Sermon Notes
Sermon: Concern for the Galatians by Rev. Jessica Johnson
Date: July 7, 2019
Key Scripture Passages: Galatians 4:1-5:15
Sermon Notes:
Legalistic Thinking Traps
One of the appeals of the legalistic thinking trap is that it gives the appearance of spiritual maturity. Now, our faith should be a visible faith. It should be evident to those around us that we believe and follow God. However, legalistic thinking can come in and turn that need for our faith to be visible into something to be judged and inspected. It can twist it into a point of pride or a point of contention.
For example, I knew a preacher that would go and visit with first-time visitors. During the visit, he would ask if they were believers and if they were baptized. So far, so good, right? But if they said yes, then he would ask what the fruit of their faith was. In essence, he was asking them for visible proof of their faith. Now, I don’t know what his reasoning was, but that he asked this question was a red flag, raising suspicion of legalistic thinking.
I could see a similar type of conversation taking place between the Judiazers and the Gentiles in the church in Galatians. They meet.
Galatians: Oh, you guys are Christians, too? That’s so exciting! It isn’t such great news that Christ died for our sins and came back to life?!
Judiazers: Oh, so you think you are a Christian? Hmm…but you are eating THAT?
Galatians: Yes, it’s great.
Judiazers: Well, that’s not kosher. True followers of God don’t eat that. Are you circumcised?
Galatians: No.
Judiazers: You’re not circumcised! Hmm…well, are you sure you’re a Christian. Let me teach you how to be a Christian.
And then, comes the lists of do’s and don’ts.
Paul is writing his letter to the Galatians, combatting the false teachings and legalistic thinking of the Judiazers. Paul lays out 6 arguments. We covered the first three last week. First, Paul appeals to the Galatians with a personal argument in Galatians 3:1-5. He tells them that he was there when they converted to Christianity, and he personally witnessed how the Holy Spirit had transformed them. Secondly, Paul grounds the personal experience in Scripture with a scriptural argument in Galatians 3:6-14. The Judiazers are twisting passages about the Old Testament Law, and Paul quotes 6 Old Testament verses properly to support his case against them. Third, Paul appeals to their logic with a logical argument in Galatians 3:15-29. He talks about how the Law does not supersede the Covenant of God and actually serves a different purpose. The Law highlights the sin in our lives and allows to see the differences in living a sinful life and living a righteous life. The Covenant of God promises grace, salvation from our sins, and life.
Today, we will cover the last of the 6 arguments: the historical argument, the sentimental argument, and the allegorical argument.
The Historical Argument – Gal. 4:1-11
Paul’s historical argument is found in Galatians 4:1-11. Paul talks about what the Galatians were before Christ and compares it to what they are now. Under the Law, they were like children, being told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. As adults, they are freer with their choices in how they live their lives. Legalism is therefore a step backwards, towards childhood, where everything is dictated.
Galatians 4:4-7 (ESV) states:
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Paul tells the Galatians in Christ they are sons of God. They are no longer slaves to sin. They are no longer in bondage as servants under the law. They are sons of God. What is the difference? It is more than just being a part of a family. There are rights to being a son and heir.
The Sentimental Argument – Gal. 4:12-18
Paul does not just want to lecture the Galatians. He felt genuine concern over their well-being, because they were friends. Paul tells them he is writing to them for their own good, not his, but he warns them that the Judiazers are using the Galatians for their own purposes, not the good of the Galatians. His fifth argument is more sentimental in Galatians 4:12-18. He draws once again upon a personal memory between the Galatians and himself. But rather then give an example of when Paul modeled the love and grace he was preaching, Paul reminds them of a time when the Galatians showed Paul love. He had experienced a physical ailment of some kind, and rather than reject him, the Galatians had shown him love, care, and grace. Paul beseeched them to remember that kindness and wondered where it had gone. Because legalistic thinking is not kind, loving, or full of grace. In these few verses, the rage felt in the earlier chapters has shifted into sorrow and genuine concern.
