Galatians, Lesson Three

Dale Sullivan

Galatians 5 & 6: If not by Law, then how?

We have just seen in chapters 3 and 4 how Paul argues that we do not receive the Spirit by obeying the Law, that the Law was given as a temporary measure to lead us to Christ, that once we are in Christ we are no longer under the Law. Does living by faith instead of by law lead us to throw restraint to the wind and take up a life of selfish ambition and hedonism?

Read Galatians 5: 1 & 13, 14.

  • What are the key words in these verses?
  • Based on these verses, how would you describe the Christian's mental and emotional disposition towards outward constraint?
  • Toward other people, especially believers?
  • How should these dispositions affect Christians' actions?
Read Galatians 5:2-6
  • What consequences are spelled out (if, then) in these verses?
  • What are the key words in verse 5?
  • How does verse 5 help fill in the gap between God's promise and our present experience?
Read Galatians 5:7-12
  • Why does this passage seem to be a digression or a parenthesis interrupting the discussion of freedom?
  • Compare these verses to chapter 1:7-10. What similarities are there between the two passages?
  • Why does Paul include these two passages in the letter?
Read Galatians 5:16-26.
Comment: Notice that Paul shifts the discussion from law/faith to sinful nature/Spirit.
  • How would you describe the difference between considering the problem of righteousness by using law/faith and considering it by using sinful nature/Spirit?
  • How does this passage describe the relationship between these two natures?
  • How does this passaged describe the relationship between the Spirit and the Law?
  • How is the sinful nature described?
  • What are the characteristics of the new nature?
  • We are told what to believe about ourselves here and how that belief should influence our daily life. What are we to believe? What are we to do?
  • How do verses 16-26 help fill in the gap described in verse 5?
Read Galatians 6:1-10.
  • How are these verses related 5:13?
  • What are the specific exhortations in these verses?
  • What kind of community does Paul envision for the Church?
Read Galatians 6:12-16.
  • What similarities are there between this passage and 1:7-10 and 5:7-12?
  • By comparing Paul's comments in all three passages, what picture of the false teachers emerges? What are their characteristics and motivations?
  • In contrast, using the same passages, what picture of Paul emerges? What are his motives and characteristics?
This brings us to the end of our study of Galatians. By way of review:
  • When and where was Paul when he wrote this?
  • Why did he write it?
  • What parallels are there between Galatians and Acts 15?
  • What is the fate of those who rely on the Law for righteousness?
  • What is the object of the Christian's faith?
  • What is the relationship of faith to righteousness, to freedom, and to the Spirit?
  • What is supposed to motivate Christian action?
  • What are Christians called upon to do?
  • What makes this life possible for the Christian?
Available at http://sullivanfiles.net/Bible/