◄ Galatians 3 ►
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Summary Faith and Belief Galatians 3 delivers a powerful message about the preeminence of faith in our relationship with God. This faith is not confined to a select few; it transcends ethnic, social, and gender divisions, uniting us all in Christ. It emphasizes that we are saved not through our efforts but by faith in Jesus Christ. It is a chapter of liberation, pointing to the freedom we find in Christ. Foolish Galatians and the Righteousness by Faith (Galatians 3:1-6) Paul begins by calling the Galatians foolish for believing they could achieve perfection through human effort after beginning with the Spirit. He reminds them of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and questions whether they received the Spirit by works of the law or hearing with faith. He uses Abraham's faith, which was credited to him as righteousness, as an example. The Purpose of the Law (Galatians 3:7-14) Paul asserts that those with faith are the true children of Abraham, and the Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith. The law, however, does not nullify the promise but was added because of transgressions until the Seed (Christ) to whom the promise referred had come. The law was a guardian leading us to Christ, but now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. The Blessing of Abraham (Galatians 3:15-29) Paul states that the law cannot alter the covenant God ratified, and the promise given to Abraham and his Seed (Christ) still stands. He concludes that we are justified by faith in Christ and no longer under the law's supervision. All who have been baptized into Christ have clothed themselves with Christ, signifying unity irrespective of race, status, or gender. As Abraham's seed, believers are heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3 stresses the primacy of faith for justification and inheriting the promise given to Abraham. Paul chides the Galatians for their foolishness in returning to the law and emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith, not the law. He then expounds the law's purpose and the fulfillment of the promise through Jesus Christ, culminating in the beautiful unity and inheritance found in Christ. Teaching Points The Foolishness of Returning to the Law Paul begins by questioning the Galatians' decision to return to the law after having begun their journey with the Spirit. O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? (Galatians 3:1). This highlights the futility of relying on the law for salvation. Justification by Faith Paul emphasizes that Abraham was justified by faith, not by works of the law. So also, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.' (Galatians 3:6). This sets a precedent for all believers. The Curse of the Law The law brings a curse because no one can fully keep it. For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse... (Galatians 3:10). Christ redeems us from this curse by becoming a curse for us. The Purpose of the Law The law was a guardian until Christ came. The law was our guardian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24). It served to lead us to Christ. Unity in Christ Through faith, all believers are united in Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28). Practical Applications Embrace Faith Over Works Trust in the finished work of Christ for your salvation rather than trying to earn it through good deeds. Live in Freedom Recognize that you are no longer under the law's curse and live in the freedom that Christ provides. Celebrate Unity Embrace the unity and equality that comes from being one in Christ, breaking down barriers of race, status, and gender. Share the Gospel Use the example of Abraham to share the message of justification by faith with others. People 1. Paul The author of the letter to the Galatians, Paul is an apostle who is addressing the Galatian churches. He is concerned with correcting their theological errors, particularly regarding the law and faith. In Galatians 3, Paul uses rhetorical questions and scriptural references to make his case for justification by faith. 2. Jesus Christ Central to Paul's argument, Jesus Christ is presented as the one through whom believers receive the promise of the Spirit by faith. Paul emphasizes that it is through Christ's work, not the law, that believers are justified. The Greek term "Χριστός" (Christos) is used to denote the Anointed One, the Messiah. 3. Abraham Abraham is a key figure in Paul's argument about faith and the law. Paul refers to Abraham to illustrate that righteousness comes by faith, as Abraham "believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Galatians 3:6). The Hebrew root for Abraham is "אַבְרָהָם" (Avraham), meaning "father of many." 4. The Law While not a person, the Law is personified in Paul's argument as a custodian or guardian until Christ came. Paul discusses the role of the Law in relation to the promise given to Abraham and its temporary nature until the coming of faith in Christ. 