By Sam Nobles
The apostle Paul was deeply
concerned about what was happening in the region of Galatia. As mentioned in
past devotions, after he had shared the gospel message of Christ with the
Galatians, false teachers began to infiltrate the church and complicate the gospel.
They made out as if Paul’s gospel was not complete. They taught that addition
to believing on Jesus Christ, one must show their commitment by keeping the
Jewish law. In light of these happenings, the third chapter of Paul’s letter to
the Galatians offers a shift from his personal experience with grace to
doctrinal instruction concerning grace.
Examination (v.1-14)
The Law brings a curse, but
blessing comes to Abraham's descendants through faith in Jesus Christ (v.1-10). It is good for a person to examine
him or herself to confirm whether the Christian life is being lived out by the
power of the flesh or by the power of the Spirit who gives life (v.11-14). Like Abraham, were you saved
by faith; and are you now, like Abraham, walking by faith?[i]
Explanation (v.15-26)
The promise of the Spirit that was
spoken to Abraham was to come through his Seed – singular, who is Jesus Christ
(v.15-16). The Jews were sure that the promise was for
them because they were Abraham’s seeds. In their eyes, the Law as an amendment
to the original promise; therefore, the Judaizers taught that if they would
keep the Law, then the promise would be fulfilled. The Apostle Paul rebuttals
that the Law is a separate matter that has nothing to do with the promise. The
Law was a tutor to teach mankind that he was sinful and in need of a Savior,
not to be that Savior (v.17-26).
Exhortation (v.27-29)
All who now enjoy the fulfillment of the promise are those who have
received the Holy Spirit. These are all "sons of God through faith” in
Christ Jesus (v.27-29). The Galatians were deluded into
thinking that they could become Abraham's seed by keeping the law. Paul shows
otherwise. Christ is the seed of Abraham; the inheritance promised to Abraham
was fulfilled in Christ. When sinners believe on Him, they become one with Him.
Thus they become Abraham's seed
and, in Christ, they inherit all of God's blessings.[ii]
Scripture to Claim:
“So then, the law
was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by
faith.” (Galatians 3:24 ESV)
Warren W. Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible
Study Series: Galatians: Exchange Legalism for True Spirituality, New
edition (David C. Cook, 2010).
[1] Believer’s Bible Commentary, Second
Edition, accessed
May 16, 2017, https://www.christianbook.com/believers-bible-commentary-second-edition/william-macdonald/9780718076856/pd/076856.
