The Light of Prophecy

Isaiah 9:2-7, 60:1-13, Micah 5:2-5
Mike Maglish

Part of The Light Has Come

December 7, 2025

Darkness is OPPRESSIVE. 

—Isaiah 9:2 

. —Isaiah 9:3-7 

1. Wonderful Counselor: God’s wisdom guides perfectly. Imagine a king who never makes mistakes, always leading with insight and righteousness. 
2. Mighty God (El Gibbor): God’s strength is unmatched. He is unstoppable against any enemy. 
3. Everlasting Father: God cares for His people tenderly and eternally. Unlike earthly fathers who fail or die, His care is unending. 
4. Prince of Peace: Shalom is more than absence of conflict. It is wholeness, restoration, and completeness in every area of life—justice, mercy, and security.

The Light Is JESUS 

 —Daniel 2:44 

—Matthew 4:16-17 

Jesus FULFILLS the PROMISE 


 —Isaiah 60:1-3 

• Global Scope: The prophecy points beyond Israel. Nations will be drawn to this Light. Darkness will be overcome. 
• Jesus’ Ministry: People from all walks of life—Jew and Gentile—were drawn to Him. He healed, taught, overturned oppressive systems, and drew the nations to Himself. 
• Revelation 21 Connection: In the New Jerusalem, “the Lamb is its lamp, illuminating everything forever.”2 “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, 
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, 
from you shall come forth for me 
one who is to be ruler in Israel, 
whose coming forth is from of old, 
from ancient days. 
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time 
when she who is in labor has given birth; 
then the rest of his brothers shall return 
to the people of Israel. 
4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, 
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. 
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great 
to the ends of the earth.” 
5 And he shall be their peace. —Micah 5:2-5 

—Daniel 7:9 

13 “I saw in the night visions, 
and behold, with the clouds of heaven 
there came one like a son of man, 
and he came to the Ancient of Days 
and was presented before him.” —Daniel 7:13 

22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. —Daniel 7:22 

The Lamb and the Shepherd 
• The Lamb: Vulnerable, sacrificial, aligning with God’s redemptive plan. 
• The Shepherd: Tender, guiding, protective, caring for His flock.

The Messiah is both LAMB and SHEPHERD 

…and He shall be our PEACE 

THE THREAD OF PROPHECY - ONE LIGHT MANY CENTURIES 

• Isaiah 9: Light shines, a King is promised. 
• Isaiah 60: Light draws nations. 
• Micah 5: King born in Bethlehem, eternal yet newborn, Lamb and Shepherd, He is our Peace. 
• Daniel 2: God’s kingdom as the unstoppable stone, cutting through oppressive empires. 
• Matthew 4: Jesus fulfills prophecy. 
• Revelation 21: Light shines forever in the New Jerusalem.

THE HEART OF GOD IN PROPHECY 

1. God intentionally enters darkness. Nothing intimidates Him—your fears, grief, sin, hopelessness.
2. God speaks His promises as if already done. The prophetic perfect shows His Word is alive and unstoppable.
3. Jesus is not just a light — He is YOUR light. Eternal, personal, restoring, guiding, protecting.
4. Prophecy shows God’s heart. He wants you to trust, to follow, to step into the Light.

The Light Of Prophecy Is HOPE and CERTAINTY 

Our Identity is in the Cross

Galatians 6:11-18
Tim Nay

Part of Galatians

November 30, 2025

14 “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” —Galatians 6:14 14 “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” —Galatians 6:14 

14 “set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate.” —Galatians 6:14 (The Message) 

12 “It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.” —Galatians 6:12 

We no longer live to impress others. 

13 “For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.” —Galatians 6:13 

We no longer exaggerate our abilities. 

15 “For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.” —Galatians 6:15 

We emphasize being a new creation. 

16 “And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.” —Galatians 6:16-18 

TAKEAWAY: Peace and mercy come from boasting only in the cross. 

The Satisfying Work of Mutual Support

Galatians 6:1-10
Tim Nay

Part of Galatians

November 23, 2025

1 “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” —Galatians 6:1-2 

19 “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” —Galatians 5:19-21 

CONDEMNATION: 
Often an emotional, impulsive reaction stemming from anger, self-righteousness, or a need for self-protection. It can provide a temporary feeling of superiority or a boost in self-worth by pointing out others’ flaws.

RESTORATION: 
Requires vulnerability, empathy, and the humble acknowledgment of one’s own weaknesses and brokenness.

We emphasize RESTORATION, not ACCUSATION. 

The GOAL of CONDEMNATION is often punishment or shaming, leading to despair and a downward spiral. 

