GALATIANS: The Mega Themes

LAW

 

EXPLANATION - A group of aggressive Jewish teachers (Judaizers), were insisting that all non-Jewish believers in Christ must follow not only the Jewish law, but also their traditional rules to be saved. This of course was in addition to faith in Christ. Their emphasis was on circumcision, which was a sign of a Jews covenant with Almighty God. Paul intensely opposed this teaching as it added something to faith and trust in Christ for salvation. He showed the Judaizers from scripture that the law cannot save anyone.

 

IMPORTANCE - No one can be saved by keeping the OT law or even the Ten Commandments. All the law did was point out our sin and our inability to forgive ourselves. Without Christ there is no freedom from sin. Only Christ can make us right with God.

 

FAITH

 

EXPLANATION - Believers are saved from God’s judgment and the penalty for sin due to God’s gracious gift to us. Salvation is achieved thru faith, trusting in him and nothing or no one else. Becoming a Christian is in no way based on anything we can think, say, or do in this life. It has to do solely with believing in God.

 

IMPORTANCE - Being accepted by God comes from our believing in Christ alone. We must never add to or twist this truth. We are saved by faith alone and not by any good that we may do. Only Christ can forgive you of all your sins and bring you into a right relationship with God.

 

FREEDOM

 

EXPLANATION - Paul’s letter to the Galatian church outlines the principles of Christian faith. The Galatians are not under the authority of the Jewish law, nor the authority of Jerusalem, and neither are we. True faith in Christ provides complete freedom from sin and from the futile attempt to be right with God by keeping the law.

 

IMPORTANCE - We are all freed in Christ and yet salvation isn’t a right, but a privilege. Our freedom doesn’t make us free to disobey or practice immorality, rather it is our freedom to love and serve the living Christ. Let us love and serve God, not use our talents to do wrong.

 

HOLY SPIRIT

 

EXPLANATION - We become Christians thru the work of the Holy Spirit. He brings us new life. The Spirit instructs, guides, leads, and gives us power. He ends our bondage to evil desires, and creates in us love, joy, & peace.

 

IMPORTANCE - When the Holy Spirit leads us, he produces his fruit in us. We can follow Christ by simply following the Spirit’s leading.

 

            Up next we look at the differences between a true gospel and a false gospel. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible