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Galatians 3: Righteousness by Faith
What factors can determine what people decide is their “truth”?
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Galatians 3:1 What insanity has possessed you, Galatians, that you would consider anything other than the truth? How can you ignore the message of eyewitnesses who have so plainly described the benefit we have in Jesus Christ, who was crucified?
King James
Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
How easily do you think facts are distorted or ignored because of something else that people want to believe?
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Galatians 3:1 What insanity has possessed you, Galatians, that you would consider anything other than the truth? How can you ignore the message of eyewitnesses who have so plainly described the benefit we have in Jesus Christ, who was crucified?
King James
Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
What conditions were typically associated with the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
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Acts 2:38 “Repent,” Peter said, “and be baptized. By the authority of Jesus Christ, your sins will be forgiven and you will receive this gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:47 “Can anyone object to their being baptized, since they have received the Holy Spirit the same as we have?”
Acts 19:2–7 “When you believed,” Paul said, “did you receive the Holy Spirit?” “No,” they said, “we’ve heard nothing about someone receiving a holy spirit.” “Unto what, then, were you baptized?” “The baptism of John,” they said. “John baptized for repentance,” Paul said, “so people would believe the one who came later—Jesus, the Messiah.” After hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. As Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came, and they spoke in languages they didn’t know, and prophesied—all twelve men.
Galatians 3:2 I have just one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the Law? Or was it because you heard about Jesus?
King James
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Acts 19:2–7 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.
Galatians 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
If our life began in the Spirit, by what means should we expect to be made perfect?
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Romans 8:1–5 When it’s our nature to hear and obey God, we don’t have to feel condemned. That’s because we’re not living to satisfy our flesh, but we’re seeking to be led by the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit, which brings life in Jesus Christ, is the changing of our desires, where we are fully committed to pleasing him. This frees us from worry about penalties for violating God’s rules and regulations. The Law wasn’t enough to change our fleshly desires, so God sent his Son, embodied in human flesh, capable of sin. Living without sin, Jesus exposed the destructive nature of sin and showed how people can walk in the Spirit and not be driven by fleshly needs. The kind of righteous behavior that the Law requires is fulfilled when our desires entirely follow what pleases the Spirit, so we’re not doing anything from a fleshly initiative. Those who are concerned about fleshly needs will be driven by desires that are different from the desires of those who care more about satisfying their spiritual needs.
Galatians 3:3 Since your new life began in the Spirit, don’t be so foolish as to think you will now be made perfect by human effort.
Galatians 5:16 Let me make this perfectly clear: if you listen to God’s Spirit within, you will seek to please him and to benefit others, not to satisfy your selfish desires.
King James
Romans 8:1–5 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Galatians 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
For what reasons do people suffer?
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Romans 1:18 God’s wrath falls upon self-serving people, who manipulate and distort the truth in their pursuit of pleasures.
Romans 2:8 But those who ignore the truth, seeking to please themselves, will follow an unrighteous path that ends with God’s wrath.
1 Corinthians 11:29–30 If you ignore the purpose for which Christ died and do not share his passion for people, you condemn yourselves, making his exhortation no more than a religious form. This is why, lacking the power of God in your lives, many are lethargic and sick, and some have died.
2 Corinthians 12:7 To protect me from thinking too highly of myself in the abundance of revelations, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan sent to keep me humble.
Galatians 3:4 Do you think all that you’ve gone through is for no purpose? I should hope not.
Ephesians 6:11 To stand against all the forces of evil, you need to put on the whole armor of God.
1 Peter 2:20–23 You deserve no recognition when you suffer for doing wrong, but if you patiently endure pain in doing good, God is well pleased. In the midst of suffering, you are called to do good. Christ suffered for you so you would follow his example step by step. He never sinned and no deceptive word ever came from his mouth. When insulted, he did not retaliate. In suffering, he did not threaten revenge but left punishment in the hands of God who always judges correctly.
1 Peter 3:14–17 If you suffer for doing good, rejoice. Don’t fear what people might think or do to you. Make good on your commitment to the Lord by preparing to share your experiences with those who might not understand how you have survived your struggles. Always be ready to reveal why you have hope in this tumultuous world. Don’t retaliate when people accuse you of wrongdoing. Respond with kindness just as Jesus would, and they will be ashamed of their slander. Suffering for doing good, if God allows it, is much better than suffering for doing evil.
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved Christians, don’t regard your terrible ordeal as something unusual, because it’s there to demonstrate your faith.
1 Peter 5:8 Watch out! Your adversary Satan is roaming the earth like a roaring lion, looking for those he might devour.
King James
Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Romans 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
1 Corinthians 11:29–30 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Galatians 3:4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
1 Peter 2:20–23 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
1 Peter 3:14–17 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Why can’t we expect to be strengthened by obeying the Law?
