Search The Scriptures —Study 6 — Galatians 5:2-24

Study 6 From The Book of Galatians Is: Galatians 5:2-24

Spiritual freedom may be lost in two ways: (a) by false teaching, in this case the teaching of the necessity of circumcision (verse 2-12); and (b) by living to please self (verse 13-15). The secret of victory is to give the Holy Spirit full sway within us by obeying His promptings. He will subdue the flesh, and bring forth in us the fruit of Christ-like living (verses 16-25).

     1.      Verses 2-12.  To be circumcised meant taking the way of the law.  What four results would follow if the Galatians did so?  What is the way of the Gospel?

2.      Verses 13-15. How should the Christian use his freedom?

3.      Verses 16-24.  Seek to grasp the antithesis between ‘flesh’ and ‘spirit’.  What should be the attitude of the Christian towards each?  Note that the right attitude demands expression in positive action.

Notes

1. Verses 5, 6. ‘The hope of righteousness’: i.e the hope of future glory that springs from justification through believing on Jesus Christ.  Cf. Rom. 5:1, 2; 1 Pet. 1:3. Notice also the collocation here of faith, hope and love.
2. Verse 18.  The Christian is free from the law as a rule to be obeyed in order to obtain life (cf. 3:12), yet, when ‘led by the Spirit’ he does all that the law demands (see verses 24-25; cf .Rom. 8:4).
3. Verse 24.  Cf. 2:20; Rom. 6:6.

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