After his conversation with Peter, Paul turns his focus back to the Galatians.
He got to know that they mixed law and faith, as a means of getting rich with God, and now he has taken this opportunity to unveil an exposition of law and grace.
“Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes was Jesus Christ publicly portrayed as crucified?” – Gal 3:1
Point 1: By being “senseless”
I didn’t want to resort to name-calling but this is exactly what Paul says. It means slow to believe what the Lord has said.
The Greek term translated as “foolish” is anoētos, meaning “senseless.” The Lord once used this word to describe the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, who were “slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken” (Luke 24:25), having failed to fully reflect on Scripture and grasp the significance of Calvary. Paul himself employs the term in his letter to the Romans, describing his own indebtedness “both to the wise and to the unwise” (Romans 1:14).
Antidote: Renew your mind to the truths of God.
Point 2: By making grace feel “inferior”
That’s right! We are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, BUT those who emphasize on the law will always be ready show how we don’t measure up.
If you are around a legalist, they can quickly make you feel insufficient, and lacking, which is the exact opposite of what the gospel says.
You can be bewitched. The word for “bewitched” is baskainō, a term unique in the New Testament. It connotes being fascinated or hypnotized—much like a serpent that, by catching a rat’s eye, holds it spellbound until it can strike. The rat is fascinated by the discipline, outward perfection of the law, but before you know it, legalism, can devour you. (Read: Should believers keep the law).
Antidote: Freedom always offends legalists. Stand firm in the grace of God.
Point 3: By using your “need” for approval
And where do we yearn for approval the most? From family!
I know of a family attending an amazing grace-based church. Their parents, rooted in a highly legalistic Pentecostal tradition from southern India, visited their church and started judging everything there. Though this family was almost “bewitched” into joining a “holy” church to secure their parents approval, they thankfully got to their senses.
Even Jesus had to face diapprovals. Gospels do record instances where Jesus faced disapproval and skepticism from his own family. For example, in Mark 3:21, His family even tried to seize Him, remarking that He was “out of His mind.” Additionally, John 7:5 notes that even His own brothers did not believe in Him.
Antidote: Set your value or worth in Christ, not in other’s approval. Like Jesus, do not give it any value, even if from family. If a legalist tells you- hey! You are absolutely unholy, and you are hanging out with the vile folks. You are a disgrace! Just tell them- Now that we have settled that, can I get back to helping out these folks?
How can we spot a legalist?
Legalism can be subtle, but there are several signs to watch for:
- Rule Over Grace: A legalist often emphasizes strict adherence to rules and laws, all in the name of holiness.
- Attitudes: They are characteristically strict and serious, often viewing humor as a distraction from the gravity of their beliefs or as an affront to the rules they cherish. This strictness isn’t merely about enforcing rules—it reflects an overall mindset that prioritizes discipline, order, and a constant vigilance to maintain what they perceive as a holy or righteous way of living. However, it’s important to note that this is not a universal trait.
- Judgment and Superiority: They tend to look down on those who don’t meet their stringent standards, often using a condemning or disapproving demeanor.
- Sermons they like: You will notice that most of the preachers and sermons they like are the ones that put down other people, come down hard at others because of lack of holiness.
- Rigid Practices: Whether it’s insisting on specific worship styles, prayer routines, or dress codes, legalists usually enforce uniformity and discourage deviation.
- Self-Effort Over Divine Grace: Instead of embracing the freedom of grace, they rely heavily on personal performance and adherence to the law as the path to holiness.
- Exclusivity: Legalists often adopt an “us versus them” mindset, excluding those who don’t conform to their narrow definitions of holiness.
After spotting a legalist, be careful in your interactions with them.
Conclusion: Moving forward
What did Jesus do? He stayed on course. He stood for the faith and the gospel.
So, embrace grace. There will always be those who dismiss a life led by grace as inferior. Yet remember, even Jesus faced such accusations. He never felt compelled to defend His holiness or prove His worth—He simply lived out His mission of love and compassion. When confronted by legalists who decry your association with sinners, simply respond, “Now that we’ve settled that, may I continue to help these folks?” While legalistic minds thrive on exclusion, those who have experienced the freedom of grace are driven by a desire to share the transformative message of God’s love with everyone, expressing the love of Jesus in every act.
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