Bible Study on Galatians: Faith Over Legalism

At its core, the message of Galatians is simple but revolutionary: you are saved by grace, not by rule-keeping. A Galatians Bible study reminds us that spiritual freedom doesn’t come from checking boxes — it comes from faith in Christ alone.

If you’ve ever felt burdened by trying to “do enough” for God, this letter will be a breath of fresh air. Let’s walk through what makes Galatians so powerful, and how to study it in a way that actually changes how you live.

What Is Galatians About?

Written by Paul to the churches in Galatia, this letter was a wake-up call. People were slipping back into legalism — thinking they had to follow old Jewish laws to be “real” Christians. Paul’s response?

• Faith > Law
• Grace > Performance
• Jesus > Everything else

Galatians challenges every part of us that wants to earn salvation. Instead, it points us back to the cross and the freedom that comes with it.

Key Themes in Galatians

As you go through your Galatians Bible study, pay attention to these major themes:

• Justification by faith — You’re made right with God through belief, not works (Galatians 2:16).
• Freedom in Christ — Real freedom is spiritual, not just circumstantial (Galatians 5:1).
• Identity as sons and daughters — You are adopted by God, fully loved, fully accepted (Galatians 4:6-7).
• The fruit of the Spirit — Evidence of transformation isn’t rules, but love, joy, peace, and more (Galatians 5:22-23).

How to Study Galatians

Want to actually absorb what you read? Use this rhythm:

1. One Chapter a Day: Galatians has 6 chapters — you can complete it in a week.
2. Reflect with a Question: After each chapter, ask: “What does this say about grace vs. performance?”
3. Track Application: Write down one mindset or habit you’re shifting because of what you learned.

Tools like the Ascend Bible app make this even easier with guided lessons, interactive quizzes, and progress tracking to help you build a habit.

Galatians 2:20 — The Heart of the Gospel

This one verse captures the entire message of the book:

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” — Galatians 2:20

If you're struggling with people-pleasing, perfectionism, or religious burnout, meditate on this truth. Your worth is not earned — it’s given.

Final Thoughts: Faith Over Fear. Grace Over Guilt.

A Galatians Bible study reminds us of what truly sets Christianity apart — the gospel of grace. You don’t earn it. You receive it. And when you really get that, your faith becomes lighter, deeper, and more joyful.

Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready to shake off legalism once and for all, Galatians will meet you with truth — and set you free.

This powerful Bible story teaches us timeless lessons about faith, courage, and God's providence. Through modern Bible study tools like Ascend's gamified approach, these ancient truths come alive for today's believers.