5. The Galatians The recipients of the letter, the Galatians are addressed directly by Paul. He expresses his astonishment at their turning to a different gospel and seeks to correct their understanding of faith and the law. 6. Moses Although not mentioned by name in Galatians 3, Moses is implicitly referenced as the mediator of the Law, which was given 430 years after the promise to Abraham. The Greek term "νόμος" (nomos) refers to the Law, often associated with the Mosaic Law. 7. The Seed Paul makes a theological point about the "Seed" referring to Christ, not many descendants. This is based on the promise to Abraham and his "Seed," which Paul interprets as singular, pointing to Christ (Galatians 3:16). Places 1. Mount Sinai While not explicitly mentioned in Galatians 3, Mount Sinai is implicitly referenced through the discussion of the law given to Moses. The law is a central theme in this chapter, and Mount Sinai is traditionally understood as the place where Moses received the law from God. The Greek term "νόμος" (nomos) refers to the law, which is central to the argument Paul makes about faith versus law. 2. Jerusalem Again, not directly mentioned in Galatians 3, but Jerusalem is the center of Jewish religious life and the location of the temple. The chapter discusses the promise given to Abraham and the coming of Christ, which are fulfilled in the context of Jewish history centered around Jerusalem. The Greek term "Ἰερουσαλήμ" (Ierousalēm) is often associated with the covenant and the law. 3. The Promised Land The promise to Abraham, which is a key theme in Galatians 3, implicitly refers to the Promised Land. This is the land promised to Abraham and his descendants, symbolizing the inheritance of faith. The Greek word "ἐπαγγελία" (epangelia) is used for "promise," connecting to the land promised to Abraham. Events 1. Paul Rebukes the Galatians for Foolishness Paul begins by expressing his astonishment at the Galatians' foolishness for turning away from the truth of the Gospel. He asks, "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?" (Galatians 3:1). The Greek word for "bewitched" (ἐβάσκανεν) implies being led astray or deceived. 2. Receiving the Spirit by Faith, Not Works Paul questions whether the Galatians received the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith. He emphasizes that their initial reception of the Spirit was through faith, not by observing the law (Galatians 3:2-5). 3. Abraham's Faith as an Example Paul uses Abraham as an example, stating, "So also Abraham 'believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness'" (Galatians 3:6). The Greek word for "credited" (ἐλογίσθη) indicates a reckoning or accounting of righteousness based on faith. 4. The Blessing of Abraham for All Nations Paul explains that those who have faith are children of Abraham and that Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, proclaiming the Gospel to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you" (Galatians 3:8). 5. The Curse of the Law Paul asserts that those who rely on the law are under a curse, quoting, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law" (Galatians 3:10). The Greek term for "curse" (κατάρα) signifies divine judgment. 6. Christ Redeems from the Curse Paul declares that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, as it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree" (Galatians 3:13). The Greek word for "redeemed" (ἐξηγόρασεν) means to buy back or liberate. 7. The Promise of the Spirit Through Faith Paul concludes that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit (Galatians 3:14). 8. The Law and the Promise Paul explains the relationship between the law and God's promise, stating that the law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God (Galatians 3:17). 9. Purpose of the Law Paul clarifies that the law was added because of transgressions until the Seed (Christ) to whom the promise referred had come (Galatians 3:19). 10. The Law as a Guardian Paul describes the law as a guardian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. The Greek term for "guardian" (παιδαγωγός) refers to a tutor or custodian (Galatians 3:24). 11. Unity in Christ Paul concludes that in Christ Jesus, all are children of God through faith, and there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26-28). 12. Heirs According to the Promise Paul affirms that if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29). Connections to Additional Scriptures Romans 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.' Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for Salvation Thank God for the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Strength to Live by Faith Pray for the strength to rely on faith rather than works for your righteousness. Unity in the Body of Christ Ask God to help you and your church embrace and promote unity among all believers. Boldness in Sharing the Gospel Pray for opportunities and courage to share the message of justification by faith with others. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Paul mean when he calls the Galatians foolish? 2. How does the story of Abraham's faith apply to our understanding of faith and righteousness? 3. Why does Paul say the law was a guardian? What does this mean for us today? 4. How does Paul's assertion of unity in Christ challenge societal divisions and prejudices? 5. What does it mean to be an heir according to the promise, and how does this apply to our lives as Christians? 