Summary
In the passage from Galatians 3:7–14, Paul emphasizes that faith, not physical lineage, makes one a descendant of Abraham. He argues that the law was not given to Abraham, and thus, his righteousness was not based on it. Paul uses Old Testament scriptures to show that faith is the key to receiving God’s blessings, which were initially promised to Abraham. This message is crucial for understanding that justification is not limited to ethnic Israel but can be for anyone who has faith in God, just as Abraham did.
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Reflections on Galatians 3:7-14.
Abraham’s Legacy: Family By Faith
Introduction: A Family by Faith
In John 8:33-58, Jesus speaks to a group of Jews who believe their lineage as physical descendants of Abraham secures their status before God. Jesus challenges their assumptions, asserting that true children of Abraham act in faith, just as Abraham did. They were doing the opposite, which means Abraham wasn’t their true father… the devil was. Oh, snap! This thought leads us to a pivotal truth: You are part of the family by faith, not by the family tree.
As we delve into Galatians 3:7-14, we encounter the Apostle Paul discussing this same theme. He emphasizes that faith, not works, is the pathway to righteousness and belonging in God’s family.
The Promise of Abraham’s Faith
Worldwide Salvation through Abraham (Genesis 12:3)
In verse 7 of Galatians 3, Paul says, “You know, then, that those who have faith, these are Abraham’s sons.” This assertion might surprise some. The Jews believed their physical descent from Abraham qualified them for God’s blessings. However, Paul reminds us that Abraham’s true blessings extend beyond the Jews. Sonship is about belief, not bloodlines.
Two essential truths support this:
1. The Law Was Not Given Yet: When God made His promises to Abraham, the law was still a future event. Blessings based on obedience to the law could not apply because the law hadn’t existed during Abraham’s time.
2. Timing of Circumcision: Abraham was declared righteous before he received the sign of circumcision. Thus, being righteous before God is independent of following the law or the circumcision covenant.
These points are crucial because they are what makes Jews who they are, and what the Judiazers said had to accompany belief in Jesus for salvation. Paul’s point is that if Abraham was righteous and right with God before all that, then Abraham’s descendants aren’t limited to ethnic Israel; all who share Abraham’s faith, whether Jew or Gentile, are included in God’s family! Genesis 12:3 declares that “all nations will be blessed through you,” confirming that, through faith, all of God’s children who have faith like Abraham, are His heirs.
The blessing of Abraham includes righteousness, justification, and a restored relationship with God—freedom from the curse of sin that separates us from Him.
The Illusion of Heritage
Lest we think that was an issue in the 1st century, let’s see how that plays out today. Many people claim Christianity through familial association—“I’m a Christian because my parents are,” or “I attend church every week”—but these responses miss the heart of faith, just like Paul’s opponents. True faith in Christ is personal; it’s not about belonging to a group but about making a conscious choice to believe in and follow Jesus.
The Curse of the Law
Curses for Disobedience (Deuteronomy 27:26)
In verses 10-11, Paul warns, “For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse.” The law reveals sin, stating clearly what God expects. Moses, in Deuteronomy’s great discourse, outlined blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. However, no one can perfectly follow the law. Just as breaking one link of a chain compromises its integrity, so too does failing in just one area of the law. When we fail in one area, the entire law condemns us.
Understanding the Purpose of the Law
Through the law, God intended to guide His people. Its purpose was to explain what sin is and demonstrate that we are all sinful. However, the Judaizers during Paul’s time mistakenly relied on the law for justification, believing they could achieve righteousness through their own efforts. Paul insists that such reliance leads only to curses, not blessings.
In simple terms, you cannot select only the favorable aspects of the law while disregarding the unfavorable ones. It’s not a buffet line at Golden Corral where you can pick and choose what you prefer. If you believe you can satisfy God through your own efforts, you will discover that you are burdened by the law—not saved by it.
Redemption by Christ
The Curse and the Cross (Deuteronomy 21:23)
Paul concludes this section by bringing the focus back to Jesus. In verses 13-14, he writes, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” Jesus exchanged our sin and condemnation for His righteousness during the crucifixion. Echoing Deuteronomy 21:23, Paul highlights how Jesus hung on a tree and took the curse on our behalf. The God who issued the curse in Deuteronomy bore it for us so we would never again have to be under its power or consequences. All who are in Christ by faith are set free from sin and the curse of the law!
The Ultimate Fulfillment
Ultimately, Jesus is the realization of the promises God made to Abraham. Now, anyone who is “in Christ” receives the blessings of salvation, justification, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life. The key is faith in Him—explicitly believing in His death and resurrection and acknowledging Him as your Savior.
Recap and Application
As we reflect on this passage, we see how it shifts the focus from mere heritage and legalism to a relationship with Jesus founded on faith. The scriptures, from the Old Testament to Christ, establish that God’s family is composed of believers who trust in His promises—just as Abraham did.
Connection to Christ
The gospel is woven throughout the Bible, starting from Genesis. Jesus fulfills God’s promises as our redeemer, uniting all who place their faith in Him into one family—His family.
Daily Living
In our daily lives, let’s remember that it’s faith that counts, not our human efforts or lineage. Whether you’re struggling with feelings of inadequacy or comparing your faith journey to others, know this: God welcomes you into His family through faith in Christ. Let that truth guide you today, encouraging you to seek a deeper relationship with Him rather than merely checking off religious boxes.
