Galatians 3

🔍 Overview

Paul passionately challenges the Galatians for abandoning the gospel of grace and returning to legalism. He asks, “Who has bewitched you?” reminding them that they received the Spirit through faith, not by keeping the law. He uses Abraham as an example, showing that even he was justified by faith. Paul explains that the law was never meant to save, but to point us to Christ, who redeems us from the curse of the law so that the blessing of Abraham might come to all who believe.

✨ Key Themes

The danger of legalism: Trying to earn salvation by works denies the sufficiency of the cross.

Faith precedes the law: Abraham was declared righteous by faith, long before the law existed.

The purpose of the law: It was a guardian—a temporary measure—until Christ came.

Inheritance through promise: The blessings of God come by believing His promises, not earning them.

📖 Key Verses

Galatians 3:3 – “After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?”

Galatians 3:6 – “So also Abraham ‘believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’”

Galatians 3:13 – “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us...”

Galatians 3:26 – “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.”

🪞 Reflection Questions

Are there ways you’re trying to finish in your own strength what God started by His Spirit?

How does knowing you’re a child of God through faith impact how you view yourself?

What “laws” or religious habits have you clung to that may be replacing simple trust in Jesus?