Words Of Truth

Study Notes For Galatians
Chapter Five

Galatians 5:1 –

• Stand fast [to be stationary; stand firm; persistent] (Proverbs 4:13, I Corinthians 15:58, I Corinthians 16:13, Ephesians 4:14, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 4:1, I Thessalonians 5:21, I Thessalonians 3:8, II Thessalonians 2:15, II Timothy 1:13, Hebrews 3:1-6, Hebrews 3:14, and Hebrews 10:23).
• Consider how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood fast (Daniel 3:1-18).
• Liberty in Christ (Matthew 11:28-30, John 8:32, Romans 6:11-7:6, Romans 8:2, and Galatians 2:1-5).
• Don’t be entangled (II Timothy 2:3-4) AGAIN (II Peter 2:20-22) in yoke of bondage (Colossians 2:4-17). Would it make sense, carnally or spiritually, to leave freedom in the pursuit of bondage?

• “I Paul say” is not to nullify the authority of which he speaks, but rather to emphasize his authority as an Apostle (Acts 2:42, Acts 16:4, I Corinthians 12:28, II Corinthians 5:18-20, Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:8-12, Ephesians 2:20, II Peter 3:2, and Jude 1:17).
• Even when Paul spoke “his words”, they were by permission of God through the Spirit (I Corinthians 7:6-9; I Corinthians 7:39-40).
• Circumcision, if practiced according to the Law of Moses, removes the profit one had in Christ (Romans 9:31-33 and Galatians 5:4). *More on circumcision in the next verse.
• The Lord Jesus or His Apostles had not commanded circumcision (Acts 15:24).

• Paul “testified” [cited as evidence; as a witness; to take record], which is a statement of significant emphasis (Deuteronomy 8:19, Deuteronomy 31:21, John 7:7, John 15:26, Acts 2:40, Ephesians 4:17).
• The statement: “every man circumcised” is not meant to be taken out of context. Circumcision, if practiced as a liberty, doesn’t matter or bind one to anything (Galatians 5:6 and Galatians 6:15).
• However, if one is binding circumcision from the Law of Moses, keeping any part of the Law as the Law binds you to keep it all (Leviticus 26:14-16, Numbers 15:38-40, Deuteronomy 27:26, Galatians 3:10, and James 2:10-12).

• Consider the statement, “Christ is become of no effect unto you”. That statement is the equivalent of saying Christ doesn’t profit you at all (cf. I Corinthians 1:17).
• For one, no one can be justified by the Law of Moses (Acts 13:38-39, Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 3:10-13, and Titus 3:5-7), so this statement is to expose the mindset of those thinking they could be.
• Christ ended the Old Law (Matthew 5:17, Romans 7:1-6, Romans 10:4, Ephesians 2:11-17, Colossians 2:10-14, and Hebrews 9:11-17).
• Going back to the Law was rejecting Christ, which carried consequences (John 12:48).
• Grace did not come through the Law of Moses (John 1:17, Acts 15:11, and Titus 2:11-14).
• Sin, including justifying oneself through the Law of Moses, causes a Christian to fall away from Christ/grace (Luke 8:13, Acts 8:12-24, I Corinthians 9:24-27, I Corinthians 10:12, Galatians 1:6-9, Galatians 5:7-9, I Timothy 4:1, Hebrews 3:12-13, Hebrews 6:4-6, Hebrews 10:26-31, Revelation 2:1-7, and Revelation 22:18-19).
• They needed to be converted back to Christ (James 5:19-20).

• They, through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:18 and I Peter 1:1-3) that they had received through the laying on of Apostle’s hands (Acts 8:12-24).
• Wait (I Thessalonians 1:9-10, II Thessalonians 3:5, and II Peter 3:10-14).
• The hope of righteousness (Romans 8:24-25).
• By faith (Romans 5:2, I Corinthians 13:13, Colossians 1:23, and Philippians 3:9).
• It is Not, “we through the Law have hope through the Law” (Romans 8:3 and Hebrews 7:19).

• Circumcision doesn’t matter in Christ (Romans 2:25-29, Romans 3:24-31, Galatians 6:15, and Colossians 3:10-11).
• Faith, which worketh by love (Ephesians 3:17, Ephesians 6:23, I Corinthians 13:13, I Thessalonians 1:3, I Thessalonians 5:8, and I Timothy 1:14).

• They [multiple congregations that no longer are faithful (Galatians 1:2-7)] did run well (Matthew 13:20-21, Luke 8:13, Acts 8:12-24, and I John 2:19).
• This shows not just individuals, or even a congregation, but a whole area of congregations can err from the faith (Revelation 2:1-3:22).
• Someone hindered them from obeying the truth (Acts 20:28-31, Galatians 6:12-13, I Timothy 1:19-20, II Timothy 2:14-18, II Peter 2:1-3, and II Peter 2:12-22).
• You must obey the truth to be saved (Romans 2:8, II Thessalonians 1:7-9, and Hebrews 5:8-9).
• It is very unwise to get overly secure (I Peter 4:17-19).

