A Study of Galatians

Sermon Notes

A STUDY OF GALATIANS: IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE

There is a higher calling, deeper freedom, and greater joy in knowing Christ than how we as Christians often live. The book of Galatians, called the “charter of Christian liberty,” fights for the essence of the Gospel and challenges every notion that salvation comes through faith in Jesus plus _____.

This Sherwood sermon series will stir the hearts of believers, reminding us of where Christ found us and restoring the joy of our salvation.

Message 01

August 01, 2021 PM
Paul Gotthardt (#1 in series)

GALATIANS: IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE
The Foundation of Freedom, Part 1
 

Galatians 1:1-5

Galatians explores the depths of our __ in Christ.


In Galatians, Paul deals with spiritual freedom on two fronts:

  • In chapters 3 and 4, he talks about freedom through __.
  • In chapters 5 and 6, he addresses freedom through __.

 

What is the context of Galatians?
The context of any book will address the author, audience, setting, purpose, and genre.

  • The author is the Apostle __. (v. 1)
  • Galatians was written around AD __. (v. 2a)
  • The audience was the “__ of Galatia.” (v. 2b)
  • The purpose was to __ Judaizers, restate the essence of the gospel, and __ Christians to embrace their freedom in Christ. (vv. 3-5)

Message 02

August 08, 2021 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#2 in series)

GALATIANS: IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE
The Foundation of Freedom, Part 2

Galatians 1:1-5 

The key verse is 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 is about freedom. It either addresses attacks against freedom, how the gospel brings freedom, warnings about losing freedom, or encouragement to embrace freedom in Christ.

What is the context of Galatians?

  • The author is the Apostle Paul. (v. 1)
  • Galatians was written around AD 49.
  • The audience was the “churches of Galatia.” (v. 2)
  • The purpose was to confront Judaizers, restate the __ of the gospel, and challenge Christians to embrace their __ in Christ. (vv. 3-5)

__ is why you are saved (Ephesians 2:8); __ is the result of your salvation (Romans 5:1).

In the opening 5 verses of Galatians, Paul covers the 4 parts of salvation.

  • God’s sovereign __ to save.
  • Jesus’ __ for our sins.
  • The appointment of __ to testify to that salvation is possible through Christ.
  • God’s gift of __ to those who believe in Jesus.

What do we gain by studying Galatians?

  • We’re taught key __ of the faith.
  • We’re reminded of the power of the __.
  • We’re warned of __ teachings that can derail your faith.
  • We’re welcomed into our __ in Christ.

Message 03

August 15, 2021 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#3 in series)

GALATIANS: IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE
Four Warnings About Corrupting the Gospel (Part 1)

Galatians 1:6-10

Big Truth: What you __ about the gospel determines every __ of your spiritual life.

• The gospel cannot be __ and still be the gospel.

What are the warnings related to corrupting the gospel?

Warning 1: We desert Christ by embracing a __ gospel. (v. 6)

  • Church __ in the past does not prevent against __ Christ in the future.
  • The church of __ is based on the __ of today.
  • When the __ of the gospel is ignored, it’s not long before the truths of the gospel are __.

The path of Christ is solely the path of grace:

  • We are __ by grace. (Ephesians 2:8)
  • We stand in grace. (Romans 5:2)
  • We __ by grace (1 Corinthians 15:10)
  • We are strengthened by grace. (2 Timothy 2:1-4)
  • We __ by grace. (2 Corinthians 12:1-10)

Here are two diagrams to show what I mean:

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page2image50494704

Message 04

August 22, 2021 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#4 in series)

GALATIANS: IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE

Four Warnings About Corrupting the Gospel (Part 2)

Galatians 1:6-10

What you believe about the gospel determines every facet of your spiritual life.

What are the warnings related to corrupting the gospel?

 

Warning 1: We desert Christ by embracing a corrupted gospel. (v. 6)

Warning 2: There are some who will __ the gospel. (v. 7)

How do you protect yourself (and those you love) from false teachings on the gospel?

  • __ the spirits. (1 John 4:1)

If you can’t preach the gospel __ and it still be true, it’s not the gospel.

