Rule-based religions are not called cults and accused of mind control for no reason. When a person or group can manipulate others into performing or acting a certain way with no logic or meaning other than, “I told you so,” this is witchcraft. Control freaks are akin to witches and wizards.
Paul thought so. What does he say, in Galatians 3:1 that lets us know he sees witchcraft and demonic power behind this Law-keeping movement?
Fools rush off from the joy of truth to find a new belief that will complicate life and give them something to brag about. Paul did not go to these heathens with a check-the-box kind of religion. In 3:1, what did he set before them and clearly portray so they would have the right focus?
Religious people must resist two extremes: legalism and libertinism. Legalism says, “I prove myself worthy be keeping these rules.” Libertinism says, “It does not matter if I do good or evil.” The cross is the only anchor between these two spiritual suicides. Paul presented Jesus crucified because that image is what must dominate our passions and pride.
Later, Paul dealt with the church in Corinth which was dominated by libertinism. The Galatians, at this moment, are exhausting his patience by their plunge into legalism. In 3:2, what dramatic experience does he bring back to their memory from when they first met the Lord?
Obviously they had the best when they got the gift of God’s Spirit. They did not get it by following Moses. What other impact did the Spirit have, in Galatians 3:4?
Confidence in the Lord. Abraham trusted God to accept him and make him part of the eternal plan. God fills those who humbly trust Him with the Holy Spirit of promise. Abraham received the promise the same way we do—by faith. If we believe in God as he did, we are Abraham’s children.
What did God promise Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3 and 22:18?
How does this apply to your life, in Galatians 3:7-9?
The Law of Moses is not a promise, however, but a curse. How does Galatians 3:10 prove this from the law?
No one can flawlessly keep the whole Law, therefore any Law-keeper lives in guilt and under a curse. How does Galatians 3:11 apply the words of Habakkuk 2:4 to your life?
Those who live under the Law, however, become slaves to it, perpetually having to observe every ordinance of Moses. Some claim to have attainted to a special holiness by keeping the Sabbath as a day of worship. However, by taking up one part of the law, they become debtors to the whole law.
You cannot partially keep Moses’ Law. You will be guilty of breaking it all. Jesus was the only one who kept the law flawlessly. Until He died. Then, even He broke the rules. What is written in the law, according to Galatians 3:13?
When this sinless Man took the curse of the Law, He cast off its shackles and came back from death with the Promise (3:14). We should not take Holy Ghost joy and put it back under bondage to useless rules. Live the Promise.
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