How Do You Answer Paul's Five Questions?
Galatians

Do you clearly understand the gospel of salvation in Christ through His substitutionary death on the cross? (Gal )

• "You foolish Galatians!" - This is a serious rebuke that is addressed directly to these believers!
• baskaino (bewitched) = to speak ill of, to slander, to bring evil upon, to charm or fascinate.
• "Publicly portrayed" (pro-egraphen) = posted on a placard or billboard, a clear picture of the truth.
• The crucifixion of Christ is emphasized because of its importance to the gospel message.
• Why did Jesus come to die?

Were you given the indwelling Holy Spirit and all of the blessings of salvation because of your obedience to a set of rules, or by faith? (Gal )

• Even the Jews, although they were Law-keepers, did not receive the Spirit except by putting their faith in Christ.
• The "hearing" of faith = the receiving of a message; more than the physical sense of hearing - it was receiving the message of salvation by faith in Christ.
• What things did you receive when you put your trust in Christ for your salvation?

Having been totally justified (declared righteous) by God, do you now believe there was something lacking in what God did and that you must somehow finish your salvation by your own works? (Gal )

• "Having begun your salvation in the Spirit, are you completing your salvation by works of the flesh?"
• The FLESH = "The worldly principle or element of life represented by the legal righteousness of the Jew." In the following chart, notice how the flesh is in the same column as the Law. The Law (and any other system of self-effort) is at best a work of the flesh.
• Do you want to be pleasing to God, but you want to come to Him on your own terms, in your own way, and in your own strength?

Was it all in vain that you gave up things or suffered after putting your faith in Christ's work for your salvation? (Gal )

• When did the Galatians suffer persecution for their faith?
  (see Acts ,,,)
• Paul holds out hope for the Galatians - "if indeed it was in vain"
• What have you given up in order to follow Jesus Christ?

Was it because of your obedience to the law or by faith that you have experienced God's mighty working in your life? (Gal )

• It is God who gave us the Spirit, but not through our obedience to the Law.
• God worked mightily on our behalf, but not because of our adherence to a code of conduct.
• What evidence have you seen of God's hand bringing you to salvation and working mightily within you?