The GOAL of RESTORATION is reconciliation, growth, and freedom, which involves a multi-step process of learning, molding, and getting back on the right path.

3 “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.” —Galatians 6:3-5 

11 “The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.” —Luke 18:11 

Our approach is from a humble and gentle spirit. 

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” —Proverbs 16:12 

3 “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.” —Galatians 6:3-5 

Burden = baros = “heaviness (of life)” 

Burden = baros = “heaviness (of life)”

Load = phortion = “lading of a ship”

We bear the burden, but do not assume responsibility for the load. 

6 “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. —Galatians 6:6-8 

9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” —Galatians 6:9-10 

We encourage steadfast sowing for eventual blessings.

TAKEAWAY: Who can you mutually support in their desire to live by the Spirit? 

Woman Caught in Adultery 
(John 8:1-11)

TAKEAWAY: Who can you mutually support in their desire to live by the Spirit?

Feed What You Want

Galatians 5:13-16
Mike Maglish

Part of Galatians

November 16, 2025

Galatians 5:13-18 

Paul pits the SPIRIT against the FLESH. He frames it as a conflict, a battle, a choice. 

Flesh - σάρξ (sarx) - “Body” or “Human nature apart from God”

Spirit - πνεῦμα (pneuma) - “God’s living presence within us. Shapes us more like Jesus.” 

Flesh (σάρξ / sarx) 
• Romans 7:18: “I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh.” 
• Galatians 5:17: “The flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit.” 
The “flesh” is not your skin — it’s your old self, your default setting of self-centeredness.

Spirit (πνεῦμα / pneuma) 
• Romans 8:9: “You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.” 
• Galatians 4:6: “God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts.” 

The FLESH leads to DESTRUCTION 

Galatians 5:19–21 

“And that’s not an exhaustive list … there are many more, many more that could be added to the list.” 
— John MacArthur, The Fruit of the Spirit, Part 1 

Other Examples Of Flesh In Scripture 
• Greed and Covetousness – Colossians 3:5 
• Pride and Arrogance – Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6 
• Neglect of the Poor or Injustice – Amos 5:11–12; Luke 16:19–31 
• Unforgiveness and Bitterness – Ephesians 4:31–32 
• Deception and Hypocrisy – Acts 5:1–11 
• Abuse of Power or Control – 3 John 9–10 
• Fear and Distrust of God – Romans 14:23 
• Slander and Gossip – 2 Corinthians 12:20

FROM SERMON CLUB 
gossip, church splits, ego before others, cliques, division between young and old, philosophical disagreements, majoring in non-gospel doctrine

21 “I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” —Galatians 5:21 
πράσσοντες (prassontes), implies a habitual lifestyle. This isn’t about one-time failure; it’s a life consistently ruled by the Flesh. 

The SPIRIT produces LIFE 

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control.” —Galatians 5:22-23 

Other Examples Of Fruit In Scripture 
• Generosity – 2 Corinthians 9:8 
• Humility – James 3:13–18 
• Mercy – James 3:17 
• Purity – James 3:17 
• Righteousness – Romans 14:17 
• Wisdom – James 3:1723 “against such things there is no law.” —Galatians 5:23 

“Neither God nor man has ever made a law against these things; the more there is of them, the better will it be for everybody.” - Charles Spurgeon 

We must CRUCIFY the FLESH daily 

24 “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” —Galatians 5:24 

23 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” —Luke 9:23 

25 “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” —Galatians 5:25 

στοιχῶμεν (stoichōmen) literally means to walk in line, like soldiers or a marching band following the cadence of the leader. 

Practical Ways To Keep In Step With The Spirit 
• Stay close to Jesus daily — prayer, Scripture, worship. 
• Walk with others — accountability and community matters. 
• Crucify the Flesh daily — refuse gossip, envy, anger, etc.. 
• Respond to the Spirit’s nudges — small acts of kindness, patience, love. 

Galatians 5:13-14 

Takeaway: Live In SPIRIT-LED freedom 

Sinner, Lay Your Burdens Down

Galatians 5:1-12
Mike Maglish

Part of Galatians

November 9, 2025

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” —Galatians 5:1 

2 “Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.” —Galatians 5:2 

GRACE brings FREEDOM 

21 “that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” —Romans 8:21 

When you live under law, you live under burden. 
When you live under grace, you live under blessing. 
The law says “do more.” 
Grace says “it’s done.” “Take my yoke upon you… for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:29–30 

LEGALISM leads to BURDEN 

4 “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” —Galatians 5:4 

“You’re so focused on cutting the flesh… that you’ve cut yourself off from Christ.” 