• Him that calleth them is in reference to God the Father and Jesus Christ (Romans 1:6-7, I Corinthians 1:2, I Corinthians 1:9, II Thessalonians 2:13-14, and I Peter 5:10).
• What they have been persuaded (II Corinthians 11:3-4 and Colossians 2:4-8) to follow is not after Christ (Galatians 1:3-7; cf. II John 9-11).

• It only takes a little error (Proverbs 13:20, Ecclesiastes 9:18, Matthew 15:1-12, I Corinthians 5:1-8, I Corinthians 15:33, and Revelation 2:14-16).

• Remember, Paul had some fears concerning these “brethren” (Galatians 4:11).
• Paul had not abandoned all hope, he had some confidence that the Christians in Galatia could do right. He made like statements to others (II Corinthians 7:16, Philemon 1:21, and II Thessalonians 3:4).
• Had Paul rightly concluded there was not hope, he would have abandoned his efforts to teach (Matthew 7:6, Matthew 10:14, Acts 13:42-51, and Titus 3:9-11).
• The one who was perverting the Gospel was going to receive their judgment (Malachi 3:5, II Corinthians 11:12-15, Philippians 3:18-19, and Hebrews 10:26-31).

• Whether or not Paul had been charged as teaching circumcision, we cannot know for sure. Others had slandered Paul on other occasions (Romans 3:8).
• Paul did have Timothy to be circumcised (Acts 16:1-4), but did not allow such actions to be bound upon men (Galatians 2:1-5).
• Paul used what these people could see in him as evidence, which is what they should have been looking at (Matthew 7:15-20).
• That evidence is that he was suffering for NOT preaching circumcision (Acts 21:21-31).
• The offense of the cross, regarding the Jews, was the preaching of Christ and His death (I Corinthians 1:18-23 and I Peter 2:5-9). Furthermore, that salvation was preached to the uncircumcised (Acts 22:1-22).

• Paul wanted those troubling them to be “cut off” [amputated]. Such is strong language, but is very consistent thinking with the whole truth regarding false brethren throughout the New Testament (Romans 16:17-18, II Thessalonians 3:6, II Thessalonians 3:14-15, I Timothy 6:3-5, II Timothy 3:1-5, Titus 1:10-14, and Titus 3:9-11).

• As we have addressed in Galatians 5:1, there is liberty in Christ (Matthew 11:28-30, John 8:32, Romans 6:11-7:6, and Romans 8:2).
• His exhortation was the their freedom should not be used for an occasion for the flesh (I Peter 2:11-16).
• Rather than imposing their freedoms on others (I Corinthians 8:9), they should have been minded toward serving one another (John 13:1-16, Acts 20:35, Romans 15:1-3, I Corinthians 9:19, and II Corinthians 4:5).
• The motive behind that service to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ would entirely be sincere love (John 13:34-35, Romans 12:10, I Timothy 1:5, I Peter 2:22, and I John 3:14-18).

• Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 10:25-37, Romans 13:9-10, and James 2:1-12.

• Carnal infighting and divisions amongst brethren are wrong (I Corinthians 3:1-3, I Corinthians 6:1-8, I Corinthians 11:16-18, II Corinthians 12:20, and James 4:1-12).
• Some pervert this truth by saying we should not expose error amongst brethren. That is certainly FALSE as the very context of this verse is doing so.
• Defending the truth (Philippians 1:17 and Jude 3-4) and exposing sin amongst brethren is commanded by God (I Timothy 5:20). *See notes on verse 12 as well.
• Consumed [devoured] by brethren is contrary to the work of the Lord (Luke 9:51-56).
• Such who do those things, again as partially noted when we discussed verse 12, need to be Scripturally dealt with (Romans 16:17-18 and Titus 3:9-11). Such is commanded even in private/personal matters (Matthew 18:15-17).

• Now we begin studying the contextual key of not having these problems among the saints. That key is to be spiritually minded rather than carnally minded (Romans 8:4-8, I Corinthians 2:14-3:3, Ephesians 2:1-3, Colossians 2:18-23, and James 3:13-18).
• The spiritually minded person does not seek to fulfill the desires of the flesh (Romans 13:14, I Peter 2:11, and I John 2:15-17).
• One cannot even grow spiritually while struggling with carnal thinking (I Peter 2:1-3).

• Fleshly desires work against spiritual focus (Matthew 16:21-23, Matthew 26:41, Romans 7:18-25, and James 1:13-16).
• Your way of thinking is the beginning of all spiritual problems (Mark 7:20-23).
• Thus, the conversion of the mind is paramount in regard to our salvation (Isaiah 55:6-9, Jeremiah 4:14, Matthew 23:25-28, Romans 12:1-3, Ephesians 4:21-24, Colossians 3:1-4, and Colossians 3:10).