  • __ the Bereans’ lead. (Acts 17:11)
  • __ the gospel for yourself. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

Warning 3: Those who preach a different gospel will incur God’s __ and should be avoided. (vv. 8-9)

To discover a person or group’s belief system, ask the question “What do you believe about Christ?” 

Holding __ beliefs is NOT the same as __ agreement.

Warning 4: You cannot __ everyone and share the gospel. (v. 10)

The gospel tells us we are far __ than we ever imagined, but God’s grace is __ than we can even fathom.

Message 05

August 29, 2021 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#5 in series)

GALATIANS: IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE
What Is Truth?

Galatians 1:11-12

 

We’re asking tough questions about divine revelation. What is it? Who gets it? Is it still available today?

1)  The gospel is divine revelation, not a man-made __.
 

The gospel is the good news of God that tells of God’s __ sin’s intrusion, and Christ’s solution for human __.
 

2)  Divine revelation was not extended to __.

 

How do you know if what you heard is true?

Check what you __ against what God __.

 

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1 

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.” – 2 Peter 2:1

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits…” – Matthew 7:15-16

Message 06

September 05, 2021 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#6 in series)

GALATIANS: IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE
Evidence From a Changed Life (Part 1)

Galatians 1:13-24

Important Principle: There is greater certainty in the __ effect of mounting evidence.

How does this text give __ of divine revelation through a changed life?

  • Persecutors do not usually become __. (v. 13)
  • Practicing Jews do not usually take a different __ path. (v.14)
    • Being Jewish is not simply __ with a set of spiritual beliefs; being Jewish is an __ identification.
  • “Doers” do not usually boast in their __. (vv.15-16)

God saved Paul by __ Christ. (vv. 15a, 16a)
God saved Paul by His __. (v. 15b)
God saved Paul through the __ of Christ. (vv.15-16a)
God saved Paul for His __. (v. 24)

Message 07

September 26, 2021 PM 
Paul Gotthardt
(#7 in series)

GALATIANS: IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE
Evidence From a Changed Life (Part 2)

Galatians 1:13-24

How does this text give evidence of divine revelation through a changed life?

  • Persecutors do not usually become advocates. (v. 13)
  • Practicing Jews do not usually take a different spiritual path. (v. 14)
  • “Doers” do not usually boast in their inabilities. (vv. 15-16)

One of the greatest testimonies to the work of God is a __ life.

  • Pharisees do not usually dedicate their life to __ Gentiles. (vv. 15-16a)

Serving is not required to make someone right before God, but service is required to walk in __ with God.

  • Those who join an __ group do not usually avoid that group. (vv. 16b-17)
  • Leaders do not usually avoid the __. (vv. 17-21)
  • The persecuted do not usually __ God for their persecutors. (vv. 22-24)

Reflection: There is greater certainty in the cumulative effect of mounting evidence.

Message 08

October 03, 2021 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#8 in series)

GALATIANS: IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE
The Fight for Freedom (Part 1)

Galatians 2:1-10

Every __ is called by God to earnestly contend for the faith that was once for all handed down to the saints (Jude 3).

Galatians is about __.

The key verse is 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.”

Everything in Galatians either addresses attacks against freedom, how the gospel brings freedom, warnings about losing freedom, or encouragement to embrace freedom our in Christ.

If you can’t destroy the __, discredit the __.

What did Paul teach/share/do in an effort to fight for freedom? Paul made it clear that…

The gospel is not of __ interpretation. (vv. 1-2, 5) 

Key Truth: If the gospel we __ is not the gospel Christ __, it is not the gospel at all.

Message 09

October 10, 2021 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#9 in series)

GALATIANS: IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE
The Fight for Freedom (Part 2)

Galatians 2:1-10

What did Paul teach/share/do in an effort to fight for freedom? Paul made it clear that…

1. The Gospel is not of private interpretation (v.1-2,5).

If the Gospel we preach is not the Gospel Christ gave it is not the Gospel at all.

2. The Gospel of grace is under attack by those who want to impose the __ of the Law (v.3-5).

But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.”

3. The Gospel is __, directed, and empowered by God (v.6-8).

“But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me. But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles),”

Grace __ us where we need to be humbled and gives us __ in a way that honors God.

