Galatians 3 – Ministry of Grace Church

Category: Galatians 3

Galatians 3:29 – God’s Heirs

Posted on November 20, 2007 by admin

Galatians 3:29

²⁹And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Truth to Learn

We who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are now the children of God and have the right to inherit all the blessings promised to Abraham

Behind the Words

The word translated “Christ’s” is “christou.” This noun is in the genitive case which means that it is to be translated as of Christ or from Christ. In Greek this is the form of a noun that identifies ownership. What Paul is telling us is that we who believe God’s message about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus now belong to Christ. He is our owner, that is, our lord and master.

The word translated “heir” is “klēronomos,” which is a compound word made up of “klēros” meaning a lot and a form of “nemō” meaning to have in one’s posession. In the Roman world, as in the Greek world, a lot was used as a manner of selection. The lots of several parties were properly marked or distinguished and put into a vessel which was violently shaken by one who turned his face away. The lot which first fell to the ground indicated the person chosen or preferred for the occasion. If a person had a lot, then they were eligible for selection. If they did not have a lot they were left out of the selection process. The word “klēronomos” has thus come to be used in reference to one who was eligible for distribution of an inheritance hence, its translation as “heir.”

Meaning Explained

Paul just told us that we are all one in Christ Jesus and we are each a child of God. This privileged position is the result of faith, not the accident of national origin, the preference of freedom or servitude, or whether man or woman. In Romans 4 Paul shows that Abraham was justified by faith, and was thus identified as the spiritual father of all believers in Christ, whether circumcised or uncircumcised. And in verse 16 he told us that the promises made to Abraham were made to him and his seed, who is Jesus Christ. Since we now belong to Christ, we belong to the seed of Abraham and have become an heir according to God’s promise and our faith.

Since we are now heirs of God according to the promise made to Abraham, we inherit the blessings promised to Abraham, and partake of the peace and happiness which he looked forward to. This did not happen by the obedience of the Law; it was by faith – in the same way that Abraham received the blessing; an arrangement before the giving of the Law, and therefore one that may include everyone who believes, whether Jew or Gentile. All believers enjoy the blessings of Abraham and we all are the children of God, and in the same manner, and on the same terms as Abraham was.

So What?

Do you now see why Christ taught his disciples to pray, “Our Father who is in heaven?” He truly is our father and we are His children who will one day inherit a place in His eternal kingdom.

Let us take a few minutes to pray to our Heavenly Father and thank Him for all the blessings that He has promised to us through faith.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Galatians 3:28 – No Difference

Posted on November 19, 2007 by admin

Galatians 3:28

²⁸There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Truth to Learn

God’s promises in Christ are offered freely to anyone, independent of national origin, gender, or status in life.

Behind the Words

“Jew nor Greek” is a literal translation of “ioudaios oude ellēn.” One might ask why Paul only mentions these two nations. Paul is writing from a Jewish perspective and in their thinking a person is either a Jew or not a Jew. After the conquest of Alexander the Great, the common Greek language became the language of the people. As Rome conquered the lands and expanded her dominion throughout the Mediterranean, Greek continued to be the language of commerce and conversation. So, by the first century nearly all the civilized world spoke Greek. Therefore, in the early church one was either a Jew (speaking a form of Hebrew called Aramaic) or a Greek (speaking common Greek.)

The word translated “slave” is “doulos” meaning one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another. There are other words in the Greek language for servants; “oiketēs” meaning a household servant and “misthōtos” meaning a hired servant. These had rights which a slave did not.

Meaning Explained

In verse 26 Paul declared that we are all sons (children) of God through faith in Christ Jesus. He now expands on that thought. Not only are we all children of God, but there is no distinction made with respect to salvation between Jews and Gentiles, between freeborn and slaves, or between the sexes.

Through the Law of Moses the Jews were declared to be a special people above all others:

Deuteronomy 7:6 ⁶For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.

A slave (doulos) had no rights and was considered the personal property of his master. A free man was independent and had the rights of ownership, citizenship, and inheritance. Within Jewish society men had many privileges over women. A woman could not inherit nor could she own slaves as her husband could.

In his normal morning prayer, a Jewish man thanked God that He had not made him a Gentile, a slave, or a woman. But in Christ Jesus these differences disappear, that is, as far as acceptance with God is concerned. In Christ a Jew is not preferred over a Gentile, a free man is not more favored than a slave, nor is a man more privileged than a woman. With respect to salvation, righteousness, and eternal life there is no distinction made based on one’s station in life. God offers his gift freely to all.

