Pastor Bryan Hurlbutt
1-8-12
A Fork in the Road
Galatians 5:1-12

• The Fork (1)

The Reason
“Those whom the apostle had to oppose in Romans 6 also had the same idea about freedom, thinking that it meant they could do whatever they wanted to, whereas our freedom is one that does the things written in the law without constraint and without any thought of reward.” (Martin Luther, First Lectures on Galatians)
The Resolve
“Here we have to consider what this metaphor “stand” actually means.  Paul says, “Stand, then.”  The term is taken from those who can either stand firm and fight in the line of battle or else fall and perish in the struggle.  Therefore the opposite of standing is falling, being defeated and perishing.  Therefore the commander of the army constantly and urgently exhorts the soldiers whom he has in his regiment to stand their ground when it comes to fighting against the enemy, because if they fall or run away the whole thing will collapse.” (Wolfgang Musculus, Commentary on Galatians)

• The Roads (2-6)

Law
1. Looking to circumcision nullifies the power of Christ and His cross.
2. Looking to circumcision makes one accountable for complete obedience to the Law.
Faith
1. The road of faith is built by the power of the Spirit.
2. The road of faith grants us a hopeful destination.
3. The road of faith brings with it the fragrance and fruit of love.

• A Personal Appeal (7-12)

This stumble is going to turn into an all out, breakneck fall.
False teachers need to be dealt with directly and promptly.
God isn’t tripping you up in the race of faith.
Heed the message which the Apostle was persecuted for.

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