of us

The awaited faith is revealed in this column

Law is no longer in charge of us

Messiah has justified us (made us right withGod) and freed us from the supervision of the

Law.

3:26-4:7Under-aged heirs no different from

slavesSubject to guardians

Enslaved to elemental spiritual forces of the

world

Were all sons of God by faith (with all the

rights of sons)All baptized in Messiah regardless of race,

class, or gender

All clothed in Messiah

No Jew/Gentile, slave/free, male/female

distinctions; all one

We belong to Messiah

We are Abrahams seed

We are heirs of the Promise

We have been adopted to sonship

The Spirit of God is now in our hearts causing

us to call out to call God as Daddy (Abba)

We are no longer slaves; we are full heirs.

4:8-16Unable to know God

Slaves to gods and to weak, miserable forces

Observing customs, days, months, years, etc.

Weakness of this column is like illness

Known by God

Knowing God

Truth


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4:17-18 Misdirected zeal

Alienation from Paul

Proper zeal

Relationship with Paul likened to the intimacy

of a mother giving birth to her child.Messiah is formed in us.

4:21-31 HAGAR: Slave under the Law SARAH: The Free Woman

Son born by human effort/flesh Son from divine promise

Covenant of Mt. Sinai

Resulted in children who are slaves

Jerusalem

New Covenant

Free Woman is our mother

The Jerusalem of above

Gladness - v. 27Joy (shouting and crying it out!)

More children than the slave woman

Son born by human effort persecuted the son

born by the Spirit - v. 29

We are like Isaac, children of promise and

persecuted

We are born by the same Spirits power - v. 28

No share in the inheritance with the free

womans son - v. 30We share in the full inheritance of the free

womans son

We are her children (sons)

5:1-6Burdened by a yoke of slavery Freed in order to be FREE!

Circumcision resulting in the obligation to keep

the whole Law

Alienation from Jesus the Messiah

Fallen (i.e., far from) grace

Faith that awaits in hope the righteousness that

comes only from the Holy Spirit

Circumcision or not is irrelevant; all that

matters here is faith expressing itself in love!

5:7-11 Circumcision and Law = NOT obeying

the Truth

Not from the One who calls you

A spreading yeast (sin/false teaching of the

Pharisees)

Penalty

The real obedience to God

(via being led by, walking in step with, living by

the Spirit)


22/23


5:12 Circumcisers likened to Pagan Castrators

5:13-15 The sinful nature/fleshDevouring and destroying each other

Sinful nature desires what is contrary to Gods

Spirit

Here you cannot do what you really want.

Under Law

Called to freedom, which is not for indulgingthe sinful nature!

Serving each other in love; the Law is fulfilled

in love!

Walking in Spirit keeps us from

gratifying/feeding sin nature.

Here you find your fulfillment.

Led by the Spirit

5:19-26The Outworking/results of this side: The Outworking/results of this side:

Acts of the Flesh/Sinful Nature/Human Effort

Sexual immorality

Impurity Overindulgence

Idolatry

Witchcraft

Hate

Discord

Jealousy

Fits of rage

Selfish ambitionDissensions

Factions/Divisiveness

Envy

Drunkenness

Orgies

And the like

Ungodly passions and desires - (v. 24)Conceit, provoking and envying each other (v.

25)

These are characteristic of those missing the

Kingdom of God

The Fruit of the Spirit

Love

JoyPeace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self-control

Belonging to Christ

The sinful nature (flesh) is crucified along with

ungodly passions and desires.

Here we have Life and the means by which weexperience it.

Therefore, were to keep in step with (i.e.keep living by) the Spirit instead of by rules,

laws, customs, etc.


23/23


6:1-10 Caught in sin

Temptation

Restoring fallen Christ-followers with

gentleness

Carry each others burdens and thereby fulfillthe law of Messiah (i.e. love!) Watching

ourselves to avoid temptation.

Sowing to this column reaps destruction. Sowing to this side means to please the Spirit

and reaps eternal life (in harvest proportions!)

6:11-18 Impressing others with circumcision

and displays of legalistic righteousness is done

to avoid persecution.

On this side: the cross of Christ: the only thing

to boast about; through it the world is crucified

to us and us to the world.

We are a new creation! Peace, mercy, grace in

our spirits, as the true Israel of God!


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