Returning to Faith: Rejecting Legalism and False Teachings
Summary
### Summary
Greetings, beloved family, wherever you are in the world. Today, we delve into Galatians Chapter 3, focusing on Paul's poignant question to the Galatians: "Who has bewitched you?" Paul is deeply concerned about the Galatians' departure from the true gospel they once embraced. He calls them "foolish" because they knew the truth but chose to follow false teachings. Paul uses the analogy of someone knowingly touching a hot stove to illustrate their foolishness. They had experienced the power of the Holy Spirit and witnessed miracles, yet they were swayed by false doctrines.
Paul emphasizes that the Galatians were not victims of ignorance; they were aware of the truth but allowed themselves to be led astray. He likens their situation to being bewitched, where a demonic force takes control, making them act against their will. This spiritual manipulation is akin to witchcraft, where someone loses their autonomy and follows the commands of another.
Paul's frustration is palpable as he reminds them that their salvation and receipt of the Holy Spirit came through faith, not by adhering to the law. He questions why they would now turn to legalistic practices to perfect what was begun in the Spirit. Paul warns against the dangers of legalism, which leads to spiritual death, separation from God, and a life devoid of true joy and fulfillment.
He draws a parallel with Abraham, who was deemed righteous not by his works but by his faith. Paul asserts that true sons of Abraham are those who live by faith, not by the works of the law. He warns against the false gospel that equates righteousness with following Jewish customs and traditions. Instead, he emphasizes that faith in Christ is the only path to righteousness and sonship with God.
Paul's message is a call to return to the simplicity and purity of the gospel, to live by faith, and to reject the legalistic tendencies that lead to spiritual bondage. He concludes by reminding us that embracing Jewish culture or traditions does not make one a true son of Abraham; faith in Christ does.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Danger of Knowing the Truth but Living a Lie: Paul calls the Galatians "foolish" because they knew the truth of the gospel but chose to follow false teachings. This is a powerful reminder that knowing the truth is not enough; we must live it out. Ignorance can be excused, but willful disobedience cannot. We must guard our hearts and minds against deception and remain steadfast in the truth we have received. [03:38]
2. Spiritual Manipulation and Bewitchment: Paul uses the term "bewitched" to describe the Galatians' state, likening it to a form of spiritual manipulation where a demonic force takes control. This serves as a warning that we must be vigilant against spiritual forces that seek to lead us astray. Our minds and spirits must be anchored in the Word of God to resist such manipulation. [07:46]
3. Faith vs. Legalism: Paul emphasizes that the Galatians received the Holy Spirit through faith, not by following the law. Legalism, which is the belief that we can earn God's favor through our actions, leads to spiritual death and separation from God. True righteousness comes from faith in Christ alone, not from our works. [18:13]
4. The Example of Abraham: Abraham was considered righteous because of his faith, not his works. This is a crucial lesson for us today: our relationship with God is based on faith, not on our ability to follow rules and regulations. We are sons and daughters of Abraham through faith, not through adherence to the law. [24:09]
5. The True Gospel vs. False Teachings: Paul warns against the false gospel that equates righteousness with following Jewish customs and traditions. He stresses that faith in Christ is the only path to righteousness and sonship with God. Embracing cultural or traditional practices does not make us true sons of Abraham; only faith in Christ does. [33:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:38] - Foolish Galatians: Knowing the Truth but Living a Lie
[07:46] - Spiritual Manipulation and Bewitchment
[18:13] - Faith vs. Legalism
[24:09] - The Example of Abraham
[33:43] - The True Gospel vs. False Teachings
[37:22] - Closing Remarks and Upcoming Topics
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 3:1-9 (ESV)
> "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— just as Abraham 'believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness'? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, 'In you shall all the nations be blessed.' So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith."
2. Genesis 15:6 (ESV)
> "And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness."
3. Matthew 16:13-17 (ESV)
> "Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' And they said, 'Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus answered him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he calls the Galatians "foolish" in Galatians 3:1? How does he illustrate their foolishness? [03:38]
2. According to Galatians 3:2-3, how did the Galatians receive the Holy Spirit, and what mistake are they making now? [15:50]
3. How does Paul use the example of Abraham to explain righteousness by faith in Galatians 3:6-7? [24:09]
4. What does Jesus say about Peter's recognition of Him as the Messiah in Matthew 16:17, and how does this relate to the concept of revelation? [32:21]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that the Galatians received the Spirit by faith and not by works of the law? What implications does this have for their current behavior? [15:50]
2. How does the analogy of being "bewitched" help us understand the spiritual state of the Galatians? What are the dangers of spiritual manipulation according to the sermon? [07:46]
3. In what ways does the example of Abraham challenge the Galatians' understanding of righteousness and sonship? How does this apply to modern believers? [24:09]
4. How does the concept of revelation, as discussed in Matthew 16:17, play a role in understanding and accepting the true gospel? [32:21]
#### Application Questions
1. Paul calls the Galatians "foolish" for knowing the truth but choosing to follow false teachings. Reflect on a time when you knew the right thing to do but chose otherwise. What were the consequences, and how can you guard against this in the future? [03:38]
2. The sermon warns against spiritual manipulation and bewitchment. Are there influences in your life that might be leading you away from the truth? How can you anchor yourself more firmly in the Word of God? [07:46]
3. Paul contrasts faith and legalism, stating that legalism leads to spiritual death. Are there areas in your life where you are relying on your own works rather than faith in Christ? How can you shift your focus back to faith? [18:13]
4. Abraham was considered righteous because of his faith, not his works. How can you cultivate a faith that trusts in God's promises rather than your own efforts? [24:09]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of returning to the simplicity and purity of the gospel. What steps can you take this week to simplify your faith and focus on the core message of the gospel? [33:43]
6. Reflect on the idea that embracing cultural or traditional practices does not make one a true son of Abraham; only faith in Christ does. Are there traditions or practices in your life that you need to reevaluate in light of this truth? [33:43]
7. How can you help others in your community who might be struggling with legalism or false teachings to understand and embrace the true gospel of faith in Christ? [33:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Living the Truth We Know
Description: Paul calls the Galatians "foolish" because they knew the truth of the gospel but chose to follow false teachings. This is a powerful reminder that knowing the truth is not enough; we must live it out. Ignorance can be excused, but willful disobedience cannot. We must guard our hearts and minds against deception and remain steadfast in the truth we have received. [03:38]
Galatians 5:7-8 (ESV): "You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you."