• Prior to the completion of the word of God, men received the Spirit of God through the laying on of the Apostle’s hands (Acts 8:12-24 and Acts 19:1-7).
• They then had spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12:1-11) that have ceased (I Corinthians 12:31 and I Corinthians 13:8-13).
• They were literally, led by the Spirit (Acts 16:1-10 and I John 2:27).
• This was evidence that they were in Christ not under Moses (Romans 8:9-17 and Galatians 3:3-5).
• We are now led indirectly, by the Spirit; through the words of Christ (John 6:63).

• Though we’ve covered this already, it is worthy to state again, we have to walk away from carnal works (I Peter 4:1-2). In the sins we are about to discuss in this verse, consider how self-control [temperance] (Galatians 5:23) and avoiding fleshly lusts (I Peter 2:11) would handle these transgressions.
• Adultery (Leviticus 20:10, Proverbs 6:32-35, Jeremiah 29:23, Ezekiel 16:32, and Matthew 5:27-32).
• Fornication [Strong’s # 4202: illicit [unlawful] sexual intercourse] (Matthew 19:3-9, I Corinthians 5:1, I Corinthians 6:16-18, I Corinthians 7:1-5, Ephesians 5:3, and Jude 1:7).
• Uncleanness (Matthew 23:27, Romans 1:21-28, Ephesians 4:17-20, I Thessalonians 4:7, and I Peter 1:13-16).
• Lasciviousness [unbridled lust; wantonness] (Romans 13:13). The “filthy conversation” that Lot was vexed with (II Peter 2:7; cf. Genesis 19:1-13).

• Idolatry (I Samuel 15:23, Psalms 115:1-8, Acts 17:16-31, I Corinthians 10:14, Ephesians 5:5, Colossians 3:5, and I John 5:21).
• Witchcraft is defined by Strong’s as “medication (“pharmacy”), i. e. (by extension) magic (literally or figuratively): sorcery, the use or the administering of drugs; poisoning; sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it”.
• The only times this Greek word appears in the New Testament are here and twice in the book of Revelation [translated as sorceries in KJV] (Revelation 9:21; 18:23).
• Witchcraft, wizardry, and sorcery are all clearly contrary to God’s will (Exodus 22:18, Leviticus 19:31, Leviticus 20:6, Leviticus 20:27, Deuteronomy 18:9-14, I Samuel 28:3-25, Isaiah 8:19-20, Malachi 3:5, and Acts 19:18-19).
• Be cautious here in not erring to say that medicine, medications, doctors, etc. are wrong because of the definition given to this word (Genesis 50:1-2, Isaiah 1:6, Jeremiah 8:22, Jeremiah 30:13, Ezekiel 47:12, and Colossians 4:14).
• Hatred is another word here that we have to be cautious with. Carnal hatred is certainly wrong (Matthew 5:43-48, Titus 3:1-3, I John 2:9-11, I John 3:15, and I John 4:20). However, there is a spiritual hatred we should all have burning within us (Psalms 101:1-3, Psalms 119:104, Psalms 119:128, Psalms 119:163, Psalms 139:21-22, Amos 5:15, Romans 12:9, Hebrews 1:5-9, and Revelation 2:14-16).
• Variance [debating; contentions] (Romans 1:28-29, I Corinthians 1:10-11, II Corinthians 12:20, and Titus 3:9-11).
• Emulations [zeal – understood as misplaced zeal] (Romans 10:1-3 and Philippians 3:6) or [carnal envy] (James 3:14-16).
• Wrath (Luke 4:24-28, Acts 19:23-29, Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:8, and James 1:19-20; cf. Proverbs 15:18).
• Strife (Proverbs 17:19, Proverbs 20:3, Proverbs 26:20, Philippians 2:2-3, and I Timothy 6:3-5).
• Seditions [divisions; dissension] (Romans 16:17) are contrary to the unity God wants among His people (Psalms 133:1, Jeremiah 32:39, John 17:20-23, Acts 2:46, II Corinthians 13:11, Ephesians 4:1-6, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 3:16, and I Peter 3:8).
• Heresies [sects; parties] (Acts 5:17, Acts 15:5, I Corinthians 11:16-19, and II Peter 2:1), which Christians have even been falsely called (Acts 24:1-5, Acts 24:14, and Acts 28:20-29).

