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3:11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ga 3:11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Recent news and blockbuster court cases remind us of the importance of solid evidence to produce a verdict that can withstand scrutiny and criticism.  Sound evidence does not eliminate enemies, but it does provide a consistent response.  Undeniably, history has provided its share of scrutiny of the Gospel.  Paul reinforces the consistent evidence of Christ that supports the position of the Gospel and man’s response to the Gospel.

Specifically in Galatians 3:11, Paul calls on Romans 1:17, Hebrews 10:28, and Habakkuk 2:4. Additional evidence could be drawn from Leviticus 18:5, Romans 10:5, and 2 Peter 2:1.  Perhaps the most significant of these verses is Hab. 2:4.  This passage has great significance in the early church.  Paul quoted it both in Romans 1:17 and again here in Galatians 3:11.  It was Paul’s reference in Romans 1:17 that became the break through verse of discovery for Martin Luther and his understanding of Justification, which led to his posting of the “95 Theses”.

For us today, we have a long history filled with consistent evidence that our righteousness in God is through faith in Christ.  As a result, we should be motivated to humble ourselves before God in acknowledgment that “by His stripes we are healed”.

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3:8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.”The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ga 3:8). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Despite how it may appear throughout history, God’s original intent is that all the world hear and respond to the Gospel.  Although Israel was, and remains, the people group that God used as the lineage of His Son; God delivered the Gospel to Abraham before his circumcision.  This act and intentional alignment of events gave validation to the Gentile community in regards to the Gospel.

Although Genesis 12:3 and 18:18 give support to Abraham blessing all nations, it seems that Paul’s reference to Scripture in Galatians 3:7 is referring to All Scripture, similar to what he writes in 2 Timothy 3:15-17.  The significance of this statement reinforces the connection between God and His written word.  Given that the Bible is living and breathing, it can be known that God had original intent and design on its content and its audience.

There is comfort knowing that God would orchestrate an encounter, like he did with Abraham, and have you and I in mind.  It is encouraging to know that God would give the written Word to authors thousand of years ago, so that you and I might be encouraged today.

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3:7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ga 3:7). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

A common song for church children is “Father Abraham”.  As I would sing the words to, “I am one of them, and so are you”, I must confess I had no idea of the importance of what I was singing.  As a child, I was more focused on the extreme motion of my limbs.  It is amazing that I never suffered from a joint dislocation.  The reality is that a clear understanding of every believers linkage to Abraham is just as important to us, as it was to the Galatian church.  In 3:7, Paul continues his exegesis of familiar Old Testament references to Abraham, in order to emphasize salvation by faith.

Romans 4 sheds some important light on this matter.  We learn in Romans 4:10-11 that Abraham received the seal of righteousness by faith while he was uncircumcised.  His circumcision followed to mark a physical symbol of what had changed in his heart.  Paul continues in Romans 4:11 to emphasize the purpose “was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well.” The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ro 4:11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

For the Galatians this fact provided an important link for them to the Jewish community, without the obligation to be circumcised.  For you and I, our link to Abraham creates an important reminder that all who beleive on Christ for salvation, through faith, are united by One God.  Regardless of denominational affiliation, gender, race, or creed; the universal body of Christ should be united under the banner of the Gospel.

We must recognize the Enemy’s attempt to divide us.  We must stand strong together.  Perhaps we should all stand and sing an old kids song to remind us of what’s important.

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3:5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ga 3:5). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

In our world today, attention is often placed on a source.  Whether is it a source of energy, revenue, or natural resources; we are accustomed to being reliant on a source that is outside of ourselves.  This principle is even more true when we begin to look at eternal matters.  On natural matters we don’t resist the dependency on an outside source, in fact we work to protect and manage that resource.  Yet on the subject of eternity we are more likely default to relying on ourself, rather than on God.  This inner struggle is once again addressed by Paul to the Galatian church.

For repetition and reinforcement, Paul rephrases the questions he asked in 3:3 and 3:4.  By challenging the Galatians to recall their salvation experience and the Source of their power, they are brought back to the question of faith or works.

There are various references in the New Testament to God supplying are consistent to Him as a Source of power and strength. In 2 Peter 1:5,11, He provide an entrance to Heaven.  In 2 Corinthains 9:10, He supplies the seed to the sower.  Col. 2:19, He resources the body.  In 1 Peter 4:11, He supplies strength.  In Phil. 1:19, He supplies the Spirit.  In 1 Cor. 12:6, He supplies power.

With ample support that God is our Source and Supply, there is great danger in humanity taking credit for any works of righteuosness.  Otherwise we may be like the follower referenced in Matthew 7:22, who stands before the Judgement Seat crying out for mercy and all the person can rely on is their good works.

It is essential for the life of the believer, that our good deeds be an outpouring of our faith, as referenced in James.  If we rely on our works of the Law, or good merit, to gain any standing with God we are choosing to walk as a Pharisee.  We must be disciplined to not function in our default mode.  Due to our sin nature, our default is to trust in man; however apart from God we are nothing!

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3:2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ga 3:2). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Questions are invaluable to a teacher.  The great philosopher Socrates developed his teaching method around asking open-ended questions, which is a method that was modeled by Christ and by Paul.  Here in 3:2, Paul asked a critically important question.  Essentially he is asking, “Do you remember the time when you asked Jesus into your heart”?

For any of us who have asked or been asked that question, we can understand its significance.  That asnwer that follows tell us first if a person is a believer or not, and second, it informs us of their personal theology.  One’s response to that question helps us determine if they understand that salvation is by faith through Christ alone, or if they believe their actions are required as works to earn the favor of God.

The implied answer of “faith” is clearly what the Galatians knew and had experienced.  Having received the Gospel through the sound preaching of Paul, the message of salvation by faith was clear.  Unfortuanately, due to false teachers this questions was raised to aid them in returning to their base, which was rooted in the obligation to fulfill the Jewish tradition of the Law.

By way of application, we can learn the value of asking questions regarding faith.  This simple and genuine interest in listening to someone discuss eternal matters is essential in the fulfillment of our Gospel mandate to reach the nations.

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2:21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ga 2:21). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Grace! What a simple, yet powerful word.  The act of getting what I do not deserve is grace.  The favor with God that I experience that is unmerited is grace.  The forgiveness of my sin, both past and future, is offered by God’s grace.  The position of righteousness that every believer rests in is made possible through Grace.

Grace is a beautiful gift.  In Galatians 2:21, Paul poses the scenario of rejecting the grace of God.  As he concludes a major section of his letter to the Galatian believers, Paul summarizes his discourse on grace vs. law by suggesting that if we were able to acquire right standing with God through adherance to the Law, then Christ’s death was a waste.

To grasp this statement one must be reminded of why did Jesus die?  We have a sin problem that is rooted in the fall.  Hebrews 9:22 reminds us that because of the Law, blood must be shed for the forgiveness of sin.  And God sent His Son Jesus to live the perfect life so that He could be the atoning sacrifice for our sin by shedding His blood.  For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (2 Co 5:21). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Christ went through the agony and pain of His sacrificial death with us in mind.  He suffered, bled, and died so that we might be justified.  For us to assume any responsibility in that process by requiring works of the Law, we undermine His compassion and commitment to willingly follow through with his crucifixion.

Grace is a powerful word and a wonderful thing to experience.  By His grace we have become the righteousness of God.  And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, ³¹ so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 1:30–31). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.