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Romans 3:19–21 The writing of laws ends all arguments about what is right or wrong, so people have no alternative but to admit they have done wrong. Obeying a law isn’t enough to make us righteous in God’s sight, because laws only expose our transgressions. They don’t reveal the condition of our hearts. Now, righteousness apart from all the rules and regulations has been revealed, which the Law and the Prophets desired but couldn’t produce.
Romans 3:28 The change in our lives comes from believing God’s Word, not from obeying the Law.
Galatians 3:5 Has the Holy Spirit guided and strengthened you because you obeyed the Law? No, you were encouraged and saw the miracles among you because you believed the message of Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 1:9 You know, the Law was written for the rebellious and disobedient, not the righteous—people who would murder even their parents to get what they want, with no respect for God or doing what is right.
King James
Romans 3:19–21 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
1 Timothy 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
For what reasons should we believe God?
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Genesis 15:5–6 God took Abram outside to look at the night sky. “Can you count the stars? If you are able to number the stars, you can know how numerous your descendants will be.” Abraham believed God, and his faith was recognized as righteousness.
Numbers 23:19 God does not have our human flaws. He cannot lie, nor can he do anything that later would be cause for repentance. When he makes a promise, you can be sure he will fulfill it. Whatever he says, he will do, always keeping his word.
2 Corinthians 1:20 To experience God’s promises, we must always say yes to him, just as Jesus did. For when we are in complete agreement with his purpose, we share his achievements and glory.
Galatians 3:6 When Abraham believed, God saw his faith and judged him to be righteous.
King James
Genesis 15:5–6 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Galatians 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
What must people do to become part of God’s family?
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Genesis 22:18 Because you have obeyed my voice, through your offspring, all nations on Earth will be blessed.
Galatians 3:7–9 The true children of Abraham, God’s chosen people, are those who live by faith, not the Law. Scripture reveals how God planned from the beginning to reach foreigners, declaring the good news to Abraham, saying, “Through your offspring, all nations on Earth will be blessed.” So it is that those who put their trust in Jesus Christ are blessed because of Abraham’s faith.
Ephesians 1:5 In seeing us alienated from him, through his good pleasure in Jesus Christ, he sought to adopt us into his family.
Ephesians 2:19 Therefore, you should not consider yourself a foreigner, a stranger among God’s people, for we are all fellow believers, part of the family of God.
Hebrews 12:8 But if you exempt yourselves from God’s direction, then you aren’t part of his family.
King James
Genesis 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Galatians 3:7–9 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Hebrews 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Why is there a curse upon anyone who breaks even one law?
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Deuteronomy 27:26 Anyone who fails to obey every part of the Law is cursed. And all the people will say amen.
Galatians 3:10 Those who depend on the Law to make them righteous are under God’s curse, for Scripture says, Anyone who fails to obey every part of the Law is cursed.
James 2:10 If someone were to keep the entire Law except for one small point is no less a violator than one who is guilty of all.
King James
Deuteronomy 27:26 Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
What does it mean to “live by faith”?
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Galatians 3:11 Through the works of the Law, nobody is justified in God’s sight. Obviously, the justified are those who live by faith.
King James
Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Why is Grace better than the Law?
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Romans 8:3 The Law wasn’t enough to change our fleshly desires, so God sent his Son, embodied in human flesh, capable of sin. Living without sin, Jesus exposed the destructive nature of sin and showed how people can walk in the Spirit and not be driven by fleshly needs.
Galatians 3:12 The Law isn’t based on faith, but promises life only if all its provisions are kept.
King James
Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Galatians 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
If Jesus was without sin, how could he become a curse for us, freeing us from the curse?
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Deuteronomy 21:23 He who is hanged is cursed by God, so his body shall not remain on the tree overnight. Bury him the same day so the land that the Lord your God has given to you will not be defiled.
Galatians 3:13 On the cross, Christ saved us from the curse of the Law by being a curse for us, for Scripture says, Anyone hanged on a tree is cursed.
Hebrews 4:15 Our High Priest is easily touched with the feeling of our infirmities, because he was tested in every area just as we are, yet without sin.
King James
Deuteronomy 21:23 His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Who are included and who are excluded from Abraham’s blessing?
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Galatians 3:14 Through Jesus Christ, God has shared Abraham’s blessing with the non-Jews who also receive the promise of the Holy Spirit by faith.
King James
Galatians 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Under what conditions can a legal agreement be broken?
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Galatians 3:15 My friends, when people make a legal agreement, no one can change it.
2 Timothy 2:13 Even if we choose not to believe, he still loves us, because he cannot deny who he is.
King James
Galatians 3:15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
If the agreement with Abraham was to one child, what makes it important to others?
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Galatians 3:16 The agreement with Abraham was not to his children but to one child, who is Christ.
King James
Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Why do you think God’s promise was fulfilled after 430 years, not sooner or later?
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Galatians 3:17 Even after 430 years, God’s commitment to Christ was still a binding promise that could not be set aside as null and void.
King James
Galatians 3:17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
What is the difference between wages and gifts?
