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Galatians: No Additives

The book of Galatians is such a formative book for our understanding of the gospel and of justification by faith alone. Join us on Sundays this fall for a sermon series in the book of Galatians.

You can download our study guide and view our pastor's sermon notes that will be available each week to help you grow in your love for God's Word.

GALATIANS STUDY GUIDE

Weekly Pastor's Notes in Galatians

Check out our Pastor's notes below to help you in your understanding of God's Word.

Week 1: Galatians 1:1-5 - Moving Forward Means Going Back

Who are the “churches of Galatia”?

There are two common theories regarding the recipients of Paul’s letter: the Northern Galatia Theory and the Southern Galatia Theory. In Paul’s day, Galatia (Γαλατία) referred to both a region in north-central Asia Minor and a Roman province in southern Asia Minor. Nothing in the letter makes it clear to whom Paul is addressing.

The Northern Galatian hypothesis argues that ‘Galatians’ refers to a specific group of people, descendants of the Celts, who settled in the northern region of what is now modern northern Turkey. These people were known as Galatians because of their ethnicity. The theory states that Paul made a journey to this area in Acts 16. Luke records that Paul, “went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia” on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:6). There are a few problems with this theory. The first problem is that Luke does not record many details of Paul’s journey to this area. If ‘Galatians’ is understood ethnically, the founding of the Galatian churches is only implied in the New Testament. Nowhere in the NT does it suggest that Paul planted any churches in this area. The second problem, which I believe is the biggest problem, is that Paul’s journey to this area was after the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. The Jerusalem Council dealt with the issue of salvation and circumcision for Gentiles. One commentator writes, “It would be remarkable that in a letter dealing with Gentiles and circumcision that Paul would have omitted reference to the decree of the Jerusalem Council which had already occurred.” [1]

The Southern Galatian theory argues that the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians was addressed to the churches in the southern part of the Roman province of Galatia, which included cities like Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. In Acts 13-14, Luke records the establishment of these churches through Paul’s efforts during his first missionary journey. This theory suggests that Paul wrote the letter shortly after his first missionary journey to these regions, around AD 48-49, and before the Jerusalem Council mentioned in Acts 15.

Though the recipients of the letter do not influence the interpretation of the letter, I lean towards affirming the Southern Galatian theory.

Why was this letter written?

This is the most important question. The answer unlocks the entirety of the book. In Chapter 1, Paul tells the church, “there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ” (v6, ESV). After Paul planted these churches, false teachers gained influence and insisted that Gentile converts to Christianity must follow Jewish law, including practices such as circumcision, to be truly saved. To validate their teaching, they devalued the validity of Paul’s claim to be an apostle. Paul’s apostleship and his gospel are interconnected. Imagine the questions the false teachers would raise. They probably asked something like, “If Paul is not truly an apostle like Peter and James, can Paul’s gospel be trusted?”

Paul’s Introduction

The first five verses focus on the validity of Paul’s apostleship and the sufficiency of Jesus’ work. Both of these will serve as dominant themes throughout the book. Paul wasn’t called by men; he was called by the God-man, Jesus Christ. Jesus has been validated as the God-man by the Father, who raised him from the dead. Paul speaks on behalf of the Risen Christ, who has conquered sin and death.

The message of Paul’s gospel is grace and peace (v3). Don’t skim over this because it’s so common in Paul’s letters. Paul emphasizes that the elements of the gospel’s message are grace and peace. Peace with God can only be found by God lavishing upon us unmerited favor, or grace. The good news is that he has done that. How? Through Christ’s powerful and sufficient work on the cross (v4).

Main Point of the Sermon – To progressively move forward in Christ, we must constantly go back to the cross.

Outline of the Sermon – 2 Reminders to Move Us Forward

  1. Go Back to the Validity of the Cross’s Messenger
  2. Go Back to the Sufficiency of the Cross’s Message

Additional Study Questions

  1. How are Paul’s apostleship and message interconnected?
  2. Why is it important that Paul references his apostleship? Why does his apostleship matter to us today?
  3. Look at v4. Break down what Jesus has done for us. How does this work display God’s grace, and how does it provide peace? How is it sufficient for our acceptance with God?
  4. In what ways are you tempted to ruin the gospel by adding to it?

[1] Joseph A. Pipa, Galatians: God’s Proclamation of Liberty.

Sermon Transcript

Week 2: Galatians 1:6-10 - The Dangers of a Different Gospel

Harsh words!

