Chapter 3 is a clear explanation of the subject of salvation and the law. It divides into three major sections:

• Verses 1‑14 ‑ Salvation is not through the law of Moses
• Verses 15‑18 ‑ The law of Moses did not annul the promise
• Verses 19‑29 ‑ Why then was the law necessary?

In verses 1-14, Paul discusses again the reality that the Old Law was done away with and replaced by the gospel of Christ. He refers to their having begun their walk with God “by the hearing of faith,” but now they are trying to maintain their relationship with God through “the works of the law.”

One of the primary lessons from the book of Galatians is that we cannot earn ourselves a home in heaven by our good works. We are expected to obey God and do those things He reveals in the New Testament, but never with the thought that we will so perfectly carry out the will of God that He will owe us an eternal reward. The only way anyone will be saved is through God’s grace.

This idea of earning our salvation is sometimes called “works salvation” and sometimes it is called “legalism.” So many different ideas are thrown into that word, legalism, that I hesitate to use it at all. To me, legalism is not law keeping, but law depending, that is, believing we will do it well enough to justify our salvation. We are always going to need the mercy and lovingkindness of God.

As we look at verses 15-18, the apostle deals with the relationship between the Law of Moses and the promise of God to Abraham. The promise to Abraham (verse 16; see Genesis 12:1-3) of salvation through Christ was given long before the law was given through Moses. The question in the minds of many seems to have been, did the Law of Moses make the promise void? The answer, of course, was no. He says, in very clear terms, that the Law, given hundreds of years after the promise, did not annul, or make void, the covenant with Abraham. Salvation through Christ was not nullified by the giving of the Law of Moses.

But, if that was the case, why was the law necessary (verses 19-29)? This section answers that question and shows how the Promise and the Law fit together.

First, the law did not replace the promise, but rather was “added” to it. That means that during the Mosaic Period, there were two laws of God existing at the same time, one for Israel and one for everyone else.

Second, the law was added “because of transgressions.” Something needed to be done to help the bloodline of the Messiah remain pure. God’s solution was the Law of Moses, for the Hebrews alone (the descendants of Abraham). The Law of Moses served as a tutor, to bring people to faith in Jesus.

--Roger Hillis

The events mentioned early in Galatians 2 probably occurred in Acts 15. Paul found it necessary to go to Jerusalem to help clarify the issue of circumcision in the early church. It would be helpful to read Acts 15:1‑31 in connection with this chapter.

As those great men of faith gathered in Acts 15, they came to the realization that circumcision was strictly an Old Testament requirement and that, once the Law of Moses was replaced with the gospel, circumcision was no longer an ordinance of God. It has been nailed to the cross. People could still circumcise their male children if they wanted to, but it was not necessary to please God.

Both the circumcised and the uncircumcised could join hands in fellowship with God and with one another. This was a huge test in the first century church. Once they got past this issue, real spiritual and numerical growth could occur.

Verse 10 also gives a brief, but important reminder to Christians to help those who are less fortunate. Do not underestimate the value of helping others.

In verses 11-14, Paul recounts an occasion when he had to confront the apostle Peter to the face because he had not handled an encounter with Gentiles in a proper way. Peter had come to Antioch and was eating with Gentiles, according to the agreement reached in Acts 15. But when a group of Jews from Jerusalem (“certain men came from James”) came there, Peter withdrew himself and would not associate with the Gentiles, while his Jewish brothers were there. Paul says that they “were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel.”

Notice Paul’s statement in verses 16 that makes it crystal clear that we are under the New Testament and not the Old. “…that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law.” This truth is taught multiple times in the gospel of Christ.

One of the hardest lessons for the first century Jews to learn was that Gentiles who were converted to Christ were full heirs of God and not subject to Old Testament Jewish customs and practices. It was not easy for them to set aside hundreds of years of traditions.

--Roger Hillis

The great apostle Paul is under attack. Judaizing teachers, who wanted to return to at least part of the Old Law, needed somehow to discredit Paul and his apostleship. Their influence was leading many away from Christ to a perverted gospel which would only condemn their souls. Galatians is Paul's attempt to reaffirm the truth of the gospel in their lives.

