Faith not Legalism (Galatians 3)

Paul explained how we are justified by grace through faith, not works of the law. How is Abraham a model for Christians? Who are the real children of Abraham? What about Christians who insist on the works of the law? Is the law continued in spirit, discontinued in the letter, and thus transformed as the law of Christ? Let’s find out in Galatians 3.

How did we receive the Holy Spirit?

You irrational Galatians! Who put a spell on you? Jesus Christ was put on display as crucified before your eyes! I just want to know this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the Law or by believing what you heard? (Galatians 3:1-2 CEB)

So then, do we obey the letter of the law after receiving the Holy Spirit?

Are you so irrational? After you started with the Spirit, are you now finishing up with your own human effort? Did you experience so much for nothing? I wonder if it really was for nothing. (Galatians 3:3-4 CEB)

Abraham was before the law. How can we learn from him?

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”? (Galatians 3:5-6 ESV Genesis 15:6)

Who are the real sons of Abraham? Could this also give a different view of apostolic succession, rather than an unbroken line of ordinations, an unbroken line of faith, a continuation of the apostles’ teachings? Do we teach the apostles’ doctrines?

The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. (Galatians 3:7 NLT)

Was this foretold?

Now the Scripture saw in advance that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and told the good news ahead of time to Abraham, saying, All the nations will be blessed through you. (Galatians 3:8 HCSB)

Abraham was blessed long before the external works of the law. Do we receive a similar blessing with Abraham?

So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. (Galatians 3:9 KJV)

What about Christians who insist on the works of the law?

For all who are of works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things written in the book of the Law, to do them.” (Galatians 3:10 NASB)

Can we rely on the works of the law to be justified?

Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” (Galatians 3:11-12 NIV)

Did Jesus pay the price to free us from the curse pronounced by the law?

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”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:13-14 NKJV)

Was the promise to Abraham set aside by the law?

Dear brothers and sisters, here’s an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or amend an irrevocable agreement, so it is in this case. God gave the promises to Abraham and his child. And notice that the Scripture doesn’t say “to his children,” as if it meant many descendants. Rather, it says “to his child”—and that, of course, means Christ. (Galatians 3:15-16 NLT)

How many years before the law was the promise to Abraham made?

What I am saying is that the Law cannot change or cancel God's promise made 430 years before the Law was given. (Galatians 3:17 CEV)

Was the inheritance by the law?

For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by promise. (Galatians 3:18 WEB)

Until Christ?

Why was the law added 430 years later? Until when was the law supposed to last?

What is the use of the Law? It was given later to show that we sin. But it was only supposed to last until the coming of that descendant who was given the promise. In fact, angels gave the Law to Moses, and he gave it to the people. (Galatians 3:19 CEV)

Can obeying the law make us right with God?

Now a mediator is helpful if more than one party must reach an agreement. But God, who is one, did not use a mediator when he gave his promise to Abraham. Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. (Galatians 3:20-21 NLT)

Who can be free from sin?

But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:22 NLT)

Were we in protective custody until Christ?

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. (Galatians 3:23-24 ESV)

Until Heaven and Earth Pass?

Do Romans and Galatians contradict Jesus who said that not one jot or tittle of the law would pass until heaven and earth pass (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:13; 5:1-4)? The phrase “the Law and the Prophets” refers to the two grand divisions of the Old Testament. The word “fulfill” does not mean do away with but rather to fill to the full.

Don’t even begin to think that I have come to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I haven’t come to do away with them but to fulfill them. I say to you very seriously that as long as heaven and earth exist, neither the smallest letter nor even the smallest stroke of a pen will be erased from the Law until everything there becomes a reality. (Matthew 5:17-18 CEB)

Does preserving the Old Testament include keeping even the least of its commandments? Jesus did not say the Ten Commandments, nor the 613 Commandments of the Old Testament, but “these” that is, these My commandments.

Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19 NKJV)

Is there a clue to answer the seeming contradiction?