4. The Gospel should __ God’s people (v.9-10). 

“…and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do.”

Message 10

October 17, 2021 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#10 in series)

GALATIANS: IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE
Confronting Hypocrisy


Galatians 2:11-14

 

Definition:
Hypocrisy is claiming to have __ standards or beliefs to which our behavior does not conform.

 

Big Truth:
Hypocrisy is a sin of __ that’s found in anyone, impacts everyone, and undercuts the __ of Christ.

 

You will never know how __ the good news is unless you first understand how __ the bad news was.

 

The __ of Christian community should only repeat the __ of the Holy Spirit.

Message 11

October 24, 2021 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#11 in series)

GALATIANS: IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE
Like It Never Happened


Galatians 2:15-21
 

What is JUSTIFICATION?
Basic Definition: Just as though it never __.

Slightly more refined theological definition: “The declaration that somebody is in the right.” Justified means “to declare a person right,” or “to make him right.”

More fully developed theological definition: Justification is the __ of God whereby He declares the believing __ righteous in Jesus Christ.

Justification should not be confused with forgiveness; that is the __ of justification.

Justification should not be confused with __; that is the basis of justification.

  

How does JUSTIFICATION align with positional and conditional truth?

Positional truth declares our eternal __ in Christ.

Conditional truth defines our current __ in the flesh.

My standing is both perfect and permanent. My state is both imperfect and temporary.
 

When the Bible speaks of our standing, it starts with __ (the declarative act of God).
 

When the Bible speaks of our state, it refers to __ (the ongoing process of God’s Spirit).
 

Justification is a glimpse of the __ work; sanctification shows that work in __.

 

What difference does JUSTIFICATION make?

Justification does not effect change; it changes __.

  

Is JUSTIFICATION different than sanctification?

Yes. In justification, God __ righteousness into the believer’s account (Romans 4:11). In sanctification, God __ righteousness to the believer’s actions (Romans 6:1-7; 8:11-14).

  

Why is JUSTIFICATION important?

Justification is at the heart of the believer’s __.

Message 12

November 07, 2021 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#12 in series)

GALATIANS
Trusting Instead of Trying

 

Galatians 2:15-21

 

Justification is the act of God whereby He declares the believing sinner righteous in Jesus Christ. 

 

Big Truth:

We are justified by __ in Jesus not by keeping the Law. 

We are justified before God when we repent of our sin by placing faith in Jesus plus __! While our actions are important as the __ of salvation, they have nothing to do with __ salvation.

Prior to salvation, we owed a sin debt we could never __.
At salvation, we gained a righteousness we could never __.

Justification is about more than the __ He took; it’s also the __ He gave.

 

“We are saved by faith __, but the faith that saves is never __.” – Martin Luther

 

Reflection:

That leaves us with several important questions.

1) Have I been saved by the __ of God?
2) Am I trying to __ Law and grace?
3) Am I walking in __?

Message 13

November 14, 2021 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#13 in series)

The Christ Life 

Galatians 2:20-21


Key Concept:

The Christ life is a focused __ to be with God relationally, recognizing Jesus as your __ and trusting Him to live His live through you.

 

What should a justified person know about Christ living through them?

 

1) The old you __ with Christ on the cross. (v. 20a)

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live…”

  

2) The new you is Christ __ in you. (v. 20b)

“…but Christ lives in me;”

How do you get out of the way for Him to do his thing?

– Remember the old you is __.
– __ in your new position in Christ.

The flesh describes the __, tendencies, or traits we picked up while living under the __ nature.

  

3) This new life operates by __ in the Son of God. (v. 20c)

“and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Message 14

February 27, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#14 in series)

A Study of Galatians
Necessary Questions
 

Galatians 3:1-5

 

Key Statement:

__ lives forfeit the __ of God’s blessings.

 

Question 1: You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?

 

Question 2: This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

 

Questions 3 and 4: Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

 

Question 5: Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?

 

God is not __ to help; He’s waiting on us to get __ enough to know we need Him.

 

Question 6: So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

 

The Christian life is not about __ harder; it’s about __ completely.