• Spiritually: You’re disconnecting from grace by relying on law. 
• Symbolically: You’re obsessed with physical cutting (circumcision), and as a result, you’ve spiritually “cut” yourself away from the true source of righteousness — Christ.

“The grace of God is infinite and eternal. As it had no beginning, so it can have no end.” - A.W. Tozer 

5 “For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” —Galatians 5:5-6 

STAND in FREEDOM 

7 “You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” —Galatians 5:7-9 

The Greek for “hindered” is ἐνέκοψεν (enekopsen), from the verb enkoptō — which literally means “to cut in on,” “to hinder by breaking up a road,” or “to impede by cutting off.”

It was often used in athletic or military contexts: 
• In a race, it described someone who cut into your lane and blocked your progress. 
• In warfare, it could mean cutting a trench or obstacle in a road to slow the enemy down. 

“These Judaizers are obsessed with physical cutting (circumcision), but they’re the ones doing the REAL damage — cutting you off from grace, cutting into your progress, cutting away your freedom in Christ.” 

12 “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” —Colossians 2:12-15 

12 “I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!” —Galatians 5:12 

Takeaway: When you live under GRACE, you live in FREEDOM 

“Grace is not opposed to effort; it’s opposed to earning.” — Dallas Willard

Harassment vs. Freedom

Galatians 4:21-31
Tim Nay

Part of Galatians

November 2, 2025

21 “Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.” —Galatians 4:21-23 

The Law vs. Promise 

1 “Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. 4 And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. 5 And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me!” 6 But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.” Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.” —Genesis 16:1-6 

The Law vs. Promise

• The Law represents human effort. 

1 “The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. 3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac.” —Genesis 21:1-3 

The Law vs. Promise

• The Law represents human effort.

• The Promise represents God’s effort. 

24 “Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.” —Galatians 4:24-27 

Hagar vs. Sarai

• Hagar represents the Law which brings slavery and bondage.

• Sarai represents the Promise which brings freedom and spiritual rebirth. 

28 “Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.” —Galatians 4:28-31 

Genesis 21:8-21 

Ishmael vs. Isaac 

• Ishmael represents the Law which harasses us for not being spiritually mature. 
• Isaac represents our freedom in Christ to continue to grow toward spiritual maturity. 

TAKEAWAY: Live out Christian freedom and avoid toxic religious environments.

A Spiritual Parent’s Emotional Appeal

Galatians 4:8-20
Tim Nay

Part of Galatians

October 26, 2025

8 “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.” —Galatians 4:8-11 

5 “When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.” —Acts 14:5-7 

Do not turn back to a list of religious rituals. 

“The pharisaical goal is to make the commands of righteousness just easy enough for me to follow, but too difficult for almost everyone else. That will allow me to look pretty good while leaving me plenty of people to judge.” —p. 20, 12 Steps for the Recovering Pharisee, by John Fischer 

20 “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” —Colossians 2:20-23 

FAITH VS. PERFECTION

FAITHFULNESS means being authentic, devoted, consistent, and loyal.

PERFECTION means there is not any room for error. 

“When God calls for perfection, it is assumed that we cannot perform it. It’s the demand for perfection that keeps me relying on God’s mercy and grace.. But the call to faithfulness is a call I can answer. Faithful to follow, faithful to confess, faithful to obey, faithful to repent, faithful to believe, faithful to pray and seek God—all these are the requirements of faithfulness.” 
— p. 21, 12 Steps for the Recovering Pharisee, by John Fischer

12 “Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” —Galatians 4:12-16 

Allow others to be honest and truthful with you. 

8 “Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” —Proverbs 9:8-9 

17 “They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you.” —Galatians 4:17-18 

Be aware some people have ulterior motives. 

19 “My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.” —Galatians 4:19-20 

Emotion is a part of Christ being formed in us. 

TAKEAWAY: Who’s your heart burdened for to become like Christ?

No Nanny Needed

Galatians 3:23-4:7

Tim Nay

Part of Galatians

October 19, 2025

23 “Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.” —Galatians 3:23 16 “You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.” —Leviticus 19:16 

17 “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him.” —Leviticus 19:17 

The Law imprisons us because we stand condemned. 

24 “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” —Galatians 3:24-25 

GUARDIAN (Pedagogue) 
• Responsible for training up a child morally & socially 
• Responsible for protecting the child. 
• Was to be obeyed 
• Treated the child more like a slave than someone free 
• Responsible for a determined time

LAW OF MOSES 
• Trained observers morally and socially 
• Protected the observer 
• Was to be obeyed 
• Observers were enslaved to it 
• Responsible for a determined amount of time

1 “I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” —Galatians 4:1-5 

The Law is no longer a guardian between us and our Abba Father! 

