Paul explores the relationship between the law and faith, righteousness and grace. Drawing upon the life of Abraham and the revelation of the Law to Moses after the Exodus, Paul makes a case that there is a justification before God that comes from faith apart from the law, and he begins to move into what life looks like under the grace of God.
(Galatians 3:28)
Sermon Outline
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
Knowing the Promise (Galatians 3:1-14)
- The promise of the Spirit and the role of the law (3:1-5)
- The promise to Abraham and the role of law (3:6-9)
- The redemption through Christ and the role of the law (3:10-14)
The Promise and the Law (Galatians 3:15-25)
- The law supports the promise (3:17)
- The law reveals sin (3:22)
- The law is our guardian (3:24)
- The law anticipates the work of Jesus Christ (3:25)
Living the Promise (Galatians 3:26-29)
- In Christ, we are ‘sons of God’ (3:26)
- In Christ, we are ‘clothed with Christ’ (3:27)
- In Christ, we are ‘all one’ (3:28)
- In Christ, we are ‘Abraham’s seed…and heirs’ (3:29)
Discussion Questions
- This weekend we continue our series, “Free,” by delving into Galatians, chapter 3. Take a moment to begin with prayer, asking God to speak through your study of the Scripture. Next, read that Bible passage out loud.
- At the beginning of Galatians 3, Paul calls out the believers for losing focus on Jesus and the real gospel by asking them a series of questions in verses 1-5. Identify the questions Paul is asking as well as what Paul is trying to reveal through these questions.
- Like the Galatian churches, all of us are subtly tempted to stray away from the real gospel of Jesus Christ. How have you or are you being tempted to lose this real gospel in your life or church?
- Continuing forward with his argument, Paul takes his readers back to the founder of Israel’s faith, Abraham, and God’s covenant promises to him (3:6-9). What does Paul claim about Abraham and why would this be important in light of those in Galatia asking Gentiles to submit to Jewish religious regulations?
- In verses 10-15, Paul outlines both the redeeming and sacrificial work of Jesus Christ in relation to the Jewish law. How would you summarize what Paul says here?
- When did you come to realize the meaning of Jesus’ redeeming and sacrificial work for you personally? What happened? How did it change you?
- Galatians 3:15-25 outlines the role of the Jewish law—what we call the Old Testament —to the Christian faith. How does Paul answer his own questions in verses 19 and 21? What would you say is the role of the law for Christians?
- If you were talking to another Christian who was legalistic, how would you describe to them the place of the Jewish law in our everyday lives as Christians?
- In conclusion, Paul summarizes what it means that we are ‘in Christ’ in verses 26-29. It is important to remember that the point of departure for this discussion in Galatians 2 was the disunity of the church between Jew and Gentile. How does the real gospel lead to unity according to Paul here?
- Name one thing you will take away from this study on the real gospel? If you are with a small group, take some time to discuss these things with one another. If you are alone, share that with someone this week. Close in prayer.