Galatians 5:4
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Christ is become of no effect unto you - It is vain for you to attempt to unite the two systems. You must have the law and no Christ, or Christ and no law, for your justification. Ye are fallen from grace - From the Gospel. They had been brought into the grace of the Gospel; and now, by readopting the Mosaic ordinances, they had apostatized from the Gospel as a system of religion, and had lost the grace communicated to their souls, by which they were preserved in a state of salvation. The peace and love of God, received by Jesus Christ, could not remain in the hearts of those who had rejected Christ. They had, therefore, in every sense of the word, fallen from grace; and whether some of them ever rose again is more than we can tell.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Literally, "Ye have become void from Christ," that is, your connection with Christ has become void (Gal 5:2). Rom 7:2, "Loosed from the law," where the same Greek occurs as here. whosoever of you are justified--"are being justified," that is, are endeavoring to be justified. by the law--Greek, "IN the law," as the element in which justification is to take place. fallen from grace--Ye no longer "stand" in grace (Rom 5:2). Grace and legal righteousness cannot co-exist (Rom 4:4-5; Rom 11:6). Christ, by circumcision (Luk 2:21), undertook to obey all the law, and fulfil all righteousness for us: any, therefore, that now seeks to fulfil the law for himself in any degree for justifying righteousness, severs himself from the grace which flows from Christ's fulfilment of it, and becomes "a debtor to do the whole law" (Gal 5:3). The decree of the Jerusalem council had said nothing so strong as this; it had merely decided that Gentile Christians were not bound to legal observances. But the Galatians, while not pretending to be so bound, imagined there was an efficacy in them to merit a higher degree of perfection (Gal 3:3). This accounts for Paul not referring to the decree at all. He took much higher ground. See PALEY'S HorÃ&brvbr PaulinÃ&brvbr. The natural mind loves outward fetters, and is apt to forge them for itself, to stand in lieu of holiness of heart.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Christ is become of no effect unto you,.... Or "ye are abolished from Christ"; or as others by an "hypallage" read the words, "Christ is abolished unto you"; for by their seeking for justification by their own works, it was all one to them as if there was no Christ, and no righteousness in him, and no salvation by him; they had nothing to do with him, nor he with them: whosoever of you are justified by the law; that is, who sought to be justified by their obedience to the law, or who thought they were, and trusted in themselves that they were righteous; for otherwise, by the deeds of the law, no flesh living can be justified: ye are fallen from grace; that is, either from that grace which they professed to have; for there might be some in these churches, as in others, who were only nominal Christians, and formal professors; who had declared they saw themselves lost and undone sinners, destitute of a righteousness, and professed to believe in Christ alone for righteousness and strength, but now trusted in themselves, and in the works of the law: or from the scheme of grace in the whole of man's salvation, which will admit of no mixture of works; either it is one or the other, it cannot be both; wherefore by their taking on the side of works, they showed that they had entirely dropped the scheme of grace: or else from the Gospel of the grace of God, from whence they were removed, through the influence of false teachers; particularly the doctrine of free justification by the grace of God, through the righteousness of Christ; which was entirely set aside by their seeking to be instilled by the works of the law; and from this they might be said to be fallen, who were on such a bottom.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:4 People who think circumcision is necessary for salvation are putting faith in the law and in themselves, not in Christ. Such people are cut off from Christ, outside of his grace (cp. Rom 5:2); they are under the judgment of the law. They have fallen away from the benefits of God’s grace (cp. Gal 1:6; 1 Pet 5:12).
Galatians 5:4
Freedom in Christ
3Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.4You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Beware of Dogs - Part 1
By David Wilkerson6.3K15:04ROM 3:28ROM 11:6GAL 1:6GAL 2:16GAL 3:10GAL 5:1GAL 5:4EPH 2:8PHP 3:2TIT 3:5In this sermon, the speaker delves into the importance of defending the true gospel of Jesus Christ and warns against false teachings that add human effort to salvation. Paul's strong stance against those who pervert the gospel by promoting works of the flesh over faith in Christ is highlighted. The message emphasizes the danger of legalism and the need to stand firm on the truth that salvation is by grace through faith alone.