The Allegorical Argument – Gal. 4:19-31
Paul’s 6th argument is the allegorical argument found in Galatians 4:19-31. Again, Paul appeals to Old Testament Scriptures and tells the story of Hagar and Sarah. Hagar was the slave of Abraham and Sarah, and she bore Abraham a son named Ishmael. Hagar represents earthly Jerusalem in bondage, life in the flesh, and life under the law. Sarah was Abraham’s wife, a freewoman, and she bore Abraham a son named Isaac. Sarah represents heavenly Jerusalem, miracles, and grace. Isaac was a miracle baby. Sarah had been barren and did not give birth to him till she was 99 years old. He was her only child. Paul used the familiar story of Abraham to allegorically show the difference in life under the Law and life under Christ.
Final Thoughts
Legalistic thinking traps the Christian into thinking they are spiritually mature because they are DOING good things. There are measurable, visible, external results. These good deeds, good works, are not themselves bad. However, they should be a natural outcome of our faith rather than the focus of our faith. When we focus too much on DOING Christianity rather than BEING a Christian, then we have fallen into legalism. God doesn’t just want us to act on His behalf; God wants US.
In Galatians 5:1-15, after laying the foundation of his arguments, Paul teaches more explicitly about the freedom found in Christ and the responds a bit more directly about the trouble being stirred up in the church in Galatia. Those under the law are to keep the Law in its entirety. There are no room for mistakes. Those under Christ have freedom to make choices in how to encounter God. If they make a mistake, they have a chance to repent their mistakes. However, the freedom in Christ does not give us a license to act anyway that we wish. Rather, it allows us to encounter God through the natural flow of an authentic relationship.
I want to close by reading Paul’s words from Galatians 5:1-15 about freedom in Christ.
Galatians 5:1-15 (ESV):
1For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
Beware of legalistic thinking traps. As you go about your daily life, be sure to keep your hearts and thinking focused on Christ.
Sermon: Concern for the Galatians by Rev. Jessica Johnson
Date: July 7, 2019
Key Scripture Passages: Galatians 4:1-5:15
Sermon Notes:
Legalistic Thinking Traps
One of the appeals of the legalistic thinking trap is that it gives the appearance of spiritual maturity. Now, our faith should be a visible faith. It should be evident to those around us that we believe and follow God. However, legalistic thinking can come in and turn that need for our faith to be visible into something to be judged and inspected. It can twist it into a point of pride or a point of contention.
For example, I knew a preacher that would go and visit with first-time visitors. During the visit, he would ask if they were believers and if they were baptized. So far, so good, right? But if they said yes, then he would ask what the fruit of their faith was. In essence, he was asking them for visible proof of their faith. Now, I don’t know what his reasoning was, but that he asked this question was a red flag, raising suspicion of legalistic thinking.
I could see a similar type of conversation taking place between the Judiazers and the Gentiles in the church in Galatians. They meet.
Galatians: Oh, you guys are Christians, too? That’s so exciting! It isn’t such great news that Christ died for our sins and came back to life?!
Judiazers: Oh, so you think you are a Christian? Hmm…but you are eating THAT?
Galatians: Yes, it’s great.
Judiazers: Well, that’s not kosher. True followers of God don’t eat that. Are you circumcised?
Galatians: No.
Judiazers: You’re not circumcised! Hmm…well, are you sure you’re a Christian. Let me teach you how to be a Christian.
And then, comes the lists of do’s and don’ts.
Paul is writing his letter to the Galatians, combatting the false teachings and legalistic thinking of the Judiazers. Paul lays out 6 arguments. We covered the first three last week. First, Paul appeals to the Galatians with a personal argument in Galatians 3:1-5. He tells them that he was there when they converted to Christianity, and he personally witnessed how the Holy Spirit had transformed them. Secondly, Paul grounds the personal experience in Scripture with a scriptural argument in Galatians 3:6-14. The Judiazers are twisting passages about the Old Testament Law, and Paul quotes 6 Old Testament verses properly to support his case against them. Third, Paul appeals to their logic with a logical argument in Galatians 3:15-29. He talks about how the Law does not supersede the Covenant of God and actually serves a different purpose. The Law highlights the sin in our lives and allows to see the differences in living a sinful life and living a righteous life. The Covenant of God promises grace, salvation from our sins, and life.