Message 15

March 06, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#15 in series)

A Study of Galatians
It’s Always Been Faith (Part 1)

Galatians 3:6-9; Genesis 12-22

This text is relevant to believers in six primary ways:

1) It __ us to share the gospel more effectively.

2) It draws us back to the heart of the gospel.

3) It expands our theological understanding of __.

4) It emphasizes faith after salvation.

5) It shows us the __ of the Law.

6) It shows how Abraham trusted God with major promises, hard decisions, prolonged periods of waiting, confusing times, and human impossibilities.

Moment 1: God gives three __ to Abram.
(Genesis 12:1-3)

God promises Abram the __, the seed, and the __.

Moment 2: God promises Abram a __. (Genesis 15:1-6)

The word believed means “unqualified commitment of oneself to another.”

Message 16

March 13, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#16 in series)

A Study of Galatians
It’s Always Been Faith (Part 2)
 

Galatians 3:6-9; Genesis 12-22

It’s important to see how Abraham’s story portrays justification by faith. To see that, we’re walking through four key moments in Abraham’s life.

Moment 1: God’s promise to Abram (Genesis 12:1-3)

Moment 2: God promises Abram a son. (Genesis 15:1-6)

Moment 3: God’s __ sign is circumcision.
(Genesis 17:1-10)

Circumcision was a __, not the __, of salvation.

Moment 4: God tests Abraham’s __. (Genesis 22:1-18)

The ultimate goal of trusting God is NOT getting what we __; the ultimate goal is __ getting us. 

Until our hands stay __, we’ve not truly trusted God completely.

Conclusion/Reflection

Believers are never removed from the position of __.

Trust is not always easy, but it’s always __.

Message 17

March 20, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#17 in series)

A Study of Galatians
Faith Is Better

 

Galatians 3:6-14

 

Key Thought:
Your process for making decisions has a lot to do with the __ of the choices that are made.

 

Works are __ in the righteous person, but works do not __ a person righteous.

 

Reasons this text is relevant to every person:

1) It equips us to share the gospel more effectively.

2) It draws us back to the gospel.

3) It expands our theological understanding.

4) It emphasizes faith after salvation.

5) It shows us the intent of the Law.

6) It shows how Abraham trusted God with specific promises, hard decisions, prolonged periods of waiting, confusing times, and human impossibilities.

7) It takes us off the path of __-based Christianity.

8) It reminds us of what Christ endured on our behalf.

9) It renews a heart of __ before God.

 

Faith in Christ is better because…

  • It is the only way we are __ as righteous. (vv. 6, 11)
  • It makes us true __ of Abraham. (vv. 7-9)
  • It redeemed us from the __ of the Law. (v. 13)
  • It brings the promise of the __. (v. 14)
  • To live under law requires complete __ to the whole law. (vv. 10, 12)
  • No one is __ by the law. (v. 11)

Message 18

April 03, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#18 in series)

A STUDY OF GALATIANS
Because God Promised

 

Galatians 3:15-18

 

Which is better: God’s covenant with Abraham or God’s covenant with Moses?
Paul’s complete answer is found in 3:15–22.

 

Why are the promises to Abraham better than the Law of Moses?

1) God’s promises are __. (vv. 15, 17)

2) God’s promises are __ in Christ. (v. 16)

3) God’s promises are based on God’s __ and not our __. (v. 18)

Message 19

May 01, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#19 in series)

Galatians: Unlikely Partners

Galatians 3:19-29

How does God’s Law partner with faith?

1) The Law exposes our __ nature and reveals our __ for a Savior. (vv. 19-22)

  • The Law did not __ sin. The Law did not stop sin. The Law __ sin.
  • Until we see God’s righteousness, we’re deceived about our personal __.

2) The Law is a temporary __ leading us to our permanent Teacher. (vv. 23-25)

3) The Law reveals __ that only Christ can fulfill (vv. 26-29)

There are four blessings that come with Christ that are not possible under the Law:

  • __ is ours in Christ. (v. 26)
  • __ is ours in Christ. (v. 27)
  • __ is ours in Christ. (v. 28)
  • __ are ours in Christ. (v. 29)

Message 20

May 15, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#20 in series)

Galatians: God’s Path to Spiritual Growth (Part 1) 

Galatians 4:1-11

Key Definition:

Legalism is an attempt to gain and/or keep good __ with God by adherence to God’s Law or works-based religion.