Stop Working, Start Receiving- Grace
By Francis Chan2.7K44:14GAL 1:6GAL 1:15GAL 1:23GAL 2:20GAL 3:26GAL 5:4GAL 6:14EPH 2:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's grace and the need to focus on Him rather than seeking approval from others. It highlights the astonishment at turning away from the grace of Christ to a works-based gospel, stressing the eternal condemnation for distorting the true message of salvation. The speaker underscores the priority of pleasing God over pleasing people and the significance of baptism as a public declaration of faith and association with Jesus Christ.
Law vs. Grace
By Stephen Kaung2.1K1:11:29GraceMAT 6:33ROM 6:14GAL 3:25GAL 5:4GAL 6:18In this video, the speaker discusses the basics of the gospel of Jesus Christ and emphasizes the importance of understanding these basics. The three main points of focus are grace versus law, faith versus works, and spirit versus flesh. The speaker encourages the audience to study the letter to the Galatians and identify every verse where the words grace, faith, and works are mentioned. This exercise will help them gain a clear understanding of the gospel and provide a foundation for future growth.
Paul's Allegory of the Covenants
By Peter Masters1.2K47:03GAL 1:6GAL 2:16GAL 3:10GAL 3:13GAL 4:12GAL 4:22GAL 5:4GAL 6:8GAL 6:14This sermon delves into the allegory of the two covenants as explained by the Apostle Paul in Galatians. It contrasts the covenant of works, which relies on human effort and leads to bondage, with the covenant of grace, based on God's promise and salvation through faith in Christ. The narrative of Abraham's sons, Ishmael and Isaac, is used to illustrate this spiritual truth, emphasizing the superiority of the covenant of grace. The sermon warns against false teachings that promote salvation through works rather than grace, highlighting the need to trust in Christ alone for salvation.
1 Peter 2:8
By John Gill0Disobedience to the GospelStumbling at ChristISA 8:14MAT 21:42JHN 1:11JHN 3:19ROM 9:331CO 1:23GAL 5:4EPH 2:8HEB 4:21PE 2:7John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 2:8, illustrating how Christ serves as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to those who disbelieve, particularly the Jews who could not accept His humble origins and the nature of His ministry. He discusses their misconceptions about the Messiah's glory and power, which led them to reject Jesus due to their expectations of a worldly king. Gill emphasizes that their disobedience to the Gospel and refusal to accept divine revelation are the root causes of their stumbling. He also notes that while some are appointed to believe, others are left in their disobedience, leading to their spiritual downfall. Ultimately, the sermon highlights the contrast between those who embrace Christ and those who reject Him due to their own understanding and expectations.
Be Filled and Be Filled Now!
By Roy Hession0ROM 3:31CO 2:61CO 6:131CO 13:82CO 3:7GAL 3:17GAL 5:4EPH 2:152TH 2:82TI 1:10HEB 2:14The preacher delves into the concept of 'katargeo,' which means to render something powerless or ineffective. This term is often used in the New Testament to describe the nullification or abolition of various things, such as the Law, sin, and death, through the work of Christ. The perfect tense of 'katargeo' signifies a permanent effect, emphasizing the lasting impact of Christ's work. By exploring the multiple instances of 'katargeo' in the Bible, believers can grasp the profound truths associated with the work of Christ and the freedom it brings.
Stand Your Ground!
By Miles J. Stanford0ROM 6:14ROM 7:6ROM 8:2GAL 2:19GAL 3:12GAL 5:4EPH 2:8COL 2:16HEB 8:6Miles J. Stanford preaches about the contrast between the law and grace, emphasizing how the law can break a person while grace can make them whole. He discusses the complexity of walking in separation from religious systems of the past and future, highlighting the importance of being guided by the Spirit of God and the Word of God. Stanford challenges the misconception that Jesus was merely an introduction to Moses and that believers must keep the law to maintain their position, instead emphasizing that true faith leads to a natural walk of privilege and relationship with Christ.