So What?

Christianity was the first religious system that put all people on an equal footing. All of us are sinners and, without Christ, are under God’s condemnation. Anyone who believes God’s promise and accepts Christ’s blood as the payment for his or her sins is declared righteous no matter what his or her lineage, position in society, or gender.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 3:27 – Christ Embraced

Posted on November 18, 2007 by admin

Galatians 3:27

²⁷For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Truth to Learn

When we come to faith in Jesus Christ we become a child of God and we embrace all that Jesus is. We wrap ourselves in Him.

Behind the Words

The word translated “into” is the Greek word “eis” which can mean into but it can also mean motion toward or upon any place or thing. Hence, it is often translated as “unto.”

The words “put on” are from a form of the Greek word “enduo” which literally means to sink into. It is the word used to express putting oneself into his or her clothing. To put on someone else, however, is a very peculiar expression to our modern ears. According to Chrysostom, one of the greatest preachers of the fourth century, Bishop of Constantinople, and a prolific writer: “We say of friends, one puts on the other, meaning thereby much love and unceasing fellowship.” So Paul’s meaning in saying that we have “put on” Christ is that we have a great love for our Lord and experience continual close fellowship with him. This is accomplished through constant prayer accompanied by continual reading and studying of God’s Word. Today we might say that we have “embraced Christ and His teachings.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has just told us that we obtain our sonship of God, not by deeds of righteousness but by faith in Jesus Christ. He now carries the idea one step further. Paul makes a reference to those who are justified by faith in Christ with the expression, “as many of you as were baptized unto Christ.” He is not saying here that only those who have been baptized are Christians, though some churches today teach that baptism is required for salvation. This is typically taken from the teachings of Jesus as He gave the great commission to the church:

Mark 16:15, 16 ¹⁵And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. ¹⁶He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Notice, however, that condemnation comes to those who do not believe, not to those who are not baptized. The notion that baptism is required in addition to faith is just as wrong as the false teaching that the Galatians had received, that one must believe and be circumcised in order to be saved.

Baptism is a testimony of the salvation that has already taken place and an indication that the believer has embraced Christ and all that He stands for. Paul will tell us in the next chapter of this letter to the Galatian churches that when we are saved we are guaranteed adoption into the family of God. As His adopted children we “put on” all the spiritual and behavioral clothing of His family.

So What?

As a Christian you have declared that you believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins. When you did this God legally declared you to be as righteous (sinless) as Jesus Himself. And, according to this verse, you embraced all that He stands for.

Do those around you see you embracing all that He stands for?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 3:26 – Heirs by Faith

Posted on November 15, 2007 by Will

Galatians 3:26

²⁶For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Truth to Learn

We who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are given a legal status of inheritors of God, not because of adherence to a set of rules, but because of faith.

Behind the Words

The word translated “sons” is a form of the Greek word “huios” which refers to an offspring or a descendent. It is different from the Greek word “teknon,” which refers to a child, in that “huios” generally refers to a legally grown son who no longer needs a pedagogue and is now in a position to inherit.

The term “sons,” though a masculine pronoun, is used in this case in the generic sense of children (male and female).

Meaning Explained

If you read the preceding verses carefully you will notice that Paul had been using the first person pronouns “we,” “our,” and “us” but he now changes to “you.” The use of the first person pronouns was a reference to those who were under the condemnation and guidance of the law (Jews). Though they were direct descendents of Abraham, they couldn’t inherit the promises. The change to “you” (second person plural) is specifically a reference to those who are of the faith, that is, Christians. We are God’s grown children.

The Jews believed that because they were direct descendents of Abraham, they were in a privileged position with God. But though they are descendents of Abraham, they were still under the guardianship of the Law. They were, in a sense, spiritual minors, not yet “of age.” But Christians, rather than being sons of Abraham, are sons of God according to Paul. And not mere descendents, but legally mature inheritors. We don’t need a pedagogue to lead us to the truth because we now believe the truth.

The distinction will become more apparent in the next chapter of this letter where Paul will tell us:

Galatians 4:1, 2 ¹Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, ²but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.

