Bewitched
Gal 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
foolish: The Greek word anoetos here has the idea of someone who can think but fails to use their power of perception. (Holy Ghost power)
bewitched; To deceive or delude by satanic or demonic power, as did Simon the sorcerer.
Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
Who has cast a spell on you, or given you another spirit to believe a false way? You have seen that Jesus died for your sins, why go another way, adding shame or guilt that requires you to work for grace?
Gal 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
You are sealed by the Holy Spirit. This upon receiving Jesus by faith. His love remains with you and his saving grace. (2Cor 1:22)
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
We become more like Jesus each day, but not by the law, but of faith in our heart in him. His Spirit leads us, His word gives us what we need to know. We are free in him. All the flesh (natural self) can do to please him is to submit in simple faith and trust; realizing that all good, all power is from God. When the works of the flesh are substituted for faith, self-confidence and pride are the inevitable result, and peace leaves. Trusting in Jesus brings peace. If we attempt to obey the laws of Moses to be saved, we will never have assurance of our salvation.
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Gal 3:4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
Have you had persecution and had such wonderful spiritual experiences for no good purpose? Paul wondered if all the gifts of the Spirit they had received would amount to no lasting value because they have tried to again walk by law and not by faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gal 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
God supplies the Holy Spirit in response to faith; miracles are wrought by faith; yet the Galatians have been deceived into thinking that real spiritual riches lie in pursuing God through a works relationship. Truth is, as we witness the gospel message, signs and miracles follow for they are the work of God.
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
It is by faith not works.
Abraham's Children
Gal 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
Gal 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Since the push towards this works-relationship with God came from Judaizing Christians, who claimed Abraham as their spiritual heritage, Paul shows that it is really those who walk in faith who are Abraham's spiritual children. Abraham is the father of all those who believe God and are accounted righteous.
Gal 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
In thee; Jesus was of the blood line of Abraham through Mary, so Jesus is the blessing to all the nations. Note that Joseph was a legal father and heir of Abraham, but that God was the true father of Jesus, He was devinely born from a virgin. That which was birthed in her was Sacred, God in human flesh.
John 1:11 He came unto his own, (Jews) and his own received him not.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
The Jews rejected their savior, so Jesus is preached throughout the world.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Have you been saved by faith in the crucified Christ? If so you are a spiritual child of Abraham and blessed in the family of God.
Gal 3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Those which be of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are blessed with faithful Abraham. The power of faith, is by the one we trust in; we trust in Jesus. Remember, faith in self is nothing, there must be faith in God and His Son Jesus. We have faith in the name of Jesus; the gospel of Christ, the Word of God is the power for a new life.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Redeemed from the Curse
Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Deu 27:26 Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.
You see how the law works? If we break one of the laws we are cursed. So it is impossible to be saved by keeping the laws, no one is perfect but one; the Lord Jesus Christ is perfect, having kept all the laws. Through faith we are in him made perfect by grace. We are become new creations in Christ Jesus.
Deu 27:26 Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Cor 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Jam 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.
Gal 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Christ took our curse upon himself and condemned sin in the flesh. We are redeemed, paid for with the price of Christ's blood and life. So that as he as risen we shall have new life, both now and forever.
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
He took the curse of sin upon himself, died as payment, has risen; now we receive the righteousness of Christ through faith in him.
Gal 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
We believe in the finished work of Jesus; Jesus is our Lord. It is counted unto us for righteousness. Thank you Jesus for becoming sin for me, paying its price, death, and rising in newness of life. We are new because of this, our faith in you is counted for righteousness.
The Seed
The first reference to the coming saviour was the seed of the descendent of the woman; note not of the man, it was of the virgin Mary.
Gen 3:14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Christ would come down from heaven, setting foot on satans domain where Satan could bruise his heal, killing the mortal body, but Christ arose crushing the headship of Satan, over the earthly domain. The believers receive dominion and power by being in Jesus;
Rom 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
In this section of Galatians Paul will mention the seed again, as mentioned in the Abrahamic Covenant.
Gal 3:15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
No one can change the will of a man's estate a covenant among men, that covenant stands firm once it is made - then, "how much more with a covenant God makes?
Hbr 9:17 For a testament [is] of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
Gal 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Jhn 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw [it], and was glad.
In Genesis 22:18, God promised Abraham that in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; Paul observes that the singular for seed is used, not the plural. God is referring to one specific descendant of Abraham, not all his descendants in general.
Gal 3:17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
Rom 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, [was] not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Gal 3:18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Because this was a covenant with a promise in it to the Messiah, we cannot think that it was over-ruled by the covenant God later established with Israel at Sinai
Because this was a covenant with a promise in it to the Messiah, we cannot think that it was over-ruled by the covenant God later established with Israel at Sinai. The covenant promise to Abraham was by faith and pointed to the seed, Jesus the Messiah, the son of Mary and God the Father. Through him all nations will be blessed. All who have faith in Christ Jesus shall inherit the blessings promised through Abraham's seed; the blessings of God's only begotten son, the heir of God's glory forever. Praise God!!!
Schoolmaster
Gal 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
Gal 3:20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
A promise only requires one, the promise of God through Abraham. A mediated agreement requires two, the law requires two to make it work. Our obedience is required.
Gal 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Children need laws and rules to show them what to do until the laws are written in their hearts. God sees us as His children, created in his image. He is the Father who brings up his children in the way of truth and goodness but when we are more mature in his ways, we see things more clearly, with eyes of faith in his promises. We must learn this as well; we need to learn the sound doctrines of the Christian faith or we may fall into a false way.
1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Tim 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Prov 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
1 Cor 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Without the law, fallen mankind would not know their sins and the need of salvation. Without the law no one would see the need for Jesus. Tragically today many are not interested in law nor are they God fearing, they are blinded and deceived, living for the devil and headed for destruction. The law must be brought back, the ten commandments must be learned and the difference in the Old Covenant of the law and the New Covenant by grace. The law cannot save, but shows the need of a savior; all have sinned and need Jesus and God's grace.
Heirs of God
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Wonderful news! Lets let scriptures talk tonight.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Eph 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
I must comment here. We are commanded to PUT OFF the old man and to PUT ON the new man, we must do this. It is our choice and our responsibility to do this. We are saved, NOW PUT ON the new man, act as a new redeemed person of VICTORY. Do not let the old man pull you down in defeat. Be the Children of God, children of light and promise.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Col 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Col 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Col 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
LET IT, Let peace in, LET the word dwell in you, it want happen unless you allow it to happen; unless YOU allow it in you. This is the overcomers life; wisdom, teaching, helping others, singing hymns, joy in your hearts and grace from our Lord. Choose the Lords truth and his ways, live out your faith in him.
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
We are to enjoy the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. We are led by the Holy Spirit and we learn the basic doctrines and promises of God as a New Covenant Christian. The laws are written on our hearts. Nations have been "bewitched" by persuasive words and lies from the devil. We shall not be moved to serve one who "bewitches" people with their words instead we walk by faith because we Know the truth we have in Christ who spoke the truth.
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Gary
Galatians Pages
Galatians 4
Galatians 2
Galatians 1
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