Galatians #6, The Practical Argument Galatians 5:1-26

Remember the Proposition- Justification is by Faith in and Obedience to Jesus Christ- not the Works of the Law and Circumcision.

Here’s what’s been covered thus far: J Chapter 1- the distortion/desertion of churches & beginning of biographical argument for independent revelation. J Chapter 2- the conclusion of the biographical argument for independent revelation (including the hypocrisy of Peter). J Chapter 3- the beginning of the theological argument regarding the failures of legalism (reception of the Spirit; blessings of Abraham apart from the Law). J Chapter 4- the conclusion of the theological argument regarding the failures of legalism (heir / child vs. slave; allegory of Hagar & Sarah)

Galatians #6- The Practical Argument  Section #1- vv.1-12 Severed from Christ & Fallen from Grace: >is dependent upon previous allegory & 4:31 >Freedom was: -from slavery to the Law & resultant sin, v.1 -Christ’s purpose, v.1 >Therefore, -keep standing firm! v.1 -don’t go back to the yoke of slavery! v.1 >Because if you do…. -Christ will be of no benefit to you! v.2

Galatians #6- The Practical Argument  Section #1- vv.1-12 Severed from Christ & Fallen from Grace: >the further obligation of circumcision is the necessity of keeping the “whole Law” for salvation! v.3 >One who therefore seeks justification by Law: -is severed from Christ, v.4a -& has fallen from grace, v.4b! 2Pet.3:17-18 >For, the Hope of Righteousness is: -by the Spirit, v.5a (which is > Christ, cf.3:2ff) -and by Faith, v.5b (which is >hearing, cf.3:5ff)

Galatians #6- The Practical Argument  Section #1- vv.1-12 Severed from Christ & Fallen from Grace: >Circumcision/Uncircumcision mean nothing “in Christ”, v.6a >“In Christ” it is all about: -Faith working through Love, v.6 -These two cannot be separated and still yield salvation in Christ, Col.1:4-5. >vv.7-9 The Problem(s): -v.7 Essential Obedience was hindered. -v.8 This did not come from Christ. -v.9 Such is pervasively destructive.

Galatians #6- The Practical Argument  Section #1- vv.1-12 Severed from Christ & Fallen from Grace: >His confidence in the Galatians & in God’s judgment, v.10. >Paul further says in essence “I don’t” & “I wish” -“I don’t understand” why I’m still being persecuted if I am preaching circumcision, v.11. cf. Acts 16:3 > Gal.2:1-5. -“I wish” that those so desiring the binding of circumcision would mutilate themselves instead of others! v.12

Galatians #6- The Practical Argument  Section #2- vv Freedom: >was the purpose of their calling, v.13a. see also 2Thess.2:13-14 >can be turned into fleshly sin, v.13b >Rom.13:14. >should manifest loving service to one another if it is true, v.13c > vv (actions) >Such is the embodiment & fulfillment of the Law, v.14. >To be / act otherwise is self-destructive, v.15!

Galatians #6- The Practical Argument  Section #3- vv Walking by the Spirit or the Flesh: >these two are mutually exclusive, vv >And especially for the Galatians, you cannot be led by the Spirit and be under the Law, v.18 > 2:2,5. >Deeds of the Flesh: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envyings, drunkenness, carousings, & things like these >make one unfit for and unable to enter the kingdom of God! vv.19-21

Galatians #6- The Practical Argument  Section #3- vv Walking by the Spirit or the Flesh: >But, the contrasting Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; >against these things, there is no law! vv Now, if we belong to Christ, then: >we have crucified the flesh/passions/desires, v.24 >we live by and walk by the Spirit, v.25 >we will not therefore become boastful, challenging, or envying of one another, v.26

Galatians #6- The Practical Argument  Conclusions: >1John 3:10 says that “the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious”. >1John 3:7-9 defines each of these. >So does Galatians 5! Which are you? Which do you want to be? Let’s do something about it right now, shall we?