1. Chapter 3

4. About our last lesson…
From 2:15-21, it should be obvious to the Galatians, as it had been clear to Peter, that no one versed in the gospel of Christ can challenge the truth that neither Jew nor Gentile should seek righteousness through any part of any law.
Justification is not by “the works of the law” (v.16)
“…if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." (v.21)

5. About today’s lesson… “The Gospel and the Law”
Justification is by faith in Jesus Christ
It is by faith, not by works of the law, that miracles were and are being worked among the Galatians
God’s covenant with Abraham
How the Judaizers have misused “the promise to Abraham”
The blessing of Abraham comes upon Gentiles through Jesus Christ

6. About today’s lesson… “The Gospel and the Law”
Paul uses a series of questions to make his points and to shows how they are “victims” of the Judaizers (verses 1-6)
He rescues Abraham from the hands of the Judaizers (verses 7-9)
He appeals to the obvious – no man can be saved by Moses’ law (verses 10-14)

7. Read Galatians 3:1-6
Galatians 3:1-6 (NKJV) 1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain--if indeed it was in vain? 5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."

8. Paul’s Questions for “Foolish” Victims of Judaizers Galatians 3:1
“Who bewitched you?”
“Bewitch” [baskaino] means, “to bring evil on a person by feigned praise, or mislead by an evil eye” (W.E. Vine)
The word suggests both the ungodly tactics used by the Judaizers and the “foolishness” of their prey who had failed to “test the spirits” (1John 4:1) before accepting their false teachings about the Law and the gospel

9. Paul’s Questions for “Foolish” Victims of Judaizers Galatians 3:1
“Who bewitched you?”
Christ had been “clearly portrayed” [“openly” -- ASV] to them by Paul and other faithful teachers as crucified for their salvation
Doubtless, their portrayal had in­cluded some of the same “infallible proofs” by which the apostles themselves had been convinced about the message of the gospel (Acts 1:3)
The Galatians had not merely been duped by a harmless deception
Their acceptance of error was preventing them from continuing to “obey the truth”
Jesus will “take vengeance on those who...do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2Thess. 1:8)

10. Paul’s Questions for “Foolish” Victims of Judaizers Galatians 3:2
“Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”
Signs and wonders had been done before the Galatians during the first preaching of the gospel (Acts 14:3)
These signs demonstrated that the message advanced by Paul was endorsed by the powers of heaven (Mark 16:20)
Another possibility is that they had “received the Spirit” when God “sent forth the Spirit” into their hearts

11. Paul’s Questions for “Foolish” Victims of Judaizers Galatians 3:2
“Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”
Similarly, they had “received the Spirit” when they had begun to “walk in the Spirit,” not “fulfilling the lust of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16)
They were “led by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:18) and they “lived in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25) when they had first committed themselves to His control after obeying the gospel
More likely, the Galatian churches had been favored with spiritual gifts and had been able to witness the power of the Holy Spirit in their own personal manifesta­tions

12. Paul’s Questions for “Foolish” Victims of Judaizers Galatians 3:3
“Are you so foolish?”
When the person is in the position to change the Gospel of Jesus for:
 Social Gospel.
 Entertainment.
 False preaching (Galatians case)
 Make me feel good religion etc…
Then we become completely foolish!
Had the Law of the flesh added anything to their spiritual life that made them any more complete? Obviously not!

13. Paul’s Questions for “Foolish” Victims of Judaizers Galatians 3:4
“Have you suffered so many things in vain?”
We are not informed about what things the Galatians had suffered for the sake of truth
Paul declared to Timothy that “...all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2Tim. 3:12), so no doubt their problems had been very real
But to give up the truth for which they had made sacrifices would be to make those sacrifices worth nothing – they were in vain

14. Paul’s Questions for “Foolish” Victims of Judaizers Galatians 3:5
“Does He [God] do His wondrous works through the law or through the gospel of Christ?”
The question was rhetorical
The answer was clearly evident
God’s recognition of their righteousness had been expressed in His rich supply of the Spirit’s benefits, especially the miraculous signs and wonders done among them after acceptance of Paul’s gospel

15. Paul’s Questions for “Foolish” Victims of Judaizers Galatians 3:5
“Does He [God] do His wondrous works through the law or through the gospel of Christ?”
Those manifestations of God’s pleasure likely had ceased in those who had fallen prey to the Judaizers, and what did that indicate to thoughtful people?
God has always attached His special blessings to obedient lives, and
He has withheld them from any who choose to govern their lives by something other than His revealed will

