This file contains the complete study notes for this study of the book of Galatians. Please feel free to look over these notes in preparation for each weeks lesson.

These notes were originally produced for Workman Workshops in 1994 but are useful for our present study for those who wish to prepare for each new study. Please feel welcome to print these notes or download them to your device.

In Study 01 of Galatians, Ron introduces the topic with insights into the “occasion” upon which the book of Galatians was written as well as some biographical information for Paul the Apostle.

In Study 02 of Galatians, Ron continues the topic of the book of Galatians with additional information about Paul the Apostle and the churches in Galatia.

In this session, Ron deals with Paul’s encounter with Peter regarding what he refers to as “The embarrassing confrontation.” He traces of peer accountability in the records of the early churches. Gal 6:1 shows Paul’s heart. Peter was blameable because he knew better. There is a difference between a deed and a doctrine. Peter’s deeds were becoming the standard. Personal pronouns. (Not prepositions, sorry)Thou, we, I.

“The Apostle·s Doctrine; the systematization of revealed truth. In the session, we study ‘the kerugma’; the irreducible essence of Christian apostolic preaching. We have examined the writer and the era in which he wrote the Galatians, now we remind ourselves of the recipients of this letter. The teaching of ‘justification by faith’ was not new to them. It is recorded as part of Paul’s original message in the synagogue in Acts 13:14-41. Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him, everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: (Acts 13:38·40 NKJV)”

Continuing the studies we consider the impact of justification by faith for three groups: Peter, the covenant people of Israel, and Paul personally.

The Scriptures speak of the “SECOND Man” and the “LAST Adam” but hymns, ancient and modern, and an army of preachers, speak of the “SECOND Adam”. Are we missing something? Christ’s genealogy reaches back to Adam but he did not share Adam’s condemnation. He is the “SECOND Man”, a NEW Man, the beginning of a New Creation. 2 Cor 5:17.

The Second Man, as did the First Man, must now face the Enemy of our Race in the Judean Wilderness. The Temptation in the Wilderness has 4 contexts and 3 targets.

Peter’s confession of Jesus of Nazareth as “the Christ, the Son of the Living God” is followed by the fuller revelation of the coming Cross and its consequence. Peter’s affection for his master expresses itself in a protest that draws, from Christ, a fierce rejection of Peter’s counsel. Why so fierce? This is the Battle of Caesarea Philippi where Satan tempts Christ to a destiny that avoids the cross. His disciples, then and now, will often face the same temptation.

These study notes are part of the “What is Man?” subseries within the “The Churches at Galatia” study.

The final 6 of 6 in this mini-series. We borrow from Paul’s definitions of ‘love’ in Galatians 5. This is agap· the love ‘that seeks not its own’. Not my desire but yours be done.

Before we study the next section of Galatians let’s be sure we are ‘Battle Ready’ in our thinking. What do you expect when temptation comes? We turn to the Epistle to the Hebrews for a reminder of why we can face the battle with confidence.

On the battlefield at last. We study the choice of the battlefield, the combatants, and the outcome of the daily conflict between the strong desires of the flesh and the strong desire of the Spirit. Who will win this battle?

We speak and sing much about the Cross but what do we mean by the phrase. What is the Cross and what was accomplished there? We examine Christ’s cross, and then, ours. Who is the agent of the crucifixion and why is it necessary to ‘take up my Cross daily’ in order to be an authentic witness of Jesus Christ.

The life was manifested.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” (Gal. 5:1–6 NKJV)