O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this; Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?

Galatians 3:1-2 (ESV)

The Galatians had been seduced by a subversive gospel, and the Apostle Paul warned them that it would result in fleshly attitudes and behaviours that will lead them away from God.

The Greek word for "bewitched" is baskainō which means "to fall under a spell". In the context of this verse, the Galatians were foolishly "spellbound" by the Judaizers to give up the purity of the gospel for a toxic mixture of legalism and licence (cf. Galatians 5:7-26).

Under its bewitching spell, the Galatians were chasing after spiritual experiences while ignoring the gospel. They were consumers of religion rather than followers of Christ, switching from one set of beliefs to another without ever really growing. They also believe they will receive a “greater” anointing with the next twisted fleshy teaching than with the previous one (cf. Galatians 3:3-5).

Both legalism and licence appeal to the flesh and are in conflict with the gospel. They are toxic to our faith because they create a version of God to our own liking. When that happens, we are really worshipping ourselves rather than God.

Paul told the Galatians to return to the authentic gospel of God’s grace and walk in their new identity in Christ because the Holy Spirit will enable them to live a godly and righteous life. The Holy Spirit is already dwelling within you as a result of your faith in the Lord. You therefore have all the anointing you ever need in you. He will continually fill you with His fruit if you learn to submit to Him and let Him have complete reign over your life.