It Starts Small

3 You foolish Galatians! Who has cast a spell on you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? ² I only want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by believing what you heard? ³ Are you so foolish? After beginning by the Spirit, are you now finishing by the flesh? ⁴ Did you experience so much for nothing—if in fact it was for nothing? ⁵ So then, does God give you the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law? Or is it by believing what you heard—

Galatians 3:1-5

Foolish Galatians

Paul wields language with breathtaking intensity here, revealing the profound depths of his emotions on this critical issue. Though his words are forceful, they resonate with undeniable truth. Should we embrace such fervent expression? While it may be tempting, we must tread carefully; typically, resorting to such fiery language is not our practice. Instead, let us remember that gentleness is a vital characteristic of the Christian spirit.

²⁵ instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 2:25

While gentle instruction is often the preferred approach, there are moments when stronger language becomes necessary. It can jolt individuals from their spiritual apathy or defiance.

²⁰ Publicly rebuke those who sin, so that the rest will be afraid.

1 Timothy 5:20

You can see from this powerful verse that rebuking is meant for those who “persist in sin.” It’s not a tool to use at the first sign of wrongdoing. It is a necessary response when someone continually disregards gentler counsel. Think of it like a doctor using defibrillators. Initially, a gentle jolt is applied. Gradually, the intensity increases in the face of resistance. When a patient shows complete unresponsiveness, the doctor cranks up the electricity to its highest level. The doctor understands that it’s a matter of life and death. The urgency of a rebuke is rooted in love and care, aiming to bring the wayward soul back to Jesus!

Here, Paul unleashes his fervor upon the Galatians, bringing forth a passionate plea! They are about to forsake the true gospel of salvation. It is the beautiful gift of grace through faith. They might exchange it for a burdensome, works-oriented path. This is utterly foolish! The Galatians’ folly does not come from a lack of intelligence. It arises from a deliberate turning away from the profound truth they once embraced.

Who has bewitched you?

Their defection from the true gospel struck Paul like a thunderbolt, as if they had been enchanted by dark magic. It seemed like someone had cast a spell to lead them astray. They found themselves in a trance. They were devoid of any rational thought or clarity of mind. How could they allow themselves to be so completely mesmerized?

How can you avoid being led astray?

To safeguard ourselves, we must remain vigilant and ever watchful. We should embrace the truth with fervor. This will help us boldly distinguish the deceit that lurks in the shadows.

Before your very eyes Jesus was portrayed as crucified

This doesn’t imply that they witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus in the flesh. Paul and the other fervent preachers vividly illustrated the profound event of Jesus’ crucifixion. They shared the gospel with the Galatians. Consequently, the Galatians found themselves without the veil of ignorance. They passionately saw the undeniable truth. They also heard it laid bare before them.

Are you so foolish?

Paul implores once more. His voice is filled with love for them. He passionately reinforces his belief. Only the most reckless of individuals would dare to tread the treacherous path they find themselves on.

After beginning by the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?

Paul passionately reiterates his central theme in this book. The Gentiles are saved by the Spirit through faith. This salvation is completely independent of any works. The gospel message that Paul fervently proclaimed to them was crystal clear. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved! Nothing more, nothing less! The “formula” is not about believing in Christ just to attain salvation. It is not about striving to do good works on your own to maintain it. It’s a profound truth that shakes the very foundations of religious performance!

²⁷ My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.”

John 10:27-30

We cannot enter by our works, nor can we remain steadfast through our own efforts. Yet, how does this profound principle resonate with our lives today? What powerful applications can we draw from it? The crux of this message is a call to humility. We must wholeheartedly rely on Christ rather than ourselves. This reliance embraces a dependence that transforms our very existence!

Have you experienced (or suffered) so much in vain?

The Galatians once stood firm in their belief of the true gospel. They fervently embraced the idea that grace alone saves and that Christ is sufficient! Yet, if they allowed doubt to creep in, it would turn their hearts towards a works-oriented mindset. They would render their salvation experience utterly meaningless. All their struggles and spiritual growth would be discarded. They would careen back into the abyss of self-reliance. This would jeopardize everything they had once held dear!

In verse 5, Paul reinforces his point.

⁵ So then, does God give you the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law? Or is it by believing what you heard—

Galatians 3:5

God’s work on our behalf is a profound gift, one that we cannot earn or deserve by our own merit. It’s rooted in faith, not in our deeds. Understanding this truth ignites a fire within us—how should we respond? What actions should we take? We must recognize that salvation is not something we can attain through our efforts. This is true whether before or after we choose to believe.

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Cross References:

• 2 Timothy 2:25
• 1 Timothy 5:20
• John 10:27-30
• Proverbs 12:15
• Proverbs 26:11
• Hebrews 7:25
• Romans 10:17
• Romans 8:9

Questions to Ponder:

• How did Paul describe the Galatians?
• Why does he use such strong language?
• Why did he describe them as foolish?
• How does this passage fit into the theme of Galatians?
• Does Paul add any new argument for justification by faith here?
• What would be the answer to Paul’s question in verse 2?
• What point is Paul making in verse 3?
• What does verse 4 mean?

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