Galatians 1:3-5

c) Salutation Galatians 1:3-5

TEXT 1:3-5

(3) Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, (4) who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil world, according to the will of our God and Father: (5) to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

PARAPHRASE 1:3-5

3 We wish grace to you, and happiness from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the Father dispenses his blessings to men.
4 Because he gave himself to death for our sins, that he might deliver us from the bad principles, and practices, and punishment of this present evil age, agreeably to the will of our God and Father, who determined to save us by the death of his son.
5 To whom, for that unspeakable favour, be ascribed by angels and men, honour and praise, through all eternity. Amen.

COMMENT 1:3

Grace to you

1.

Favor to you is a single greeting stating that he was writing a friendly letter.

2.

The grace is from God, or else Paul, a Jew, would not have had favor toward these indifferent Gentiles.

peace from God

1.

Salaam (peace) is a typical oriental greeting, even today.

2.

Real peace comes only through God and Christ.

a.

For he is our peace. Ephesians 2:14

b.

And he came and preached peace to you that were afar off, and peace to them that were nigh. Ephesians 2:17

3.

This peace is not from the Emperor, or from kings, or from governors, but from God the Father.

4.

Peace differs from grace in that:

a.

Grace remits sin; peace quiets the conscience.

b.

Grace involves remission; peace makes a happy conscience.

c.

Grace is God's favor; peace dispels fear.

and from our Lord Jesus Christ

1.

One can not be of Jewish faith and have the favor of God and Christ.

2.

The grace and peace of Christ is in the picture.

PEACE FROM GOD 1:3

The peace greeting is characteristic of Paul. Peace is from God. There is no other way.
Our age is characterized by the invention of innumerable devices to make us feel good without being good, to banish evil without quitting, to get the gifts of God without the need of God. As in the day of Jeremiah we have many false prophets who cry, Peace, peace, when there is no peace. Too many people are trying to get adjusted when they need to get converted. They are going to psychiatrists to have their sins explained when they need to come to God to have them forgiven.
Peace is really a by-product of righteous living.
Righteousness first; after that, peace. Will we ever learn it? It must be a great burden on the heart of God to listen to prayers for peace prayed by people who will not walk in the ways of peace. God can-'t save us from war except as He saves us from our sins. If you want to find peace get in Christ by grace, through faithpeace then comes as naturally as breathing. It is peace in the midst of storm.
The world can not have peace without first living the life for the Prince of Peace.
The Bible promises no peace to the transgressor. There is no peace so long as conflict is in the heart. There is no radiance without rightness, no peace of mind until there is peace with God. Don-'t pray for peace, but for rightness of heart. Pray not for peace, but for birth from above. Peace is the fruit of reconciliation. being made right with God.

GOD'S WONDERFUL GRACE 1:3

The subject of God's grace is introduced early in the book. Men need the mercy and grace of God to escape condemnation.
Condemnation is the exact opposite of justification. Since the latter means to declare one guiltless, the other means that one has heard the sentence Guilty. He is amenable to punishment and subject to death. One cannot be esteemed as guilty and guiltless at the same time, so those who are justified by faith and have gained access to grace are not under condemnation. There is no guilt assessed against them. They are free! That is grace beyond human understanding.

God's act of grace is out of all proportion to Adam's wrong doing. For if the wrongdoing of that one man brought death upon so many, its effect is vastly exceeded by the grace of God and the gift that came to so many by the grace of one man, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:15)

The problem in Galatia was the legalism of false teachers. They wanted to place Christians under the law, or the old covenant.
A legalist must have a law or he cannot survive. He breathes law like the human body breathes oxygen. If God provides no law, he will take what God has provided and convert it into law.
The Galatians were bewitched by law observers.
The problem is that legalists always exercise selectivity. They choose some features of the law to which they willingly submit, while ignoring others. But those which they choose then become the criteria of righteousness. To these men must conform even though they utterly neglect other valid and vital provisions of God's will.
Men who live and walk by law seldom have any idea of the restraint of perfect love. There must be a whip to crack. There must be threats issued and intimidation involved.
Law is off the throne and Jesus is King. The transfiguration scene settled who was to be heededMoses. or the Law.

WORD STUDY 1:3

Grace (charisKAR iss) is in general usage that which causes pleasure or delight. In the doer of grace, it is the friendly disposition which brings happiness to others. In the receiver of grace, it is the sense of gratitude. The word is surrounded with happiness, warmth, and delight.

This aspect of delight must not be lost when we move to the New Testament, and define grace as unmerited favor. God not only gave salvation when we did not deserve it, but also was smiling when He did it!

Every epistle signed by Paul uses this majestic word in both the opening and the closing words.
One additional feature of charis in New Testament usage should be noted. When grace is given, there is always responsibility attached. In fact, Paul could even point to his job assignment as an apostle as to me this grace was given (Ephesians 3:8).

Peace (eireneeye RAY nay) means absence of alienation or estrangement in Greek. It also has a rich background in Hebrew, where it means total well-being. (See further comments on Galatians 5:22)

The customary Hebrew greeting was shalom, peace. The standard Greek greeting was chairein (KY rine) rejoice. Paul modified this slightly into the Christian charis, grace. By combining these terms in the opening of every epistle, Paul was greeting both Greek and Jew in the family of God. The main thrust of his whole ministry was to usher in the Greek along with the Jew into fellowship in Christ (Ephesians 3:4-10).

