“Spiritual Genealogy” Galatians 4
Paul confronts the Galatian believers for being so easily swayed by the smooth talking legalists who infiltrate the church. He talks of the importance of relationship over works.

Vs 1-3 Just as a child has no authority over his inheritance until he is grown, so spiritual authority comes with spiritual maturity.

Vs 4-7 Jesus fulfilled the Law so that anyone could be adopted as God’s child.

Vs 8-9a To truly know God is to be known by God as His child. Matt 7:23 

Vs 9b-20 There are many who would draw us away from the freedom of Christ to the bondage of legalism. 

Vs 21-27 Abraham’s two sons symbolize the bondage of human effort toward salvation and the freedom of God’s provision.

Vs 28-31 The sons of Ishmael have always been hostile toward the sons of Isaac. Genesis 16:12

So then, we must keep legalism and false teaching out of our lives, 
because Christ has set us free.

“Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, 
not to put a stumbling block…in our brother’s way”
Romans 14:13


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“Liberty or Death” Galatians 5
Patrick Henry’s famous statement referred to political freedom that many do not choose. 
In the spiritual realm, Paul says it’s a choice we must make.

Vs 1-6 Choosing to live by additional rules is not the problem. Seeking justification through them is.

Vs 7-8 Legalism does not come from God.

Vs 9-12 False teachers can infect an entire church but will be judged in due time.

Vs 13-15 Christ gives us liberty, not to serve the flesh but each other.

Vs 16-18 The Holy Spirit gives us power over the flesh and has superseded the Law in our lives.

Vs 19-21 The works of the flesh are common to man and obvious to those who walk in the Spirit.

Vs 22-26 The fruits of the Spirit are the opposite of the flesh and help us to be crucified in Christ.

So then, the choices are liberty in the Holy Spirit or death in the flesh.
Unless we choose to walk in the Spirit, the flesh has already chosen us.

“Shared Burden, Shared Blessing” Galatians 6
Paul closes his letter by instructing the Galatian believers to put Christ and others first. He reminds them about the danger of legalism.

Vs 1. We are to gently restore fallen brothers.

Vs 2. Helping each other in trouble is what Christ commanded. Matt 22: 36-40; Lev 19:18

Vs 3-5. We are to be humble and pull our own weight.

Vs 6. Take care of those who teach God’s Word.

Vs 7-8. We reap what we sow, so we should sow seeds for the Kingdom.

Vs 9-10. Remain faithful because your reward will come.

Vs 11-13. Those who promote legalism are motivated by fear and pride in what they accomplish in you.

Vs 14. We are to only promote Christ.

Vs 15. Christ doesn’t remake our old nature, He gives us a new one. Phil. 2:13

Vs 16-18. Paul had his share of persecution scars. 

So then, putting Christ first, is to put others first.
He doesn’t expect us to be famous or our deeds to be fantastic. 
He just wants us to be faithful.

 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time 
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9