War paint … No Toleration of Legalism
Trouble makers in the church! The entire Book of Galatians is taken up with this issue (Gal. 1:6-7; 5:10-12; 6:17). There is a struggle between Law and Grace and the Law and Spirit (3:1-12). Oil and water do not mix.
The Judaizers and their legalism are what caused the trouble (Acts 15:1-5).
- They are fallen from Grace (5:4)
- They frustrate the grace of God (2:21)
- A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump (5:9)
During the transition period (Book of Acts), God allowed two parallel programs to be carried on at the same time (Gal. 2:7-9). However, the boundaries of ministry during the transitional period were established (cf., 2 Cor. 10:8-18).
The boundaries were violated by the legalists (wittingly or unwittingly)… probably through fear (2:4).
- Peter (2:1-14).
- Paul (Acts 21:19-20; cf., 21-27).
Paul labors to preserve the truth of the Gospel of Grace (2:5; cf., 1:6-9; 3:10-12.
What is the truth of the Gospel?
…Salvation by Grace (3:22-26; 2:16-20).
What are we to do?
- Stand fast in liberty of grace (5:1-14)
- Walk in Spirit (5:16-26)
Led by the Spirit
Live by the Spirit
The legalists are warned (5:10-12)
- A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump
- They are called mutilators of the flesh (Phil. 3:2)
- Cast out the bondwoman (4:30; cf., Titus 1:10-11)
The legalists wanted marks (circumcision) as evidence of salvation (6:12-17; cf., Gal. 2:20; 2 Cor. 4:10-18).
Legalists are trouble makers (Gal. 1:6-7; 5:6-7; 6:17)
This is Paul’s fighting epistle – war paint
Oil and water do not mix
A struggle between Law and Grace; Law and Spirit (3:11-12)
The legalists are enemies of the Gospel of Grace.
Note “Gospel” (1:6-9)
The truth of the Gospel of Grace is in jeopardy (Peter: 2:14; Jewish company: 3:1; 5:7)
The heart of the problem (Acts 15:1-5)
Paul is greatly concerned that the truth of the Gospel of Grace be preserved (2:5).
Paul, by preaching salvation and sanctification by grace, does not frustrate the Grace of God (2:16-21)
The legalist frustrates the Grace of God and has fallen from it (5:4).
The legalists do not or refuse to understand the finished work of Christ (3:1, 10-13) even though He was clearly set forth as crucified and we are redeemed from the Law’s curse. The conclusion of Scripture is plain (3:22-26).
The legalists violate the dispensational boundaries (transitional period).
Boundaries are established (Gal. 2:7-9)
Gospel of Circumcision / Gospel of Uncircumcision
Paul acknowledged the boundaries (2 Cor. 10:8-18).
Legalists, unethically, violated dispensational boundaries in order to spy out our freedoms (2:4). As such, they are false (not honest) brethren (They “believed,” Acts 15:5.)
Legalism is so powerful that it intimidated (caused to fear). Peter, Barnabas, and other Jews caused Paul to be a hypocrite (2:11-14).
Legalism is so powerful that it intimidated Paul so greatly that he is disciplined (Acts 21:20 and following). He is arrested, imprisoned, and he almost offered the sacrifice.
The legalists are dealt with and warned (5:7-12).
They did not obey (5:7)
Their instruction did not come from God (5:8).
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump (5:9).
They shall be judged (5:10).
They should be cast out (4:30; cf., Gal. 6:7-8).
They should be cut off (Paul is not prudish). He calls them “the consision,” mutilators of the flesh (Phil. 3:2; Titus 1:10-11). Their punishment ought to be in keeping with their crime (5:12).
Legalism is never satisfied…can never tell when sufficient has been done to be saved, or sanctified, or kept saved.
Legalism Cured (5:1-26)
Stand fast in the liberty of grace (5:1).
Serve by love, not by the Law (5:13-15).
Spirit living (5:25) not flesh (5:19-21).
A walk (5:16)
A leading (5:18)
A fruit (5:22-23)
Legalism demands evidence.
– Circumcision as evidence of salvation / sanctification (6:12-17; cf., Mt. 23:1-7). Also compare Galatians 2:20 and 2 Corinthians 4:10-18.