16. Paul’s Questions for “Foolish” Victims of Judaizers Galatians 3:6
“Even as Abraham “believed God, and it was reckoned [accounted] to him for righteousness” (v.6)
Abraham was a prime example of this principle
He was justified in the same way – by the hearing of faith
It was not by subscribing to any kind of law that made him righteous in God’s eyes
Rather, he pleased God by his unwavering faith in what God told him in spite of “logical” reasons to question the promises made to him

17. Read Galatians 3:7-9
Galatians 3:7-9 (NKJV) 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed." 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

18. Paul’s Rescue of Abraham From the Hands of the Judaizers Galatians 3:7
It was important that Abraham be “rescued” from his “captors”
The Galatians must know that using Abraham as an example of pleasing God by complying with the law [circumcision] was totally wrong
“Sons” of Abraham are identified by following his example of trusting in God rather than by trying to keep a law which they never kept
Gentiles, of course, could never take pride in any such relationship as the Jews boast­ed
They did not have a physical link with Abraham

19. Paul’s Rescue of Abraham from the Hands of the Judaizers Galatians 3:7
Apparently, the Judaizers had made much of their supposed connection to Abraham as they sought to overthrow the minds of the Galatians
The Jews gloried in their physi­cal descent from the patriarch
They supposed that God’s blessings to Abraham had all descended to them in a way that could never be altered
In fact, their relationship to Jehovah was defined by the connection they enjoyed with the greatest man in their national history

20. Paul’s Rescue of Abraham from the Hands of the Judaizers Galatians 3:8
The same gospel [“good news”] that had been preached to the Galatians had first been preached to Abraham
Its most significant message: “In you all the nations shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:1-3,7)
This “blessing” would be spiritual, not physical
It would bless all nations through faith, not through law
The promise was made many years before Christ
It would “justify” the nations
The promise of justification by faith was made many years before the law of Moses

21. Paul’s Rescue of Abraham from the Hands of the Judaizers Galatians 3:9
Paul summarizes this portion of his argument in verse 9,
“So then they that are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham”
Even us today here at Northside?
Can we receive the same blessings?
Are we also recipients of a promise made many years ago?

22. About our last lesson…
From 3:1-9, Paul it’s rebuking the Galatian for being so naïve and for allowing these men to come and “bewitched them” with false doctrine.
Paul brought now the “name” of Abraham in order to make his case more valid.
Paul is telling the Galatians:
Abraham was justified by God.
Abraham was made righteous by God.
All this because Abraham pleased God.
Abraham faith was so strong, that he trusted God in all that God said:
In reward of his great faith, God made the “promise” GREAT PROMISE

23. Read Galatians 3:10-11
Galatians 3:10-14 (NKJV) 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."

24. Paul’s Appeal to the Obvious Galatians 3:10
Justification under law always requires perfect obedience to the law – which is a curse (v.10)
“Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them” (Deut. 27:26; 28:15)
Law makes demands; it does not forgive breaches of its demands
The Judaizers had convinced the Gentiles that they need obey only the “easy” things of the Law, not the things that were “hard” for them to do

25. Paul’s Appeal to the Obvious Galatians 3:11
Verse 11, “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident [obvious], for “The just shall live by faith.”
Paul now begins another approach which should have been obvious to the Galatians…
Faith alone?
Is that the type of faith Paul is talking about?
No, no. This is the same faith that James is talking about in Chapter 2
“Show me your faith, and I’ll show you my works”. (obedience) Jam 2:18

26. Read Galatians 3:10-14
Galatians 3:12-13 (NKJV) 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them." 13 Christ has 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"),

27. Paul’s Appeal to the Obvious Galatians 3:12-13
Paul said in Gal. 2:16, “…knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ…”
“The law is not by faith…” (v.12”)
“The man who does them shall live by them”
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law…” (v.13)
He willingly died in a manner that branded Him a transgressor (Luke 22:37) and presumed God’s displeasure [“curse”] at the behavior that had brought about the crucifixion (Deut. 21: 22,23)

28. Read Galatians 3:10-14
Galatians 3:14 (NKJV)
14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

29. Paul’s Appeal to the Obvious Galatians 3:14
Jesus was made a curse for us “that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus…” (v.14)
They [Gentiles], too, were cursed in their failed attempts at justification and righteousness
His death gave us “the promise of the Spirit through faith” (v.14)
By dying in man’s stead, the blessing of Abraham (verse 8) could be shared by “all nations”
This was especially good news to the Galatian Christians, most of whom were Gentiles

30. Paul’s affirmation of God’s covenant
Galatians 3:15-16 (NKJV) 15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.

