Galatians 1:4
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who gave himself for our sins - Who became a sin-offering to God in behalf of mankind, that they might be saved from their sins. Deliver us from this present evil world - These words cannot mean created nature, or the earth and its productions, nor even wicked men. The former we shall need while we live, the latter we cannot avoid; indeed they are those who, when converted, form the Church of God; and, by the successive conversion of sinners is the Church of Christ maintained; and the followers of God must live and labor among them, in order to their conversion. The apostle, therefore, must mean the Jews, and their system of carnal ordinances; statutes which were not good, and judgments by which they could not live; Eze 20:25; and the whole of their ecclesiastical economy, which was a burden neither they nor their fathers were able to bear, Act 15:10. Schoettgen contends that the word πονηρος, which we translate evil, should be translated laborious or oppressive, as it comes from πονος, labor, trouble, etc. The apostle takes occasion, in the very commencement of the epistle, to inform the Galatians that it was according to the will and counsel of God that circumcision should cease, and all the other ritual parts of the Mosaic economy; and that it was for this express purpose that Jesus Christ gave himself a sacrifice for our sins, because the law could not make the comers thereunto perfect. It had pointed out the sinfulness of sin, in its various ordinances, washings, etc.; and it had showed forth the guilt of sin in its numerous sacrifices; but the common sense, even of its own votaries, told them that it was impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sin. A higher atonement was necessary; and when God provided that, all its shadows and representations necessarily ceased. See the note on Gal 4:3.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
gave himself-- (Gal 2:20); unto death, as an offering. Found only in this and the Pastoral Epistles. The Greek is different in Eph 5:25 (see on Eph 5:25). for our sins--which enslaved us to the present evil world. deliver us from this--Greek, "out of the," &c. The Father and Son are each said to "deliver us," &c. (Col 1:13): but the Son, not the Father, gave Himself for us in order to do so, and make us citizens of a better world (Phi 3:20). The Galatians in desiring to return to legal bondage are, he implies, renouncing the deliverance which Christ wrought for us. This he more fully repeats in Gal 3:13. "Deliver" is the very word used by the Lord as to His deliverance of Paul himself (Act 26:17): an undesigned coincidence between Paul and Luke. world--Greek, "age"; system or course of the world, regarded from a religious point of view. The present age opposes the "glory" (Gal 1:5) of God, and is under the authority of the Evil One. The "ages of ages" (Greek, Gal 1:5) are opposed to "the present evil age." according to the will of God and our Father--Greek, "of Him who is at once God [the sovereign Creator] and our Father" (Joh 6:38-39; Joh 10:18, end). Without merit of ours. His sovereignty as "GOD," and our filial relation to Him as "OUR FATHER," ought to keep us from blending our own legal notions (as the Galatians were doing) with His will and plan. This paves the way for his argument.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4-5 This summary of the Good News is the basis for the rebuke that follows (1:6-10). This might be a creed or confession of faith that Paul used to remind the Galatians of the message they had earlier embraced. 1:4 Because Jesus completely rescued us from our sins, there is no place for efforts to save ourselves. • Christian faith rescues us from this evil world in which we live (see 4:8-12; 5:13-26).
Galatians 1:4
Paul’s Greeting to the Galatians
3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,4who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,5to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(The Last Days) a Pure Virgin for Christ
By Zac Poonen3.0K54:46JHN 17:14GAL 1:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life separate from the world, drawing parallels to Noah's condemnation of the world by his way of life. It highlights the need to understand the subtle influences of the world and the distinction between valuing heavenly things over earthly desires. The message warns against being drawn away from Christ by the attractions of the world, urging believers to maintain a pure devotion to Christ amidst the worldly temptations and distractions.
(The Last Days & the Lord's Coming) a Pure Virgin for Christ
By Zac Poonen2.0K54:23MAT 7:1JHN 7:24ROM 1:302CO 6:14GAL 1:41TI 6:102TI 3:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the distinction between the church and the world. He uses a metaphor of a handsome man and a bride walking down the road to illustrate how the church and the world used to be far apart. The preacher emphasizes that the church should not align itself with the ways of the world, as they lead to eternal death. He also highlights the importance of living in a way that condemns the world, just as Noah did. Additionally, the preacher warns against being consumed by worldly pleasures, money, and self, as these distractions can prevent us from being ready for the coming of the Lord.