6 “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” —Galatians 4:6-7 

TAKEAWAY: Our energy is for loving God, not for keeping rules.

Standing in the Courtroom of Heaven

Galatians 3:15-22
Mike Maglish

Part of Galatians

October 12, 2025

STANDING IN THE COURTROOM OF HEAVEN 
(Not Guilty By Abraham Solomon) 

 —Romans 3:19–20 

The Law SHOWS our GUILT 
19 “Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. 
21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.” —Galatians 3:19–22 

THE SCOPE OF THE LAW 
The Law wasn’t a mistake, it was a mirror. 
The Law reveals sin, it doesn’t remove it. 
The Law defines righteousness, but can’t deliver it. 
The Law can’t heal, but it shows what’s broken. 

“You don’t blame the thermometer for the fever. The thermometer only shows you what’s wrong. The Law does the same — it shows us how far we’ve fallen short.” 

“The Law shows us our sin, but it can’t save us from it. It’s a diagnostic, not a cure.” - Tim Keller 

WHAT WE LEARN 
• Until we admit our guilt, we’ll never reach for grace. 
• The Law strips away pride and self-justification. 
• It says to every human heart, “You don’t measure up — but Someone does.”

The PROMISE shows God’s PLAN 

15 “To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.” —Galatians 3:15-18 

Explanation 
Paul points back 430 years before the Law - To Abram (Septuagint Math) 

Explanation 
Paul points back 430 years before the Law - To Abram (Septuagint Math) 
God made a covenant that salvation would come through faith 
The Law didn’t cancel that; it simply came alongside it for a long time 
The Promise shows us that GRACE was God’s plan all along

“If God’s promise to Abraham was a signed contract, the Law was just a temporary regulation. It couldn’t alter the terms. The covenant still stands.” (Both and Jewish Contract Law) 

APPLICATION 
Our salvation doesn’t depend on our performance - It depends on God’s Promise. 
The Promise shows that God always intended to bless the world through one Offspring - Christ. 
Your standing before God rests on HIS faithfulness, not yours. 

Christ GIVES us STANDING 

16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ —Galatians 3:16 

22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe —Galatians 3:22 

Jesus is the true heir of the covenant (STANDING) 
Through faith, we are united with Him 
His standing becomes ours 
We’re not just forgiven; we’re declared righteous (FULL LEGAL STATUS) 

Takeaway: The Law Reveals GUILT, but Christ gives STANDING. 

Foolish, Bewitched and Cursed - Without the Cross

Galatians 3:1-14
Mike Maglish

Part of Galatians

October 5, 2025

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.” —Galatians 3:1 

τίς ὑμᾶς ἐβάσκανεν 
tis hymas ebaskanen 
→ “Who has bewitched you?” 
• ἐβάσκανεν = “to cast an evil eye on, cast a spell, bewitch, deceive.” Paul uses a strong word implying spiritual deception or enchantment. 

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.” —Galatians 3:1 

ἐσταυρωμένος = perfect passive participle of σταυρόω (stauroō) → “to crucify.” 
• Perfect tense = past action, present results. (Christ was crucified and remains so) 
• Passive voice = done to the subject (Jesus was crucified by others). 
• Participle = a verbal adjective, functioning almost like a title (“the Crucified One”).

We are BEWITCHED when we take our EYES off the CROSS 

2 “Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” —Galatians 3:2-3 

Two big words 
SPIRIT - Holy Spirit 
BEING PERFECTED - brought to completion 

 —2 Corinthians 3:5-6 

13 “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” —Ephesians 1:13 

FAITH in CHRIST brings COMPLETION 

4 “Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? 
7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” —Galatians 3:4-9 

“Abraham hoped against hope, resting on the truth of God alone. His faith was imputed for righteousness; not because it merited righteousness, but because by believing, he confessed himself destitute of all righteousness, and sought it from God.” - John Calvin 

10 “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” —Galatians 3:10-12 

—Deuteronomy 27:26 

We are CURSED under the LAW 

13 “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.” —Galatians 3:13-14 

 —Deuteronomy 21:22-23 

Jesus became a CURSE for US 

—Romans 8:3-4 

“He took the curse, and left the blessing. He drank the wormwood and left the honey. He was spit upon and we are kissed. He was mocked and we are applauded. He was robed in shame and we are robed in glory. He was condemned and we are justified.” - Charles Spurgeon 

Takeaway: Put your FAITH in the ONE who became CURSED so you may be BLESSED