Galatians 05:01-06

Text: Galatians 5:1-6

Bible Class Discussion Notes

• Galatians 5:1 – Christians are to stand fast in the liberty in Christ.
  We have been made free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2), and therefore stand fast in the Lord (Philippians 4:1). Once loosed, we should not be bound by the yoke of bondage. Some of Jesus’ disciples had a yoke put on them, but by God’s grace they believed all could be saved (Acts 15:10-11; Ephesians 2:5,8).
• Galatians 5:2 – If one is uncircumcised, becoming circumcised will do no good.
  This turned out to be a huge salvation issue, as many were divided over whether or not the Gentiles could be saved (Acts 15:1ff.). Paul explained that the gospel has the power to save both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 1:16), and that there is neither Jew nor Greek in Christ (Galatians 3:28-29) but are all heirs of God.
• Galatians 5:3 – If one becomes circumcised, however, he must keep the law of Moses.
  That law is very difficult (impossible) to keep, and if (when) one breaks the law it does no good (Romans 2:25-29); instead, it matters what one does on the inside. We must strive to please God and not man (Acts 5:29). According to the law of Christ, if one stumbles in one point he is guilty of all (James 2:10).
• Galatians 5:4 – If we are justified by law, we have become fallen from grace.
  Paul said we are no longer under the law, but grace (Romans 6:14). The law was a schoolmaster bringing us to Christ (Galatians 3:24); however, the law could not save us. That is only possible by the grace of God. Some were warned of falling short of the grace of God (Hebrews 12:15).
• Galatians 5:5 – We await the hope of righteousness by faith.
  Israel followed after the law of righteousness, but did not attain it because they did not seek it by faith (Romans 9:30-33). The only way we get to God is by faith in Christ (Hebrews 11:6; John 14:6).
• Galatians 5:6 – It does not matter if one is circumcised or circumcised; what matters is whether he or she shows faith working by love and being a new creature (Galatians 6:15).
  Paul taught Timothy that the grace of God is exceeding abundant with faith and love. Perhaps the best example is the Thessalonians because their “faith grows exceedingly and their love of every one abounds toward each other” (2 Thessalonians 1:3).