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Galatians 3:18 If the promise could be received by keeping the Law, it would be something earned, but that was not the case. God gave it to Abraham as a promise.
King James
Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Of what benefit are rules, procedures, and laws? How might they be a hindrance to doing what is right?
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Isaiah 30:21 You will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way to go. Walk in that direction” and you will turn to the right or left as you are led.
Romans 2:15 The knowledge of right and wrong is written on hearts, not on paper, blogs, or e-books. People’s own conscience either condemns or commends their deeds.
Romans 8:3 The Law wasn’t enough to change our fleshly desires, so God sent his Son, embodied in human flesh, capable of sin. Living without sin, Jesus exposed the destructive nature of sin and showed how people can walk in the Spirit and not be driven by fleshly needs.
Galatians 3:19 That being true, one must ask why the Law was given. Because of wrongdoing—people going their own way, not always wanting to hear and follow the Lord. The Law was added through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and his people. But then Jesus arrived, the child to whom the promise was made.
Hebrews 7:17–18 As the poet declared, “You are a priest forever, of the Melchizedek order,” which says the old priesthood was set aside because it was ineffective, being weak.
King James
Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Romans 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Galatians 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
Hebrews 7:17–18 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
In what way can we see that God deals directly with his people?
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Exodus 33:20–23 You cannot see me directly, for no one can see my face and live. Stand upon that rock near me. When my glory comes, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed. Then I will take away my hand. You can see me from behind, but you cannot my face.
Luke 23:45 The sun gave no light, and the Temple veil ripped in two.
John 14:9 “Philip! Have I been with you so long and you still do not recognize who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. So why do you ask me to show him to you?
Galatians 3:20 A mediator helps more than one party reach an agreement, but God used no mediator in making his promise to Abraham.
1 Timothy 2:5 We have only one God and one mediator who can restore our relationship with him, the man Christ Jesus.
King James
Exodus 33:20–23 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Luke 23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
Galatians 3:20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Why do laws fail in their intended purpose?
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Galatians 3:21 Does the Law then work against God’s promise? Definitely not. But the Law was not sufficient. Obeying it could not make us right with God and give us life.
King James
Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
How does who we are naturally in the flesh differ from who we are naturally in the spirit?
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Proverbs 20:9 Can anyone truthfully say, “I have cleansed my heart and made myself entirely free from sin”?
Romans 7:15–20 A battle rages between what we know in our hearts and what our minds and bodies say would be good. I don’t do what my spirit says I should do, so I wind up doing what my moral instincts condemn. If my conscience convicts me for my wrong thoughts or actions, I am agreeing with the goodness of the law that says I should have acted differently. Clearly then, the real “me” desires to do right, but my contrary, fleshly desires are still alive, preventing me from doing the good I know to do. When I find myself doing anything other than what would please the Lord, I’m not doing what I really want, but my sinful nature is still at work.
Galatians 3:22 Scripture leaves no doubt that we are all, by nature, sinful creatures. Therefore, our only means to receive God’s promise is through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
King James
Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Romans 7:15–20 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
What does faith in our Lord Jesus Christ accomplish, which the Law failed to do?
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Galatians 3:22–24 Scripture leaves no doubt that we are all, by nature, sinful creatures. Therefore, our only means to receive God’s promise is through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. We had the Law to guide us until the day Jesus came and we put our trust in him. The Law was our supervisor, leading us to right standing with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
King James
Galatians 3:22–24 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
How do we know when the Holy Spirit is guiding us?
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Romans 8:16 God’s Spirit confirms in our human spirit that we are his children.
1 Corinthians 2:11–14 Others can know our thoughts, motives, and plans only if we reveal them by our spirit within. In the same way, we can know what God knows only when his Spirit reveals that truth to us. No longer do we have the spirit of the world working in our lives, but we have the Holy Spirit so we can experience all that God has for us. Our message is not a product of human wisdom, but we teach what the Holy Spirit is saying, building one divine revelation upon another. Human reasoning rejects what the Holy Spirit is saying, seeing it as foolishness. We will believe his message only when our spiritual ears are open.
Galatians 3:25 Now that our faith brings the Holy Spirit to guide us, we no longer need another supervisor.
King James
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
1 Corinthians 2:11–14 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Galatians 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
How does faith in Jesus Christ make us one of God’s children?
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Galatians 3:26 Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we are God’s children.
King James
Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
What makes baptism an important factor in becoming like Christ?
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Galatians 3:27–28 All who have been baptized into Christ are becoming like him, with no distinction of sex, race, or social status. In his family, we are neither male nor female, Jew nor non-Jew, slave nor free. We are all one in Christ Jesus.
King James
Galatians 3:27–28 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
How do we know that we belong to Christ?
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Author’s Paraphrase
Romans 8:16 God’s Spirit confirms in our human spirit that we are his children.
Galatians 3:29 If you belong to Christ, then you are part of Abraham’s family and heirs of God’s promise.
King James
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.