Two Churches-Babylon and Jerusalem
By Zac Poonen1.5K57:57PSA 15:4LUK 16:13GAL 1:4JAS 4:4REV 18:4REV 19:2This sermon delves into the concept of Babylon as a corrupt system that infiltrates Christianity, leading believers astray with worldliness, materialism, and false doctrines. It emphasizes the need to come out of this corrupt Christianity, focusing on devotion to Christ, obedience to God's word, and avoiding the traps of money, politics, and music that can lead to spiritual downfall.
Freedom From This World System
By Zac Poonen1.5K57:10JHN 18:36ROM 12:2GAL 1:4PHP 3:17This sermon emphasizes the need to break free from the cages of sin, legalism, and the world system that hinder spiritual growth. It highlights the importance of aligning our values with God's Word, avoiding conformity to worldly standards, and focusing on glorifying God in all aspects of life.
Why Jesus Christ Died
By Bob Jennings1.3K44:04GAL 1:4This sermon focuses on the reasons why Christ died, emphasizing the importance of understanding the true Gospel message. It highlights how Christ gave Himself for our sins, to rescue us from this present evil world, to fulfill the will of God the Father, and to bring glory to God. The speaker delves into the deep significance of each reason, emphasizing the love, grace, mercy, justice, and power of God displayed through Christ's sacrifice.
What Is God Doing Today?
By Randy Amos91338:48Christian LifeISA 2:4ISA 42:1JHN 5:24ACT 15:14GAL 1:4REV 19:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the question of what God is doing on earth today. He begins by reading Isaiah 42:1-4, which speaks of God's servant, who is identified as Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes that God is calling people out from the rebellious world to repent of their sins and turn to Jesus for salvation. He explains that God is forming a new government, the church, and is actively building it up by adding to it daily those who are being saved. The speaker encourages believers to be involved in this work by using their gifts and sharing the message of salvation with others.
Love Not the World
By Philip Powell88709:37MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 12:2GAL 1:4JAS 4:41JN 2:151JN 5:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the apparent contradiction between two Bible verses: 1 John 2:15, which advises not to love the world, and John 3:16, which states that God loved the world. The preacher explains that this is not a contradiction but a paradox, as the Bible is full of paradoxes that present real truths. The sermon emphasizes that while the Bible contradicts every aspect of life outside of Christ, it never contradicts itself. The preacher also highlights the importance of loving the Father instead of the world, as what we love will shape us.
Fear, Faith and Following God
By Wally Magdangal79239:25SufferingPSA 118:17ISA 54:17MAT 6:25MAT 10:32ROM 8:31GAL 1:4REV 3:8In the video, the speaker shares his personal experience of being persecuted for his faith in Christ. He describes being surrounded by Islamic fanatics and facing physical abuse and threats. Despite the difficult circumstances, he testifies to the Lord standing by his side and giving him strength to proclaim the message of the gospel. The speaker emphasizes the urgency of reaching out to Arab Muslims in America, warning that if Christians do not share the gospel, they may eventually face the sword of Islam. He calls on young people to take up the cause of Christ and be willing to go all the way for Him.
Spiritual Gifts Training (Part 4)
By Jackie Pullinger4450:45Spiritual GiftsHealing and ForgivenessKingdom Of GodDAN 2:44MAL 4:1MAT 12:28MRK 1:15LUK 10:9JHN 3:81CO 4:20GAL 1:4EPH 1:212TH 1:7Jackie Pullinger emphasizes the transformative power of the Kingdom of God, asserting that it is not merely about words but about divine power manifesting in healing and restoration. She reflects on the historical longing of Israel for their kingdom and how Jesus proclaimed the nearness of the Kingdom, urging believers to actively participate in its realization through acts of healing and forgiveness. Pullinger encourages the congregation to check the teachings against Scripture and to engage in the mission of spreading the Kingdom, highlighting the importance of forgiveness as a prerequisite for healing and spiritual freedom.
Joshua 5
By John Nelson Darby0Spiritual ConflictDeliveranceEXO 15:13MAT 11:28ROM 8:1GAL 1:4EPH 6:12COL 3:3HEB 9:26John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of Israel's journey from Egypt to Canaan as a metaphor for the Christian experience, highlighting the transition from bondage to freedom through Christ. He explains that while believers are delivered from judgment through the blood of Christ, they must also engage in spiritual conflict in Canaan, representing the heavenly places. Darby stresses the importance of recognizing our identity in Christ, being dead to sin and alive in Him, and the necessity of self-judgment and reliance on the Holy Spirit for spiritual growth. He illustrates that true nourishment comes from Christ, the 'old corn of the land,' as believers are called to live in the reality of their heavenly position while navigating the challenges of the world. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to holiness and the acknowledgment of Christ's lordship in every aspect of life.
