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Sermon Introduction

Paul instructed the Galatians to bear one another’s burden, share all good things with their teacher, and do good to the household of faith. He also warned them that sowing to the flesh leads to corruption, but sowing to the Spirit leads to eternal life. When he began to close his letter, he signified that he wrote with his hand using large letters. Paul would reveal the questionable motives of those who were misleading them. And he would cite the hypocrisy of those who disrupted their faith. He referred to the teachers who distorted the gospel and spread lies about him. They taught that justification by faith was not enough. The Galatians needed to follow the custom of circumcision, which symbolized following the law. Thus, all believers should protect the purity of the gospel.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

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Galatians 6:11-13 ESV

11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.

Notes

Paul instructed the Galatians to bear one another’s burden, share all good things with their teacher, and do good to the household of faith. He also warned them that sowing to the flesh leads to corruption, but sowing to the Spirit leads to eternal life. When he began to close his letter, he signified that he wrote with his hand using large letters. Paul would reveal the questionable motives of those who were misleading them. And he would cite the hypocrisy of those who disrupted their faith. He referred to the teachers who distorted the gospel and spread lies about him. They taught that justification by faith was not enough. The Galatians needed to follow the custom of circumcision, which symbolized following the law. Thus, all believers should protect the purity of the gospel.

1. Significant

   Paul wrote the Galatians with his own hands. He did not use a scribe, which could be his custom. And the style of writing large letters may reflect the message's significance, emphasis, and importance (6:11).
   
   11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.
   
   

2. Questionable motives

   Paul shared the obvious that some teach circumcision to avoid persecution from the Jewish people. What teachers should teach is the cross of Christ without unnecessary requirements like circumcision (6:12).
   
   12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to
   be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross
   of Christ.
   
   

3. Hypocrisy revealed

   Paul revealed the hypocrisy of the false teachers. These false teachers added circumcision for justification; however, they did not obey the law. They intended to boast that they circumcised others (6:13).
   
   13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
   
   
   

Application

1. Respect the message

   The message was crystal clear. Righteousness is through faith in the gospel. Justification is through faith alone. Anyone who distorts the gospel is accursed.
   Thus, we should proclaim an accurate gospel and protect His people from error.
   
   

2. Question motives

   Paul exposed why the false teachers forced the Galatians to be circumcised to avoid persecution. We should test every teaching we hear and read if it is aligned with God’s word and inspect every motive.
   

3. Watch out for hypocrisy

   Paul warned of false teachers who required others to follow the law, yet they did not. We should take heed and beware of their hypocritical teachings. Let us remain with the gospel as revealed in the Scriptures.
   
   
   

Reflection & Discussion

1. What is the significance of Paul writing with his own hands with large letters?

2. What were the motives of the false teachers?

3. Explain the hypocrisy of those circumcised.