The full force of Lord (kuriosKUR ee oss) is not appreciated by English-speaking people. Perhaps if we trace the word through its history and development, it will help.

The kurios was originally the owner of a piece of property. Next, the kurios was the owner and master of a slave. When the Greek mystery religions began to develop, kurios was used in reference to the deity they worshipped. To this point, then, the kurios was recognized as owner, obeyed as master, and honored as a god.

What happened next had tremendous impact on the word. When the translators of the Old Testament encountered the divine name YHWH, they faced a problem. No one knew how to pronounce the sacred name, since the vowels were omitted. There was no way to transliterate the name from Hebrew into Greek, letter by letter. The solution was to translate YHWH as kurios!Thus, every time a Jew saw the word kurios, he thought of God Himself.

In light of all this, just think what a momentous confession it was to declare, Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:11).

COMMENT 1:4

who gave himself for our sins

1.

He gave:

a.

Not gold, not a paschal lamb, not an angel, but self.

b.

Not a moral code, nor a new political scheme, but self.

2.

He could have sent twelve legions of angels. Matthew 26:53

3.

He gave Himself humbly. Philippians 2:5-8

4.

He gave Himself by the laws of Sacrifice, Ransom, and Justice.

5.

Note the temptations; observe Gethsemane.

from our sins

1.

He did not give Himself for a crown, a kingdom, or our goodness, but for our sins.

2.

Sin is not maladjustment, but terrible transgression. It means missing the mark.

a.

They are not small and insignificant, but mountainous.

b.

We are not good moral men but sinners.

c.

Hamartia, one of the Greek words for sins, catches all of us.

that he might deliver us

1.

Man is lost; he does need saving; he does need help from God.

a.

He is a slave.

b.

He is a captive.

2.

Too many people are not interested in salvation's delivery because they do not feel there is anything to be delivered from, but there is.

a.

Creatures without reason. to be taken and destroyed. 2 Peter 2:12

b.

elements shall be dissolved. 2 Peter 3:8-11

c.

... they were judged every man according to their works. Revelation 20:13

... this is the second death, even the lake of fire. Galatians 1:14

... and if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire. Galatians 1:15

d.

John 3:14-16

e.

... the wrath of God. Romans 5:9

f.

... who delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:10

from this present evil world

1.

Even our nation, so-called Christian America, is evil.

a.

Hear the curses on the night air.

b.

Listen to the vileness in the shop.

c.

Check the lists of robberies, murders, and adulteries.

d.

Watch the gambling.

e.

Look at the abused little children.

2.

This evil world will be destroyed and a new heaven and a new earth created. 2 Peter 3:8-13; Revelation 21:1

according to the will of God

1.

Note these scriptures:

a.

1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

b.

Philippians 2:5-11 indicates the will of Christ.

c.

Gethsemane indicates the will of Christ.

2.

The will of God is responsible for salvation for the righteous and punishment for the wicked.

our God and Father

1.

The Fatherhood of God is for both Christ and man.

a.

Christ said to Mary Magdalene, Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and unto my God and your God. John 20:17

b.

Pray ye our Father, are the Lord's words in Matthew 6:9.

1)

A Father loves

2)

A Father provides

3)

A Father protects

4)

A Father gives

2.

The will of God and Christ's will are in accord.

THE CHURCH IS A HOLY PEOPLE 1:4

Christians are called out of ungodliness to be a separated and sanctified people. Christians in Paul's day, called out of heathenism, were acquainted with evil, even in their forms of pagan worship. In Galatians 1:4 of this chapter, the Galatians are informed that they are called to be holy and blameless.

The biblical demand for holiness is insistent: You shall be holy for I am holy (Leviticus 11:44-45; Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Says Paul, Christ sanctifies the Church that it may be without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish Ephesians 5:27.

This holiness is a sharing of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). It is the fruit of the Spirit's dwelling and acting, not only within the individual believer, but also within the redeemed community. It is an aspect of the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Human personality and the Christian community were made to be indwelt by the Spirit of God, and they reach their potential only when they are.

OUR SINS 1:4

Millions of people are indulging in situation ethics rather than repenting from sin.

If a man will really study the Word of God and situation ethics he will find it impossible to ignore Galatians 5:16-21 with its condemnation of specified works of the flesh: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such.

The Bible is avoided by those who do not want to avoid sin.
Situation ethics declares that there are situations when the works of the flesh are fully acceptable. The new version might read something like this: The works of the flesh are adultery, unless you and your wife are not compatible; fornication, unless you are really in love, uncleanness, unless you just don-'t know any better; witchcraft, unless you were reared in Africa, wrath, unless you have inherited a temper from your parents; drunkenness, unless you are an alcoholic. When we begin making exceptions, we have no definite law or standard at all.
Situation doctrine is also practiced.
Situation doctrine is not a new game, for it has been played from the beginning of man. The rules are declared to be the same as situation ethics. It says that doctrine may vary according to situations. Jesus took note of this tendency among religious leaders.
Sin is sin whether it be in the realm of morals or doctrine.