 In this part of Paul’s epistle, one would typically expect a blessing, a word of encouragement, or a prayer of thanksgiving from the apostle to the church. This is Paul’s usual practice in all his other letters to churches, even to the church in Corinth. However, the Galatian churches receive no such encouragement or praise. Instead, Paul delivers an astonishing rebuke and pronounces an apostolic curse on the false teachers who have distorted the gospel he preached.
Paul’s Astonishment
Paul is astonished, amazed, that the Galatians have so quickly embraced a different gospel (v. 6). The word “deserted” in v. 6 is a military term used to describe a traitor—someone who has turned against their own country and allied with the enemy. By embracing a gospel of faith in Christ plus circumcision and the law, the Galatians are turning their backs on God Himself. This is a serious problem. Paul wants these churches to know they are embracing something that can’t provide them with hope or deliverance; they are embracing no gospel at all (v. 7).
Main Point of the Sermon – A different gospel brings danger not deliverance.

Outline of the Sermon – 3 Dangers of a different gospel

  1. A different gospel deserts (v6)
  2. A different gospel distorts (v7)
  3. A different gospel destroys (vv8-10)

Additional Study Questions

  1. Why is Paul so amazed at the actions of the Galatians? How are we similar to the Galatians in our propensity to so quickly forget the gospel?
  2. What was the gospel that Paul proclaimed? Use several references from the NT to support your reasoning.
  3. Discuss the different gospels that are prevalent in our culture. How are they deceptive?
  4. In what ways can we be diligent to discern a different gospel from the gospel?

 

 

Week 3: Galatians 1:11-24 - From a Persecutor to a Preacher

From Persecutor to Preacher

It’s crucial to recognize the role this text plays in Paul’s overall argument. He has reminded the Galatians that there is no other gospel except the one he preached to them. His gospel is being discredited by false teachers in Galatia, who are also challenging his apostleship. Paul is accused of being a false apostle and of preaching a gospel tainted by his own opinions.

In this section of Scripture, Paul’s purpose is to defend both his apostleship and the gospel he preaches. In verse 11, Paul makes a definitive claim: “For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel” (Galatians 1:11, ESV). He emphasizes that he received his gospel directly from Jesus Christ (v.12), likely alluding to his conversion experience described in Acts 9. The rest of this passage is an autobiographical account of Paul’s life before, during, and after his conversion. Paul’s intent in sharing these accounts is not merely to provide his testimony to the Galatians but to affirm that his gospel came from God and was never tainted or influenced by human sources.

The transformative power of grace is evident throughout these passages. Although Paul held a unique role in redemptive history as an apostle, the grace at work in his life is relevant to all of us. Consider the immense grace God lavished upon Paul—transforming him from a persecutor into a preacher.

Main point of the sermon: Grace doesn’t just tweak us; grace transforms us.

Outline of the Sermon: Three workings of grace as seen in Paul’s life
1. Grace covers our stained past.
2. Grace calls us to behold Jesus.
3. Grace commissions us for His glory.

Additional Study Questions
1. Discuss Paul’s aim in this section and how it relates to his overall purpose for writing this letter.
2. What is unique about Paul’s conversion? Which aspects of Paul’s conversion resonate with your own conversion story?
3. Paul frequently uses his past to magnify God’s grace. Identify several Scriptures where he does this. How can your past magnify God’s grace?
4. Reflect on verse 24. How can you daily cultivate a motivation to glorify God in all that you do?

 

Week 4: Galatians 2:1-10 - Warnings against Compromise
 A Second Visit

It is important to note that this section builds on Paul’s thoughts that began in Chapter 1. In verse 12, he informed the Galatians that despite the accusations against his law-free gospel, he never received his gospel from men, nor was he ever taught it by man. Paul then provides an airtight defense to prove his point, detailing the events that unfolded immediately following his conversion. He continues that defense in Chapter 2, referencing his second trip to Jerusalem with Barnabas. This trip to Jerusalem likely coincides with the events of Acts 11:27-30. Luke records, “Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them, named Agabus, stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:27-30, ESV).

In addition to Barnabas, Paul brings Titus, who acts as Paul’s test case for his circumcision-free gospel. Paul lays before the apostles in Jerusalem his gospel, along with Titus, and the apostles affirm his message. Despite what the Judaizers in Galatia claimed, Paul has the evidence that he is preaching the same gospel that the Jerusalem apostles are teaching (Galatians 1:1-3).

Pressure to Compromise
In verses 4-5, Paul references “false brothers,” or Judaizers, who were present in Jerusalem (or perhaps previously in Antioch). Though we aren’t sure exactly what occurred, these false brothers were pressuring Paul to circumcise Titus and to give in to their demands that one must be circumcised to perfect their salvation (v. 4). But Paul doesn’t compromise. The freedom the gospel offers is at stake, and so is the unity the gospel creates.