31. Paul’s affirmation of God’s covenant
“Brethren” - affectionate appeal.
“in the manner of men” - from the perspective of men, that which is commonly understood by men regarding a covenant.
When a contract is made by men involving obligations and promises, no one can add to it or take from it. It will remain as it was originally made.
So with God.
He made a solemn promise to Abraham.

32. Paul’s affirmation of God’s covenant
“The covenant was not merely between God & Abraham, but included Abraham’s Seed” -
The promise made to Abraham in Gen. 22:17,18
God did make promises to Abraham that belonged to his descendants (plural) - (cf. Gen. 12:7; 13:15; 24:7), but the “SEED” promise was that “all nations would be blessed” through the SEED, which is Christ.

33. Paul’s affirmation of God’s covenant
“The covenant was not merely between God & Abraham, but included Abraham’s Seed” -
Paul makes a similar argument in Romans 9 where he emphasizes God had the right to choose the means through which this promise would be fulfilled.
The promise was not realized through all of Abraham’s children or descendants, nor could it be made of “no effect” by Israel’s disobedience - (Rom 9:6,16,20-24)

34. Paul’s affirmation of God’s covenant
“The Law cannot annul” the contract God made with Abraham in Christ
Paul now argues from the lesser, (covenants between men), to the greater, (God’s covenant with Abraham)
The Law was not a part of the original covenant - it came 430 years after the covenant made with Abraham. (much debate over the meaning of “430” years in view of Exodus 12:40 - which the LXX includes Israel’s sojourn in Canaan).
Galatians 3:17 (NKJV) 17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.

35. Promise of Abraham Not Through The Law But Through Faith In Christ
The Law did not annul the promise - (15-18)
“The Law cannot annul” the contract God made with Abraham in Christ
The inheritance found in the promise given to Abraham was either by the promised Seed, or by the Law, it cannot be both.
Contrary to the claim of the Judaizers, obedience to the Law was not necessary to gain the inheritance. Salvation has always been by grace through faith.

36. The Law was not contrary to the promise - (3:19-22)
Why was the Law of Moses given?
It was NOT to reveal a way of justification, (Rom 3:20; 4:15; 7:7- 11)
But it was to disclose the true nature of sin; to deter men from committing it; to declare its penalty; to convince men of it, thus preparatory to the work of redemption through the Redeemer.

37. The Law was not contrary to the promise - (3:19-22)
Why was the Law of Moses given?
Till the seed should come, (The Messiah, to whom the promise particularly applied. cf. Gal 3:16)
The Law of Moses was never intended to be God’s means of justifying men - it was always a temporary arrangement - (Mat. 5:17- 20; Jer 31:33; Heb 8:7-13; 9:5-10).

38. The Law was not contrary to the promise - (3:19-22)
Appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator:
God delegated the law to angels - (Ac 7:53 Heb 2:2, 3; compare De 33:2, "He came with ten thousands of saints," that is, angels, Ps 68:17).
A mediator - namely, Moses. De 5:5, "I stood between the Lord and you": the very definition of a mediator.

39. About our last lesson…
Last Wednesday night we studied verses and in those verses, Paul was teaching us that taking only one thing of the law is not going to profit any one.
Jesus became “cursed” for us by dying on a tree, that curse makes us free.
Then in the following verses Paul explains how the promise from God came to Abraham when He promised to bless “His Seed”.
Very specific: “Seed” not ‘seeds’.
The real promise came when Christ, the Seed of Abraham came into the world.

40. The Law was not contrary to the promise - (3:19-22)
Appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator:
A mediator always represents two conflicting parties -
The Law required a mediator - the promise did not - There was no mediator involved in the promise God made with Abraham.
The promise would be accomplished by God . . .

