Introduction and Overview of Galatians
A Christian’s Personal Declaration of Independence;
Paul’s Prelude to Romans
References:
Galatians 1-6; Acts 15:1-29; Philippians 3:1-9
The Main Theme:
The law vs faith;
our freedom from bondage through Jesus Christ.
What are Judaizers?
Paul’s Tone:
Strong, Blunt, Direct, Brief, Repetitive, In your face.
Unique things about the letter:
* Paul’s intro is different to his other letters
* The word “Law” appears 32 times
* The word “Faith” appears 21 times
* The word “Gospel” appears 12 times
* 10 of which in the first two chapters
* It’s a short letter with a little over 2,000 words
Outline of Galatians:
Chapters 1-2: Paul’s qualifications and defense of the True Gospel
Chapters 3-4: Paul’s Doctoral teaching & Our freedom from the law
Chapters 5-6: Practical living in freedom through Christ.
Paul’s Qualifications:
Who, What, When, Where, Why:
Key verses In Galatians
• 1:10 1:12
• 2:4 2:16 2:20,21
• 3:1, 3:10,11 3:21,22 3:24 3:28
• 4:7
• 5:1 5:18-21 5:22
• 6:8 6:13
Grace vs Law
Oil and Water
Christ is our emulsifier
Grace….. Law…..
Grace Is based on faith (2:16)
Law is based on works (2:16)
Grace Justifies sinful men (2:16, 17)
Law is unable to result in justification(2:16; 3:11)
Grace both starts and ends with Christ (2:20)
The Law nullifies Christ (5:2)
Grace is the way of The Spirit (3:2)
Law is the way of flesh (3:3)
Grace is a blessing (3:14)
Law is a curse (3:13)
Grace results in putting on Christ (3:27)
Law results in estrangement from Christ (5:4)
Grace adopts as sons (4:6)
Law keeps us slaves (4:7)
Grace brings freedom and liberty (5:1)
Law results in slavery and bondage (4:7,5:1-2)
Grace gives us the Spirit which results in power over the flesh (5:16)
Law depends on flesh which leads to death (5:19-21)
Grace is motivated by love (5:13-14)
Law motivated by pride (6:13)
Grace is centered on the cross (6:14)
Law centers on our work, circumcision, and self ability (5:11; 6:12–15)
