Galatians 5:7-26

In the opening of this portion of the letter to the Galatians, Paul makes a statement and follows with a question: "You were running well; who hindered you?" The Galatians had received the gospel of grace, but shortly after Paul had departed, Judaizers had come in and hindered (cut into their lane and knocked them off track) them from living out their life of liberty in Christ. They told them circumcision was necessary for salvation. Paul reminds them that a "little leaven, leavens the whole lump." In other words, if you accept circumcision, you will eventually be fully controlled by legalism. And legalism only promotes the works of the flesh, which Paul demonstrates is very different from the fruit of the Holy Spirit.