GALATIANS - Liberty
INTRODUCTION: Galatians was the 1st Epistle written by Paul. It presents the most vital New Testament message concerning faith versus works for salvation. While insisting that we avoid legalism as a requirement for salvation, Paul here encourages us to spiritual maturity so that we will not be easily swayed by falsehood.
I. The Author of the Book -
A. Paul (1:1 & 10:1) - Though his name only appears twice, 1st person pronouns are used 104 times.
B. The only NT Epistle written by Paul’s own hand. (6:11)
II. The Recipients of the Book
A. The Cities of Galatia
1. Names of the Cities
· Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:14-50)
· Iconium (Acts 13:51 - 14:5)
· Lystra (Acts 14:6)
· Derbe (Acts 14:6)
2. Nature of the Citizens
· Impulsive & inconsistent (Acts 14:11-19)
· Warmhearted & generous (Gal. 4:15)
· Fickle & easily misled (Gal. 1:6; 3:1, 3)
· Quarrelsome & argumentative (Gal. 5:15)
B. The Churches in Galatia (1:6-7, 15).
1. Established by Paul during his 1st Missionary Journey (Acts 13 & 14).
2. Visited by Paul on his 2nd & 3rd Missionary Journeys (Acts 16:1-6: 18:23).
III. The Date & Place of Writing
A. Place: Written from Antioch, after his 1st Missionary Journey (Acts 14:26-28)
B. Date: Probably late in the year 49 A. D.
IV. The Purpose of the Book
A. To rebuke the Galatians for being easily swayed from the truth (1:1-9);
B. To refute the attack on his Apostolic authority (1:10 - 2:21);
C. To reestablish the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith alone (3:1 - 4:31);
D. To remind the Galatians of the freedom they have in Christ (5:1 - 6:18).
V. The Keys to the Book
A. The key thought = Christian Liberty abolishes legalism as a means of salvation.
B. The key phrase = "Liberty we have in Christ". (2:4).
C. The key verses = 2:20; 3:13, 26; 5:1
D. Key Words:
1. Liberty - 4 times
2. Free - 4 times ;
3. Faith - 22 times
4. Grace - 7 times
5. Law - 32 times
6. Works - 8 times
VI. The Outline to the Book
1. Paul’s Passion for the Gospel – 1:1-10
A. His calling – 1:1-2
B. His Christ – 1:3-5
C. His concern – 1:6-7
D. His curse – 1:8-9
E. His commitment – 1:10
2. Paul’s Protection of the Gospel – 1:11- 2:21
A. His calling from God – 1:11-17
B. His confirmation of the Apostles – 1:18- 2:10
C. His confrontation with Peter – 2:11-17
D. His crucifixion with Christ – 2:18-21
3. Paul’s Proclamation of the Gospel – 3:1- 4:
A. The personal argument – 3:1-5
B. The Scriptural argument – 3:6-25
C. The practical argument – 3:26- 4:7
D. The sentimental argument – 4:8-20
E. The allegorical argument – 4:21-31
4. Paul’s Prospects of the Gospel – 5:1- 6:10
A. Liberty – 5:1, 13
B. Legalism – 5:2:12
C. License – 5:13
D. Love – 5:13-15
E. Living – 5:16-26
F. Lifting – 6:1-10
5. Paul’s Postscript to the Gospel – 6:11-18