For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:20 NIV)

Resolving the Puzzle

Is the law still relevant until heaven and earth pass away or only until Christ? Is there a contradiction? Jesus explains how the spirit of the whole law still applies in Christian living. Romans and Galatians discuss the outward works or letter of the law such as circumcision, days and foods. Another passage explains the difference.

He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit produces life. (2 Corinthians 3:6 HCSB)

Jesus clearly contradicts dividing the law into parts like a moral law that stays and civil or ceremonial laws that are erased, by saying that not a jot or tittle will disappear. How? Is the law continued in spirit, discontinued in the letter, and thus transformed as the law of Christ? The biggest clue is that we are circumcised of heart, not flesh. Are we thus God’s children through faith?

But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian. You are all God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:25-26 CEB)

Are baptized Christians really one in Christ?

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ like a garment. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:27-28 HCSB)

Does Abraham’s promise from before the law was given, also apply to us?

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29 KJV)

We are justified by grace, not works of the law. Abraham is a model for us. Before the law he was declared righteous by faith (Romans 4:9, 13). Through faith we are the real children of Abraham. Christians who insist on the works of the law are under a curse. The law is continued in spirit, discontinued in the letter, and thus transformed as the law of Christ. Do we fulfill the law by keeping the letter of physical observances or by acting in love towards God and our neighbor? You decide!

Legalism is Sin & Slavery (Galatians 2)

Paul was directly taught by the resurrected Jesus, but was not a rebel. He cooperated with the Apostles before him. Was the commandment to be circumcised still valid in the flesh, that is, in the letter of the law? Is there a spiritual application of the law of circumcision? Are works of the law and good works of obedience to Christ different things? Does the law define true righteousness? Let’s find out in Galatians 2.

Where did Paul go to double check his teachings about the law and the Gospel?

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. (Galatians 2:1 ESV)

Did God inspire this journey? Why did he confine his conversation to church leadership?

I went up according to a revelation and presented to them the gospel I preach among the Gentiles—but privately to those recognized as leaders—so that I might not be running, or have run the race, in vain. (Galatians 2:2 HCSB)

Was the commandment to be circumcised still valid in the flesh, that is, in the letter of the law?

But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: (Galatians 2:3 KJV)

Is there a spiritual application of the law?

When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. (Colossians 2:11 NLT cf. Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4)

Did false brethren want to enslave Christians?

Yet it was a concern because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy on our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. (Galatians 2:4 NASB)

Did Paul give in to these legalists?

We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. (Galatians 2:5 NIV)

Was Paul impressed by titles or positions in the church?

But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. (Galatians 2:6 NKJV)

Were there different targets in their outreach ministry?

Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles. (Galatians 2:7-8 NLT)

Did they accept them as coworkers?

and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, those who were reputed to be pillars, gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision. (Galatians 2:9 WEB)

Was there a reminder of something important? Is this far less quibbling over minutia than some Christian discussions?

They asked only that we would remember the poor, which was certainly something I was willing to do. (Galatians 2:10 CEB)

Was Peter corrected on a point?

When Peter came to Antioch, I told him face to face that he was wrong. He used to eat with Gentile followers of the Lord, until James sent some Jewish followers. Peter was afraid of the Jews and soon stopped eating with Gentiles. He and the others hid their true feelings so well that even Barnabas was fooled. (Galatians 2:11-13 CEV)

Jesus told us to go to our brother alone when correcting a major fault, but are elders in a very different position? Are elders to be publicly corrected? Why?

But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. (1 Timothy 5:20 NIV)

What was Paul’s specific correction of Peter?

But when I saw that they were deviating from the truth of the gospel, I told Cephas in front of everyone, “If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel Gentiles to live like Jews?” (Galatians 2:14 HCSB)

What specific point was Paul leading up to? How are we justified? Are works of the law and good works of obedience to Christ different things?

We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Galatians 2:15-16 KJV)

Does that mean that we can freely sin?

