Summary
Galatians 3:1–5 – Beginning by the Spirit, Not the Flesh
What happens: Paul asks who bewitched them, since Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. They received the Spirit by hearing with faith, not by works. He asks if they will now finish by the flesh what began by the Spirit.
What it means: God saves and empowers by the Spirit through faith. Human effort cannot complete what grace starts. God is faithful; believers must keep trusting Him.
Galatians 3:6–9 – Abraham and the Blessing by Faith
What happens: Paul cites Abraham who believes God, and it is counted to him as righteousness. Those of faith are sons of Abraham. Scripture foretells that God justifies the Gentiles by faith, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.”
What it means: God’s promise plan has always been by faith, not ethnicity or works. The covenant blessing comes through trusting God’s word. God’s heart includes the nations.
Galatians 3:10–14 – Christ Redeems from the Curse
What happens: All who rely on law-keeping are under a curse because no one keeps it perfectly. Christ becomes a curse for us on the cross to redeem us. Through Him the blessing of Abraham comes to the Gentiles, so we receive the promised Spirit by faith.
What it means: At the cross God’s justice and mercy meet. Christ bears the curse our sins deserve and gives the Spirit. Redemption is God’s work, not ours.
Galatians 3:15–22 – Promise Precedes Law
What happens: A human covenant once ratified is not annulled; so God’s promise to Abraham stands. The law, given later, does not cancel the promise. The law is added because of transgressions until the offspring, Christ, comes. Scripture imprisons all under sin so the promise is given by faith in Jesus.
What it means: God’s promise is firm and fulfilled in Christ. The law exposes sin and drives us to grace. God is faithful to His covenant word.
Galatians 3:23–29 – From Guardian to Sonship
What happens: Before faith came, the law was our guardian. Now that faith has come, we are sons of God through faith in Christ. Baptized into Christ, we put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female; all are one in Christ and heirs of the promise.
What it means: God forms a new family in Christ where identity is defined by union with Him. Equality in worth and access to God marks the covenant people. Adoption highlights God’s love and the unity of His church.
Application
- Keep relying on the Spirit, not on performance.
- Trust God’s promise in Christ for standing with God.
- Rest in Christ who bore the curse and gave the Spirit.
- Live as one family in Christ, honoring every believer as an heir.