WORD STUDY 1:4

To deliver (exaireoex i REH oh) is literally to snatch out. It is more than merely to remove; it is to rescue from the power of. The book of Acts provides an excellent commentary on this word, using it in these ways:

1.

The rescue of Joseph from his afflictions, Acts 7:10.

2.

The deliverance of Israel from Egypt, Acts 7:34.

3.

The rescue of Peter from prison, Acts 12:11.

4.

The rescue of Paul from the temple mob, Acts 23:27.

5.

The deliverance of Paul from the Jews, Acts 26:17.

The world (aioni OWN) of this verse should be translated age. The ancient Jews often spoke of two ages: the present age, full of evil and sinfulness, and the future age, full of righteousness and peace. The present age was in the grip of the Evil One, but the age to come was to be ruled by the Messiah.

As Christians, we remain physically a part of the physical world, but spiritually we have become participants of the age to come.

COMMENT 1:5

to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1.

God is to have all and Paul none, even though he has argued for his apostleship.

2.

Glory means praise, honor, renown, distinction, brilliance and splendor.

3.

If we fail to direct glory to God now, we will not have an opportunity to glorify Him in heaven.

Glory to God(Special exegetical outline)

1.

Because it is commanded.

a.

Ascribe unto Jehovah, ye kindreds of the people, ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength. 1 Chronicles 16:28.

b.

Ye that fear Jehovah, praise him, all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and stand in awe of him, all ye the seed of Israel. Psalms 22:23.

c.

Let them give glory unto Jehovah, and declare his praise in the islands. Isaiah 42:12

2.

Because it is due Him. 1 Chronicles 16:29; 1 Corinthians 6:20

3.

Because of His holiness. Exalt ye Jehovah our God, and worship at his holy hill; For Jehovah our God is holy. Psalms 99:9

Who shall not fear, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy; for all the nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy righteous acts have been made manifest. Revelation 15:4

4.

Because of His mercy and truth.

a.

Not unto us, O Jehovah, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory for thy loving-kindness, and for thy truth's sake. Psalms 115:1

b.

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. Romans 15:9

5.

Because of His faithfulness and truth.

a.

O Jehovah, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things, even counsels of old in faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1

6.

Because of His wondrous works.

a.

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing: and they glorified the God of Israel. Matthew 15:31

b.

For all men glorified God for that which was done. Acts 4:21

7.

Because of His judgments.

a.

Therefore shall a strong people glorify thee, a city of terrible nations shall fear thee. Isaiah 25:3

b.

I will be glorified in the midst of thee; and they shall know that I am Jehovah, when I shall have executed judgments in her. Ezekiel 28:22

c.

Fear God, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment is come. Revelation 14:7

8.

Because of His deliverance. Psalms 50:15

9.

Because of His grace to others.

a.

And when they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life. Acts 11:18

b.

... they glorify God. for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all. 2 Corinthians 9:13

c.

... and they glorified God in me. Galatians 1:24

CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY OF GOD 1:5

Christians are to consider themselves as children of God and therefore a part of a great family. We are the people of a God in a unique way through being born again and adopted into His family.
The idea of a people has rich biblical and especially Old Testament roots. Biblical Greek uses the word laos in referring to the church as a people. This word (from which we get laity) occurs more than 2000 times in the Septuagint, usually translating the Hebrew word -am. Laos is the word commonly used for Israel as God's people; it serves to emphasize the special and privileged religious position of this people as the people of God.

In Old Testament, laos is the national society of Israel according to its religious basis and distinction.

In the New Testament, laos occurs some 140 times. It is the word both Paul and Peter use to describe the Church as a people, as the new Israel. Thus in the New Testament, a new and figurative Christian concept arises along with the old biological and historical view and crowds it out.

The Church is constituted a people just as an individual is constituted a child of God; by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The converted individual becomes a part of a transformed people.

STUDY QUESTIONS 1:3-5

20.

Does the word grace indicate friendliness?

21.

What is the source of peace?

22.

Would Paul have been so friendly to the Gauls if he were not of God?

23.

Discuss what peace from God does for people who love barriers?

24.

What does God's peace dispel in the human heart?

25.

Name the two sources of peace found in this verse.

26.

The word who refers to whom?

27.

Why did Jesus give Himself?

28.

How does His sacrifice compare with Old Testament sacrifices?

29.

Is it fair to assume that sin is horrible, if Jesus died for our sins?

30.

Did Jesus give Himself, or did men kill Him?

31.

Are all men sinners, or did He die for certain vile people?

32.

Discuss the deliverance stated in verse four.

33.

Why do we need it?

34.

From what are we delivered?

35.

What kind of punishment does the Christian escape?

36.

What evidence do we have that our present generation is evil?

37.

If we escape the punishment, what reward do we have in its place?

38.

Whose will makes it possible?

39.

Is divine will all that is necessary for salvation?

40.

Define glory.

41.

Who is to be glorified?

42.

How long does the glory last?

43.

Why does God deserve glory? Name the reasons.