Gratuitous Grace
By Miles J. Stanford0MAT 5:17ROM 6:141CO 15:10GAL 5:4EPH 2:8Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between law and grace in the believer's life. He highlights that grace forsaken leads to forfeited freedom, and it is crucial for believers to grasp dispensational truth to align with God's present purpose. Stanford explains that the Law of Moses is tied to Israel's sacrifices and rituals, while the laws of the kingdom pertain to future conditions under the reign of the King. He warns against mixing the principles of law and grace, stating that grace alone now reigns through Christ to the glory of the triune God.
What We See When the Spirit Reigns: Love
By John Piper0MAT 12:36ROM 5:1ROM 8:1ROM 12:19ROM 13:8GAL 3:1GAL 5:4HEB 11:1John Piper delves into the importance of faith, ongoing sanctification, and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that justification is both an instantaneous event at the beginning of the Christian life and a future acquittal at the final judgment, dependent on a life of faith and the transforming work of the Spirit. Piper highlights that the Spirit enables believers to fulfill the just requirement of the law, which is to love one another, showcasing that a life empowered by the Spirit is characterized by love. He provides practical guidance on how to experience this life of love, emphasizing that faith is the key to plugging into the power of God and becoming a loving person.
Caution Against False Doctrines
By Ignatius of Antioch0JHN 1:142CO 5:17GAL 5:4HEB 1:3Ignatius of Antioch warns against being deceived by strange doctrines, fables, and endless genealogies, emphasizing the need to embrace the newness found in Christ. He highlights that living by the Jewish law denies the grace received through Jesus Christ. The prophets of old lived in anticipation of Christ, being persecuted for their faith in the one Almighty God revealed through Jesus Christ, His Son.
Paul's Vehement Opposition to Legalism
By Art Katz0Grace vs. LegalismThe Atonement of ChristISA 6:1JHN 14:6ROM 3:20ROM 6:4ROM 7:122CO 5:17GAL 2:21GAL 5:4EPH 2:8PHP 3:9Art Katz emphasizes the Apostle Paul's vehement opposition to legalism, particularly in his letter to the Galatians, where he warns against adding the Law to faith in Christ. Paul understood that any attempt to achieve righteousness through the Law contradicts the purpose of Jesus' sacrificial death, which was to condemn the flesh and self-righteousness. His personal encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus profoundly shaped his understanding of grace and the necessity of seeing the death of Jesus as a complete atonement for sin. Katz argues that this revelation is crucial for believers today, as any return to self-righteousness undermines the grace of God and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding and appropriation of the atonement to avoid making the grace of God ineffective.
Philippians 1:22-26
By St. John Chrysostom0JOB 38:7PSA 106:2ROM 9:31CO 9:272CO 6:52CO 11:23GAL 5:4PHP 2:27John Chrysostom preaches about the exemplary spirit of Paul, who faced the choice between departing to be with Christ or remaining in the flesh for the sake of others. Paul's selfless dedication to the progress and joy in the faith of his followers is highlighted, emphasizing the noble and sacrificial nature of his decision. Chrysostom urges the congregation to emulate Paul's unwavering faith and commitment to Christ, even in the face of adversity and persecution, as a testament to their salvation and steadfastness in the Gospel.
What Will You Do With Grace? Grace - 3
By Anton Bosch01CO 10:122CO 6:1GAL 2:21GAL 5:4EPH 2:5HEB 4:1HEB 12:15HEB 12:28Anton Bosch emphasizes that while God's grace is limitless and unfailing, it requires acceptance and reception from the recipient to be effective. He warns against living in sin or returning to legalism under the assumption that grace will cover all actions. Bosch highlights the danger of receiving grace in vain, setting aside His grace, falling from grace, and falling short of God's grace, as outlined in various Bible verses.
