To ceremonies - observance of special days - subjection to man-made traditions. Not to Judaism, described as a yoke which not even those born under the law could bear (Acts 15:10 ). Christ has made us free - then let us stay free (Galatians 5:1 ). Free from sin, to be servants of God (1 Peter 2:16 ). Be encouraged to stand firm in your freedom against all sorts of ritualistic and cultish bondage.

	Dependence on circumcision is a rejection of Christ (Galatians 5:2 ).
	Circumcision as a legalist obligates to the keeping of the whole law (Galatians 5:3 ).
	Reliance on circumcision is an attempt to be justified by the law, and so turn from Christ, and fall from grace (Galatians 5:4 ).

It is from the ground of faith and encouragement of the Spirit of God that we have certain hope of inheriting all that is ours through righteousness in Christ (Galatians 5:5; Romans 8:24; Colossians 1:5; Titus 2:13 ). It is by faith, working through love that we look confidently for the final inheritance due to righteousness, and not to slavish observance to ritualistic observance (Galatians 5:6 ). We do not work good works to obtain salvation, but work because of so great a salvation.

2 Corinthians 5:14,15 "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: ¹⁵ And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."

Galatians 5:7 "You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?"

It is tragic to begin to run the race of faith only to succumb to hindrances. The believer has a course to run - it is necessary to begin the race well - continue the race well, and end the race well. The believer is here described as running the course of obeying the truth (Galatians 5:7 ). "The truth" - the gospel which proclaims righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ apart from works of the ceremonial law. "The truth" that opposed every perversion or indeed any modification whether by adding to it or taking away from it.

"Obeying" - hearing the truth in full acceptance and practice. Faith in Jesus to remove sin and make us righteous, also to keep us living the righteous, God-pleasing life because Jesus is alive and his power is towards us who believe through the indwelling and empowering Holy Spirit. "Obeying" is looking to Jesus for guidance, government, grace (Hebrews 12:2 ), which ensures our continuance in the race with all the direction we need, all strength, authority, support, and security to finish the race, when we will receive a crown of life (Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Peter 5:4 ). In view of hindrances, recognise your dependence on Christ (John 15:4 ). Develop watchfulness (Mark 13:37 ). Be assured:

Galatians 5:8 "This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you."

It would be inconsistent for God who planned justification by faith to entice them away from faith to works. No, He who calls is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9 ).

"Leaven" is used here to represent corrupt and corrupting teaching.

Galatians 5:9 "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump ..."

To think that one or a few people putting over a little leaven of the Pharisees, would not amount to much is wrong, because it could infect the whole area and so hinder the gospel for a generation. A little wrong teaching permitted can have far reaching consequences. True pastor teachers need to be watchful and obey

Titus 1:9 "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."

Galatians 5:10 "I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; ..."

The Lord Himself had the power to recover them out of the grip of the error. Paul could co-operate with the Lord by writing to them, but only the Lord could break the seduction. "No other mind" refers to the only true gospel they had originally received. The dangerous disturbers would reap the full measure of judgment.

Galatians 5:10 "... but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is."

Those who shake the church, stumble believers (Matthew 18:6 ), seduce from the truth, scatter the flock, shatter ministries - shall be judged by God. No matter how high a position such occupy, nor how highly they are held in esteem, nor how high they have exalted themselves in their own opinion, cannot keep them from certain judgment.

Galatians 5:11 "... if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? ..."

Paul preached the cross consistently. Its offence to unbelieving Jews was that the atoning work of Christ was the only way of salvation. It remains so today. We must present the soul-saving message of the cross no matter the cost.

Galatians 5:12 "I would they were even cut off which trouble you."

It expresses the apostle's passion for the truth. May those so determined to circumcise as an addition to the cross, may they be so carried away with their zeal for flesh, that they end up mutilating themselves. Paul wanted every convert to know they were free in Christ to remain free from all substitutes and additions to the true gospel.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. In what way would it be possible to become entangled and lose your freedom? (Galatians 5:1 ).
2. What is the leaven we need to be watchful against? Do you think that leaders who teach, need to be alert so that they can protect those in their care? (Galatians 5:2-3; Titus 1:9 ).
3. Is judgment inevitable for those who trouble the church and stumble believers? (Galatians 5:10; Matthew 18:6 ).