It’s All About Faith
Galatians 3:1-10
June 24, 2007
Galatians 3:1 (NLT)
Oh, foolish Galatians! What magician has cast an evil spell on you? For you used to see the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death as clearly as though I had shown you a signboard with a picture of Christ dying on the cross.
Losing Sight
The blurring effect of false teaching
Caused the Galatians to lose sight of the truth
The supremacy of Christ’s death
Nothing else is required
His sacrifice was eternally sufficient
Galatians 3:2-3 (NLT)
Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the law? Of course not, for the Holy Spirit came upon you only after you believed the message you heard about Christ. [3] Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?
Living in the Spirit
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Comes by faith in Jesus Christ
Not a result of works
Works based doctrine
Goes backwards from salvation
Suggests that man can “earn” his way
Refining
The Holy Spirit refines us
Works are the fruit of the refinement
Galatians 3:4-5 (NLT)
You have suffered so much for the Good News. Surely it was not in vain, was it? Are you now going to just throw it all away?
[5] I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law of Moses? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.
Throwing Away Grace
Works based doctrine
Cheapens grace
Makes grace insufficient
The truth
It is by grace you have been saved through faith
Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Throwing Away Grace
Works based doctrine
Cheapens grace
Makes grace insufficient
The truth
It is by grace you have been saved through faith
Ephesians 2:8-9
God’s movement is in response to our faith
Galatians 3:6-7 (NLT)
In the same way, "Abraham believed God, so God declared him righteous because of his faith." [7] The real children of Abraham, then, are all those who put their faith in God.
The Example of Abraham
Abraham’s righteousness
Not the result of his works
The result of his faith
Those who live by faith
Called Abraham’s sons
Recipients of the inheritance of righteousness
Galatians 3:8-9 (NLT)
What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would accept the Gentiles, too, on the basis of their faith. God promised this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, "All nations will be blessed through you." [9] And so it is: All who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.
A Promise for Everyone
Righteousness through faith
Not just a promise for the Jewish nation
A promise for all who put their faith in Christ
Level ground at the foot of the cross
Salvation is available to all
Faith alone is the key
**Powerpoint available on request
