The Apostle Paul had many enemies in his ministry, but none were as dangerous as legalists. In his letter to the Galatians, he reveals how the gospel is sufficient for our salvation and lives.
Counterfeit Gospels
Galatians 1:1-10 – Paul confronted lesser messages posing as the gospel since they corrupted the church. We must beware of counterfeit gospels that could hinder us from knowing the grace of Jesus.
Crucified Lives
Galatians 2:1-21 – Paul was so enthralled by the power of the gospel that he confronted others who were wavering in its truth. By faith and faith alone, we can experience lives that have been crucified with Christ.
Sanctifying Spirit
Galatians 3:1-9 – If we believe our salvation to be of grace, we must not rely on our works after that. The Spirit that saves is the same Spirit that sanctifies.
Faithful Redemption
Galatians 3:10-14 – Our works could not save us; in fact, they only condemned us. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we obtain the faithful redemption that we require under sin’s curse.
Helpful Restraints
Galatians 3:15-22 – Many wonder why God provided a covenant for His people and later gave them rules they could not keep. The law couldn’t save anyone, but it did help in restraining the spread of sin.
Level Ground
Galatians 3:23-29 – The law humbled every person under the awareness of sin, yet God’s grace was available to all. When we come to the cross of Jesus, we tread on level ground.
Liberating Adoption
Galatians 4:1-7 – We were enslaved to the ways of the world, but the Father desired to adopt us as His children. In Christ, we are free to live joyfully as the sons and daughters of God.
Spiritual Relapse
Galatians 4:8–20 – Paul warns that the danger of spiritual relapse is real, even for those who’ve experienced gospel freedom. We slip when we trade God’s grace for manmade expectations.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
