Pastor Adam's Bible Series: The Book of Galatians, Chapters 1-6

On-Going multi-night series. Bible Study Guide on the Book of Galatians, beginning Wednesday, June 9, 2025. Follow along here for your convenience, from your phone or device, or use the printed guides given during service.

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Pastor Derk Adams

Chapter 1: Standing Firm in the True Gospel

I. Background and Purpose of the Epistle

- Author: The Apostle Paul

- Audience: The churches of Galatia (v. 2)

- Purpose: To confront the Galatians for turning to a different gospel and to defend the divine origin of Paul’s apostolic authority and the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

II. Verse-by-Verse Breakdown with KJV References and Applications

1. Greeting and Authority (Galatians 1:1-5)

"Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ...)" – Galatians 1:1

Meaning: Paul declares his authority is from God, not man.

Application: Believers today must be confident in their calling from God and not seek approval from man (see v. 10).

"Grace be to you and peace from God the Father..." – Galatians 1:3

Application:

True peace and grace come only through the Gospel of Christ.

2. The Danger of a Perverted Gospel (Galatians 1:6-9)

"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:" – Galatians 1:6

Meaning: Paul is shocked they are turning to a false gospel.

Application:

We must test every message against God’s Word.

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel... let him be accursed." – Galatians 1:8

Application:

Even supernatural claims must align with Scripture.

3. Seek God's Approval, Not Man's (Galatians 1:10)

"For do I now persuade men, or God? ... if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." – Galatians 1:10

Paul’s aim is to please God alone.

Application:

Believers must be bold and faithful to God’s truth.

4. Paul’s Testimony: Called by Grace (Galatians 1:11-24)

"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel... is not after man." – Galatians 1:11

Meaning: Paul’s gospel came directly from Jesus.

Application:

We must stand on the divine truth of Scripture.

"But when it pleased God... called me by his grace," – Galatians 1:15

Meaning: Paul’s life had a divine purpose.

Application:

You are called by grace, not accident.

"And they glorified God in me." – Galatians 1:24

Meaning: Paul’s life was a testimony.

Application: Let your transformation glorify God.

III. Key Themes for Today’s Believers

1. Guard the Gospel – Stay rooted in Scripture (Gal. 1:6-9).

2. Divine Calling – Seek God’s approval (Gal. 1:10).

3. Testimony Matters – Your life is a witness (Gal. 1:23-24).

4. Gospel is Divine – Not man-made (Gal. 1:11-12).

IV. Reflection and Prayer

Reflection:

Are you compromising the truth for man’s approval?

Prayer:

Lord, help us to never turn to another gospel... In Jesus' name, Amen.

Chapter 2: The Defense of the Gospel and Unity in Christ

I. Paul Defends the Gospel (Galatians 2:1–10)

"And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles..." – Galatians 2:2

Meaning: Paul was led by God to meet with church leaders in Jerusalem.

Application: We must act in obedience to God’s leading, not man’s expectations.

"But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:" – Galatians 2:3

Meaning: Titus, a Gentile, was not forced to follow Jewish customs.

Application: Salvation is through faith in Christ, not rituals or traditions.

"To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you." – Galatians 2:5

Application: Stand firm for the truth of the Gospel, even under pressure.

II. Paul Confronts Peter (Galatians 2:11–14)

"But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed." – Galatians 2:11

Meaning: Paul openly rebuked Peter for hypocrisy.

Application: Even leaders must be held accountable when they stray from Gospel truth.

"But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel..." –

Galatians 2:14

Application: We must walk uprightly, treating all believers equally regardless of background.

III. Justified by Faith, Not Works (Galatians 2:15–21)

"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ..." – Galatians 2:16

Meaning: Salvation is by faith alone.

Application: Trust Christ alone—not works, religion, or heritage—for salvation.

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me..." – Galatians 2:20

Meaning: Our old life is dead. Christ now lives in us.

Application: Live each day in surrender to Christ. Let Him live through you.

"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." – Galatians 2:21

Application: Relying on works dishonors Christ's sacrifice.