Key Thought:

Legalism leads to __ and spiritual infancy.

A few preliminary thoughts about legalism:

  • Legalism takes you __ fast.
  • Legalism appeals to our pride.
  • Legalism has the appearance of __.
  • Legalism gives you a list of good things to do and bad things to avoid.
  • Legalism says, “If you obey the rules, God is __ with you.
  • Legalism facilitates comparison between people.

The coin of legalism has two sides: __ and __.
Every accomplishment fuels our pride. Every failure fuels our guilt.

What can we learn about God’s path to spiritual maturity?

  • Until the __ set by the Father, we were slaves of sin held under the __ of the Law. (vv. 1-3)

We __ God’s family by regeneration (born again as a child).

We __ God’s family by adoption (placed as mature sons).

Message 21

May 29, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#21 in series)

Galatians: God’s Path to Spiritual Growth (Part 2)

Galatians 4:1-11

To show God’s path for spiritual growth, Paul reminds us what life was like before Christ, what happened when we met Christ, and who we are as a result of that encounter. The following points elaborate on those distinctions.

  • Until the date set by the Father, we were __ of sin held under the guardian of the Law. (vv. 1-3)
  • When the fullness of time came, we were __ by God’s Son and adopted as sons of God. (vv. 4-5)

– It was the right time __.

– It was the right time culturally.

– It was the right time __.

Jesus did not redeem us to make us His __; He redeemed us to make us His son!

Because we are sons of God, we are treated as __ of the King. (vv. 6-11)

Each of the following statements will contrast the difference between being a slave and being a son. Each statement is about positional truth.

– A son has the same __ as the father; a slave does not.
– The son obeys out of love; the servant obeys out of fear.
– The son is __; the servant is poor.
– The son has a future; the servant does not.

Reflection/Response: How do we make sure that we stay on God’s path for spiritual growth?

  • Make the goal of your life to __ God and your daily goal to spend __ with God.
  • Preach the gospel to yourself daily.
  • Continue to grow __ the gospel.

Message 22

June 05, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#22 in series)

Galatians: When Truth Hurts

Galatians 4:12-20

Key Statement: __ you respond to truth determines __ you continue to receive truth.

A few thoughts before digging into the text:

  • All __ is not about truth.
  • Truth doesn’t have to be __ directed to be personally __.
  • The __ of relationships means that distance often accompanies offense.

What should we remember when receiving truth that hurts?

  • Being offended by truth will change the way we __ people. (vv. 12-16)
  • __ truth is susceptible to undetected lies. (vv. 12-20)

“Satan has many __ at his disposal, but a __ is the handle that fits everyone.”

  • When the truth hurts, we should prayerfully reflect upon the __ of those who shared it. (vv. 17-20)

Conclusion/Reflection:

Test what you __ against what God __.

Message 23

June 12, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#23 in series)

Galatians: One or the Other

 

Galatians 4:21-31

 

There are three major sections in the book:

  • In chapters 1–2, the gospel of grace is __.
  • In chapters 3–4, the gospel of grace is explained.
  • In chapters 5–6, the gospel of grace is __.

 

God’s promises are often on the other side of __.

 

Do not allow __ to compound your problems!

 

__ and impatience will lead you to make decisions that you would not normally make.

 

Historically, rabbis have taught that Scripture had four meanings:

1) Peshat is the simple or __ meaning.
2) Remaz is the suggested meaning.
3) Derush is the meaning __ by investigation.
4) Sod is the allegorical meaning.

 

Through allegory, Paul presents two sons, from two different women, born by two different means, representing two different covenants, and resulting in two different lives.

  • Ishmael was born by __ means; Isaac was born by __ means.
  • Ishmael represents human works (man’s best effort); Isaac represents God’s work (divine action).
  • Ishmael was the son of the flesh; Isaac was the son of promise.
  • Ishmael was born to a __ woman; Isaac was born to a __ woman.
  • Ishmael had no rights to the inheritance; Isaac had rights to the inheritance.
  • Ishmael represents law and slavery; Isaac represents grace and freedom.
  • Ishmael represents __ and separation; Isaac represents __ and relationship.

