Many people outside the church think that Christianity is merely moralism. In theologically liberal churches it is a liberal moralism and in conservative churches it is a traditional moralism. Paul explodes that idea and shows us the difference it makes in how we live as well as how we raise children. Outline--I. What is the burden of moralism--II. What is at state--III. What does moralism produce in people-

Paul makes a strong appeal to rely only on the promise of God in the gospel as he compares Hagar and Sarah and their children. He sets before us great news as he tells us that the Gospel is for those who feel like failures.--Outline--An appeal which to us is strange-I. Two Sons-II. Two Mothers-III. Two Religions-Many Applications

Paul's appeal to the Galatians turns to their personal relationship with him as apostle and pastor. We glean from this part of the letter many of the characteristics that all churches should imitate.

Paul diagnoses the deep problem behind the desire in the church to embrace the Jewish lifestyle of keeping kosher and observing the sacred days of the Jewish calendar. Here he speaks about a return to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world. This is the root of all non-gospel-based religion. Outline--I. They are undoing their conversion-II. They are turning back-III. The importance of this for us-IV. Only Jesus can free us

In an increasingly divided world is there any hope for us to get along- The gospel addresses all the divisions that exist between people and calls the church to live differently than the world. Outline--I. Adoption requires someone who comes at the right time.-II. How does our adoption overcome divisions--III. This means the Gospel has many social implications.

The highpoint of both Paul's argument against legalism in this book and the highest privilege of being a Christian is our adoption by God the Father. When we grasp this and its implications our lives are immensely richer. Outline--Introduction - two ways to relate to God-I- The privileges of Adoption into God's family-II- Four implications of our being sons of God-III- Three levels of meaning for us-IV- Five applications

How are God's promises related to law in our lives- This sermon looks at the Law and once again Paul gives a surprising answer that has far ranging implications.-Outline--Introduction-I. The Parable of the Two Sons-II. Imprisons all the World v.22 and Romans 7-7-15-III. Two pictures- A. The Law as Jailer or Prison Guard v.23- B. The Law as Guardian v.24-III. Implications

How are God's promises related to law in our lives- Paul gives a surprising answer that has far ranging implications.-Outline--Recap- Law and Promise have different purposes.-Why do we so easily confuse Law and Promise--I. Look at Galatians 3 - the promises made to Abraham.-II. Look at Genesis 15.-III. Look again at Galatians 3.-IV. Four applications for our lives.

What place should the law have in the life of a Christian- This is one of the most practical and important questions for us to grapple with. We will begin to do so in this sermon. Outline--I. What is my relationship to the law--II. What is the purpose of the law--III. What are the practical implications of this in daily living-

We can live by and rely on Christ alone through faith alone or we can live in a way that we might think would produce blessing but results in curse.-Outline--I. What is practical righteousness--II. What is at stake- v.5-6-III. What does it mean to have faith- v. 9-Generic faith vs saving faith-IV. What does relying on observing the law to gain God's blessing, acceptance and love result in- v. 10, 12-V. How can we escape the curse and enjoy the blessing- v.13