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FAQs
FAQ:
Why does the author claim that not all descendants of Abraham are considered Abraham’s “true” children?
Lineage is determined by faith, not merely physical descent. Jesus challenged the Jews who believed their ancestry guaranteed God’s favor, arguing that true children of Abraham emulate his faith. The Apostle Paul also states that those who have faith are Abraham’s sons, regardless of their physical lineage. Therefore, simply being a descendant of Abraham does not automatically grant one a place in God’s family; genuine faith, like Abraham’s, is the key.
What does it mean that “all nations will be blessed through” Abraham?
This refers to God’s promise in Genesis 12:3, which the author interprets as a foreshadowing of the Gospel. It means that through Abraham’s lineage (specifically, through Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham), all people from all nations can receive God’s blessings, including salvation, justification, and a restored relationship with Him. This blessing is available to anyone, Jew or Gentile, who shares Abraham’s faith.
Why does the author say that relying on the “works of the law” leads to a curse?
The law, while revealing God’s standards and exposing sin, cannot ultimately justify or save anyone. No one can fully obey the entire law, and even a single transgression brings condemnation. Therefore, trying to earn God’s favor through adherence to the law is futile and leads to a curse, as spoken about in Deuteronomy.
How did Jesus redeem us from the curse of the law?
According to the author, Jesus redeemed us by taking the curse upon Himself on the cross. As stated in Deuteronomy 21:23, anyone hung on a tree is cursed. By becoming the “curse” for us, Jesus bore the penalty for our sins, freeing believers from the condemnation of the law. Through His sacrifice, we receive His righteousness and are no longer subject to the curse.
What is the relationship between the Old Testament Law and faith in Jesus Christ?
The Old Testament Law reveals our sinfulness and our need for a Savior, thus pointing us to Christ. The Law shows us that we cannot earn salvation through our own efforts. Faith in Jesus Christ, therefore, is the means by which we are justified and made righteous in God’s eyes. It is not about adhering to a set of rules, but rather about placing our trust in Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.
How do people today misunderstand what it means to be Christian?
People sometimes falsely assume they are Christian simply because of family tradition or regular church attendance. True faith is a personal and conscious choice to follow Jesus, not merely a matter of belonging to a group or adhering to religious rituals.
What are some of the blessings that believers receive when they are “in Christ?”
Being “in Christ” brings numerous blessings, including salvation, justification (being declared righteous), receiving the Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal life. It means being part of God’s family and experiencing a restored relationship with Him.
How can the understanding that we are part of God’s family by faith influence our daily lives?
This understanding should encourage us to seek a deeper relationship with God through faith rather than relying on our own efforts or comparing ourselves to others. It should also offer comfort and assurance, knowing that God welcomes us into His family through faith in Christ, regardless of our perceived inadequacies.
Glossary of Christianeze Words
Abraham: A central figure in Judaism and Christianity, considered the father of the Jewish people and a model of faith.
Justification: Being declared righteous and innocent in the sight of God.
Law (The): Often refers to the Mosaic Law, the set of commandments and regulations given to Moses in the Old Testament.
Redemption: The act of buying back or rescuing someone from captivity or bondage; in this context, being freed from the curse of the law and the bondage of sin.
Righteousness: Moral uprightness; being in right standing with God.
Faith: Trust and confidence in God and His promises.
Curse: A declaration of divine punishment or disfavor.
Circumcision: A religious rite of cutting off the foreskin, a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants.
Gentiles: People who are not of Jewish origin or descent.
Legalism: The belief that salvation or righteousness can be achieved through strict adherence to laws and rules.
Judaizers: A group of people who believed that Gentiles needed to follow Jewish law and customs, including circumcision, to be saved.
Gospel: The good news about Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers.
Study Questions
Context
1. Paul wrote this letter to the Galatians. Why do you think he felt so strongly about writing to them? (Hint: What was happening in the churches that made Paul concerned?)
2. The passage mentions Abraham. Why was Abraham such an important figure to both the Jews and, as Paul argues, to Christians?
3. Why would the idea that Gentiles (non-Jewish people) could be considered children of Abraham have been surprising or even offensive to some Jewish people at the time?
Observation
1. As you read Galatians 3:7-14, what words or phrases stand out to you? List at least three.
2. According to verse 8, what was proclaimed to Abraham in advance? How does that connect with the idea of God justifying the Gentiles?
3. What does verse 10 say is the consequence of relying on the “works of the law?”
4. What is the difference between how the “law” works (verse 12) and how “faith” works in bringing someone into a right relationship with God?
5. What is repeated in verses 9 and 14?
Meaning
1. Based on this passage, how does someone become a true child or descendant of Abraham? Is it about physical heritage or something else?
2. What does it mean that Christ “redeemed us from the curse of the law” (verse 13)? What was that “curse,” and how did Jesus deal with it?
3. How does this passage show that the “gospel” (good news) began in Genesis?
4. What Old Testament scriptures does Paul use in this passage? How does he use these scriptures to support his claims?
Application
1. Do you ever find yourself trying to earn God’s favor through your actions or by following rules? How does this passage challenge that way of thinking?
2. If being a Christian is about faith and not just following rules, how should that change the way you live your life?
3. How can you use the truths in this passage to explain to someone else how they can have a relationship with God?
4. How does understanding that the “blessing of Abraham” is available to all people impact your view of those who are different from you?