But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Far from it! (Galatians 2:17 NASB)

How would Paul prevent being a sinner, by obeying the law all over again, or something else? Was he dead to the law?

Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. (Galatians 2:18-19 NLT)

How are we then to live?

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 NKJV)

Does the law define true righteousness?

I don’t reject the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing! (Galatians 2:21 WEB)

Paul was directly taught by the resurrected Jesus, but was not a rebel. He cooperated with the Apostles before him. The commandment to be circumcised is still valid in a spiritual manner. Works of the law and good works of obedience to Christ are different things. The Apostles agreed with Paul, that going back to the letter of the law does not make us righteous. In fact, rebuilding the legalistic bondage of the law makes us sinners and slaves. The law is good, but it no longer defines righteousness, faith does. Do you have faith? You decide!

Paul's Authority (Galatians 1)

Who was Paul? Why did Peter recognize his authority? Did he contradict or complement the teachings of Jesus about the law? Is there a difference between physical and spiritual circumcision? What defines true righteousness, the letter of the law or faith? How do we receive the Holy Spirit, by doing the works of the Law or by believing what we hear? Are the real children of Abraham those who put their faith in God? Are we God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus? Did Paul question the celebration of certain days, months, seasons, and years? What about food laws? Does trying to be made righteous by the Law make us estranged from Christ? What are deeds of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit? How should we try to restore a wayward friend? Let’s discuss all these issues in the book of Galatians.

Galatians 1 Paul’s Authority

Galatia was a geographical area in the middle of modern Turkey. The letter to the churches in Galatia describes a problem that still exists today, how they had fallen backwards from the grace of the Gospel into outward works of the law.

Thus, the theme of Galatians is justification by faith in Christ’s death and resurrection, apart from the works of the Mosaic Law. Do we differentiate between the outward works of the law like circumcision, sabbaths and food laws versus good works of obedience to Christ?

Were Paul’s claims and his writings recognized by the church? Were the Galatians being deceived into a false gospel? Let’s find out in Galatians 1.

Who ordained Paul? Would his credentials upset church leaders today?

This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead. (Galatians 1:1 NLT)

Paul’s claims were thoroughly vetted by the other apostles and his writings were recognized by the church as inspired scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16)? Would anyone making a claim to ministry today, similarly have to either be accepted or rejected by an orthodox (or right teaching) church community? Were others with him as he wrote?

and from all the brothers and sisters with me. To the churches in Galatia. (Galatians 1:2 CEB Acts 14:20-22)

This is a very abrupt greeting. They had fallen away from the truth. Nevertheless does Paul begin with a blessing?

I pray that God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! (Galatians 1:3 CEV)

Paul’s prayer is for grace or kindness, and peace or wholeness. Why did Jesus give Himself?

who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Galatians 1:4-5 ESV)

Does Paul get right down to business? What was the issue?

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (Galatians 1:6-7 KJV)

How serious is Paul about this problem?

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than what we have preached to you, a curse be on him! As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone preaches to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him! (Galatians 1:8-9 HCSB)

Should church leaders preach to please people or God? Does this mean that Godly preaching will sometimes anger people?

For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10 NASB)

How did Paul receive the Gospel?

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11-12 NIV)

How zealous was Paul once of the law and its associated traditions?

For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. (Galatians 1:13 NKJV)

What changed in Paul?

But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus. (Galatians 1:15-17 NLT)

After his time of direct revelation from Jesus Christ in Arabia what did Paul do?

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days. But of the other apostles I saw no one except James, the Lord’s brother. (Galatians 1:18-19 WEB)

Would some people naturally disbelieve Paul?

Before God, I’m not lying about the things that I’m writing to you! (Galatians 1:20 CEB)

How was Paul received in Syria and Cilicia?

