Galatians

Theme 1 : There is one gospel message and it cannot be changed despite what others teach or angels themselves say. Paul stated that there was no other gospel and that if Paul or one of his coworkers or even an angel said so that individual was cursed by God. ( 1:7-9). As Paul eloquently stated to the Church at Galatia nothing else in the world was worth boasting about except the cross of Jesus . ( 6:15). Therefore the message of salvation in Christ is paramount to the Christian faith and it cannot be changed.

Theme 2 : As children of God through Christ’s work of salvation we are given freedom in Christ as we are no longer slaves to sin but bond servants for Jesus. Paul explained to the Galatians that they no longer were slaves to sin and evil desires but were free from the burden of the law and its wage of sin. A person was justified through faith in Christ and not through the works of obeying the law. ( 2 : 16-17). He argued that anyone who relied on the Law would be judged and that through his death and resurrection Christ had redeemed us from the penalty of death. ( 3:10-14). We are also adopted as his children and through the Holy Spirit living in us we can know Christ intamently. ( 4:4-7). We are changed people as a result of being redeemed from sin and having the Holy Sprit living in us. We begin to have the fruit of the Spirit in our lives and are filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness , goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. ( 5:22).

Theme 3: Being a follower of Christ we care for other people and do not burden them but rather help them with the burdens they face. Paul stated that we as believers were to bear each others burdens and in doing so fulfill the Law of Christ. (6:2). Thus a vital part of faith in Christ involves being a community of believers who care for and help others with the tasks and challenges of living for Christ.