Message 24

June 26, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#24 in series)

Galatians: The Consequences of Failing to Stand Firm (Part 1)
 

Galatians 5:1-12

Throughout the New Testament, God tells His people to stand firm. We are told to…

  • Stand firm in our __. (1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 1:24)
  • Stand firm in the full armor of God. (Ephesians 6:13-18)
  • Stand firm the unity of the __. (Philippians 1:27)
  • Stand firm in the Lord. (Philippians 4:1)
  • Stand firm in the __ of the apostles. (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
  • Stand firm in freedom. (Galatians 5:1) 

If you’re not continually __ yourself with the truths of grace, you will gradually drift into bondage and not even know it.

Grace is not a license to sin; it’s empowerment to fulfill our created __.

What are the consequences of failing to stand firm in the freedom we have in Christ?

1) Failing to stand firm in freedom places us back under the yoke of __. (v. 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.”

The unsaved person wears a yoke of __. (Lamentations 1:14)
The __ wears the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)
The grace-based believer wears the yoke of __. (Matthew 11:28-30) 

Freedom is not the ability to do whatever we __; freedom is the ability to do what’s __.

2) Failing to stand firm in freedom forfeits our spiritual __ making us a debtor again. (vv. 2-3)

“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.”

Message 25

July 10, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#25 in series)

Galatians: The Consequences for Failing to Stand Firm (Part 2)

Galatians 5:1-12

Key Thought:

If you’re not continually realigning yourself with the truths of grace, you will gradually drift into bondage and not even know it.

What are the consequences of failing to stand firm in the freedom we have in Christ?

1) Failing to stand firm in freedom places us back under the yoke

of slavery. (v. 1)

2) Failing to stand firm in freedom forfeits our spiritual wealth making us a debtor again. (vv. 2-3)

3) Failing to stand firm in freedom removes us from the blessings

of __. (vv. 4-6)

Grace is God’s unmerited favor where He does __ us, through us, and __ us what we cannot do for ourselves.

Depending on ourselves __ us of the power of God.

4) Failing to stand firm in freedom causes us to lose our direction.

(vv. 7-10)

All it takes is a little __ to impact the whole church.

5) Failing to stand firm in freedom removes the offense of the cross. (vv. 11-12)

  • The cross reminds us that we were all __.
  • The cross reminds us that our sin has consequences.
  • The cross reminds us that our “__” is never good enough.
  • The cross points to our inability; Jesus did for us what we could never do ourselves.
  • The cross reminds us of our __.
  • The cross is a symbol of humility.
  • The cross is a symbol of __.

Message 26

July 17, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#26 in series)

Galatians: Love One Another

Galatians 5:13-15

Big Truth:

You are free to reject the __ of the flesh and __ one another through love. 

Freedom is not the ability to do whatever we __; freedom is the ability to do what’s __. 

The spiritual formula looks something like this:

Liberty + __ = Service to __

__ – Love = __ to Sin

God’s substitute for a head full of __ is a heart full of __. 

Everything God desires to do in and through your life, He will accomplish, out of the overflow of your relationship with Him. 

God’s love __ us freed us from sin; God’s love __ us frees us to serve.

Reflection:

How is God loving others and serving others through you?

Message 27

August 07, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#27 in series)

Galatians: Walk by the Spirit (Part 1)

Galatians 5:16-26

Jesus told His disciples in John 14 that He was going away, but He was sending “the Helper…the Spirit of truth…who abides with you and will be in you.” How does the Spirit “help” believers?