Today, we will cover the last of the 6 arguments: the historical argument, the sentimental argument, and the allegorical argument.
The Historical Argument – Gal. 4:1-11
Paul’s historical argument is found in Galatians 4:1-11. Paul talks about what the Galatians were before Christ and compares it to what they are now. Under the Law, they were like children, being told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. As adults, they are freer with their choices in how they live their lives. Legalism is therefore a step backwards, towards childhood, where everything is dictated.
Galatians 4:4-7 (ESV) states:
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Paul tells the Galatians in Christ they are sons of God. They are no longer slaves to sin. They are no longer in bondage as servants under the law. They are sons of God. What is the difference? It is more than just being a part of a family. There are rights to being a son and heir.
- The son has a Father, but the servant has a master. It is a different type of relationship. There is a close, personal relationship to be had with God.
- The son has the same nature as the Father, but a servant does not. Man is made in God’s image, and we bear His likeness. The fruit of the Holy Spirit grows in our lives.
- The son obeys out of love, but a servant obeys out of fear. The Holy Spirit works on our hearts, and the fruit of the Spirit is love. God is the source of love.
- The son is rich, but the servant is poor. We are gifted with the riches of God’s grace, wisdom, goodness, and glory.
- The son has a future, but the servant does not. Some kind masters of old may have provided for their servants, but they were not required to. However, as a son and heir, a future is assured.
The Sentimental Argument – Gal. 4:12-18
Paul does not just want to lecture the Galatians. He felt genuine concern over their well-being, because they were friends. Paul tells them he is writing to them for their own good, not his, but he warns them that the Judiazers are using the Galatians for their own purposes, not the good of the Galatians. His fifth argument is more sentimental in Galatians 4:12-18. He draws once again upon a personal memory between the Galatians and himself. But rather then give an example of when Paul modeled the love and grace he was preaching, Paul reminds them of a time when the Galatians showed Paul love. He had experienced a physical ailment of some kind, and rather than reject him, the Galatians had shown him love, care, and grace. Paul beseeched them to remember that kindness and wondered where it had gone. Because legalistic thinking is not kind, loving, or full of grace. In these few verses, the rage felt in the earlier chapters has shifted into sorrow and genuine concern.
The Allegorical Argument – Gal. 4:19-31
Paul’s 6th argument is the allegorical argument found in Galatians 4:19-31. Again, Paul appeals to Old Testament Scriptures and tells the story of Hagar and Sarah. Hagar was the slave of Abraham and Sarah, and she bore Abraham a son named Ishmael. Hagar represents earthly Jerusalem in bondage, life in the flesh, and life under the law. Sarah was Abraham’s wife, a freewoman, and she bore Abraham a son named Isaac. Sarah represents heavenly Jerusalem, miracles, and grace. Isaac was a miracle baby. Sarah had been barren and did not give birth to him till she was 99 years old. He was her only child. Paul used the familiar story of Abraham to allegorically show the difference in life under the Law and life under Christ.
Final Thoughts
Legalistic thinking traps the Christian into thinking they are spiritually mature because they are DOING good things. There are measurable, visible, external results. These good deeds, good works, are not themselves bad. However, they should be a natural outcome of our faith rather than the focus of our faith. When we focus too much on DOING Christianity rather than BEING a Christian, then we have fallen into legalism. God doesn’t just want us to act on His behalf; God wants US.
In Galatians 5:1-15, after laying the foundation of his arguments, Paul teaches more explicitly about the freedom found in Christ and the responds a bit more directly about the trouble being stirred up in the church in Galatia. Those under the law are to keep the Law in its entirety. There are no room for mistakes. Those under Christ have freedom to make choices in how to encounter God. If they make a mistake, they have a chance to repent their mistakes. However, the freedom in Christ does not give us a license to act anyway that we wish. Rather, it allows us to encounter God through the natural flow of an authentic relationship.
I want to close by reading Paul’s words from Galatians 5:1-15 about freedom in Christ.
Galatians 5:1-15 (ESV):
1For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
Beware of legalistic thinking traps. As you go about your daily life, be sure to keep your hearts and thinking focused on Christ.
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