This is part of the Classic Bible: Favorite Stories & Passages series. Read more from the series!
A couple of days ago, I sat down and read through the book of Galatians. I had read through it earlier in the year, in my scheduled Bible reading plan. Going back through it the other day, I noticed that I’d underlined and highlighted several passages. There is a lot of great stuff in this little letter.
I decided that it was time to read it again, taking a closer look at some of these passages.
The letter to the Galatians was written by Paul, somewhere around AD 52-56, but could have possible been written as early as AD 48. Paul was writing to the churches in the province of Galatia, which is modern day Turkey.
Since there were several churches in this region, most of which Paul was instrumental in starting, Paul’s instructions are fairly general, since they are addressed to a wider range of congregations than just one. That facts nakes them extremely applicable to the church today.
As I read through the six chapters of this epistle again this week, I noted several passages that always seem to stand out to me.
Justified By Faith – 2:16-20
In a classic discussion of law versus grace, Paul makes several significant statements about faith. He makes it quite clear that Christ is the one who justifies us; not the law. As he speaks about what Christ’s death means for us, he makes the often-memorized statement “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Here is the full passage:
…Know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified. If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Sons Of God – 3:26-29
In chapter three, Paul continues his discussion of grace versus law. The logical conclusion of this discussion is found at the end of the chapter, in verses 26-29. Paul establishes the fact that because of faith, we have become heirs according to the promise. Because of God’s grace we have become children of God.
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
The Promise Of God’s Son – 4:4-7
I support of his conclusion at the end of chapter three, Paul reiterates himself in what may be the most beautiful passage in the entire letter. He tells us that all of God’s actions went exactly according to his plan, and in his timing. Because of all of this, we have the right to come before God intimately, as a son, calling God “Daddy”.
But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Freedom In Christ – 5:1
Chapter five begins with an incredible promise. After explaining why the law is no longer our master, Paul exhorts us to Stand firm, reveling in the freedom only Christ can bring.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Life By The Spirit – 5:16-25
If the law no longer is our master, how then should we live? Paul addresses this in the latter half of chapter five. The answer? We live by the Holy Spirit. But what does this look like? What do we avoid? What should we focus on? In a passage that includes the well-know Fruit of the Spirit, Paul answers these questions.
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Doing Good – 6:1-5
Having established that the law no longer is our master, but rather the Holy Spirit, Paul begins to address what that type of life looks like. After listing the Fruit of the Spirit, he goes on to give other practical examples. One such example is our attitude towards others as well as ourselves. He makes it rather simple. We should help one another in living out our faith. But we must not think too highly of ourselves in the process; that would be counter-productive.
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
Doing Good, Part 2 – 6:7-10
Continuing his instructions on doing good, Paul explains that we reap what we sow. If we live for ourselves, it will show. But if we live for God, and serve him and other people, that will be evident as well. And so, we should continually do good to others, especially those within the Body of Christ.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Legitimate Boasting – 6:14
Paul wraps up his letter with a few words on his personal journey with Christ. He makes one statement in particular that stands out as the example we need to follow. We should only, ever boast about one thing: that which Christ has accomplished. In all things, we should keep that as our primary focus.
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
These are just a few of the gems found in this short letter in the middle of the New Testament. There are more. Go on and read it for yourself. It won’t take you long. Watch and see what God reveals to you from the deep truths contained in these six short chapters.
What parts of Galatians are your favorites? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.