Lack of Logic, v.8-11. Lack of Fruit, v.12-16. The way of the judaizer could not be God’s intent, due to it never producing the fruit expected. This controversy over legalism separated Paul from his close friends, the Galatians. Therefore, the law cannot be mature and true because it has separated instead of uniting. In order to bring the gospel to the Gentile Galatians Paul had to leave behind the ceremonial law forbidding Jewish interaction with Gentiles. (12) He also says, “You have not injured me at all.” Just as they warmly cared for one another previously Paul suggests they do so going forward. In vv.13-15 he draws attention to the kindness that the Galatians first showed him when he arrived to preach the gospel. (13-15) Paul points to the fact that he was suffering from an infirmity when with them. He explains that his condition was “a trial” (temptation) to the Galatians: But, they received him still. Paul’s sense of their level of care was that the Galatians would have gladly given him their very own eyes if they could. Thus, this was likely an issue with his eyes/vision. But don’t be so caught up on that that you miss his point. Initially, with the gospel Paul preached to them…there was fruit of the Spirit present. They responded with kindness to his weakness. v.16 brings this into focus up against Paul’s plea to them. (16) When at first he shared the truth with them, their lives were transformed and the fruit of the Spirit was obvious. They received him as Christ or an angel. (14b) Paul isn’t pointing to himself. He is pointing to the greatness of his message which caused them to give this great level of respect. They didn’t know Paul well enough to respect the person — it had to be the message of the gospel truth. Now, up against the doctrine of the legalists, Paul would be their enemy. Note on legalism. One can be legalistically fundamental or legalistically liberal. Getting into an extreme on any particular point in either side of an argument often lends itself to legalistic thinking/living. In this context it is the Judaizers — those promoting circumcision in addition to salvation by grace through faith. But, in any context a legalistic dogma will be harmful to the fruit of the Spirit growing from within us. The Galatians had started to turn against Paul. Their hospitality was turning into hostility. Paul’s point is that the lack of fruit is the result of the legalism. Liberty fertilizes fruit. As God’s children… We know the freedom of His grace. We enjoy the ministry of His Word. We are transformed into the life of His Son. Paul has not changed in his message or his ministry, the church’s response to him has changed. They are now under the influence of those who have a very different message from his. Because they have very different goals and means. Lack of logic, lack of fruit… Lack of Proper Motives, v.17-20. They make a big deal out of you! (17) While this feels good, Paul instructs the Galatians — their end is not what you think. The legalists have improper motives and were taking advantage of the Galatians. They were filled with false praise for them. They were telling them what they wanted to hear. Tickling their ears, pandering to them in order to get loyalty. Paul explains that they “shut you out - exclude you.” They wanted to isolate the Galatians from all other influences, especially the apostle himself. What was the purpose of isolating them? In this instance it was so that the Galatians would look exclusively to the false teachers—and thus the false teachers could keep the Galatian churches under their influence… God has given us minds that think. He had added to that His most powerful Holy Spirit to guide our thinking. Anyone trying to shut us out — exclude in such a way — is likely up to no good. Study to show yourself approved unto to God, a workman that doesn’t need to be ashamed. Rightly dividing the Word! Paul says here, “but not well,” this is not for the better (for no good purpose). They are zealous, and there is nothing inappropriate about zeal. (18) In regards to the zeal of the legalizers: Paul does not begrudge in itself the interest the legalizers are showing in the Galatians. He would not resent it at all, if only it were in a good cause. He himself had shown similar zeal when among them. In regards to the zeal of the Galatians: Paul wishes it was as intense now in pursuit of the right thing as it was when he was with them. It is good to be zealous for a good thing. If only all of this “zeal” was toward growth in the truth. Instead they lacked proper motives. vv.19-20 conclude Paul’s Pastoral Plea. (19-20) “My little children,” he says, “I am perplexed by you (in doubt of you), I travail (am in anguish over this situation).” Pastors and Parents both know too well Paul’s disposition. Fesko writes, “We might read Paul’s letter to the Galatians and think that he is quite angry and only interested in right doctrine, in orthodoxy, and cares little, if anything, for the people. Such a conclusion, however, would be a severe misreading of the letter. Paul was deeply concerned for the Galatians. He is like a concerned parent who sees his child in imminent danger. His passion is driven by love and concern for the people, not simply a detached veneration of doctrinal orthodoxy. This is the source of his agitation, but it is ultimately evidence of Paul’s great concern and love for the Galatians.” In the end, we see just how pure Paul’s own motives are: “until Christ be formed in you.” Paul isn’t trying to build a platform and needs to sure up his base in Galatia…Paul wants these who were babes in Christ through him…Now children…To grow up in the faith to become Christlike adults (spiritually). This kind of spiritual formation does not happen overnight. In the physical realm…“it takes a while for an embryo to grow into an infant, and then for a child to grow into an adult. Cell must be added to cell, tissue to tissue, sinew to bone.” (Ryken) “In the same way, the Spirit gradually uses God’s Word to make God’s children like God’s Son.” Conclusion: This is Paul’s Pastoral Plea to the church in Galatia. Their behavior lacked logic. The outcome lacked fruit. They lacked proper motive. “They had not lost the experience of salvation—they were still Christians; …but they were losing the enjoyment of their salvation and finding satisfaction in their works instead.” (Wiersbe) They thought they were becoming better Christians by substituting Law for grace, and the religious deeds of the flesh for the fruit of the Spirit. Which leaves us needing to question within ourselves, “Is my Christian life moving forward into liberty or backward into bondage?