41. The Law was not contrary to the promise - (3:19-22)
The Law could NOT give life to anyone who had violated it -
The Law was not against the promise God made with Abraham -
The Law could not justify a sinner - (Rom 3:21-26)
God’s means of justification was in the promise, (3:8), that is the gospel of Christ - (Romans 1:16,17)

42. The Law could NOT give life to anyone who had violated it -
The Law was not contrary to the promise - (3:19-22)
The Law could NOT give life to anyone who had violated it -
Galatians 3:22 (NKJV) 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

43. The Law brings men to Christ through whom they are released from sin - (3:23-29)
Galatians 3:23-25 (NKJV)
23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

44. Sons of God By Faith In Christ Jesus (26-29)
In Christ We Are Adopted As Sons & Heirs of God Through Christ! - (3:26-4:7)
Sons of God By Faith In Christ Jesus (26-29)
“You are all sons of God” –
their current status IN CHRIST.
Under the dispensation of Law, (vs 24,) the Law was a discipling pedagogue, and those under its supervision were regarded as children.
Now that Christ had come, the Galatian believers were adult sons through faith and were no longer under a Jewish slave-guardian.
Why would they seek to revert to their inferior status?

45. Sons of God By Faith In Christ Jesus (26-29)
In Christ We Are Adopted As Sons & Heirs of God Through Christ! - (3:26-4:7)
Sons of God By Faith In Christ Jesus (26-29)
“You are all sons of God” –
their current status IN CHRIST.
“Through faith in Christ” - Not through the Law of Moses.
The same kind of faith Abraham had - 3:8,9,14; Rom 4:1-3, 12, 19-25; James 2:14-26
Saving faith comprised of “conviction, trust & submission (obedience)” Heb 11:6; Rom 10:14-17

46. Sons of God By Faith In Christ Jesus (26-29)
In Christ We Are Adopted As Sons & Heirs of God Through Christ! - (3:26-4:7)
Sons of God By Faith In Christ Jesus (26-29)
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ” - no more & no less
All who have been baptized into Christ are “sons of God by faith” - Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-6; 1 Cor 12:13
Many have tried to get around the true teaching of this passage by turning it into a “dry” baptism (i.e., Holy Spirit baptism)
Such is the result of “theological bias” & not sound Biblical exegesis! (See baptism in Acts; baptism in the name of Jesus)

47. Sons of God By Faith In Christ Jesus (26-29)
In Christ We Are Adopted As Sons & Heirs of God Through Christ! - (3:26-4:7)
Sons of God By Faith In Christ Jesus (26-29)
“Have put on Christ” –
clothed themselves - figuratively of taking on the characteristics, virtues, intentions, etc.
Rom 13:14 — But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Eph 4:24 — and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Col 3:10 — and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,

48. Sons of God By Faith In Christ Jesus (26-29)
In Christ We Are Adopted As Sons & Heirs of God Through Christ! - (3:26-4:7)
Sons of God By Faith In Christ Jesus (26-29)
“Have put on Christ” - clothed themselves - figuratively of taking on the characteristics, virtues, intentions, etc.
In context, to be like Him in standing - becoming objects of divine favor.
In the Roman society when a youth came of age he was given a special toga which admitted him to the full rights of the family and state and indicated he was a grown-up son.
Who would want to put on again the old clothing?

49. Sons of God By Faith In Christ Jesus (26-29)
In Christ We Are Adopted As Sons & Heirs of God Through Christ! - (3:26-4:7)
Sons of God By Faith In Christ Jesus (26-29)
We “are all one in Christ Jesus” -
All believers equal in standing before God in Christ - Col 3:11; (not teaching equality in function - 1 Cor. 12; 14:34; 1 Tim 2:12)
A believing Jew is not more privileged before God than a believing Gentile.
A believing slave does not rank higher than a believing free person in standing before God;
A believing man is not superior to a believing woman in value or importance.

50. Sons of God By Faith In Christ Jesus (26-29)
In Christ We Are Adopted As Sons & Heirs of God Through Christ! - (3:26-4:7)
Sons of God By Faith In Christ Jesus (26-29)
If you are Christ’s -
Therefore you are "Abraham's seed," which is equal to say, you are "heirs according to the promise" (not "by the law," Ga 3:18); for it was to Abraham's seed that the inheritance was promised (Ga 3:16).
Thus he arrives at the same truth which he set out with (Ga 3:7).
Paul makes a similar argument in Romans 9, just from a different perspective, (also consider Eph 1).