Paul makes the bold declaration again – ‘We are justified by faith’. Always good to be reminded. Be blessed everyone!
Galatians 3: By Faith, or by Works of the Law?
1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.
2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
4 Did you suffer so many things in vain---if indeed it was in vain?
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---
6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"?
7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.
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."
9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith
10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them."
11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith."
12 But the law is not of faith, rather "The one who does them shall live by them."
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us---for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"---
14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
The Law and the Promise
15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified.
16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, "And to offsprings," referring to many, but referring to one, "And to your offspring," who is Christ.
17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void.
18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.
19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary.
20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.
21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law.
22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.
24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.
25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian,
26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.
Things to think about…
1. Paul is disturbed that the Galatians are falling back into the OT practices of the law. This was a shadow of Christ of course. Pauls says “Who has bewitched you” Gal 3:1. Paul continues with “Are you so foolish”, vs 3, even Abraham was justified by faith – he ‘believed God”, vs 6, this made him righteous – not circumcision (this was before the law of Moses and also before Abraham was circumcised in Gen 17). Paul is saying that we are only Abraham’s children if we have the same faith. Paul mentions the miracles that are occurring among them as examples of this faith, vs 5. Are you seeing Christ’s miracles in your life as evidence of your faith? They are an evidence of faith to yourself and others. That greatest miracle of course is the blessing of “faith”.
2. Do you understand what Paul is saying in Gal 3:10-14? Everyone is cursed if they do not abide by the law, vs 10. No-one of course can keep the law perfectly. Herein lies the problem. Christ alone keeps the law perfectly for us. If we are in Him, through faith, we are made righteous, to the requirements of the law. Do you struggle with trying to maintain perfect obedience before God? I certainly do at times. Praise God Christ justifies us by faith in Him and not by obeying the law – which we can never do. “The righteous shall live by faith.", Gal 3:11
3. Paul refers to the promise given to Abraham – Gen12:1-3, in Gal 3:16-19, and the covenant God made with him still stands. It is perfectly fulfilled in Christ. What is your understanding of the promises to Abraham regarding His people – the Jews. These promises in like manner are still standing for them in Christ as well – He will fulfil His word and all the promises given to the Jews. Pray that Christ is revealed to Abraham’s (and Paul’s) people – the Jews.
4. Our guardian, the law, Gal 3:24,25, is now no longer needed because Christ has fulfilled the promises that the guardian couldn’t allow us to receive. As a result we are all, Jew and Gentile, justified before God by this same faith, vs 28. Does this mean that Jews do not have any more promises to be fulfilled because they are the same now as Gentiles? No, this is not what this verse means. It means we have equal standing before God in our salvation and this salvation is open to all, not just the Jews. There were clearly differences between those who were free and those who were slaves – but they had the same standing of faith in Christ with respect to their salvation. The same with male and female, there are clear role distinctions, and physical distinctions (praise God!), but here Paul affirms that we all have the same standing before God with our salvation in Christ.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Sermon:-“Building in times of trouble” – Ezra 5:1-5
a. Do you recall some of the historical context of the book of Ezra. What had happened to the people of Judah and why were they having to rebuild the temple?
b. When spiritual work is attempted, Satan is never happy with the workers. What were some of the reasons the work had stopped for 20 years from 536BC to 516BC? How did the work begin again and who were the 2 prophets that encouraged it to restart?
c. Jay said the church in the west is not in a very healthy sate. Do you agree with him? Why/Why not? In your answer discuss the purpose of the church as the bride of Christ and how the bride is to worship in Spirit and in truth. Consider what this looks like as you discuss John 16:8-11.
d. What are you doing or what can you do to build up the body of Christ at CBC? Pray for the gospel and our strategy as well as our upcoming information session (28th May) and community day Sat 24th June.
Prayer Points
1. Continue to pray and Andy in Ipswich hospital and for Sally as she continues to battle Alzheimer’s. Give thanks for Andy’s brother Tad and a loving husband and example of Christ – Richard.
2. The processing of our insurance claim and the repurchasing of equipment.
3. That those who are new to the church are encouraged and settle in well into the church.
4. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you saved.
5. Pray for Kids@church and our Youth group.
6. How you can serve in ministry this year.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. The blessing of our Mother’s Day event on Saturday. Big thanks to Suzanne Willey and many other women who made the day a success. A special mention to Katelyn Gillert who was a great blessing in sharing on her role as a mother as well as a daughter.
2. Young adult’s ministry – keep praying as this ministry grows.
3. Kids@Church ministry is a great blessing. Pray for Rosie and balancing her teaching, family and church worlds.
4. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Church information session 28th May after the morning service.
2. Remember to check your duty rosters for term 2.
3. Community Day Saturday 24th June at Church. More details to follow.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for May...
Q. 8. Who are they? A. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Bible References – Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; Jude 20-21.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
