Recap of Galatians 1

Paul chastises the Galatians for being swayed by false teaching.

He reminds them of his credentials.

Review of Galatians

Paul is very frustrated with misinformation which has infiltrated the Galatian church.

He combats these errors with this letter.

Conclusion

In verse 17, Paul reminds the Galatians that he’s suffered for Jesus’ name.

Finally, in verse 18, Paul writes a blessing on the church.

Appearances

Paul reminds the Galatians, in verses 11-16, that it’s what is on the inside that counts, not outward appearances.

Just Do Good

In verses 7-10, Paul encourages the Galatians simply to do good.

He acknowledges that this can be tiring.

But it is worth it!

Hey, Teach’!

Paul tells the Galatians, in verse 6, that when they grow spiritually, it’s important that they tell their spritual leaders.

This benefits both student and teacher!

Surprising Pride

In verse 3-5, Paul writes not that we should avoid pride, but that we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others.

This is really surprising at first glance.

But as I reflect upon this further, I must admit it’s very rare that I evaluate my own actions and see nothing but excellence and pure motives.

So if I can self-reflect upon my actions and feel proud, then this is a very positive thing!

Gentle Restoration

In verses 1-2, Paul tells the Galatians to restore people caught in sin gently.  He also cautions them that it is easy to become tempted while correcting another person.

We are to carry one another’s burdens to follow Jesus’ example.

I tend to focus on getting through my own difficulties.  But we are expected to do more than this.

Outline of Galatians 6

1. Hold one another accountable
   1. Be gentle
   2. Be humble
   3. Be cautious
2. Advice on right living
3. Paul’s own handwriting
   1. Circumcision means nothing
   2. Don’t bug me, I’ve suffered already

Living By the Spirit

1. Jesus was crucified
2. Some people choose to belong to Jesus
3. These same people have “crucified” the sinful nature
4. The sinful nature is made up of passions and desires
5. Does this mean that all passions and desires are part of the sinful nature?
6. That can’t be right
7. Some passions and desires are godly
8. People who have chosen to follow Jesus live by the Spirit
9. Paul adds that these people should keep in step with the Spirit
10. This means that a person can follow Jesus but still get out of step with the Spirit
11. It requires constant effort and monitoring to stay in step with the Spirit
12. Our natural tendency is to get out of step
13. “Spiritual entropy” could be called a natural law of the soul
14. Don’t become conceited
15. It’s easy to get arrogant when doing the right thing
16. Don’t provoke one another
17. Don’t envy one another
18. These are three more examples of how people follow Jesus but get out of step with the Spirit