Who Gave Himself for Our Sins.
By Martin Luther0ROM 5:8GAL 1:4EPH 1:71PE 2:241JN 2:2Martin Luther emphasizes the central theme of Paul's epistle, focusing on the purpose of Christ's sacrifice for our sins. Luther highlights the futility of self-merit and the necessity of Christ's atonement for the forgiveness of sins, challenging the idea that our own efforts can remove sin. He underscores the greatness of Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing the vicious nature of sin and the need for complete reliance on Jesus for redemption. Luther encourages believers to embrace the truth that Christ died for all sins, even the most ingrained and stubborn ones, offering eternal life through faith in Him.
Profiting From the Word 7. the Scriptures and the World
By A.W. Pink0Spiritual GrowthSeparation from the WorldMAT 5:11JHN 15:19ROM 8:7GAL 1:4PHP 3:81TI 6:12JAS 4:42PE 1:191JN 2:151JN 5:19A.W. Pink emphasizes the Christian's relationship with the world, warning believers against conforming to its values and distractions. He explains that the Scriptures illuminate the true nature of the world, revealing it as an enemy of God that must be resisted and overcome. Pink encourages Christians to seek spiritual growth through the Word, which should lead to a detachment from worldly desires and a deeper commitment to Christ. He stresses the importance of walking in separation from the world and being prepared to face its hatred, as true followers of Christ will often find themselves at odds with worldly values. Ultimately, Pink calls for believers to elevate their hearts and minds above worldly concerns, focusing instead on eternal truths.
The Snare of Service
By A.W. Pink0Personal DevotionWorshipPSA 33:1PRO 3:6MAT 11:301CO 10:31GAL 1:41TI 4:72TI 2:15HEB 3:11PE 2:9REV 5:12A.W. Pink emphasizes that the primary focus of a Christian should be on worshiping and adoring God, who has provided everlasting salvation through Christ's sacrifice. He warns against the distractions of service that can lead believers away from personal communion with God, suggesting that many are too engaged in serving others rather than nurturing their own spiritual lives. Pink highlights the importance of understanding God's will through Scripture and prioritizing personal devotion over external duties. He cautions that neglecting one's own spiritual health can lead to a hollow witness to others. Ultimately, he calls for a return to prioritizing personal worship and communion with God as the foundation for effective service.
That He Might Deliver Us From This Present Evil World.
By Martin Luther0JHN 1:12JHN 14:6GAL 1:4EPH 2:81JN 4:10Martin Luther preaches about the evil nature of this present world, controlled by the devil, where ignorance, contempt, hatred, and disobedience of God prevail. He emphasizes that without Christ, all talents and virtues are futile and even hinder the acceptance of the Gospel. Luther stresses the need for deliverance from the devil's kingdom, which can only be achieved through Christ, not by human efforts or wisdom. He highlights the contrast between the devil's kingdom of iniquity and despair and Christ's kingdom of grace, peace, and everlasting life, emphasizing that we are saved by God's mercy and love, not by our own works or will.
The People Have Not Separated Themselves.
By F.B. Meyer0Spiritual IdentitySeparation from the WorldEZR 9:1MAT 5:14JHN 15:19ROM 12:22CO 6:14GAL 1:4HEB 13:13JAS 4:41PE 2:91JN 2:15F.B. Meyer addresses the issue of the Israelites' failure to separate themselves from surrounding nations, highlighting the consequences of intermarriage and the dilution of their holy identity. He reflects on Ezra's deep sorrow over this spiritual compromise, emphasizing that true communion with God brings both comfort and a burden for the world's grief. Meyer warns that as the end of the age approaches, the distinction between the lives of believers and the world is diminishing, urging Christians to maintain their separation and focus on God. He encourages believers to follow Christ's example of engaging with the world while keeping their hearts centered on the Father, even if it leads to social ostracism.
Put That on Mine Account.
By J. Wilbur Chapman0MAT 11:28ROM 8:31CO 15:32CO 5:21GAL 1:4PHP 4:7HEB 2:101PE 2:241JN 2:1J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the powerful message in the epistle to Philemon, where Paul writes on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave, urging Philemon to forgive and accept him back. Through this narrative, Chapman draws parallels to Christ's atonement for our sins, emphasizing how Jesus answers for our sins, takes them away, answers for our failures, takes our cares, and stands beside us even in death, offering to bear our burdens and sins on His account.