Those who are under the Law of Moses are little children, no different that a slave. But we, as sons of God, are now in a privileged position that allows us to inherit the promises of God.

Granted, there are a lot of Christians who aren’t very mature spiritually. But in God’s legal system we Christians are all grown-up children who can legally inherit from our Father.

So What?

The world often uses the term “children of God” in reference to all of mankind. In God’s record book, however, only those who have their sins paid for, through faith in Jesus Christ, are true children of His.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 3:25 – No More Guide

Posted on November 13, 2007 by Will

Galatians 3:25

²⁵But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Truth to Learn

Once we are saved, we no longer need the Law of Moses to be our guard or our guide.

Behind the Words

“after faith has come” is the translation of “elthousēs tēs pisteōs.” The word “tēs” is the definite article for faith (pisteōs) and as we saw in Galatians 3:23 this means that Paul is talking about “the faith,” that is, faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, not faith in general. The word “elthousēs” is an aorist participle of “erchomai” which means to come or to go. The significance of the aorist participle is that it refers to action that was happening in the past but is now completed. To put this all in perspective, this verse could be translated as “But the faith having come, we are no longer under a tutor.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that the Law of Moses acted both as mankind’s prison guard, constantly reminding us of our sinfulness, and mankind’s guide, leading us to faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The law, with all its rites and ceremonies, required the blood of a sacrificial lamb to atone for sins. Not only did this make those under the law keenly aware of their own sinfulness and need for atonement, but it was the very picture of Jesus Christ as the sacrificial Lamb of God.

Now that the Lamb of God has been slain and His blood applied to cover our sins we can appropriate that blood payment for our own sins. We who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (the faith having come) no longer need to have the guide (tutor).

The Christians in the churches of Galatia had been led astray by the false teachers into believing that they had to obey some of the commandments and practices of the Mosaic Law in order to be completely saved. They were being taught that circumcision and subjection to the law were required for salvation.

But, now that Paul has shown them the purposes of the Law of Moses, which have been fully accomplished in Christ, the Galatians could clearly see that they have been led astray by the false teachers.

So What?

Are you being told by your church that you have to be baptized in a certain way to be saved? Are you being told that if you are not a member of their church then you aren’t really a Christian? Are you being taught that you have to complete a set of classes and partake of the “Sacraments” in order to be acceptable to God? These are all false teachings. Do you recall what God said to Abraham?

Genesis 15:5, 6 ⁵Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” ⁶And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

Abraham simply believed and he was declared righteous. When we believe the gospel of Jesus Christ we, too, are declared righteous. Nothing more is needed!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 3:24 – Personal Guide

Posted on November 12, 2007 by Will

Galatians 3:24

²⁴Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Truth to Learn

The law not only acted as our prison guard in the past, but it also served as our guide, bringing us to faith in Christ.

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from the Greek word “hōste” which is often translated as therefore but actually means, so too.

The word translated “tutor” is “paidagōgos” from which we get our English word pedagogue. This is a compound word made up of “pais,” meaning a child and a form of “agōgos” which means a leader. So, literally it means one who leads children. Originally it referred to a slave who took young boys from home to school and back. Later, though, it came to mean an instructor or “ teacher.

The word translated “was” is not the normal Greek verb of being. It is a form of the word, “ginomai” which means to cause to exist or to become. It is used here in the perfect tense which indicates past completed action with a continuous ongoing effect. The emphasis of the perfect tense, however, is on the effect. In this instance, it means that the law has now become our instructor or, literally “the law has become the one who leads us.”

Meaning Explained

In the past few verses Paul told us that we were imprisoned by the scriptures because of our sinfulness and kept under guard by the law until saving faith in the blood of Christ came along. We are now told, “So too, the law has become our child leader to bring us to Christ, …” Not only was the law our guard, making sure that we did not escape the realization of our sinfulness, but it also has served to lead us like little children to faith in Jesus Christ.

The result being, because of our believing God’s promises concerning the death and resurrection of His son, God has now declared us to be righteous. That is, we are now “justified by faith.”

Paul’s point in this section of his letter to the Galatians is that trying to observe the law can not produce righteousness because the law is condemning and enslaving. It was implemented to show us how sinful we really are. But it also was implemented to lead us to the awareness of, recognition of, and belief in Jesus the Christ, the Messiah. And through this faith in Christ we are declared righteous by God and set free from the condemnation of the law.