  • He leads us in the way of holiness. (Galatians 5:16)
  • He guides us into all truth. (John 16:13–15)
  • He enables us to be fruitful. (Galatians 5:22–23)
  • He provides access to God in prayer. (Ephesians 2:18)
  • He prays for us when we don’t know how to pray for ourselves. (Romans 8:26-27)
  • He assures us we’re children of God. (Romans 8:16)
  • He empowers us to be witnesses. (Acts 1:8)
  • He helps us in our weaknesses. (Romans 8:26)
  • He enables people to preach the gospel. (1 Peter 1:12)
  • He distributes spiritual gifts in the church. (1 Corinthians 12:4, 8-10)
  • He renews us. (Titus 3:5)
  • He brings unity to the church. (Ephesians 4:3; 2:14-18)
  • He sets us free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)
  • He reveals the deep things of God to us. (1 Corinthians 2:10)
  • He brings liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
  • He transforms us into the image of Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
  • He enables us to wait. (Galatians 5:5)
  • He comforts us. (Acts 9:31)
  • He strengthens our spirits. (Ephesians 3:16)
  • He enables us to obey the truth. (1 Peter 1:22)
  • He dispenses God’s love into our hearts. (Romans 5:5)
  • He gives us joy. (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

Big Truth: When you __ by the Spirit, you do not carry out the desires of the __.

Just as Jesus is the primary Person behind __, the Holy Spirit is the primary Person behind __.

Jesus __; the Spirit __.

We walk by the Spirit when we live under His __ and by His power.

Christians do not need to pray for the Spirit to __; we need to pray for __ to follow.

Message 28

August 14, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#28 in series)

Galatians: Walk by the Spirit (Part 2) 

Galatians 5:16-26

How do you change attitudes, mindsets, or character issues that you don’t want in your life?

  • When you walk by the Spirit, you do not carry out the desires of the flesh. (vv. 16-17, 19-21)
  • When you walk by the Spirit, you don’t need a list of __ for every situation. (v. 18)

Four guiding principles for trusting God with everyday decisions: (From Decision Making and the Will of God by Garry Friesen)

1) The Principle of __ 

Where God commands, we must obey.

2) The Principle of __ 

Where there is no command, God gives us freedom (and responsibility) to choose.

3) The Principle of __

Where there is no command, God gives us wisdom to choose.

4) The Principle of __

When we have chosen what is moral and wise, we must trust the sovereign God to work all the details together for good.

  • When you walk by the Spirit, the Spirit __ through you. (vv. 22-23)
  • When you walk by the Spirit, there is no __ with other believers. (vv. 24-26)

Our victory does not come by __ against the flesh but by surrendering to the Spirit.

Message 29

August 21, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#29 in series)

Galatians: The Grace We Extend 

 

Galatians 6:1-5

 

The grace we __ becomes the community we __.

 

Big Truth: The law of Christ is fulfilled when grace is __.

 

  • Spiritual believers extend grace by gently __ stumbling believers. (v. 1a)

What or who are spiritual believers?

Spiritual believers are those __ in the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, and manifesting the __ of the Spirit.

 

  • Grace reminds us that __ ourselves and walking humbly helps us resist temptations. (vv. 1b, 3-4)

Pride CAN coexist with outward __, but it

CANNOT coexist with inward __.

 

  • Grace teaches us that there are burdens to __, burdens to bear, and burdens to __. (vv. 2, 5)
 

Message 30

September 11, 2022 PM 
Paul Gotthardt 
(#30 in series) 

Galatians: Lessons in Sowing and Reaping 

Galatians 6:6-10

Big Idea: We reap what we __, later than we sow it, in __ to what was sown.

We reap what we sow… (vv. 7-8)

“Do not be deceived…God is not mocked…you reap what you sow!”

…later than we sow it… (v.9)

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”

…in proportion to what was sown. (2 Corinthians 9:6)

“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”

Where should we sow?

  • Share all good __ with those who teach the word. (v. 6)
  • Sow to the __. (v. 8)
  • Do good to all __ (especially the household of faith). (v. 10)

When should we sow?

  • While we have __ (v. 10)

Message 31

September 18, 2022 PM
Paul Gotthardt
(#31 in series)

Galatians: Boasting in the Cross

Galatians 6:11-18

Big Idea: The cross of Christ is the __ of the redeemed.

They identified with the __ but not with the __.

In verses 14-16, Paul gives three reasons to glory only in the cross of Christ:

1) The cross has the power to __ people from self, the flesh, and the world.

2) The cross has the power to do what the __ cannot do.

3) The cross has the power to __ with new life.