Galatians

A Study Guide for Embracing Grace Over Legalism

Written by Paul to the churches in Galatia after they began drifting from the gospel.
False teachers (Judaizers) were convincing believers they needed to follow Jewish laws—especially circumcision—to be truly saved.
Paul writes with urgency, warning that any other gospel is no gospel at all (Galatians 1:6–9).

Reflection: The gospel isn’t Jesus plus anything—it’s Jesus alone.

Paul defends his apostolic calling—not from men but from Christ (Galatians 1:10–24).
He recounts his conversion and how even the apostles confirmed his message (Galatians 2:1–10).
Paul publicly opposed Peter for hypocrisy—because the truth of the gospel was at stake (Galatians 2:11–14).

Takeaway: Spiritual truth is more important than religious reputation.

Paul reminds them: no one is justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16).
The law brings a curse—not salvation—because no one can keep it perfectly (Galatians 3:10–14).
Abraham was justified by faith before the law ever existed (Galatians 3:6–9).

Lesson: You don’t earn salvation—you receive it through faith, just like Abraham.

Through Christ, believers are adopted as God’s children and heirs (Galatians 4:1–7).
Paul grieves that they are turning back to law-based religion—like going from freedom back to slavery (Galatians 4:8–20).
He uses Hagar and Sarah as an illustration of law versus promise (Galatians 4:21–31).

Truth: Religion enslaves; relationship with Jesus sets you free.

Christ has set us free—but we must not use that freedom to indulge the flesh (Galatians 5:1, 13).
Walking by the Spirit produces fruit; walking in the flesh produces destruction (Galatians 5:16–26).
The fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Challenge: Grace isn’t permission to sin—it’s the power to live differently.

Paul urges believers to restore those caught in sin gently and to carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:1–2).
What you sow, you will reap—don’t grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:7–10).
Paul closes by emphasizing the cross, not circumcision or outward signs, as the only thing worth boasting in (Galatians 6:14).

Reminder: The evidence of grace is not rule-keeping—but cross-carrying, burden-sharing love.

Galatians 1:10 – “If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ…”
Galatians 3:11 – “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Galatians 5:1 – “For freedom Christ has set us free…”
Galatians 5:22–23 – “The fruit of the Spirit is….

Why was Paul so passionate about defending the gospel of grace?
What’s the danger in trying to “earn” what God gives freely?
How does understanding our identity as God’s children change how we live?
What does real spiritual fruit look like—and how do we cultivate it?
Have you ever tried to “go back to Egypt”—returning to religion instead of relationship?
What burdens can you help others carry in love?