Some have divided the book of Galatians into three major sections:

• Chapters 1‑2 – Personal
• Chapters 3‑4 – Doctrinal
• Chapters 5‑6 – Practical [applications of the truth]

The first ten verses of this opening chapter are a defense of the gospel in its purity and simplicity. The apostle makes it quite clear that no other gospel than the one he had preached to them was acceptable. Even if an angel tried to change the message of the gospel, they were not to listen to any false teaching. Those who preach a different gospel (which he says is not another true gospel, but a perversion of the only true will of God) are under a divine curse from the Lord. Most translations say that such a false teacher is “accursed.” Some versions say that he is “anathema.” This means that the curse comes from God Himself.

In verses 11-24, Paul clarifies and reminds them that his message came through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, not from mere men. This is a fulfillment of the promise from Jesus that He would send the Helper (Comforter, KJV) who would reveal all truth (John 14:26; 16:13).

False teachers (Judaizing teachers) sought to minimize Paul’s influence on Christians by claiming he was not a true apostle of Christ. If he was a false apostle, his teaching could be ignored. In this section, Paul refers to his pre-Christian background and then to his conversion and his inspiration from God.

The account of Paul’s conversion from Judaism is one of the strongest proofs for the validity of Christianity that there is. Why would he change so suddenly from being a persecutor of Christians to one who preached that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Savior of the world? He explains it in several places by telling them that he personally saw the resurrected Lord after he knew he had been put to death. He could no longer deny that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah of Old Testament prophecy.

--Roger Hillis

Lord willing, beginning on May 1st, I will post, for the first sixteen days, chapter summaries of the New Testament books of Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians. I hope you will find these studies helpful and encouraging to your walk with the Lord. Thank you so much for reading these posts.

--Roger Hillis

Basics. Fundamentals. Foundations.

The Hebrews writer said, “...let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” (Heb. 6:1-2) There is a categorical need for spiritual growth in the life of a Christian, and part of that is to move on to more mature thinking—not simply a continual repetition of the basics.

This, however, does not necessarily mean that we never speak again of the fundamental matters of faith. You’ll notice the writer says “not laying again a foundation.” In saying it this way, he assumes that those previously-laid foundations will remain intact and remain strong.

As a church of God’s people continues to influence the world around them, we should expect to see varying levels of understanding about the foundations of faith. And we must, therefore, repeat the fundamentals often enough to keep them at the root of our identity. Without properly-laid foundations—“the elementary doctrines of Christ”—we will never attain to maturity anyway.

And so, we would all do well (this writer, especially) to learn not to disdain those necessary messages on the fundamentals. One writer said, “Repetition… is a pastoral necessity.” It’s important that we reinforce our foundations of belief in Christ, the importance of baptism, and the necessity of repentance.

Basics. Fundamentals. Foundations.

- Dan Lankford, minister

Everything that is considered a living thing is inherently designed to grow—all plants, all animals, and all humans. God created life on the premise that it would grow and thrive. And if growth is not present, we are aware that something has gone wrong.

This simple concept gives us all the reason we need to pursue growth, because it is an essential component of true life. When our bodies cease to develop, they begin to regress—we don’t stay stagnant for long. When we fail to challenge our minds and grow our intellects, we have greater difficulties learning. And when we neglect the spiritual growth of a church, it doesn’t take too long for the results of decline to begin to show.

This is why growth must be purposeful at every level. This is why our vision is to Rise Up & Build; not to just sit back and enjoy. This is especially important for those in leadership positions, for no group ever rises above the level of its leadership. For the elders, that means continual improvement in leadership, in Bible knowledge, and in fellowship with the sheep. For the husbands in the church, that means continual growth in our love for our wives, in our concern for their souls, and in our ability to bring the Bible to bear on their lives. For the fathers in the church, that means continual growth in our knowledge of our kids, in our understanding of Biblical parenting, and in our vision for adulthood toward which we lead our kids. For the teachers in our church, that means continual improvement in our bible knowledge continual improvement in our knowledge of the students’ needs, and continual efforts to improve our techniques and content of our classes.

Leadership sets the tone for everything we do, and so if you’re in a position of leadership, set a tone for continual growth! Because growth is inherent in the design of life. For the life of a family, for the life of a church, and for the life of every soul; make sure that you continue to grow so you can lead others to do the same!

- Dan Lankford, minister

The theme of the book of Romans is “obedience to the faith.” Paul states this theme at both the beginning of Romans (1:5) and the end of the letter (16:26). In this epistle, the apostle explains what is meant by being “justified by faith” (Romans 5:1).

 The letter begins by reminding these first century Christians that Jesus Christ was “declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4). Everything we are, everything we believe and any hope that we have comes from the reality that Jesus is God’s Son and that He was crucified for our sins and was raised from the dead on the third day.

