Read the Passage: Galatians 5

Christian Liberty (5:1–6)

After illustrating the difference between works- and faith-based righteousness in Gal. 4:21–31, in Gal. 5:1 Paul exhorts the Galatian believers to hold fast to his teaching on justification by faith alone. Here Paul reminds the Galatian believers that the law is an entangling “yoke of bondage.” As he continues in Gal. 5:2, using circumcision as a symbol for legalism, Paul notes that attempts at salvation thought law-keeping actually undermine the work of Christ, and in so doing, they pervert the gospel. This is because to add anything to grace necessarily nullifies it. Paul reminds those who were tempted to embrace legalism that such a path would indebt them “to keep the whole law” (Gal. 5:3; cf. Deut. 27:26). Note James would later write, “Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of [violating] all [the law]” (Jas. 2:10; cf. Gal. 3:10).

Earlier, Paul questioned the legitimacy of the Galatians’ faith, writing, “I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain. . . . I have my doubts about you” (Gal. 4:11, 20). Similarly, Paul notes here that if the Galatians embraced a works-based righteousness scheme, they would “become estranged from Christ . . . you have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4). Now, Paul is not declaring that the Galatians were not believers, nor is he teaching that a temporary lapse into works-righteousness is a sure sign of apostasy. Rather, he is saying that an informed and prolonged attempt at works-based salvation, coupled with a denial of salvation by grace through faith alone, is tantamount to deserting Christ. Indeed, this may be a sign that one’s faith was not authentic. Paul writes that authentic believers “through the Spirit, [will] eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith” (Gal. 5:5).

Neighbor Love (5:7–15)

In Gal. 5:7–10 Paul makes several statements about the Galatians’ faith. In short, Paul observes that his readers’ faith was progressing well until they met the false teachers. Using the illustration of a marathon, which he used frequently in his epistles (cf. Gal. 2:2; Rom. 9:16; 1 Cor. 9:24), Paul noted, “You ran well” (Gal. 5:7). Note, in contrast to some of his earlier statements (cf. Gal. 4:11, 20; 5:4), Paul now writes, “I have confidence in you” (Gal. 5:10). Then, in order to distinguish himself from the Judaizers, Paul reminded the church, “I suffer persecution . . . [on account of] the offense of the cross” (Gal. 5:11). Indeed, Paul’s own suffering was proof that his message was not works-based, for such a teaching would have been accepted by the world. Finally, being exasperated, Paul writes, “I . . . wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!” (Gal. 5:12).

In Gal. 5:13–15 Paul reminded the Galatian believers that the gospel of salvation by faith alone is not a license to sin, for it is not an “opportunity for the flesh” (Gal. 5:13). Rather, the gospel message ought to promote love of others, for the gospel humbles prideful man and it enables believers to show authentic love to their neighbors. In contrast, the idea of works-based righteousness tends to produce legalism, pride, and segregation. Indeed, the more salvation is rooted in performance, the more divided the church will become. Next, somewhat ironically, Paul quotes Lev. 19:18 from the law to exhort believers, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Gal. 5:14). The law was not given for man to distinguish himself from others; rather, the law was given to bring believers together in the unity of the gospel of Christ. True doctrine creates unity, while false doctrine creates disunity.

Spirit Fruit (5:16–26)

In Gal. 5:16–18 Paul exhorts his readers to rest upon the grace of God, not law-keeping. Next, in Gal. 5:19–21 Paul lists seventeen different “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19) that range the entire gamut of sin and moral failure. Paul’s vice list here is not intended to be all-inclusive, which is evident as he ends with “and the like” (Gal. 5:21). Following this catalog of works of the flesh, in Gal. 5:22–26 Paul records nine different effects of walking in the Spirit. Note that Paul does not label these effects or traits “the fruit of the sanctified believer.” Rather, these are labeled “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22), for they are the natural result of those who “have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal. 5:24). Indeed, the spiritual fruit that Paul lists in this passage are produced by the indwelling Spirit; they are not the result of one’s religious performance and law-keeping.

Application Questions:

1. In what sense does the gospel offer liberty and freedom? In what sense does the law entangle and enslave?
2. If believers have already been declared righteous in Christ, what is “the hope of righteousness by faith” (Gal. 5:5) for which we wait?
3. What is the “offense of the cross” (Gal. 5:11)? Why are works-based religions accepted by the world?
4. Is it ever acceptable to use our abilities, preferences, and practices to distinguish ourselves from others within the church?
5. What is the concept of Christian liberty? How has this idea been misunderstood by some Christians in the past?