IV. Key Themes for Today’s Believers

1. Stand for Truth – Even if it means confronting error (Gal. 2:5,11).

2. Faith Over Ritual – Justification comes through faith, not law (Gal. 2:16).

3. Christ in You – Our lives should reflect Christ’s indwelling presence (Gal. 2:20).

V. Reflection and Prayer

Reflection:

Are you living by faith or trying to earn God’s approval through works?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Help us to walk in truth, stand for righteousness, and live each day with Christ living in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Chapter 3: Faith Over the Law – The True Path to Righteousness

I. Rebuke for Abandoning Faith (Galatians 3:1–5)

"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you...?" – Galatians 3:1

Meaning: Paul rebukes them for turning from faith to legalism.

Application: Believers must guard against being influenced by false teachings or emotional deception.

"Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" – Galatians 3:2

Application: Salvation and spiritual growth begin and continue through faith, not works.

II. Abraham’s Example of Faith (Galatians 3:6–14)

"Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." – Galatians 3:6

Meaning: Abraham was justified by faith before the law.

Application: We are spiritual descendants of Abraham when we live by faith, not by law.

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law..." – Galatians 3:13

Meaning: The law brings a curse; Christ became a curse for us.

Application: Rejoice in the freedom Christ gives—He took our place on the cross.

III. The Promise Came Before the Law (Galatians 3:15–22)

"And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law... cannot disannul." – Galatians 3:17

Meaning: God’s promise of righteousness by faith came before the law.

Application: God's promises are not undone by temporary systems like the law.

"Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions..." – Galatians 3:19

Application: The law exposes sin but cannot save—only Christ can.

IV. Faith Unites Us All in Christ (Galatians 3:23–29)

"But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." – Galatians 3:25

Meaning: Faith in Christ matures us; we no longer need the law to tutor us.

Application: Live in the maturity of faith, not in legalistic bondage.

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." – Galatians 3:26

Application: In Christ, all believers are one family—regardless of background.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek... ye are all one in Christ Jesus." – Galatians 3:28

Application: Unity in the body of Christ comes through faith, not cultural identity.

V. Key Themes for Today’s Believers

1. Salvation Is by Faith – Not rituals or works (Gal. 3:2,6).

2. The Law Shows Sin – But Christ brings redemption (Gal. 3:13,19).

3. God’s Promise Is Secure – Faith makes us heirs of Abraham (Gal. 3:18,29).

4. Unity in Christ – Believers are one body regardless of background (Gal. 3:28).

VI. Reflection and Prayer

Reflection: Are you depending on works or truly walking in faith?

Prayer: Father, thank You that we are justified by faith alone. Help us to walk by faith, embrace our identity in Christ, and love our fellow believers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Chapter 4: From Servants to Sons – Embracing Our Spiritual Adoption

I. From Servants to Sons (Galatians 4:1–7)

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son... to redeem them that were under the law..." – Galatians 4:4-5

Meaning: Jesus came at the perfect time to redeem us from bondage.

Application: Rejoice in your adoption—you are a child of God, not a slave.

"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." – Galatians 4:6

Application: As believers, we have intimacy with God as our Father—walk in that freedom and confidence.

II. Warning Against Returning to Bondage (Galatians 4:8–11)

"But now, after that ye have known God... how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements...?" – Galatians 4:9

Meaning: Paul warns against going back to legalism.

Application: Don’t return to religious rituals that Christ has freed you from.

III. Paul’s Pastoral Plea (Galatians 4:12–20)

"Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" – Galatians 4:16

Application: True spiritual leaders will speak the truth in love, even when it’s not popular.

"My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." – Galatians 4:19

Meaning: Paul expresses deep care for their spiritual maturity.

Application: We must desire not just belief in Christ, but to be fully formed in His likeness.

IV. The Allegory of Hagar and Sarah (Galatians 4:21–31)

"For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman." – Galatians 4:22

Meaning: Hagar (bondwoman) represents the law; Sarah (freewoman) represents the promise.

Application: We are children of the promise—walk in freedom, not bondage.

"So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free." – Galatians 4:31

Application: As heirs of grace, live in liberty and do not submit again to slavery under the law.

