This Book is unique in three ways:

[1]. Paul did the actual writing himself. (Gal. 6:11)
[2]. No church is addressed, but a group of people in general, saved and lost, the Galatians or the Gauls, modern day France.
[3]. No one addressed is referred to as a "saint" (Eph. 1:1), or as being "in God" (1 Thess. 1:1), or "of God" (1 Cor. 1:2).

There are three major sections in the Book:

[1]. Chapters 1 & 2 - the personal section.
[2]. Chapters 3 & 4 - the doctrinal section.
[3]. Chapters 5 & 6 - the practical section.

I. Introduction: (V. 1-5)

Paul introduces himself as an apostle (sent one), an apostle appointed by Jesus Christ himself. It is addressed to churches (plural) as opposed to the Church (singular) vs. 13; the churches with reference to individual local assemblies, as opposed to the Church, the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). Some would say, "there is no such thing as a difference, a local church is the Church." Allow me to say this, there are lost people who are baptized members of local churches who will split Hell wide open, while not one member of the Body of Christ will do so.

II. Paul was not afraid to identify heresy for what it was. (V. 6-9)

A. Paul wastes no time in getting to the point.

B. Paul uses a little "tongue in cheek" sarcasm, "I marvel". (vs. 6)

C. Paul calls them spiritual perverts. (vs. 7)

D. Then one of the most solemn warnings is issued under the inspiration of the spirit of God in the whole Word of God; he believes it so strongly, he repeats the warning again. (vs. 819)

Practical application: Paul was able to identify heresy, can you, and show why it is from the Word of God? Many Christians are Bible ignoramuses.

 

III. Paul was not interested in impressing people. (V. 10-14)

A. It is interesting to note that in this context, Paul makes mention of his involvement in the "Jew's religion". Paul was a man of character, he was probably just as sincere when he opposed the truth (ignorantly Rom. 10:2,3) as when he preached it.

The lesson here is twofold:

[1]. Character is something that is developed in an individual from an early age and not necessarily a part of salvation, thus character is not a sure byproduct of salvation.
[2]. There are many who are sincere in their religion, and like Paul and Cornelius, need someone to show them the light of the gospel.

B. It is interesting also that "religion" (vs. 13) is equated with "the traditions of my father" (vs. 14).

 

IV. Paul realized that God wanted to use his life to reveal the Lord Jesus Christ to others. (V. 15-19)

A. Paul was a prototype. Paul stands out as an example in so many ways of how our attitude toward Christ and this world ought to be as Christians. God has chosen to reveal His Son the Lord Jesus to this world not only through the written Word of God but by our testimonies and lives in Christ. We are to show something that a lost man would want to have in Christ. Our lives open up opportunities to preach the gospel of Christ. (Acts 26:17-21), Caution: This is never in lieu of preaching and witnessing for Christ, indeed it should compliment it.

B. God has chosen you. (2 Tim. 2:4) He does not want you to become like some other human being, he wants to use you for what you are. The Lord didn't want Paul to be like Peter or John or Thomas, etc.

 

V. Paul was a prime example of (Rom. 8:28) - (V. 20-24)

Through it all the ultimate purpose of our lives as human beings was and is accomplished, "They glorified God in me. (vs. 24) (Isa. 43:7) Even every one that is called by my name for I created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him."

This is the main purpose for the existence of every man.