The Lord's Prayer
By Thomas Watson0The Power of PrayerDeliverance from EvilPSA 106:35MAT 6:13MRK 7:21JHN 10:28GAL 1:4HEB 12:10JAS 1:271PE 5:81JN 2:16REV 3:19Thomas Watson expounds on 'The Lord's Prayer,' particularly the petition 'Deliver us from evil,' emphasizing the need for divine protection from the evils of the world, our own hearts, and the devil. He illustrates how the world is defiling, ensnaring, deadening, and vexing, urging believers to seek deliverance from its temptations and troubles. Watson also highlights the importance of recognizing the heart as a source of sin and the necessity of prayer for strength against Satan's schemes. He concludes by reminding the congregation of the eternal consequences of sin and the need for God's grace to overcome it.
The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0DAN 2:37DAN 9:24MAT 13:18LUK 21:24ROM 11:25ROM 12:2GAL 1:4EPH 1:232TH 2:82TI 4:10Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the prophetic visions given to Daniel, outlining the course of the Gentile period from the last captivity to the second coming of Christ. Daniel's dreams and interpretations reveal the succession of Gentile world powers - Babylonia, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The seventy weeks of years mentioned by Daniel are divided into two distinct periods, one before the rejection of Christ and the other after. The church age, a mystery age, is not accounted for in the prophetic visions, and the final period of seven years, the great tribulation, is yet to come before the establishment of Messiah's kingdom.
"Strangers Have Devoured His Strength"
By D.L. Moody0Spiritual WeaknessThe Danger of Worldly AssociationsHOS 7:9MAT 5:14GAL 1:4JAS 4:4D.L. Moody emphasizes the spiritual weakness that arises from sin and the dangers of associating with worldly influences, which he describes as 'strangers' that devour our strength. He illustrates the futility of a backsliding Christian, comparing them to a cake baked only on one side, and warns that friendship with the world is enmity against God. Moody uses the imagery of Ephraim as a silly dove, lacking the strength to escape danger due to sin, highlighting the importance of remaining steadfast in faith to be effective lights in a dark world.
The Substitution of the Christ-Life for the Self-Life.
By F.B. Meyer0Sanctification through the SpiritSelf vs. ChristROM 6:6GAL 1:4GAL 2:20GAL 3:3GAL 5:16GAL 6:14F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of substituting the Christ-life for the self-life, arguing that self is the main impediment to spiritual growth. He uses the Epistle of Galatians to illustrate how the works of the flesh manifest in various forms of selfishness and how true sanctification comes through the cross of Christ. Meyer stresses that believers must crucify their self-life and allow the Holy Spirit to lead them into a life centered on Christ. He highlights that the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit is ongoing, and true victory comes from living in the Spirit. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a radical transformation where Christ becomes the center of our lives instead of self.
The Scriptures and the World
By A.W. Pink0Spiritual GrowthSeparation from the WorldMAT 5:17LUK 16:15JHN 15:19GAL 1:41TI 6:12JAS 4:42PE 1:191JN 2:151JN 5:41JN 5:19A.W. Pink emphasizes the Christian's relationship with the world, warning believers against conforming to its values and distractions. He explains that the world is an enemy of God, and Christians must resist its allure and focus on spiritual growth through the Scriptures. Pink encourages self-examination to determine if one's heart is truly aligned with God or entangled in worldly desires. He highlights that true faith enables believers to overcome the world and that Christ's sacrifice frees them from its bondage. Ultimately, Pink calls for a separation from worldly influences, urging Christians to find their joy and satisfaction in God alone.
What Age Are You Living For?
By Allan Halton0MAT 13:39JHN 12:311CO 2:61CO 2:82CO 4:4GAL 1:4EPH 2:2Allan Halton reflects on the grief and pain felt for the tragic loss of young lives, questioning the darkness and evil prevalent in this present age. He delves into the concept of two ages mentioned in the Bible - the current age ruled by darkness and evil, and the age to come characterized by light and righteousness. Halton emphasizes that God is actively working in this present age, planting seeds of the coming age through His children of light who live for the future kingdom of God. He points to Jesus as the Man from Another Age who initiated the Kingdom of God, bringing hope for the inevitable harvest and the separation of the righteous from the wicked at the end of the age.
