INTRODUCTION

1. A special problem cropped up in the Galatian Church

2. False teachers had crept in

a) They were teaching that believing in the Lord Jesus was not enough

b) Believers must also keep strict traditions of the Jews

3. Paul responded:

a) Swiftly

b) Strongly

c) Successfully

d) Salvation is through Faith in the Lord Jesus

 

THE SALVATION THAT WE HAVE IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

1. Denunciation of the false teachers and their teachings Galatians 1-2

2. Defence of the Apostolic Doctrine of Salvation in the Lord Jesus

a) Justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Galatians 2:16

b) Righteousness is obtained by the grace of God through faith Galatians 2:20-21

c) Receiving of the Holy Spirit by faith Galatians 3:2

d) Gentiles are also fully justified in this salvation Galatians 3:8-9

3. The glorious ramifications of our Salvation in the Lord Jesus

a) We are “sons of Abraham” through faith Galatians 3:7

b) We are also “sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3:26

c) We are also spiritual heirs Galatians 3:29

26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-29

 

THE CHALLENGE TO LIVE AS SONS OF GOD

1. The need to put away that which are sinful

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [d]adultery, [e]fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,

20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,

21 envy, [f]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past,

that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

a) These are the works of the flesh

b) These must be put away

c) Or they will choke the seed planted in us

2. The blessing of bearing the fruit of the Spirit

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 [gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25

a) The first challenge is to appreciate the work of the Holy Spirit

i) We are made alive by the Spirit of God

ii) We are given a new birth

iii) The Spirt of God lives within the believer

iv) He has new life

b) The next challenge is to live in the Spirit

i) Consciousness of the Spirit of God in us is vital

ii) Cultivation of our need for His help is important

iii) Closeness to the Lord Jesus is wisdom

c) The work of the Spirit would be clearly visible

i) The Spirit would produce distinctive fruit

ii) Nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit are highlighted in this text

iii) They are all closely inter-related

iv) Love was given the honour of being the first to be mentioned

 

THE FRUIT OF LOVE

1. It is placed first for good reason

2. It is consistent with what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13

3. While Truth is of paramount importance

4. There must also be emphasis placed on the fruit of the Spirit of God

 

CONCLUSION

1. God’s love has been poured into us Romans 5:5, 8

2. There is also the special work of the Holy Spirit in us

3. Let us seek to respond to all that God has done in our life

4. Let us seek to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirt