Galatians 5:1 - It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:2-4 - Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
I. You Exchange the Benefit of Christ for Works That Cannot Save You
Galatians 5:2 - Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you.
II. You Put Your Confidence in Your Ability to Do Good Over Jesus Christ’s Righteous Work on Your Behalf
Galatians 2:16 - …nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.
III. You Take Up a Burden That You Cannot Keep That Will Curse and Condemn You
Galatians 5:3 - And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.
IV. You Sever Yourself From the Freedom Found in Jesus by Faith
Galatians 5:4 - You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
V. You Forfeit the Joy of Confident Hope in Future Glorification for the Anxiety of Your Self-Righteousness Not Being Enough
Galatians 5:5 - For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.
VI. You Won’t Show the Fruit of Faith in the Gospel Through Love but Will Reap the Consequences of Following False Teaching
Galatians 5:6-12 - For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is. But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished. I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.
A. Hindering obedience to the truth vs. helping believers obey in love
B. Spreading the influence of false teaching vs. sowing the truth of the gospel
C. A disturber and troubler of believers vs. a builder of the body
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