The Book of Galatians
Free in Christ — Paul's passionate defence of the gospel of grace, not works.
Overview
Galatians is Paul's fiery defence of the gospel against those who wanted to add rule-keeping to grace. His message is urgent and freeing: we are justified by faith in Christ, not by the works of the law.
It is the charter of Christian freedom — and a warning against trading the joy of grace for the exhausting treadmill of trying to earn God's approval.
Key themes
Justified by faith
Right standing with God comes through faith in Christ, never by our own works.
Freedom in Christ
Christ has set us free; we are not to return to slavery under the law.
The fruit of the Spirit
The Spirit-led life bears love, joy, peace, and the rest of the Spirit's fruit.
Key verses from Galatians
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
The whole Christian life in one verse.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
How to read Galatians
Read it when you feel you must earn God's love — it says you can't, and needn't.
Feel Paul's urgency; the gospel itself is at stake for him.
Sit with the fruit of the Spirit as the natural growth of a grace-rooted life.