Main Point of the Sermon: Compromising gospel truth forfeits gospel blessings.

Outline: Two blessings we forfeit when we compromise the truth of the gospel:

  1. We forfeit the freedom the gospel offers. vv1-5
  2. We forget the unity the gospel creates. vv6-10

Additional Study Questions

  1. Why was this meeting such an impactful event in the history of the church? Consider the importance of unity in the gospel.
  2. Describe the freedom that Paul references in verses 4-5. How does this freedom relate to the law?
  3. What additions are we tempted to add to the gospel that may cause us to forfeit our freedom in the gospel?
  4. Why is it important that the Jerusalem apostles affirm Paul’s gospel and his apostleship?
  5. Why is gospel unity so important for the church? In what ways can we strive for unity in the gospel within our own church and with like-minded churches?

 

Week 5: Galatians 2:11-14 - The Realities of Hypocrisy

The Context

Paul continues to outline the events following his conversion, providing further evidence that his gospel is not of human origin. In Galatians 1:13-24, Paul demonstrated that he labored independently of the Apostles. In Galatians 2:1-10, he showed that his apostleship was affirmed by them. Now, in this text, Paul asserts that his gospel holds authority even over the other Apostles, because it is the same gospel given to them by Jesus Himself.

The Confrontation

As the narrative unfolds, we witness a dramatic conflict between Peter and Paul in the city of Antioch. Recall that Paul’s early ministry was in Antioch with Barnabas (see Acts 11). Even after Barnabas and Paul were sent on their first missionary journey by the Antioch church, Paul returned to continue his ministry there (see Acts 14:24-28). During this time, Peter visited to labor alongside Paul.

Antioch, about 135 miles north of Jerusalem, was a large, predominantly Gentile city with a significant Jewish population (see Acts 11). The church in Antioch was truly multicultural and multiethnic—the first of its kind in the New Testament. The question was, how would the gospel shape this community of both Jews and Gentiles? The gospel united them. When Peter first arrived, he freely ate with the Gentiles, not imposing Jewish dietary restrictions. Peter understood the freedom the gospel brings. After his vision in Acts 10, he knew God welcomed Gentiles into His covenant family by faith alone.

However, Peter’s behavior changed because of fear. His actions began to suggest that he no longer believed the gospel of grace. This hypocrisy was damaging and dividing the church, as Peter acted out of step with the gospel. This inconsistency led Paul to confront Peter directly.

Main Point of the Sermon: Freedom from hypocrisy is found only in the gospel.

Sermon Outline: Five Realities of Hypocrisy

  1. It warrants loving confrontation (v11)
  2. It has a deeper cause (v12)
  3. It becomes dangerously contagious (v13)
  4. It is a serious contradiction (v14)
  5. It has a merciful cure 

Study Questions:

  1. How does hypocrisy undermine the gospel?
  2. Why does Paul publicly confront Peter? What can we learn about biblical confrontation from this event? Consider other Scriptures.
  3. Why does Paul include this event in his argument at this point in Galatians? What is he telling us about the gospel, and why does it matter?
  4. In what ways might we walk out of step with our profession of faith?
Week 6: Galatians 2:15-21- The Law Can't Make Us Right
 The Context

Paul shifts from defending his gospel to explaining it. This passage in Galatians is arguably the most important paragraph in the book. Paul continues to recount what he told Peter when he confronted him in Antioch, stating that we aren’t justified by works of the law but by faith in Christ alone.

The Proposition

Paul’s proposition is found in verse 16: no one is made right with God through their own efforts or obedience to the law. Both Peter and Paul, as Jews, understood this truth. Even David, in Psalm 143, declared that no one is righteous before God (Psalm 143:1-2). Their Jewish heritage offered them no special standing before God.

At this point, we need to define “justification.” It is a legal term meaning that one is declared righteous before a judge. This is humanity’s fundamental problem—how can a sinner be justified before a holy God? Paul answers this critical question in the verses that follow.

Main Point of the Sermon: The cross is meaningless if the law can make us righteous.

Sermon Outline: Two Reasons the Law Can’t Make Us Righteous

  1. It is powerless to make us righteous.
  2. Its purpose is to point us to Jesus.
Week 7: Galatians 3:1-9 - Forgetfulness Causes Foolishness
 

The Context

In Galatians 1-2, Paul defends both his apostleship and the gospel message under attack in Galatia. In the final verses of Chapter 2, detailing his confrontation with Peter, Paul clarifies the foundation of the gospel: we are made right with God not by our works, but solely by faith in Jesus. Now, in Chapter 3, Paul continues to expand on the doctrine of justification by faith alone, shifting the focus to the Galatians’ experience with the Holy Spirit.