The World
By J.C. Ryle0Christian IdentitySeparation from the WorldMAT 6:21MRK 10:29LUK 12:8JHN 15:18ROM 12:22CO 6:17GAL 1:4JAS 1:271JN 2:151JN 5:4J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical duty of Christians to separate themselves from the world, as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 6:17. He warns that the world poses a significant danger to the soul and that true Christians, transformed by the Spirit, will strive to live a life distinct from worldly influences. Ryle clarifies misconceptions about separation, asserting that it does not require abandoning secular professions or relationships but rather involves a heart change and a commitment to godly principles. He outlines the secrets to victory over the world, including a renewed heart, a strong faith in unseen realities, and the courage to confess Christ openly. Ultimately, Ryle calls believers to reflect on their relationship with the world and to seek Christ for strength in their journey of separation.
Salvation and Separation Ryde
By John Nelson Darby0SalvationSeparation from the WorldLUK 15:17GAL 1:4John Nelson Darby emphasizes the critical connection between understanding our lost state and the concept of salvation, arguing that many fail to grasp the reality of being lost to God. He explains that true salvation involves recognizing our separation from the world and the flesh, which cannot be improved or redeemed. Darby illustrates this through the story of the prodigal son, highlighting that being lost is not merely about actions but a state of being apart from God. He asserts that the death of Christ signifies the end of the old creation and introduces a new creation in Him, where believers are called to live by faith, not by sight. Ultimately, he encourages Christians to manifest the life of Christ in their daily lives, fully embracing their identity as new creations in Him.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who gave himself for our sins - Who became a sin-offering to God in behalf of mankind, that they might be saved from their sins. Deliver us from this present evil world - These words cannot mean created nature, or the earth and its productions, nor even wicked men. The former we shall need while we live, the latter we cannot avoid; indeed they are those who, when converted, form the Church of God; and, by the successive conversion of sinners is the Church of Christ maintained; and the followers of God must live and labor among them, in order to their conversion. The apostle, therefore, must mean the Jews, and their system of carnal ordinances; statutes which were not good, and judgments by which they could not live; Eze 20:25; and the whole of their ecclesiastical economy, which was a burden neither they nor their fathers were able to bear, Act 15:10. Schoettgen contends that the word πονηρος, which we translate evil, should be translated laborious or oppressive, as it comes from πονος, labor, trouble, etc. The apostle takes occasion, in the very commencement of the epistle, to inform the Galatians that it was according to the will and counsel of God that circumcision should cease, and all the other ritual parts of the Mosaic economy; and that it was for this express purpose that Jesus Christ gave himself a sacrifice for our sins, because the law could not make the comers thereunto perfect. It had pointed out the sinfulness of sin, in its various ordinances, washings, etc.; and it had showed forth the guilt of sin in its numerous sacrifices; but the common sense, even of its own votaries, told them that it was impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sin. A higher atonement was necessary; and when God provided that, all its shadows and representations necessarily ceased. See the note on Gal 4:3.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
gave himself-- (Gal 2:20); unto death, as an offering. Found only in this and the Pastoral Epistles. The Greek is different in Eph 5:25 (see on Eph 5:25). for our sins--which enslaved us to the present evil world. deliver us from this--Greek, "out of the," &c. The Father and Son are each said to "deliver us," &c. (Col 1:13): but the Son, not the Father, gave Himself for us in order to do so, and make us citizens of a better world (Phi 3:20). The Galatians in desiring to return to legal bondage are, he implies, renouncing the deliverance which Christ wrought for us. This he more fully repeats in Gal 3:13. "Deliver" is the very word used by the Lord as to His deliverance of Paul himself (Act 26:17): an undesigned coincidence between Paul and Luke. world--Greek, "age"; system or course of the world, regarded from a religious point of view. The present age opposes the "glory" (Gal 1:5) of God, and is under the authority of the Evil One. The "ages of ages" (Greek, Gal 1:5) are opposed to "the present evil age." according to the will of God and our Father--Greek, "of Him who is at once God [the sovereign Creator] and our Father" (Joh 6:38-39; Joh 10:18, end). Without merit of ours. His sovereignty as "GOD," and our filial relation to Him as "OUR FATHER," ought to keep us from blending our own legal notions (as the Galatians were doing) with His will and plan. This paves the way for his argument.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4-5 This summary of the Good News is the basis for the rebuke that follows (1:6-10). This might be a creed or confession of faith that Paul used to remind the Galatians of the message they had earlier embraced. 1:4 Because Jesus completely rescued us from our sins, there is no place for efforts to save ourselves. • Christian faith rescues us from this evil world in which we live (see 4:8-12; 5:13-26).