SZN 2 / Galatians: All or Nothing
GrowGuide
Weekly Introduction:
Paul now takes the Galatians deeper into the story of salvation. Long before the law was given, God made a promise to Abraham—a promise fulfilled in Christ. The law had a temporary role, serving as a guardian until the arrival of the promised Savior. This week, we’ll trace the beautiful thread of God’s covenantal faithfulness, see the law’s true function, and celebrate our identity as children of God through faith.
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God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham sets the foundation for Paul’s argument. In Galatians 3:16, Paul explains that the ultimate fulfillment of this promise is Jesus—the “offspring” through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed.
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Father, thank You for a promise that spans generations. Thank You that in Christ, I am part of the story You began with Abraham. Help me trust that Your promises never fail. Amen.
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At Mount Sinai, God gives Israel the law—not as a way to replace His promises, but to set them apart as His people. Galatians 3:17–18 clarifies: the law didn’t cancel the promise. The inheritance comes by grace, not by law.
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Lord, thank You that Your grace came before the law, and that Your promises are rooted in Your faithfulness, not my performance. Help me keep grace front and center. Amen.
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Paul affirms that the law is good—it reveals sin and our need for a Savior. Galatians 3:19 says the law was added for the sake of transgressions. It isn’t the cure; it reveals the disease. And it points us to Jesus.
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God, thank You for using the law to open my eyes to my sin. Keep me from relying on the law to save me, and draw me instead to the grace that is in Christ alone. Amen.
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As Galatians 3 ends with the promise of inheritance, Galatians 4 begins with the joy of adoption. Those who belong to Christ are no longer slaves, but sons and daughters—and heirs. We are no longer under a guardian but have full access to the Father through Jesus.
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Abba, thank You that I am no longer a slave but Your child. Help me live each day in light of my identity—not as someone trying to earn, but as someone who belongs. Amen.
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In Galatians 3:28–29, Paul makes a radical statement: racial, social, and gender distinctions do not define our value in the kingdom. In Christ, we are one. Ephesians 2 echoes this—Jews and Gentiles are united into one new humanity through Jesus.
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Lord, thank You that I am fully accepted and united with others in Your body. Help me pursue unity, extend grace, and reflect the new family You’re building through Christ. Amen.
Weekly Recap & Reflection
Summary:
We’ve walked through the long arc of redemptive history this week—from Abraham to Sinai to the cross—and we’ve seen that God’s promise has never changed. He saves by grace. The law had a role, but it never replaced the promise. And now, through faith in Jesus, we are heirs. We are not under the law—we are in the family.
Key Doctrinal Truths:
The Covenant of Grace
Definition: God’s eternal plan to save sinners through the promised offspring—Jesus—by faith, not works.
Verses: Galatians 3:16–18, Genesis 12:3
Adoption
Definition: Through faith in Christ, we are brought into God’s family—not as outsiders, but as beloved sons and daughters with full inheritance.
Verses: Galatians 4:4–7, Romans 8:15–17
TGC Statement of Faith: Salvation – “We are called to a life of submission to the Holy Spirit… walking in good works that God has prepared beforehand for us to do.”
Reflection Questions:
How does understanding God's promise to Abraham deepen your confidence in the gospel?
In what ways do you still live like a slave instead of a son/daughter?
How can you grow in seeing others in the church as “one in Christ,” regardless of background?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for making me part of Your family. Thank You that Your promise to bless the world through Jesus includes me. Help me rest in my identity as Your child and walk in unity with others who belong to You. Amen.