Law, Grace and Victory
By Theodore Epp0Justification By FaithLaw vs. GraceJHN 1:17ROM 3:20ROM 6:14GAL 2:21GAL 3:4GAL 5:4EPH 2:8Theodore Epp emphasizes that the Christian life is rooted in faith rather than the Law, as articulated by Paul in Galatians. He argues that if righteousness could be achieved through the Law, then Christ's sacrifice would be rendered meaningless. Epp explains that the Law serves to highlight our guilt and need for grace, and that true justification comes through faith in Christ, not through adherence to the Law. He clarifies that while the Law is not dismissed, it is fulfilled through Christ's death, which satisfies its demands. Ultimately, grace and truth are realized through Jesus, contrasting the limitations of the Law.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Christ is become of no effect unto you - It is vain for you to attempt to unite the two systems. You must have the law and no Christ, or Christ and no law, for your justification. Ye are fallen from grace - From the Gospel. They had been brought into the grace of the Gospel; and now, by readopting the Mosaic ordinances, they had apostatized from the Gospel as a system of religion, and had lost the grace communicated to their souls, by which they were preserved in a state of salvation. The peace and love of God, received by Jesus Christ, could not remain in the hearts of those who had rejected Christ. They had, therefore, in every sense of the word, fallen from grace; and whether some of them ever rose again is more than we can tell.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Literally, "Ye have become void from Christ," that is, your connection with Christ has become void (Gal 5:2). Rom 7:2, "Loosed from the law," where the same Greek occurs as here. whosoever of you are justified--"are being justified," that is, are endeavoring to be justified. by the law--Greek, "IN the law," as the element in which justification is to take place. fallen from grace--Ye no longer "stand" in grace (Rom 5:2). Grace and legal righteousness cannot co-exist (Rom 4:4-5; Rom 11:6). Christ, by circumcision (Luk 2:21), undertook to obey all the law, and fulfil all righteousness for us: any, therefore, that now seeks to fulfil the law for himself in any degree for justifying righteousness, severs himself from the grace which flows from Christ's fulfilment of it, and becomes "a debtor to do the whole law" (Gal 5:3). The decree of the Jerusalem council had said nothing so strong as this; it had merely decided that Gentile Christians were not bound to legal observances. But the Galatians, while not pretending to be so bound, imagined there was an efficacy in them to merit a higher degree of perfection (Gal 3:3). This accounts for Paul not referring to the decree at all. He took much higher ground. See PALEY'S HorÃ&brvbr PaulinÃ&brvbr. The natural mind loves outward fetters, and is apt to forge them for itself, to stand in lieu of holiness of heart.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Christ is become of no effect unto you,.... Or "ye are abolished from Christ"; or as others by an "hypallage" read the words, "Christ is abolished unto you"; for by their seeking for justification by their own works, it was all one to them as if there was no Christ, and no righteousness in him, and no salvation by him; they had nothing to do with him, nor he with them: whosoever of you are justified by the law; that is, who sought to be justified by their obedience to the law, or who thought they were, and trusted in themselves that they were righteous; for otherwise, by the deeds of the law, no flesh living can be justified: ye are fallen from grace; that is, either from that grace which they professed to have; for there might be some in these churches, as in others, who were only nominal Christians, and formal professors; who had declared they saw themselves lost and undone sinners, destitute of a righteousness, and professed to believe in Christ alone for righteousness and strength, but now trusted in themselves, and in the works of the law: or from the scheme of grace in the whole of man's salvation, which will admit of no mixture of works; either it is one or the other, it cannot be both; wherefore by their taking on the side of works, they showed that they had entirely dropped the scheme of grace: or else from the Gospel of the grace of God, from whence they were removed, through the influence of false teachers; particularly the doctrine of free justification by the grace of God, through the righteousness of Christ; which was entirely set aside by their seeking to be instilled by the works of the law; and from this they might be said to be fallen, who were on such a bottom.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:4 People who think circumcision is necessary for salvation are putting faith in the law and in themselves, not in Christ. Such people are cut off from Christ, outside of his grace (cp. Rom 5:2); they are under the judgment of the law. They have fallen away from the benefits of God’s grace (cp. Gal 1:6; 1 Pet 5:12).