Why So Foolish?

In Galatians 3:1, Paul expresses his shock: “Oh foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” The word “bewitched,” though rare in the New Testament, reflects the idea of being deceived or under a spell. Paul is astonished that the Galatians, who had seen the truth of the bloody cross and God’s grace through Christ’s saving work, have now been lured away from that grace. How could they begin by faith in Jesus and now turn to trusting in their own works?

Paul responds by asking a series of rhetorical questions, urging them to remember the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. In verses 2-5, Paul connects the doctrine of justification by faith with their personal experience of the Spirit.

Why Abraham?

In verse 6, Paul shifts to Abraham as an example of justification by faith. The Judaizers held Abraham in high esteem as the ultimate model of faithfulness and obedience. They likely taught, “Yes, you need Jesus, but to truly belong to God’s family, as a true son of Abraham, you must also obey like Abraham.” Paul corrects this thinking. Abraham was not justified by his works but by faith. In fact, Abraham was still a Gentile when he was declared righteous in Genesis 15:6. It wasn’t until Genesis 17, years later, that Abraham received the sign of circumcision. Paul argues that just as Abraham was justified by faith, so too are all who believe—both Jews and Gentiles.

Outline: Two reminders to prevent spiritual foolishness:

  1. Don’t forget the work of the Spirit that validates our justification by faith alone (vv. 2-5).
  2. Don’t forget the Word of God that promises justification by faith alone (vv. 6-9).

Main Point – Foolishness is caused by forgetfulness, so don’t forget!

Study Questions

  1. Why is the cross such a focal point in Paul’s preaching? What other Scriptures come to mind when you think of the cross in Paul’s writings? Why should the cross be central to Christian preaching?
  2. In what ways are you tempted to rely on your own strength instead of the Spirit for your sanctification?
  3. How does God preach the gospel to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3, showing that both Jews and Gentiles are saved by faith alone?
  4. Are there other Old Testament characters or stories that point to justification by faith alone?
  5. Why is Scripture so important in our constant battle to rest in Jesus’ finished work? What practices do you use in your Bible reading to keep the gospel central in your life?
Week 8: Galatians 3:10-18 - Pride and Promises

Cursed or Blessed

Paul begins this section by stating that all who rely on works of the law to justify themselves are under a curse. Referring to his previous statements, he distinguishes between two groups: those of the law and those of faith. As mentioned in verse 9, those of faith are blessed. However, those who rely on works of the law are not blessed but cursed, as quoted from Deuteronomy 27:26. This curse stems from the law’s demand for perfection (James 2:9). To be saved by the law, one must keep it entirely. The Galatians, and we too, must remember this in our struggle to rely solely on Christ.

Having demonstrated the impossibility of keeping the law, Paul reveals its incompatibility with faith. Faith is humble reliance on God’s mercy, while law-keeping is a prideful attempt to earn a reward. These two approaches are fundamentally opposed.

Paul then presents the cure for the curse of the law: the cross. Christ became the curse! We praise God for His grace.Christ exchanged places with the lawbreaker, bearing the curse we deserve. We don’t receive this cure through our efforts but by faith, as Paul clarifies in verse 14.

Covenant Promises 

Concluding this section, Paul returns to Abraham and the covenant God made with him. He wants the Galatians to understand that everyone who is joined to Abraham’s promised offspring by faith is a recipient of Abraham’s blessing (verses 17-18). God’s covenant with Abraham is unconditional and forms the foundation for every covenant in Scripture.The law, introduced centuries after God’s promise to Abraham, cannot invalidate this covenant. Therefore, our salvation is not based on our ability to earn righteousness but on God’s faithfulness to His promise of a people for Himself through the work of His offspring, Jesus.

Outline: Three Interwoven Responses to Crush Pride

  1. Realize the Curse (verses 10-12)
  2. Receive the Cure (verses 13-14)
  3. Rest in the Covenant (verses 15-18)

Main Point: God’s gracious promises crush our sinful pride.

Additional Study Questions

  1. How does using the law as a means to earn righteousness hinder us from receiving God’s gift of salvation? Use Paul’s argument in Galatians and other scriptures to support your answer.
  2. At the core of Paul’s gospel is the fact that Christ became a curse for us. This means Christ took the punishment we deserve on the cross. Why was this the only way of salvation? How does this evoke thanksgiving and praise in your heart?
  3. Why does Paul reference the covenant God made with Abraham in his argument (verses 15-18)? How does God’s faithfulness shape your thoughts, actions, and life?
  4. Where else in the Scriptures do you find examples of God’s faithfulness?
  5. How do you specifically struggle with pride? How does grace counteract your pride?