SZN 2 / Galatians: All or Nothing
GrowGuide
Weekly Introduction:
Paul now turns his attention to the Galatians themselves. With passionate urgency, he asks: “Who has cast a spell on you?” The believers had started their journey with Christ by faith, but were now being tempted to finish it through works of the law. Paul reminds them that salvation has always been by faith—even for Abraham—and that relying on the law only brings a curse. This week, we’ll explore the beauty of believing, the danger of self-reliance, and the power of Christ who became a curse for us so we could live in blessing.
-
Paul’s argument in Galatians 3:6 begins here: Abraham was declared righteous not because of what he did, but because he believed. Long before the law was given, faith was the way to be made right with God. This sets the stage for everything Paul will say about justification and blessing.
-
Father, thank You for showing me that faith, not effort, is what makes me right with You. Like Abraham, help me to trust Your promises and rest in Your Word. Amen.
-
Paul expands on Abraham’s story here, showing that he was counted righteous before circumcision or obedience to any command. Why? Because he believed. Galatians 3 reminds us that those who have faith are Abraham’s true children—not by lineage, but by trust in God’s promise.
-
Lord, protect me from trying to earn what You’ve already given freely. Thank You that my righteousness doesn’t rest on what I’ve done, but on what Christ has done for me. Amen.
-
Paul quotes this verse in Galatians 3:10 to show that the law brings a curse—not because it’s bad, but because we cannot keep it. One failure is enough to condemn us. The law shows us our need for grace. To rely on it is to place ourselves under a curse we cannot bear.
-
God, thank You for showing me the seriousness of sin and the weight of the law. But thank You even more for providing a way out through Jesus. Help me rest in Your grace and not my goodness. Amen.
-
In Galatians 3:12, Paul quotes Leviticus: “The one who does these things will live by them.” The law is a system of earning—do this and live. But the gospel is about trusting—believe and live. These two approaches cannot coexist. Life comes through one path only: faith.
-
Lord, I don’t want to live under the burden of “do more, try harder.” Thank You for offering life through faith. Teach me to depend daily on Your grace and not on my performance. Amen.
-
Because we have been justified by faith, we now have peace with God. The barrier of guilt is removed. We’re not just tolerated—we are loved, reconciled, and secure. Paul’s personal statement in Galatians 2:20 echoes this same reality: “The life I now live… I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
-
Jesus, I am in awe that You became a curse for me. You took my place and bore what I deserved. Help me never grow numb to that truth. Let it fuel my love, my obedience, and my worship. Amen.
Weekly Recap & Reflection
Summary:
This week we’ve stood at the crossroads that confront every believer: Will I live by faith, or will I try to earn it? Paul couldn’t be clearer—righteousness comes only through faith. Abraham believed, and it was credited to him. The law brings a curse we cannot carry, but Christ carried it for us. He redeemed us—not just from sin, but from the impossible burden of trying to be our own savior.
This is the same gospel we proclaim when we declare:
“I believe in Jesus Christ… who was crucified… who bore our sins… for our salvation.” (Nicene Creed, adapted)
Jesus didn’t come to help us fix ourselves. He came to rescue us entirely.
Key Doctrinal Truths:
Justification by Faith
Definition: God declares us righteous not by what we do, but by trusting in what Christ has done.
Verses:Galatians 3:11,Romans 4:5
Union with Christ
Definition: Jesus bore the curse and punishment for our sins in our place, satisfying the justice of God.
Verses: Galatians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 5:21
TGC Statement of Faith: Salvation – “His sinless, sacrificial offering on the cross satisfied the Father’s justice, offering atonement for all of humanity’s sins for all time.”
Reflection Questions:
Where are you tempted to live as though your standing with God depends on your behavior?
How does the doctrine of penal substitution deepen your love for Jesus
What does it look like, practically, to live by faith each day instead of by works?
How can you help others who are caught in a works-based mindset discover the freedom of grace?
Prayer:
Father, I praise You for a gospel that doesn’t rely on my strength, my effort, or my perfection. Thank You for justifying me through faith and for sending Jesus to take my place under the curse. Help me to walk in freedom, trust in grace, and proclaim the blessing that is mine in Christ. Amen.