The message of salvation in Christ is found in the gospel. This “good news” is described in Romans 1:16 as “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” And in it (that is, in the gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed (verse 17). How God makes a person righteous, through obedience to the Lord’s will, is delivered to us in this new covenant between God and man, otherwise known as the New Testament. This New Testament is also referred to as “the faith.”

 The existence of God may be known by looking at the universe around us (verse 20; Psalms 19:1-6). But how God expects us to live and serve Him is revealed in His written word (see also Psalms 19:7-11).

 Those who are disobedient to God will be punished (Romans 1:18-32). Many specific sins are listed, representative of all sin against God. Those who “practice such things are deserving of death” (verse 32; Romans 6:23). Only those who obey “the faith” will be saved.

 --Roger Hillis

The Greek word is EXOUSIA. “From the meaning of leave or permission, or liberty of doing as one pleases, it passed to that of the ability or strength with which one is endued, then to that of the power of authority, the right to exercise power” (W.E. Vine, Expository Dictionary of NT Words, page 91).

This is a general word referring to many different levels of authority. It can include governmental rule or the power of a landowner over his own property. There are two uses, however, that we wish to emphasize.

First, it speaks of “the power of one whose will and commands must be obeyed by others” (Vine, page 91). In this context, it most often refers to the authority of Jesus in religious matters. It shows that we must obey Christ if we want to live in  a right relationship with the Lord. See Matthew 28:18; John 17:2; Jude 25; Revelation 12:10.

Only Christ has “legislative” authority. He makes all the rules, as the Lord of lords and King of kings and the Head of the church. He is called the “one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy” (James 4:12).

Second, as representatives of Christ, the term sometimes refers to apostolic authority. See 2 Corinthians 10:8 and 13:10. Because their message came through revelation from God, Paul said, “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:37)

To please God, we must abide in the authority of Christ. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).

--Roger Hillis

As you examine your relationship with God (2 Corinthians 13:5) and the things you do for Him as a disciple of Christ, think about how long it has been since you did some of these basic, easy things. When was the last time you…

*Visited a person who is sad and lonely, just to try to cheer them up?

*Told a teenager how proud you are of him (or her) spiritually?

*Invited a non-Christian to services?

*Told someone that you love them? It might be your spouse, your children, your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or simply friends.

*Sacrificed a personal item you wanted so you could give a little more money to the Lord’s work?

*Hugged your children for no real reason?

*Thanked the elders for doing their often thankless job of trying to help us make it to heaven?

*Invited another family to come to your home for a Bible study or maybe for a fun evening of food and games?

*Wrote a card of love and encouragement to someone who is hurting for attention and understanding?

*Read through the New Testament in your Bible? (You could easily read the entire New Testament in six months.)

*Wrote a note of appreciation to your adult Bible class teacher or those who teach your children?

*Expressed your appreciation to our great song leaders for the marvelous job they do in leading us in worship?

*Thanked the deacons for their hard, mostly behind the scenes work?

*Prayed for more laborers to enter the harvest (Matthew 9:37-38)?

*Offered to babysit for a young couple so they could have a date night without their small children?

*Thanked the Lord for the good church at Eastland and all the godly people who are not perfect but are trying with all their heart to serve the Lord?

--Roger Hillis

This morning, as I stood in line to vote, my mind was fairly at ease over all the matters pertaining to the election itself. I had already made up my mind how I would vote, and I have fully accepted the fact that God is ultimately in control. Consequently, even though I was in line to vote, I wasn't really paying attention to anything that particularly regards the election.

Instead, what I noticed was the chorus of complaints that echoed as voter after voter joined the long waiting line. With each successive complaint, I wondered, "Do any of us believe that complaining will make it move more quickly? And really, do any of us even feel better once we've voiced our complaints?"

It makes one wonder: why is complaining such a natural response when it clearly accomplishes nothing? Small wonder that God—who always watches out for our best interests—says we "must not put Christ to the test... nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer" (1 Cor. 10:9-10). To complain about a perceived injustice in the very same arena where God has clearly blessed us—like complaining about voting lines while we exercise our ability to choose our supreme leaders while most other societies must simply accept the hand they are dealt—is simply bad behavior.

It's ungrateful. It's damaging. And while it might be natural, it's against God's will because he intends only that which is best for you in every way.

- Dan Lankford, minister