Galatians Chapter 3
- Oct 27, 2024
- 8 min read
INTRODUCTION:
We are in the fourth week of our study of Galatians. Paul has been addressing a theological crisis because the churches in Galatia were adding to the gospel of grace based on the influence of false teachers of the time called Judaizers. Last week we looked at Galatians 2 and Paul made it clear that justification comes through faith in Jesus, not by the works of the law. It is a powerful call to live out one's faith with integrity and authenticity, emphasizing grace over legalism.
Galatians Chapter 3 continues Paul's argument against the necessity of the Jewish law for Gentile believers. He focuses on faith, using Abraham as an example to show that righteousness comes through faith and not through the law. Paul highlights that the law served as a guardian until Christ came, but now that faith has come, we are no longer under the law. This chapter is a call to live by faith and not be constrained by the legalistic practices of the past.
Galatians 3:1-9
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? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by[a] the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?
Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
What are some observations we can make about these verses?
Right out of the gate Paul hits us with mostly rhetorical questions to not only remind the Galatians, and us, how they came to faith but to also point out how easily foolish decisions can lead you down the wrong path.
Paul's Rebuke: He starts with a strong admonishment, calling the Galatians "foolish" for being misled after starting their faith journey.
Faith vs. Law: Paul drives home that they received the Spirit by faith, not by adhering to the law.
Example of Abraham: Paul uses Abraham's faith to illustrate that righteousness comes through belief, not works.
Spirit's Work: Emphasizes that the miraculous works among them were results of faith, not law.
Blessings of Faith: Those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
Let’s talk about Abraham here real quick and it may help us understand why Paul is bringing him into the letter to the Galatians.
Who is Abraham: Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Old Testament, primarily featured in the Book of Genesis (chapters 12-25)
He is often referred to as the "father of faith" and the "friend of God"
Some key points about Abraham:
Call from God: God called Abraham from his home in Mesopotamia to journey to the Promised Land (Canaan), promising to make him the father of a great nation and bless all nations through his offspring
Covenant with God: God made a covenant with Abraham, promising that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky
Name Change: God changed Abram's name to Abraham, which means "Father of a multitude," signifying the promise of many descendants
Test of Faith: Abraham's faith was tested when God asked him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, which the Lord called him back from at the last second BUT, Abraham's willingness to obey demonstrated his unwavering faith
Abraham acted on his faith alone: He believed what God said. The law did not exist at this point in time, so there is no way to claim his righteousness came through obedience to the law.
READ - Galatians 3:10-14
For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
What are some observations we can make about these verses?
Curse of the Law: Paul states that those who rely on the law are under a curse because it's impossible to keep the law perfectly.
Cursed - This word pops up throughout Galatians 3. Paul talks about the curse of the law, stating that anyone who relies on the law is under a curse because no one can fully uphold it. However, Christ redeemed us from that curse by becoming a curse for us when he was crucified. By doing this, Jesus opened the door for us to receive the blessing of Abraham through faith, not by law. So, in essence, the curse is lifted through Christ.
Law - The “law” refers to the Mosaic Law—a set of religious laws given to Israel through Moses. Paul addresses how, while the law was good and served a purpose, it couldn't grant eternal life or true righteousness. The law exposed sin but couldn't save us from it. Paul emphasizes that faith in Christ replaces the law's role, offering a new path to righteousness and a closer relationship with God. It’s about faith bringing freedom and life where the law brought restriction and awareness of sin.
The Righteous Will Live by Faith: Echoing Habakkuk, Paul emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith, not the law.
Christ Redeems from the Curse: Christ took on the curse of the law by being crucified, a powerful act of redemption.
Blessing of Abraham: Through Christ, the blessing given to Abraham extends to the Gentiles, allowing them to receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Talk about the impossibility of the law to save and the liberating power of faith in Christ. That sounds a lot better than the law!
READ - Galatians 3:15-29
To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.
Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.
Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.
What are some observations we can make about these verses?
Note first a change in tone from verse 1 to verse 15. In verse 1 he uses “Galatians” and then in verse 15 he uses “Brothers”. Paul moves from an impersonal tone that is sobering to a more personal tone that is softer. Have you ever done that? Can you relate?
Human Covenant: Paul starts with an analogy to human covenants, he refers to a “man- made covenant” emphasizing that once established, they can't be annulled or added to.
A covenant is an oath bound promise. An agreement between two parties that specifies requirements for at least one party, and includes blessing and curses for obedience or failure. Once Ratified, a covenant cannot be changed by either party.
Promise to Abraham: The promises were made to Abraham and his "seed," meaning Christ, showing the singular focus of the promise.
Purpose of the Law: The law was added because of transgressions until the Seed (Christ) came. It served to highlight sin but wasn't intended to bring life.
The Law as Guardian: The law acted as a guardian until Christ came so that we might be justified by faith.
Faith Over the Law: Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the guardian.
Unity in Christ: Paul underscores that in Christ, there is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; all are one in Him.
Heirs of the Promise: If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.
This section really brings home the transition from law to faith and the unity and inheritance we have in Christ.
So….What Truths Can We Take Away and Apply to Our Lives
Live by Faith: Instead of getting bogged down in rules and rituals, focus on cultivating a genuine relationship with God through faith. Trusting in Christ brings freedom and peace.
Equality and Unity: Embrace the idea that in Christ, there’s no division—be it race, social status, or gender. Promote unity within in the Body
Reject Legalism: Avoid the trap of legalism, where strict adherence to rules becomes more important than the essence of faith. Let grace and faith lead your actions.
Spiritual Inheritance: Recognize that as believers, you are heirs of God's promises. This knowledge can inspire confidence and hope in living out your faith daily.
Empowerment through Faith: Understand that faith empowers you to overcome challenges. Lean on that faith for strength and guidance in difficult times.
CONCLUSION:
Galatians Chapter 3 delves into the distinction between faith and the law. Paul argues that it’s faith, not adherence to the law, that justifies believers before God. He underscores the importance of faith through the example of Abraham, who was counted righteous because of his belief. Paul spends some time here giving a brief history lesson to not only remind them of the faith of Abraham and the law of Moses but to show how all of that has been part of God’s plan to bring everything to fulfillment in Jesus Christ our Savior. Jesus Christ becoming the curse of sin and death on that Cross is our redemption and we can only accept that through faith.. Thus we have come full circle - Everything that God did through history points to Jesus Christ.