GALATIANS An Introduction

From where did the first attacks come upon the church? From without – The Sanhedrin & Jewish groups (Acts 4-9, 21-26) From within – Judaizers and “The Circumcision” (Acts 15) From without – Local cultures & governments (Acts 14, 16) From within – Gnostic doctrines of complete moral depravity (1-3 John, Jude)

John 16:33 | "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." 

Churches in Galatia Antioch in Pisidia - Acts 13:14 Iconium - Acts 13:51 Lystra - Acts 14:8 Derbe - Acts 14:19-21

Act 13:1-3  Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.  (2)  As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."  (3)  Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

Acts 1-12 Acts 13-14 Acts 15

The Issue that Inspired the Letter to the Galatians Act 15:1-2  And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."  (2)  Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.

The “Mystery” That Many Struggled With Eph 2:11-22 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— (12) that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (13) But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (14) For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, (15) having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, (16) and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. (17) And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. (18) For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. (19) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, (20) having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, (21) in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, (22) in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

The Issue that Inspired the Letter to the Galatians

Paul’s Objectives with this Letter: Blessings received by faith in Christ Must be united to Jesus by faith Blessings cannot be “earned” To abandon faith is to lose

GAL 1:1-10 Gospel Defended / Apostolic Authority Only One Gospel GAL 1:11-2:10 Paul's Life Example GAL 2:11-21 Paul confronts Peter GAL 3:1-9 Gospel Explained / Law VS Faith We are Justified by Faith GAL 3:15-25 The Purpose of the Law GAL 3:10-14 The Curse of the Law GAL 3:26-4:7 Children & Heirs GAL 4:8-20 Fears for the Church GAL 4:21-31 Slave Woman & Free Woman GAL 5:1-6 Gospel Applied / Freedom in Christ Spiritual Freedom and Slavery GAL 5:7-15 The Struggle for Freedom GAL 5:16-18 Walking in the Spirit GAL 5:19-26 The Fruit of the Spirit The Works of the Flesh (p.1) The Works of the Flesh (p.2) GAL 6:1-5 Bear & Share Burdens GAL 6:6-10 Do Good GAL 6:11-18 Glory in the Cross

Learning Goals for the Book Examine implications of false teachings Review “justification by faith” Study true meaning of “freedom” Learn about Paul’s early life

- Galatians 1:1 Greeting – 1:1-5 Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), - Galatians 1:1

- Galatians 1:2 and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: - Galatians 1:2

Churches in Galatia Antioch in Pisidia - Acts 13:14 Iconium - Acts 13:51 Lystra - Acts 14:8 Derbe - Acts 14:19-21

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. - Galatians 1:3-4

His sacrifice enables our salvation Done according to God’s plan Jesus offers Himself His sacrifice enables our salvation Done according to God’s plan

to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. - Galatians 1:5

GALATIANS An Introduction