So What?

Now that we have been declared righteous and set free from the condemnation of the law, how can anyone think that returning to obedience of the law can add anything to the righteousness and freedom that we now have?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Galatians 3:23 – Liberating Faith

Posted on November 11, 2007 by Will

Galatians 3:23

²³But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.

Truth to Learn

The purpose of the Law was to demonstrate our own sinfulness and our inability to become righteous through its observance. Now that Christ has come and offered Himself, we are no longer bound and kept under guard by the Law.

Behind the Words

The word translated “faith” has the definite article in the Greek. Hence it refers to “the faith.” This is a reference to faith in Christ as the specific faith rather than faith in general.

The word translated “we were kept in custody” is “ephrouroumetha” which means to be kept under guard or under custody. This is a continuation of the imagery that Paul used in the previous verse when he said we were “confined in sin.” It is a picture of someone who is imprisoned and kept under constant watch to ensure there is no escape. Under this imprisonment we were “shut up.” This is a word that we looked at in the previous verse meaning “enclosed as in a prison.”

The expression “to the faith” in the latter half of this verse is from the Greek, “eis tēn pistin.” The Greek word “eis” means into or unto but it also carries the idea of for. In this case it likely means that we were shut up in preparation for the faith to be revealed.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that scripture has declared us all to be sinners so that we are imprisoned by our inability to earn our righteousness. Paul continues on with this analogy by declaring that until faith in Christ came along we were kept under guard in our imprisonment by the Law.

The purpose for this imprisonment was not to prevent us from obtaining righteousness but to keep us aware of our sinfulness until righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ came along. At the time the Law was delivered to the Israelites they were already looking for a Messiah but the “Anointed One” that they were expecting was a conquering, liberating ruler. Before He could come as a King, however, the Messiah had to come as a sacrificial Lamb. This is the Lamb that Abraham was speaking of when he told his son Isaac:

Genesis 22:8a ⁸And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.”

Now that the Lamb has come and has been sacrificed for us we are no longer kept under guard by the Law. The Law no longer has that purpose. Belief that the blood of Christ paid for our sins now liberates us from the Law.

So What?

Do you want to be free? Trying to obey the Law or any other set of rules produces imprisonment. Only the truth about the Lamb of God frees us from the Law and sin.

John 8:32 ³²And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 3:22 – Imprisoned by Sin

Posted on November 8, 2007 by Will

Galatians 3:22

²² But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Truth to Learn

Scripture has declared that all of us are trapped by sinfulness. Since we can’t earn our righteousness by obeying a set of rules, we have to rely on the goodness and grace of God.

Behind the Words

The verb translated “has confined” is “sunekleisen,” which is a compound word made up of “sun” meaning together and a form of “kleio” meaning to shut up or to enclose. Hence, it means to confine together as if in a prison. The same word is used in Luke 5:6 where it is translated as “enclosed.”

Luke 5:6 ⁶When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break;

All of the fish which they caught were confined together by the net just as we are confined, or imprisoned, by Scripture.

Meaning Explained

Once again Paul is personifying the Scripture. That is, he is giving it personal attributes and abilities, whereas in reality it is God who is doing the action. He tells us that Scripture has enclosed us, like in a prison, because we are all sinners. Paul is likely referring to:

Psalms 14:2-3 ²The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. ³They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

This is repeated again in the New Testament in:

Romans 3:10-12 ¹⁰As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; ¹¹There is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. ¹²They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one.”

And, in that same letter Paul tells the Romans, as he does the Galatian Christians here, that we are imprisoned by our sin:

Romans 11:32 ³²For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all.

But why would God allow all of mankind to be imprisoned by sin? Because God wants the promise of eternal life, the covenant of righteousness, the blessing of salvation, to be a gift from Him to us. Do you see it? Paul is making it clear once again that we can’t earn our righteousness. We can’t perform acts of obedience or acts of contrition that will earn us righteousness. If we could earn it by obedience, then obeying the Law would be able to produce righteousness, but it can’t.

The promise of eternal life, the covenant of righteousness, is a one-sided contract with God as the only signatory. He gives us eternal life, not because we have done anything to earn it, but because He wants us to know how merciful and gracious He is.

So What?

Has Paul convinced you yet? There is nothing that you can do to earn your salvation. If you believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for your sins, then God has declared you righteous and eternal life is promised to you. Period!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 3:21 – Bad Law?

