GALATIANS 3:1-14

Introduction: There are many religions in the world today. In America religion is as diverse as our nation itself. Everyone has their own god, beliefs, or moral standard. And yet there is only one true religion. This religion is the religion of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in the Word alone, because of Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the churches in the region of Galatia because they had seemingly abandoned these principles. The major point of their abandonment of the Gospel was in the area of faith alone. The Galatians had been seduced by false teachers who taught them to mix faith and works. This is disastrous for those who are seeking to please God through holy lives. Without faith it is impossible to pleases God. The Apostle Paul in turn gives them several reasons they should not abandon salvation by faith alone.

I. Perceives the Gospel Verses 1-2 Hebrews 11:1

A. Only by faith can we understand the Gospel.
B. Human reasoning cannot bring the Gospel to light.
C. Faith is the work of the Holy Spirit who brings us to life and illuminates the preaching of the Gospel.

II. Receives the Spirit Verses 2-5

A. Human abilities cannot impress the Spirit.
B. The Law could not produce the Spirit. (The new man)
1. If the Law could produce this, then why the suffering?
2. If the Law could produce this, then why Christ?
C. The Law could not produce the miracles that they had witnessed.

III. Justifies the Believer Verses 6-11

A. Abraham was justified by faith.
1. The Law came over four hundred years later.
2. The Gospel was preached to Abraham before circumcision. Romans 4:9-11
B. Those who have faith are the children of Abraham.
C. The children of Abraham receive the promised blessing.

IV. Excludes the Law Verses 2, 3, 5, 10-12

A. Faith is the anti-work. Romans 4:16
B. The Law holds up a standard of righteousness.
C. The Law does not produce righteousness.
D. The Law brings the curse, not the blessing.

V. Faith in Christ Alone Verses 13-14

A. The just shall live by faith.
B. The just shall live by faith.
C. The just shall live by faith.
D. Christ our curse. II Corinthians 5:21
1. The curse of the Law.
2. The curse of the fall.
E. Christ our blessing.
1. The promise of Abraham.
a. He is the heir of the blessing.
b. He is the fulfillment of that blessing.
2. The Promised Spirit. Acts 2:17
3. The promise of life.

Conclusion: Man cannot save himself. Man in the very best of conditions, the Garden of Eden, plunged humanity under a curse. Christ traded His righteousness for our curse. By faith in Him we are united with Him, not only in His death and resurrection. We are united to Him in His ascension and seated together with Him in heavenly places.