6. How does this chapter help you understand the relationship between the law and faith? 7. How does this chapter deepen your understanding of the covenant God made with Abraham and its implications for us today? 8. What does it mean to be "clothed with Christ", and how can we live this out in our daily lives? 9. How does the concept of faith over works challenge our human tendencies to earn approval and acceptance? 10. How does Paul's explanation of the law's purpose change your perception of Old Testament laws? 11. In what ways does this chapter affirm the universality of the Gospel? 12. What does the chapter teach us about the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant? 13. How can we, like Abraham, demonstrate our faith in God in our current circumstances? 14. How does Paul’s teaching in this chapter inform how we approach divisions and inequalities in our society? 15. In what ways does Paul's teaching about faith challenge the way you live out your faith? 16. How does Paul use the contrast between the law and promise to establish the foundation of faith? 17. How does Paul's view of equality in Christ challenge societal hierarchies? 18. How does the analogy of the law as a "guardian" help you understand its role and purpose? 19. How does the concept of justification by faith impact your understanding of salvation? 20. How does being an "heir according to the promise" change your view of your identity in Christ? Topics 1. Foolishness of the Galatians (Galatians 3:1-5) Paul begins by addressing the Galatians as "foolish" for being misled, despite having clearly received the message of Christ crucified. He questions whether they received the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith. The Greek word for "foolish" (ἀνόητοι, anoētoi) implies a lack of understanding or discernment. 2. Abraham's Faith and Righteousness (Galatians 3:6-9) Paul uses Abraham as an example, stating that "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Galatians 3:6). This emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith, not the law. The Greek term for "credited" (ἐλογίσθη, elogisthē) suggests an accounting or reckoning. 3. The Curse of the Law (Galatians 3:10-14) Paul explains that those who rely on the law are under a curse, as it is impossible to uphold it perfectly. He cites Deuteronomy 27:26 to support this. Christ redeemed us from the curse by becoming a curse for us, fulfilling the promise of the Spirit through faith. 4. The Law and the Promise (Galatians 3:15-18) Paul discusses the relationship between the law and God's promise to Abraham. He argues that the law, which came 430 years later, does not nullify the covenant previously established by God. The Greek word for "covenant" (διαθήκη, diathēkē) refers to a binding agreement or testament. 5. Purpose of the Law (Galatians 3:19-22) The law was added "because of transgressions" until the coming of the promised Seed, who is Christ. The law serves to highlight sin but cannot impart life. The Greek term for "transgressions" (παραβάσεων, parabaseōn) indicates violations or overstepping of boundaries. 6. Children of God through Faith (Galatians 3:23-29) Before faith came, the law was a guardian. Now that faith has come, believers are no longer under a guardian. Through faith in Christ, all are children of God and are one in Christ Jesus, regardless of ethnic, social, or gender distinctions. The Greek word for "guardian" (παιδαγωγός, paidagōgos) refers to a tutor or guide for children. Themes 1. Justification by Faith Galatians 3 emphasizes that believers are justified by faith and not by the works of the law. Paul asks, "Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?" (Galatians 3:2). The Greek word for "faith" (πίστις, pistis) underscores trust and belief in Christ as the means of justification. 2. The Role of the Law The chapter discusses the purpose of the law, stating, "The law was our guardian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith" (Galatians 3:24). The Greek term for "guardian" (παιδαγωγός, paidagogos) refers to a tutor or guide, indicating the law's temporary role in leading to Christ. 3. The Promise to Abraham Paul highlights the promise made to Abraham, explaining that "the Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: 'All nations will be blessed through you'" (Galatians 3:8). This theme connects the Abrahamic covenant to the inclusion of Gentiles through faith. 4. Unity in Christ The chapter concludes with the theme of unity among believers, stating, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). This emphasizes the breaking down of social and ethnic barriers in the body of Christ. 5. The Curse of the Law Paul explains that "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us" (Galatians 3:13). The Greek word for "redeemed" (ἐξαγοράζω, exagorazo) means to buy back, highlighting Christ's sacrificial act to free believers from the law's curse. 6. Inheritance through Faith The chapter discusses believers' inheritance as children of God, stating, "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:29). This theme underscores the spiritual inheritance received through faith in Christ. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions