Paul wrote the book of Galatians. It is a letter, probably the first letter (or epistle) he wrote, and the first we will read as we hurtle toward the end of the New Testament. This is a message to his friends in the region of Galatia, to several churches.
After his gracious greeting, Paul gets right to the heart of the matter--the Galatians have been listening to false prophets who present another gospel. He reminds them that the truth is only found in Christ (1:9, 11-12).
He then tells his own story, how he used to persecute the Jews, but then turned to the faith after the Damascus Road experience. Paul tells the Galatians--some of whom were Jews--that they do not have to live under the old Law of Moses. Jesus did not make the Law null and void, but Paul reminds the Galatians that they (and we) are justified by our faith and not by our works.
Paul is dead to his old life and is alive n Christ (2:20-21). He expands on the idea of justification by faith. Abraham believed and was saved because of his faith; Christ has come, we can be saved by faith in Christ--both Jews and Gentiles (3:6, 13-14, 21, 28-29).
Paul is afraid the Jews in Galatia are stuck too much in the Law. But the Law does not bring freedom; faith brings freedom. That has always been true, even in Old Testament times. Again, Paul includes Gentiles in those who can be free (4:22-26).
He reminds the Galatians to live not according to the flesh (sinful desires), but according to the Spirit, for the fruit of the Spirit is (deep breath) love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self contro-o-ol HEY! (I learned it as a song in high school and I can never say it but must sing it) (5:6, 19-23).
Finally, Paul reminds the Galatians to share one another’s joys and sorrows (6:9, 14). He leaves them with this: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen” (6:18).
Amen.
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