August 23, 2023 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Galatians 1:1–10
Galatians has been called the “Magna Carta” of spiritual liberty and the Christian’s Declaration of Independence. This Pauline letter embodies the germinal teaching on freedom which separated Christianity from Judaism, and which launched the global missionary enterprise. The heart of the gospel, salvation by grace, is a theological “line in the sand.”
Galatians 1:11-24 | “Credibility of a Saved Sinner”
September 6, 2023 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Galatians 1:11–24
Having delivered the message that there would be and could be no compromise of the gospel, Paul now turns his attention to his personal salvation story. He wants the Galatians to know how he received the message that he preaches with such passion and persuasion.
Galatians 2:1-10 | “The Gospel Itself at Stake”
September 13, 2023 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Galatians 2:1–10
Focusing now on Jerusalem and Antioch, centers for Jewish and Gentile Christianity respectively, Paul details his encounter with the false doctrine of the Judaizers. He recognized that if they succeeded, the Jerusalem church would be the mother church, Peter a high priest, Christianity just another Jewish sect, and Gentile Christians second-class citizens in the Kingdom of God. The Gospel itself was at stake!
Galatians 2:11-21 | “Battle of the Titans”
September 20, 2023 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Galatians 2:11–21
The awakening that had broken out at Antioch brought a massive influx of Gentiles into the church. Sickened by the godlessness of heathenism and weary of the moral decadence of paganism, they were drawn to the lofty religious ideals of Judaism. But even here they were put off by self-righteous arrogance and legalism. In the grace of Christ, however, they found the satisfaction of their souls.
September 27, 2023 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Galatians 3:1–22
Paul continues his instruction against legalism by pointing to the Galatians’ own experience of justification by faith and not by law. He then defends this doctrine from the Old Testament, exposing the misinterpretations of the false teachers. Biblical faith accomplishes something that good works alone can never do!
Galatians 3:19-4:3 | “Old Testament Law Explained”
October 4, 2023 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Galatians 3:19–29, Galatians 4:1–3
Having emphasized the superiority of grace, Paul now explains the purpose of God’s law. It has two chief functions: first, to probe the hidden soul for sin, and second, to prepare the desperate soul for salvation. The law is diagnostic, not curative.
Galatians 4:4-20 | “New Status in Christ Jesus”
October 11, 2023 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Galatians 4:4–20
Often associated with the Christmas story, these verses reveal that the Incarnation did not begin with angels and shepherds, nor end with a manger and wise men. But rather, it began long ago in the very mind of God; and it continues in the redeemed lives of God’s children in every generation. This is the gospel Paul is defending.
Galatians 4:21-31 | “An Ancient Illustration”
November 1, 2023 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Galatians 4:21–31
Still concerned that the church must see the dangers of legalism, Paul utilizes one more line of attack. He has tried warnings, threats, sarcasm, logic, and personal appeal. Now he presents an allegorical illustration drawn from the Torah itself. Only the way of the gospel offers true spiritual freedom!
Galatians 5:1-15 | “Christian Liberty”
November 8, 2023 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Galatians 5:1–15
With the transition to chapter five, Paul moves into the third major section of this letter. The first two chapters were a defense of his apostleship. Chapters 3-4 were a theological defense of justification by faith. Now, he turns to the practical implications of the faith. What, exactly, does the Spirit-filled life look like? Also, what is it not?
Galatians 5:16-26 | “Spirit vs. Flesh”
November 29, 2023 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Galatians 5:16–26
Christianity is a call to a distinctive lifestyle lived out in a culture full of the temptations of sin. The key to boldness and credibility is a life marked by the presence of the Spirit of God. We experience internal struggles, but the Holy Spirit daily leads us away from sin. Disciples experience the freedom to conquer temptations when we learn to “keep in step with the Spirit.”
Galatians 6:1-18 | “Life in Biblical Community”
December 13, 2023 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • Galatians 6
Sin is a reality in the life of every Christian. If this were not true, we would not need admonitions to fight temptation or to put on the whole armor of God. The question becomes, “How do we deal with the sins that enter into and impact the church?” In essence, how do we pursue holiness together as a church family?
