Title: Justification by Faith
Text: Galatians 3
Introduction
In the Bible, justification by faith is a very obvious truth that Paul teaches. In contrast to this, looking at the world, false teachings about justification has again flourished. Many different religious groups including the “great old church” added something for justification. Well in fact and in accordance to the Bible, justification is by faith, not by works, not through other people, not by personal efforts. Today, we will be seeing truths about justification by faith.
Truths About Justification By Faith
We Received the Holy Spirit by Faith (v.2-3 and 8-9)
Paul, asked two questions, “2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” Here we so that Paul is actually pointing out an argument.
We all know that by believing (which means having faith) through Jesus Christ, we will be saved (John 3:16). And having believed in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit became our mark of guarantee that we are God’s people; Ephesians 1:13 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. In verse 14 of Galatians 3 says, 14He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
Having been deceived by false teachers, false believers also emerged. Paul by asking questions is pointing out a truth and this truth was answered in verse 8 and 9; ”8The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” Here in these verses, Paul now is stating that justification comes by faith.
Righteousness Comes by Faith (v. 6-7)
Paul quoted Abraham as the example of his argument that justification is by faith. When we talk about justification, we are talking about a sinner who was declared righteous. Not that we did not sin, but those who were dirty now was declared clean. Take note, that believing is also having faith, believing is more like having faith to Jesus Christ.
In verse 6, it says; 6Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now this statement was followed up in verse 9 9So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. Here Paul is saying that believing is an act of righteousness and those who believe are children of Abraham.
Brothers and sisters, we can never be righteous by our own works. Righteousness only comes when we believe in Jesus Christ, who is the way the truth and the life. Righteousness only comes when we believe to the only begotten Son of God who was crucified at the cross.
We Are Freed From Curse by Faith (v. 10-14)
Paul made a little controversial argument here in the following verses. He stated; “10All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Take note that Paul did not say that the law is a curse, but “reliance” on observing the law is “under” a curse (Deut. 27:26). It’s because no one can perfectly observe the law. This is how it brings judgment to all. We are all guilty of disobeying it. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short to the glory of God.” This is how difficult it is for us to reach God by our strength. There is only one way of reaching the Lord and it is through our Lord Jesus Christ.
There are some groups in our days that were so strict in obedience to the Law. Now I am not talking about simple Christian standards here. There is a big difference between a Christian standard and the Law. The Law was the standard given by the God to the Israelites which is almost impossible to perfect, but it forms part as a discipline. While our current Christian standards are based to the two most important thing that the Lord gave; Loving God above all, and loving your neighbor as your self. The Law was intended to save, but our Christian standard was intended to keep us do what the Lord commanded us to do in accordance to His pleasure and will.
Furthermore, Paul made it clear that the Law is not based on faith, but to obedience. Unfortunately, faith is above obedience because certainly we can obey without faith, but if we have faith, certainly we will obey.
In verse 21, the Law did not oppose the promise of God to Abraham, but the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ (v.24). In the New King James version, they used the word “tutor” instead of “supervision”. Tutor would mean something, or someone who teaches us, or taught us. And this is exactly the role of the Law. It teaches us and leads us to Christ. Studying the Greek word denotes a slave whose duty it was to take care of a child until adulthood.
Conclusion:
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:26-29
Title: Justification by Faith
Text: Galatians 3
Introduction
In the Bible, justification by faith is a very obvious truth that Paul teaches. In contrast to this, looking at the world, false teachings about justification has again flourished. Many different religious groups including the “great old church” added something for justification. Well in fact and in accordance to the Bible, justification is by faith, not by works, not through other people, not by personal efforts. Today, we will be seeing truths about justification by faith.
Truths About Justification By Faith
We Received the Holy Spirit by Faith (v.2-3 and 8-9)
Paul, asked two questions, “2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” Here we so that Paul is actually pointing out an argument.
We all know that by believing (which means having faith) through Jesus Christ, we will be saved (John 3:16). And having believed in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit became our mark of guarantee that we are God’s people; Ephesians 1:13 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. In verse 14 of Galatians 3 says, 14He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
Having been deceived by false teachers, false believers also emerged. Paul by asking questions is pointing out a truth and this truth was answered in verse 8 and 9; ”8The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” Here in these verses, Paul now is stating that justification comes by faith.
Righteousness Comes by Faith (v. 6-7)
Paul quoted Abraham as the example of his argument that justification is by faith. When we talk about justification, we are talking about a sinner who was declared righteous. Not that we did not sin, but those who were dirty now was declared clean. Take note, that believing is also having faith, believing is more like having faith to Jesus Christ.
In verse 6, it says; 6Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now this statement was followed up in verse 9 9So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. Here Paul is saying that believing is an act of righteousness and those who believe are children of Abraham.
Brothers and sisters, we can never be righteous by our own works. Righteousness only comes when we believe in Jesus Christ, who is the way the truth and the life. Righteousness only comes when we believe to the only begotten Son of God who was crucified at the cross.
We Are Freed From Curse by Faith (v. 10-14)
Paul made a little controversial argument here in the following verses. He stated; “10All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Take note that Paul did not say that the law is a curse, but “reliance” on observing the law is “under” a curse (Deut. 27:26). It’s because no one can perfectly observe the law. This is how it brings judgment to all. We are all guilty of disobeying it. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short to the glory of God.” This is how difficult it is for us to reach God by our strength. There is only one way of reaching the Lord and it is through our Lord Jesus Christ.
There are some groups in our days that were so strict in obedience to the Law. Now I am not talking about simple Christian standards here. There is a big difference between a Christian standard and the Law. The Law was the standard given by the God to the Israelites which is almost impossible to perfect, but it forms part as a discipline. While our current Christian standards are based to the two most important thing that the Lord gave; Loving God above all, and loving your neighbor as your self. The Law was intended to save, but our Christian standard was intended to keep us do what the Lord commanded us to do in accordance to His pleasure and will.
Furthermore, Paul made it clear that the Law is not based on faith, but to obedience. Unfortunately, faith is above obedience because certainly we can obey without faith, but if we have faith, certainly we will obey.
In verse 21, the Law did not oppose the promise of God to Abraham, but the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ (v.24). In the New King James version, they used the word “tutor” instead of “supervision”. Tutor would mean something, or someone who teaches us, or taught us. And this is exactly the role of the Law. It teaches us and leads us to Christ. Studying the Greek word denotes a slave whose duty it was to take care of a child until adulthood.
Conclusion:
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:26-29
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