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Bible Study: October 22, 2020

Galatians 3

Justification by Faith

October, 2020

Our Weekly Bible Study begins with us reading the assigned scripture ahead of time and preparing our hearts for study and discussion. When we meet (virtually or in person) we first read the scripture as a group, and then take turns sharing and discussing what impacted us the most, and our general interpretation of what we read.

Making Notes as we go through Bible Study is always encouraged, as it helps to increase our understanding of what we have read, and also allows us to become more comfortable and familiar with the Bible.

To make participation easier and more memorable for our younger children, we will include a link to Storybook Bible images of the readings whenever these are available.

This week’s virtual Bible Study focused on Galatians 3. The third chapter in our new study on the Book of Galatians. After praying and reading through the chapters, we discussed the verses at length, and shared our personal views on what we had read.

Verse 1: Paul refers to the Galatians as being foolish and bewitched (enchanted or being put under a spell). He is clearly dismayed and disgusted at their rejection of Truth.

Verse 3-4: They have turned their backs on the Word despite all Paul’s teachings, therefore making all they had heard and had been through in vain.

Verse 6: Paul refers them back to Abraham; (430 years before Moses) whose laws the Jews were adhering to. Abraham had no law, he just believed God, and as a result of that belief he was deemed righteous by the Lord.

Verse 7: Paul informs the Galatians that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.

Verse 11-12: In the eyes of God, no one is justified by the law. This is why Christ had to come to save us. The just shall therefore live purely by faith.

Verses 13-14: Christ has delivered us from the curse of the law by taking that curse upon Himself (“Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” Gal 3:13). It is only through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God that a blessing came upon us. A blessing that we were graciously given despite how clearly undeserving we were.

Verse 16: A lamb was provided to take our place for the redemption of our sins just as a lamb had been provided for Abraham in the Old Testament so he would not have to sacrifice his son Isaac.

Verse 18: Nothing changes the promise and the faithfulness of God.

Verse 19: The law was put into place because of transgressions. This is very similar to the manner in which a law in modern society comes into effect whenever a crime is committed for which there is no existing punishment or law.  (Ref. also Matthew 19:8)

Verse 21: Righteousness is not by the law, it is only by faith.

Verse 24: The law did its work, now faith in Christ has replaced it. We cannot therefore go backwards to claim or follow the law.

Verse 28: We are all one in Christ Jesus; prejudices hold no place with the Lord.

Verse 29: If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

 

As you read through this week’s Bible passage, ask yourself:

What are MY thoughts on what I am reading?

How can I apply this to MY life?

Blessings!

Adult and Youth Bible Study Resources:

Adult Bible Link:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203&version=NKJV

Please click here for music to accompany this Bible Study.

 Youth Bible Link:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3&version=ICB

Younger Children’s Picture Bible Story: Unfortunately, the picture Bible Story is not available for this chapter; please click on the Youth Bible Link above instead.

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