Read Galatians 5 at Bible Gateway.
The heartbeat of this chapter is a ringing call:
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Gal 5:1
It’s the opening salvo in this beautiful Chiastic Structure that reinforces Paul’s message:
The structure Contrasts the two opposing gospels that Paul has been expounding to the Galatians:
- The true gospel: righteousness comes by faith in Messiah Yeshua.
- The “different gospel” of the circumcision party: you must be justified by keeping the Law (starting with circumcision).
Our liberty in Christ (1A) comes from the true gospel, that righteousness is by faith (2A).
The yoke of bondage (1B) comes from the other gospel—attempting to be justified by Law—as it compels becoming a debtor to keep the whole Law (2B).
Why This Matters. Those who are fallen from grace, are not those who, by the Spirit dwelling within them, joyfully walk in the Law of Love God, and Love Your Neighbor—the simple summary of the Ten Commandments. They are those who, by works of the flesh, seek to establish their own righteousness apart from the free gift of grace.
Stand fast, therefore, in liberty!
Teaching Tools. Chiastic Structure, Comparison and Contrast.
If there are questions, these are good resources.
The righteousness that is of faith – Christine Miller
The Law of Love – Christine Miller
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