Paul has argued strongly for the supremacy of faith in a person’s relationship with God. He has repeatedly stated that neither circumcision nor any other “works of law” are a prerequisite to salvation, “because by works of the law no one will be justified” (Gal. 2:16, ESV). Moreover, it is not the works of the law but … Continue reading –>
Even if his opponents conceded that Abraham’s life was characterized primarily by faith, Paul knew that they still would have questions about why God gave the law to Israel about four centuries after Abraham. Did not the giving of the law nullify any previous arrangement? What is the point of Paul’s analogy between a person’s … Continue reading –>
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 People have always been able to learn something about God from what God has created. But as science has advanced, and has … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Gal. 3:15–20, Gen. 9:11–17, Matt. 5:17–20, Exod. 16:22–26, Gen. 15:1–6. Memory Text: “For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise” (Galatians 3:18, ESV). Someone once asked a politician, “Have you kept all the promises that … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Through the sacrificial system the Old Testament illustrated the terrible cost of sin and the offering of a perfect substitute in the place of the sinner at death. [Lesson 5: OLD TESTAMENT FAITH October 29, 2011] 1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 3:1-5 A. Ask class members to share a short thought on … Continue reading –>
“Upon Christ as our substitute and surety was laid the iniquity of us all. He was counted a transgressor, that He might redeem us from the condemnation of the law. The guilt of every descendant of Adam was pressing upon His heart. The wrath of God against sin, the terrible manifestation of His displeasure because … Continue reading –>
Tawgy slowed his steps as he neared his home in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. “Dear Father,” he prayed, “help my parents not to be angry with me for going to church instead of doing my chores. Help them to understand that I’m not trying to disobey them, but that I want to obey You.” Thirteen-year-old Tawgy had … Continue reading –>
It was time for evening worship. Jim opened his Bible to read a key verse and almost choked laughing. “What’s so funny?” Gracie asked. “Paul is calling the Galatians nincompoops!” “No, he’s not. He just says they’re foolish.” “But the meaning is the same—stupid, ignorant, idiotic—and it’s in the Bible!” “Exactly where it should be.” … Continue reading –>
Paul’s opponents were no doubt stunned by his bold words in Galatians 3:10. They certainly did not think themselves to be under a curse; if anything, they expected to be blessed for their obedience. Yet, Paul is unequivocal: “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it … Continue reading –>
“If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.” Deuteronomy 28:1, NIV Many people like to speak of “the good old days” as an idyllic time of innocence that was free of … Continue reading –>
“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’” (Gal. 3:8, ESV). Paul writes that not only was the gospel preached to Abraham, but it was God who preached it; so, it must have been the true … Continue reading –>
In this sin-ridden world we, keeping a promise is not looked upon with much respect. Therefore, in order for society to insure that promises would be kept, man has devised simple ways to enforce such things. Two of those ways are the ancient covenant and today’s contract. The difference between the two of them basically … Continue reading –>
