Galatians 3:1-14
Q.1. How far did the faith of the Galatians drift? How did Paul distinguish between salvation by faith and salvation by works? – (Gal.3:1-5)
On his first missionary journey, Paul had taken the Gospel to the cities of Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe in southern Galatia (Acts 14:1-23). There is much to suggest that Paul’s outrage at their drift from the Gospel was because he had been the one to initially take it to them (c.f. Acts 16:6; Gal.1:6-9, 11; 4:13-15). The church at Galatia had been infiltrated by Judaizers who compelled believers to keep the demands of Judaism. Now they had drifted from faith in Christ back to the keeping of the Law. Paul referred to an experience that few could boast of – before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified (Gal.3:1). Probably, some of the Galatians were formerly Jews from the synagogues who had been present at the Passover in Jerusalem and had seen Christ crucified. He asked them – 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? … 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? (Gal.3:3 & 5).
Q.2. To whom does the faith of Abraham apply? How can we avoid the curse of the Law? How are sinners saved from the curse? – (Gal.3:6-14)
Paul directed the attention of the Galatians back to Abraham, to prove the Truth of the Gospel – Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness (Gal.3:6). He applied this by underscoring – Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham (Gal.3:7). However, salvation was not restricted to Israel alone but – 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” (Gal.3:8). The law gave no such promise – 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” (Gal.3:10-11). He pointed out that those intent upon living by the Law for their justification are obliged to obey all the laws or they fail the test (Gal.3:12). What a blessing to know – 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 (Gal.3:13-14). The simplicity of the Gospel causes many to stumble.