This teaching continues a detailed exposition of Galatians, emphasizing that spiritual growth, justification, and maturity do not come through the Mosaic Law but through grace by faith. Paul’s defense of the gospel highlights that his message was received directly from Christ, not from men, and that attempts to add law-keeping—particularly circumcision—to salvation fundamentally distort the gospel.
The lesson traces Paul’s confrontation with legalism in Jerusalem and Antioch, including his public rebuke of Peter for withdrawing from Gentile believers under pressure from law-oriented Jewish leaders. This incident underscores the doctrinal truth that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile in Christ, and that justification is never achieved through works of the law.
Central passages in Galatians 2–3 and Romans are examined to show that believers have died to the law, are crucified with Christ, and now live by faith, not by fleshly effort. Righteousness is revealed “out from faith,” not produced by obedience to commandments. The law exposes sin but cannot generate life, maturity, or fellowship with God.
The teaching further explains the contrast between walking by the Spirit and living according to the flesh. A fleshly, law-oriented mindset produces separation, whereas a Spirit-directed mindset produces life and peace. Believers are exhorted to live out the righteousness they already possess in Christ, rather than attempting to manufacture holiness through rules or self-effort.
Abraham is presented as the foundational example of justification by faith, demonstrating that righteousness was credited to him apart from circumcision and long before the giving of the law. His works were the result of faith, not the source of it. In the same way, Christian works flow from faith and grace, not from legal obligation.
The lesson concludes by affirming that God completes the work He begins, that suffering for righteousness is an expression of grace, and that spiritual maturity is brought to its intended end by the Spirit, not by the flesh or the law.