Later, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. But no one who belonged to Christ's churches in Judea had ever seen me in person. They had only heard that the one who had been cruel to them was now preaching the message that he had once tried to destroy. And because of me, they praised God. (Galatians 1:21-24 CEV)

Paul was trained in a manner different to the twelve, by revelation from Jesus Christ. Having come out of a law tradition, he was well equipped to handle the heresy of legalism that was deceiving the churches of Galatia. Is the counterfeit gospel of law righteousness still a concern in our churches today? You decide!

Jesus' Resurrection (Matthew 28)

Did Jesus have some important instructions after His resurrection? Let’s find out in Matthew 28.

Jesus’ Resurrection

What happened early that Sunday morning?

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. (Matthew 28:1-4 NIV)

What surprising news did the angel bring?

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. (Matthew 28:5-6 NLT)

What did they ask the women to do?

Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you. (Matthew 28:7 WEB)

What other joyful surprise greeted them on their way?

With great fear and excitement, they hurried away from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. But Jesus met them and greeted them. They came and grabbed his feet and worshipped him. (Matthew 28:8-9 CEB)

What message did Jesus ask them to pass on?

Then Jesus said, “Don't be afraid! Tell my followers to go to Galilee. They will see me there.” (Matthew 28:10 CEV)

What conspiracy did the priests contrive?

While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. (Matthew 28:11-15 ESV)

How did the disciples greet Jesus?

The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. (Matthew 28:16-17 HCSB)

Jesus’ Great Commission

How much power does the resurrected Jesus wield?

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18 KJV)

Who were they to teach? The Greek word translated nations is ethnos meaning cultures.

Go and make disciples of all nations [cultures], (Matthew 28:19a WEB)

What is the most important thing about baptism?

baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19b CEB)

What was to be the focus of their teaching?

and teach them to do everything I have told you. (Matthew 28:20a CEV)

Has Jesus gone far away from us, or is He also still present with us?

And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20b ESV)

Do we make disciples of all cultures or create exclusive little ethnic clubs? Do we baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit? Is our focus to teach disciples to do everything Jesus taught or something else? You decide!

Jesus' Crucifixion (Matthew 27b)

What did they do as they crucified Jesus? Let’s look at Matthew 27:34-66.

The soldiers gave Jesus wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it. After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. Then they sat around and kept guard as he hung there. A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. (Matthew 27:34-38 NLT)

What did passers by, religious leaders and robbers say?

Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests also mocking with the scribes, the Pharisees, and the elders, said, “He saved others, but he can’t save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God deliver him now, if he wants him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” The robbers also who were crucified with him cast on him the same reproach. (Matthew 27:39-44 WEB)

What happened as Jesus died?

From noon until three in the afternoon the whole earth was dark. At about three Jesus cried out with a loud shout, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani,” which means, “My God, my God, why have you left me?” After hearing him, some standing there said, “He’s calling Elijah.” One of them ran over, took a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on a pole. He offered it to Jesus to drink. But the rest of them said, “Let’s see if Elijah will come and save him.” Again Jesus cried out with a loud shout. Then he died. (Matthew 27:45-50 CEB)

What happened immediately after?

At once the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, and rocks split apart. Graves opened, and many of God's people were raised to life. They left their graves, and after Jesus had risen to life, they went into the holy city, where they were seen by many people. The officer and the soldiers guarding Jesus felt the earthquake and saw everything else that happened. They were frightened and said, “This man really was God's Son!” (Matthew 27:51-54 CEV)

Who else was there?

There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. (Matthew 27:55-56 ESV)

How was Jesus buried?

When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then Pilate ordered that it be released. So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in clean, fine linen, and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut into the rock. He left after rolling a great stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were seated there, facing the tomb. (Matthew 27:57-61 HCSB)

Were the religious leaders afraid of the resurrection?

Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. (Matthew 27:62-64 KJV)

What did Pilate say?

Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” And they went and made the tomb secure with the guard, sealing the stone. (Matthew 27:65-66 NASB)

Do we now live new lives?

Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives (Romans 6:3-4 NLT).

Do we now have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3)? You decide!