V. Key Themes for Today’s Believers

1. Adoption in Christ – We are no longer slaves but sons (Gal. 4:5-7).

2. Spiritual Intimacy – We cry 'Abba, Father' through the Spirit (Gal. 4:6).

3. Don’t Return to Bondage – Christ freed us from religious systems (Gal. 4:9).

4. Freedom Through Promise – We are children of Sarah, not Hagar (Gal. 4:31).

VI. Reflection and Prayer

Reflection: Are you walking in spiritual liberty or still living like a servant under law?

Prayer: Father, thank You for adopting us through Jesus Christ. Help us to live in the liberty of sons and daughters, not return to legalism or fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Chapter 5: Walking in Liberty and the Spirit

I. Stand Fast in Liberty (Galatians 5:1–6)

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free..." – Galatians 5:1

Meaning: Paul commands believers to remain free and not return to legalistic slavery.

Application: Don’t allow guilt, works-based religion, or tradition to enslave you again.

"For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing... but faith which worketh by love." – Galatians 5:6

Application: The outward law profits nothing—true Christianity is faith expressing itself in love.

II. A Little Leaven (Galatians 5:7–12)

"Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?" – Galatians 5:7

Meaning: False teachers were tripping up the Galatians.

Application: Be alert to teachings or people that pull you away from the pure Gospel.

III. Liberty Is Not a License to Sin (Galatians 5:13–15)

"Only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." – Galatians 5:13

Application: True freedom in Christ results in service and love, not selfishness.

IV. Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16–26)

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." – Galatians 5:16

Application: The Spirit enables us to overcome sin and live righteously.

"But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." – Galatians 5:18

Meaning: Life in the Spirit replaces the need for the law.

Application: Let the Holy Ghost lead your thoughts, choices, and actions.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance..." – Galatians 5:22–23

Application: These are signs of spiritual maturity. Ask the Lord to grow these fruits in your life.

"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." – Galatians 5:25

Application: Our daily lives must reflect our spiritual position in Christ.

V. Key Themes for Today’s Believers

1. True Liberty – Stand in the freedom Christ gave you (Gal. 5:1).

2. Love Over Legalism – Faith works through love (Gal. 5:6).

3. Spirit-Led Living – Victory over the flesh comes through the Holy Ghost (Gal. 5:16).

4. Fruit of the Spirit – These qualities reveal Christ’s character in us (Gal. 5:22–23).

VI. Reflection and Prayer

Reflection: Are you walking in the Spirit, or are old habits of the flesh hindering your freedom?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the liberty we have in Christ. Teach us to walk in the Spirit and let Your fruit be seen in us daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Chapter 6: Living the Spirit-Filled Life in Community

I. Restore in Meekness (Galatians 6:1–5)

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness..." – Galatians 6:1

Meaning: Mature believers should gently restore those who have fallen.

Application: When someone stumbles, our response should be compassion, not condemnation.

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." – Galatians 6:2

Application: The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone—support and care for others in love.

II. Sow to the Spirit (Galatians 6:6–10)

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." – Galatians 6:7

Meaning: Our actions have spiritual consequences.

Application: Invest your time, energy, and resources in spiritual things—your harvest will reflect what you sow.

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." – Galatians 6:9

Application: Stay faithful in doing good—God promises a harvest in His time.

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men..." – Galatians 6:10

Application: Be proactive in kindness—especially within the body of Christ.

III. Glory in the Cross (Galatians 6:11–18)

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ..." – Galatians 6:14

Meaning: Paul boasts only in the work of Christ, not in religious identity.

Application: Let the cross be the center of your testimony—not your works, background, or accomplishments.

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing... but a new creature." – Galatians 6:15

Application: God is not looking for ritual—He desires new life and transformation in Christ.

IV. Key Themes for Today’s Believers

1. Restoration – Gently restore those who fall (Gal. 6:1).

2. Burden Bearing – Help carry others’ loads in Christian love (Gal. 6:2).

3. Spiritual Investment – Sow in the Spirit and stay faithful (Gal. 6:7-9).

4. Boast in Christ – Focus on the cross, not personal merit (Gal. 6:14-15).

V. Reflection and Prayer

Reflection: Are you helping to restore others, and sowing seeds that bring eternal fruit?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the cross and for calling us to live a Spirit-filled life. Help us to restore the fallen, bear burdens, and never grow weary in doing good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.