• Envyings (Job 5:2, Proverbs 14:30, Proverbs 27:4, and Matthew 27:11-18).
• Murders (Matthew 15:19, I Peter 4:15, I John 3:15, and Revelation 21:8).
• Not including self-defense (Exodus 22:2-3, Matthew 24:43, and Luke 22:36-38).
• Drunkenness (Proverbs 23:21, Proverbs 23:29-35, Luke 21:33-34, I Corinthians 5:11, and I Thessalonians 5:8, and I Peter 4:3-5).
• Revellings [enjoy oneself in a lively and noisy way, esp. with drinking and dancing] (Romans 13:13 and I Peter 4:3-5).
• “And such like” shall not inherit the kingdom (I Corinthians 6:9-11 and Titus 2:11-12). Caution must be used here in not creating an overbearing conscience calling things sinful that are not. Remember, the carnal and spiritual mind sees things differently (Titus 1:15).
• They had been taught these things in the past and should not have let them slip (Hebrews 2:1).

• The fruit of the Spirit is a contrast of the works of the flesh we just discussed. Christians do not bring forth evil works (Luke 6:43-46).
• Understand that the difference between carnal works and spiritual fruit is a significant point (Romans 8:4-8). Also, keep in mind that discussing works is different than fruit. Works are visible much sooner than fruit (Matthew 7:15-20).
• Christians should produce good fruit (Luke 8:15, John 15:1-16, Acts 26:18-20, Romans 6:22, Philippians 1:11, and Colossians 1:10).
• Love (John 13:34-35, John 15:10, Romans 12:9, Romans 13:9-10, I Corinthians 13:13, I Corinthians 16:14, Ephesians 1:3-4, Ephesians 4:15-16, II Thessalonians 2:10-12, I Timothy 1:5, Hebrews 10:24, I Peter 4:8, I John 3:14-18, and II John 1:6).
• Joy (Psalms 35:9, Hebrews 12:1-3, James 1:2, and I Peter 1:3-9).
• Peace is carnally impossible (Matthew 10:34-37 and John 16:33), but spiritually[through spiritual thinking] obtainable (Romans 8:6, Philippians 4:6-8, Colossians 3:15, and II Timothy 2:22).
• Longsuffering (Ephesians 4:2, II Timothy 3:10, and II Timothy 4:2). *Never err and conclude that being longsuffering allows for a moment of compromise (Galatians 2:1-5, II John 1:9-11, and Revelation 2:12-17).
• Gentleness is the same word translated as “kindness” in Titus 3:4. We are to be kind (Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:12). We just have to be sure we don’t err in defining kindness the way the world does (never offending anyone, etc.). That definition makes even Jesus a sinner (Matthew 16:21-23 and Matthew 23:1-33).
• Both longsuffering and gentleness are rooted in love (I Corinthians 13:4).
• Goodness (Romans 15:14, Ephesians 5:8-10, and III John 1:11). The term “goodness” is defined as “uprightness of heart” (cf. Psalms 7:10 and Proverbs 11:20).
• Faith that can be seen through the fruit of your actions (Mark 16:15-16, John 8:23-24, Acts 14:22, Romans 14:17, I Corinthians 16:13, II Corinthians 5:7, I Timothy 4:12, II Timothy 1:5, II Timothy 4:6-8, Hebrews 11:6, James 2:24-26, and I John 5:4). Consider how Jesus talked of faith in equipping the disciples not to be troubled (John 14:1-3).

• Meekness [gentleness, by implication, humility] (Matthew 5:5, I Corinthians 4:18-21, II Corinthians 10:1, Galatians 6:1, I Timothy 6:11, and II Timothy 2:24-26).
• Temperance [self-control] (Proverbs 16:32, I Corinthians 9:27, Titus 2:2, and II Peter 1:3-11).
• There is no law that will condemn anyone for bringing about these spiritual fruits. What is there to condemn when all is good (Ephesians 5:9)? *That does not mean you will not suffer for the sake of righteousness (Matthew 5:10-12, Matthew 10:17-18, Matthew 10:21-24, Luke 21:16-17, and II Timothy 3:12).

• “They that are Christ’s” is language that indicates we [His disciples; Christians] belong to Him (Romans 14:7-8, I Corinthians 3:23, I Corinthians 6:19-20, II Corinthians 5:14-15, Colossians 4:12, and Titus 2:13-14).
• Crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (Romans 6:1-18, Romans 13:14, II Corinthians 7:1, II Timothy 2:22, and I Peter 2:9-11).

• There is a spiritual rebirth when one obeys the Gospel (John 3:1-6).
• You have to live as one who has been spiritually reborn (Romans 12:1-3 and I John 2:15-17).

• Don’t desire vain glory (I Corinthians 3:21, I Thessalonians 2:6, and I Peter 1:24).
• Don’t carnally provoke [challenge] one another (Luke 11:53-54). *I say “carnally” because there is a way wherein we are commanded to provoke one another (Hebrews 10:24).
• Don’t be envious of one another (Galatians 5:21) for that will lead to terrible things (Acts 7:9; cf. Genesis 37:3-36).