Foolish Galatians

Today, we begin our study in Galatians 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?” He calls them foolish because they gave in to the teaching of the false teachers. If what they believe that salvation comes by works, then the crucifixion was not necessary. Jesus said in Matthew 26:39 that “if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” In other words, Jesus said, “If there is another way of salvation, don’t make me do this.” Of course, there is no other way of salvation and he was promptly arrested, tried and crucified.

Notice vv.2-3, “This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” He asks how they were saved initially; by faith or the Law? The answer is obviously by faith. Unfortunately, this heretical teaching still has strong roots in many churches today as well. The logical conclusion must be that if the flesh couldn’t save you, then how is it able to perfect you?”

Notice 4, “Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.” Now, he is forced to doubt their salvation. Also, in 4:11 he said, “I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.”

Notice v.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?” The miracles and goodness of God; do they come from faithful keeping of the Law of Moses or by faith through the Spirit? By faith through the Spirit, of course! The Spirit was given to each of us when we heard and believed. Acts 10:44 says, “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.” So too, with each of us. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” God our Father has made all things depend on faith so that whoever has faith will have everything, and whoever does not have faith will have nothing.