Galatians by Jeff Gordon (2013)

In the book of Galatians, Paul vehemently opposes false teaching that adds works to the message of the gospel. Essentially, the gospel says that Jesus' death on the cross paid for our sins, and that if we want forgiven, we can ask him for it. Christians can increase their trust in God's grace by remembering that His Spirit will transform their hearts and seeking to apply His gifts to their lives.

Because Paul had received direct revelation from God, the authority of his message came from God. Over Biblical history, God has laid out clear requirements for writings to be considered Biblical canon. Since we know that we have received the true Word of God, we should learn what it says.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul argues the case that the Christian life is about faith rather than following the Law. He argues that we are justified by faith, and that because of this we are sanctified on the same basis: the work of Christ.

In the book of Galatians, Paul continues to defend a life of faith as opposed to the Law. He reminds the believers in Galatia that both their salvation and sanctification never had to do with the Law, but were a result of the Spirit's work in them. No one can be made right with God through trying to keep the Law, and even Abraham was blessed solely because of his faith. As Abraham received a blessing for his faith, so now believers can receive the Holy Spirit through faith.

Many Christians fall into a legalistic paradigm, where they believe that they earn God's blessings by living faithfully. While a good life of blessings can be reached by living a faithful life, submission to this linear arrangement actually adds pressure and guarantees failure. The blessing of faith, as opposed to legalism, is a growing relationship with God through faith. In light of this, we should live as children of God, developing closeness with our Father in heaven.

Paul turns to the example of Isaac and Ishmael to demonstrate the difference between God's two covenants. Sarah represents the heavenly Jerusalem, the free woman who is our spiritual mother, while Hagar represents slavery to the Law. Believers should choose to live as those who are free from the Law.

The Bible teaches that Christ saved us so that we could actually experience freedom. Instead of subjecting ourselves to slavery. This freedom means that we can approach God freely, follow Him with our lives, be open about our sin, and choose to serve others in love.

In the heart of every believer, there is a battle between the flesh and the Spirit. The goal of the Christian is to be sensitive and responsive to the Holy Spirit that indwells them. This is possible because in Christ our flesh has been crucified, with all of its evil passions and desires. Ultimately, the fruit of walking with the Spirit is love.

The Bible presents two options that we may put our effort into: either the things of the flesh, which are perishable; or the things of the Spirit, which will produce an eternal harvest. To sow to the Spirit with perseverance, we must deeply hold an eternal perspective.