Reflection: Think of an area in your life where you know the truth but struggle to live it out. What steps can you take today to align your actions with the truth you know?
Day 2: Guarding Against Spiritual Manipulation
Description: Paul uses the term "bewitched" to describe the Galatians' state, likening it to a form of spiritual manipulation where a demonic force takes control. This serves as a warning that we must be vigilant against spiritual forces that seek to lead us astray. Our minds and spirits must be anchored in the Word of God to resist such manipulation. [07:46]
Ephesians 6:11-12 (ESV): "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: Are there influences in your life that might be leading you away from God's truth? How can you strengthen your spiritual defenses today?
Day 3: Embracing Faith Over Legalism
Description: Paul emphasizes that the Galatians received the Holy Spirit through faith, not by following the law. Legalism, which is the belief that we can earn God's favor through our actions, leads to spiritual death and separation from God. True righteousness comes from faith in Christ alone, not from our works. [18:13]
Romans 3:28 (ESV): "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."
Reflection: Reflect on your spiritual practices. Are there areas where you might be relying on your own efforts rather than trusting in God's grace? How can you shift your focus to faith in Christ?
Day 4: Learning from Abraham's Faith
Description: Abraham was considered righteous because of his faith, not his works. This is a crucial lesson for us today: our relationship with God is based on faith, not on our ability to follow rules and regulations. We are sons and daughters of Abraham through faith, not through adherence to the law. [24:09]
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."
Reflection: Think about a situation where you need to step out in faith, like Abraham. What is one step you can take today to trust God more fully in that area?
Day 5: Distinguishing the True Gospel from False Teachings
Description: Paul warns against the false gospel that equates righteousness with following Jewish customs and traditions. He stresses that faith in Christ is the only path to righteousness and sonship with God. Embracing cultural or traditional practices does not make us true sons of Abraham; only faith in Christ does. [33:43]
Colossians 2:8 (ESV): "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."
Reflection: Are there traditions or cultural practices that you have equated with righteousness? How can you refocus on the true gospel of faith in Christ alone?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's easy to be manipulated if you don't know the truth. But it's understandable, you know, if you see someone being manipulated when they were in ignorance, when they didn't know the truth. But if someone knows the truth... you knew, you are aware of the rules of the house." [04:46] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Knowing the truth and choose to live a lie. And when you go into the consequence of those lies, you are not a victim. You are a fool. And that's what Paul is saying. So sometimes we do that because of our kind of mind. We have to have the kind of mind under control." [06:33] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You cannot sustain a spiritual experience with the flesh. You cannot sustain a spiritual experience by the works. I say earlier, you don't do holy things to become righteous. I don't steal to become righteous. No. I don't steal because I'm made righteous. I don't dishonor because I'm being made righteous. I'm being justified." [18:13] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What makes you righteous is your faith in Christ, what Christ has done on the cross for you. And let us have that in mind because we fall into that trap so many times. And what happens with legalism? It makes you miserable. You never fulfill and satisfy. It makes you judgmental. It makes you feel elite." [19:45] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For you to see me and know me as a Messiah is because it was revealed to you by the Father. So you take a revelation from God the Father for you to see Jesus as the Messiah and embrace him. And not just see Jesus as the Messiah, if you see him as the Messiah so you know he's the one to save." [32:21] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The reason why we have mercy and grace is because sometimes our sin is sin. But we have to understand what led a person to the sin. So as we deal with that, then we deal with the sin. That's why you don't come to sin just with a judgmental, from a judgmental perspective, a judgmental angle. You don't sit as a judge when you deal with sin. Try to understand first." [12:03] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So knowing the truth and choose to live a lie. And when you go into the consequence of those lies, you are not a victim. You are a fool. And that's what Paul is saying. So sometimes we do that because of our kind of mind. We have to have the kind of mind under control." [06:33] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? If your faith in Christ, your faith in the works of the Gospel, if your faith was the only requirement for you to have that spiritual experience, which is experience... Experience of salvation, experience of deliverance, experience of justification and sanctification. If your faith was enough to justify you by God, now why do you want to move back into the flesh?" [17:22] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What make us sons of Abraham, when God promised Abraham to say that I will bless all the people, all the nation of the world will bless through you. It's not a blessing of having all of possession. No. It's a blessing of identifying as sons of God. Making them, you know, becoming sons of God. And what Paul is saying here is, no, it's not the circumcision per se that will make all the nation of the world sons of Abraham. But what going to make them sons of Abraham is their faith in what God is doing." [26:49] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If that was what justifies, makes us holy and sanctified before God, then Christ didn't need to come. That's the message of Jesus. Don't think. So, for you to be blessed of Abraham, for you to become son of Abraham, just need to believe. It's through Christ that we now, we've been planted, we've been grafted into the family of Abraham, the blessing of Abraham. That blessing is a blessing of sonship. It's a blessing of sonship where you become son and daughter of God Almighty." [34:38] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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