galatians 3:15-22
When God made His promise to Abram (later Abraham) and his generations to follow in Genesis 17:7, He deliberately used the singular form of the word "seed." God's promises to Abraham in the covenant were not made to him alone but to him and his seed in their generations. In Galatians 3:16, Paul, through the Holy Spirit, reveals the identity of this seed of Abraham: Jesus Christ. "Scripture does not say 'and to seeds,' meaning many people, but 'and to your seed,' [i] meaning one person, who is Christ."'
Throughout his letter to the Galatians, Paul reminds the church that the Law cannot change the promise or the covenant God made to Abraham. In Galatians 3:16-17, he reminds us that the Law reveals the character of God. As His followers, we are to live lives set apart, holy, in contrast to those around us.
God's promise is superior to our merit. The promise to Abraham wholly depended on God, not anything that Abraham could or would do. God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15 foreshadows the promise of Christ reconciling us to God. There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation; it is only through the finished work of Christ's shed blood on the cross that we can be saved.
God's Law reveals our need for Savior. Under the old covenant, sacrifices had to be made for God's people to atone for their sins. Jesus fulfilled those requirements once and for all by sacrificing Himself on the cross.
God gave us THE Savior. John 3:16 shows us that Jesus satisfied all the requirements. Note Scripture says that whoever believes, not whoever does good works, will be saved. It is His gift, not anything we can accomplish alone.
We are saved by Jesus Christ crucified, and because He has made us righteous, we can live a righteous life.
For context on promise and Law, read Genesis 12:1-9, Genesis 12:15-17, Exodus 20:1- 20.
Why did Paul go to such lengths to explain Law and grace?
In Galatians 3:17-18, what is the good news in this passage? Will God go back on His promise? Why or why not?
Why can we have confidence in God's promises to us? Share examples from Scripture, e.g., Hebrews 6:13-18
God's promise to Abraham was fulfilled in Christ and given to us by faith in Jesus. Genesis 15:5-6 tells us the stars we see are a reminder of the promise. What are things in your life that are reminders of God's promises to you?
How can you help an unbelieving friend understand that being a good, law-abiding person is not enough to get right with God?
Do you need community? Have feedback? Want to share something? We’re here for you. Click here for resources and help.
Worship Set: Raise a Hallelujah l Overcome l Gratitude l Mercy