Galatians Lesson 3
CHRIST REDEEMED US
Galatians 3:1–14
Key Verse: 3:13
In chapters 3 and 4 Paul’s main theme is that we become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, not by observing the law. To help us understand, Paul develops this theme with several contrasts: faith versus observing the law (3:1–14), the promise versus the law (3:15–22), and children versus slaves (3:23–4:31). In the first part of chapter 3 Paul explains how Christ redeemed us, and that by believing, we receive the promise of the Spirit and the blessing given to Abraham.
Read verse 1. What strong language does Paul use here, and why? In Galatia, how did he clearly portray Christ? (1b; cf. Ac13:27–31,38–39,44; 14:21–22) What today might be bewitching people to turn away from Christ crucified?
In his questions, what contrast does Paul make? (2–5) How had the Galatians received the Spirit and experienced God’s miracles among them? (2,5) How had they gone astray? How can we maintain gospel faith and avoid legalism in our life and ministry?
How was Abraham credited righteous by God? (6) Who are his true spiritual children? (7) How did he become a role model for all believers, including Gentiles? (8–9) In light of this, what does God really want from us?
What Scripture shows that relying on observing the law is cursed? (10) That we should rely on faith? (11) That the law is not based on faith? (12) How do these references prove that trying to live by the law is not Biblical?
Read verse 13. How did Christ rescue us from the curse of the law? Think about how he was cursed on the cross. How did this “redeem” us? (Jn1:29; 1Pe1:18–19) What can we learn here about the love of Christ?
Read verse 14. For what purpose did Christ redeem us? How did his death on the cross open the way for Abraham’s blessing and the promise of the Spirit to come to all who believe? In this study, what can we learn about relying on Christ crucified?