The book of Galatians is about getting the gospel right. All six chapters have this as their theme. This also therefore was Paul’s purpose for writing the letter : so that his original recipients (the churches in the Galatian region) – as well as those churches reading it in the future, would (indeed) GTGR. As such all the book’s instruction; all the truths established by its inspired words, exist to elucidate and illuminate this main theme and purpose.

20. Getting the Gospel Right is why the church needs faithful pastors.

At the center of all a faithful pastor does in service to his people, is the sound gospel message. This is the focus of his preaching and practice. Persecution cannot muffle it. He will not be quiet, nor lax in his efforts to defend it (to GTGR!). Though he will see many pastors become soft over time – or sell out for popularity, he will remain the same. The reason for such commitment is straightforward, a faithful pastor is not ashamed of the gospel. It is instead his passion and pride, his “boast” in life. And this was the Apostle Paul.
In contrast to the Judaizers who were desiring to take pride (or “boast”) in a false gospel message, Paul found only one thing worthy of such glory – the sound gospel message of justification by faith alone in Christ alone. And in that sound gospel message, he was unashamed.

Today we don’t usually hear the words “pastor” and “theologian” used to refer to the same person. Yet this is a part of what it means to be a faithful pastor. It means being a pastor-theologian. In other words, pastors who are theologically competent/sound. In verse 11, Paul reveals this to be true of himself.

Galatians 6:1-10

Getting the Gospel Right requires exercising proper church discipline.

And here then is what we have learned thus far as to what exactly that looks like (or means). It means…

19. Getting the Gospel Right requires exercising proper church discipline.

How and how often a church exercises discipline says a great deal about whether they are GTGR. The Reformers understood this and as a result, crafted several of their confessionals to include this as the mark of a true church. For instance, both the  Scotch Confession of Faith and the famous Belgic Confession cite three things as that which distinguishes the true from the false church. Included in that list is “the faithful exercise of church discipline” (Art. 18).

Paul of course, understood this as well. As such, the beginning of chapter 6 is devoted to teaching the Galatians (and us) what exercising proper church discipline means…

Getting the Gospel Right requires exercising proper church discipline.

How and how often a church exercises discipline says a great deal about whether they are GTGR. The Reformers understood this and as a result, crafted several of the confessionals to include this as the mark of a true church. For instance, both the  Scotch Confession of Faith and the famous Belgic Confession cite three things as that which distinguishes the true from the false church. Included in that list is “the faithful exercise of church discipline” (Art. 18).

Paul of course, understood this as well. As such, the beginning of chapter 6 is devoted to teaching the Galatians (and us) what exercising proper church discipline means…

Getting the Gospel Right requires exercising proper church discipline.

How and how often a church exercises discipline says a great deal about whether they are GTGR. The Reformers understood this and as a result, crafted several of their confessionals to include this as the mark of a true church. For instance, both the  Scotch Confession of Faith and the Belgic Confession cite three things as that which distinguishes the true from the false church. Included in that list is “the faithful exercise of church discipline”.

Paul of course, understood this as well. As such, the beginning of chapter 6 is devoted to teaching the Galatians (and us) what exercising proper church discipline means…

18. Getting the Gospel Right requires (if we are to maintain what we’ve gained) walking by the Spirit (16-26).

Getting the Gospel Right requires (if we are to maintain what we’ve gained) walking by the Spirit (16-26).

Getting the Gospel Right requires (if we are to maintain what we’ve gained) walking by the Spirit (16-26)

18. Getting the Gospel Right requires (if we are to maintain what we’ve gained) walking by the Spirit (16-26).

18.1. (16) “But I say, Walk by the Spirit” = Before determining exactly what Paul means by this phrase, it is important to understand his reason for talking this way (2 reasons):

Getting the Gospel Right requires walking by the Spirit (16-26).

Getting the Gospel Right requires walking by the Spirit.

Getting the Gospel Right requires we reject Legalism (1-12).

Getting the Gospel Right requires a proper understanding of our freedom in Christ.

Getting the Gospel Right requires a proper understanding of spiritual slavery (1-12).

Getting the Gospel Right requires a proper understanding of spiritual slavery (1-12).