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The Galatian believers had become fascinated by the false teachers’ arguments. Magic was common in Paul’s day. Magicians used optical illusions and Satan’s power to perform miracles, and people were drawn into the magician’s mysterious rites without recognizing their dangerous source. The believers in Galatia knew that they had not received God’s spirit by obeying the Jewish laws. Paul stressed that just as they began their Christian lives in the power of the Spirit, so they should grow by the Spirit’s power. The Galatians have taken a step backward when they had decided to insist on keeping the Jewish laws. We must realize that we grow spiritually because of God’s work in us by his Spirit, not by following strict rules.

Galatians 3:1-3
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?