Paul ends his letter to the Galatians by challenging them to look at the product of their religion. It is actually changing them into new people or simply a self-focus source of pride?

If one is truly mature in Christ they will seek the benefit of others, especially those in need. Also, when they complete their duty they will not seek glory as if they did something special but rather that it was what they ought to have done. 

In this passage, Paul walks through the two paths of life that each person must choose on a consistent basis: either the way of the flesh or the way of the Spirit.

Paul transitions his argumentation toward the purpose of freedom and how the Galatians, in their pursuit of holiness, are actually abandoning their righteousness by going back to spiritual slavery. 

Paul continues in his argumentation against the Galatians and now turns to allegory.

This episode covers Paul's transition from logic-based theology to personal appeal in his attempt to convince the Galatians they have abandoned their faith and him in their pursuit of Judaism. 

This episode explores the equality under both sin and therefore the gospel through faith. Those who are of this faith are the heirs of the promise given to Abraham.

This episode discusses Paul's interpretation of the promise to Abraham, that the Messiah is the "seed" mentioned in the promise given to Abraham from God.

This episode discusses Paul's argument that the Galatians are turning against the Gospel and truth they once believed by their new desire to be back under the Law of Moses. 

Scripture Readings: 

First Reading: Genesis 3:1-11: 22

3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” 4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” 11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” 22 And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.”

Second Reading: Galatians 3:10-11

3:10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”

Gospel Reading: John 8:39-44

8:39 “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. 40 As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. 41 You are doing the works of your own father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.