The Gospel Of Grace Explained Series

GALATIANS # 3

The Gospel of Grace Explained 3:1 4:31

A. Holy Spirit Is Given by Faith, Not by Works 3:1 5

1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was

publicly portrayed as crucified?

2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the

works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the

flesh?

4 Did you suffer so many things in vain if indeed it was in vain?

5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it

by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

HEBREWS 11: 1 I Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Many suppose this to be Paul in verse 5, but I think it refers to God. Because the Spirit came from God and so did the miracles.

B. Abraham Was Justified by Faith, Not by Works 3:6 9

6 Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS

RIGHTEOUSNESS.

7 Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.

8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the

gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN

YOU."

9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.

Abraham was the "father of the faithful." The most remarkable trait in his character was his unwavering confidence in God. They who demonstrate the same trait, therefore were worthy to be called his children. They would be justified in the same way, and in the same manner meet the approval of God. It is implied here, that it was sufficient for salvation to have a character which would render it proper to say that we are the children of Abraham. If we are like him, if we demonstrate the same spirit and character, we may be sure of salvation.

C. Justification Is by Faith, Not by the Law 3:10 4:11

1. Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law 3:10 14

10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM." 11 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."

I

12 However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, "HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM."

13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE" –

14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

ACTS 2:38 39

38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

39 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself "

This is how you get the Spirit, not by following the law.

2. Abrahamic Covenant Is Not Voided by the Law 3:15 18

15 Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it.

16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, "And to seeds," as referring to many, but rather to one, "And to your seed," that is, Christ.

17 What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise.

18 For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.

Once God makes a promise He does not back down on his word. What He said yesterday is still true today and forever.

3. Law Given to Drive Us to Faith 3:19 22

19 Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made.