Posted on November 7, 2007 by Will

Galatians 3:21

²¹Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.

Truth to Learn

The Law of Moses is not contrary to the promises of God, but it is still not possible to obtain righteousness by obeying the Law.

Behind the Words

The expression “Certainly not!” that Paul uses in this verse is one which he uses frequently in answer to rhetorical questions. It is translated from the Greek, “mē genoito” which could very easily be translated into our vernacular as, “No way!”

Meaning Explained

Paul has presented a very strong case as to why salvation is not dependent on fulfilling any part of the requirements of the Law of Moses. This has been his objective since the beginning of this letter to the Galatian Christians; however, many of the converts throughout Galatia, like many in the first century church as a whole, were converts from Judaism. They grew up being taught that God required all Jews to obey the Law. It would be difficult, if not impossible, for these Jewish converts to think that the Law which they grew up with is contrary to the faith that they now hold. So, in anticipation of their objection, Paul now presents the question that they would likely pose so that he can answer it: “Is the Law of Moses contrary to God’s promises through faith?”

He answers his own question with a very familiar expression of his: “No way!” The Law of Moses is as good as a law can be. It is good, and pure, and true, but it is not capable of giving eternal life because no man (except the incarnate Son of God) can be justified by perfect obedience to it. The Law of Moses was as well adapted to justification by obedience as a law could be. Its demands are as just and its terms as favorable as any of the terms of mere law could be.

Because we have a sin nature, we will all break at least some part of the law. And, as James told us:

James 2:10 ¹⁰For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

Therefore, no one can be justified by the Law of Moses. The fact that no one can be justified by the pure law revealed on Mount Sinai forever settles the question about the possibility of being justified by any law or set of rules.

So What?

The Law of Moses, presented to the children of Israel on Mount Sinai detailing how we should live with one another and how we should behave before our God, is the best set of guidelines ever given to man. Obeying these guidelines, or any other set of rules and regulations, cannot make a person righteous in God’s eyes.

The only ones who can stand in the presence of God Almighty are those whom God Himself has declared righteous, and that only happens by faith.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 3:20 – One Sided Agreement

Posted on November 6, 2007 by Will

Galatians 3:20
²⁰Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.

Truth to Learn

The law of Moses was delivered through a mediator but we’re incapable of keeping our end of the agreement. The only way we can obtain righteousness is if God is the only one involved in the agreement. He always keeps His promises.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “mediator” is “mesitēs,” which literally means one who is in the middle. In this case it refers to one who is a moderator or mediator between two parties. And it is required of the mediator that he has the best interests of both parties in mind. In the previous verse this word is used in reference to Moses as the mediator with respect to the Law between God and man.

Meaning Explained

A mediator has to have two parties to mediate between, but our agreement of righteousness only involves God. We know that Moses was the mediator between God and man in delivering the law to the Israelites. The Israelites could not stand in God’s presence without being killed. In fact, they could not even touch Mount Sinai while the law was being delivered to Moses or they would be killed (Exodus chapters 19 and 20). Moses’ mediation was necessary for the delivery of the law. But, as we have seen in the previous verses, the purpose of the law was to show man how sinful he is, and as Paul has pointed out, Abraham was declared righteous by God long before the law existed.

The covenant, or the contract, between God and Abraham was all the work of God without a mediator. It was promised and reckoned to Abraham with God as the only party involved. It did not require Abraham to do anything in return. Hence, there was only one contracting party. And, if there was only one contracting party, and He made an unconditional promise requiring nothing from the other party, there was no need of a mediator. The fact that the law required a mediator implied that those under the law must keep their part of the agreement.

Paul’s point is this: with a mediator, both parties have to uphold their end of the agreement. With respect to the law, we can’t fulfill our obligation; therefore, the law can never be the means of righteousness. Righteousness can only come as a result of a covenant of promise executed by God alone. He will always uphold His end of the agreement.

So What?

We can’t make any “deal” with God in order to secure our salvation because, as sinners, we can’t keep our end of the agreement. Trying to keep the law to become righteous is futile because we can’t keep our end of the bargain. In the same way, trying to obey a set of church rules is futile. The only way to have a covenant of righteousness between us and God is if that agreement is dependent on God alone.

That’s called grace!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –