Does Paul’s statement about the law being added at Mount Sinai mean that it did not exist previously? If not, what was the difference before and after Mount Sinai? Read Gen. 9:5, 6; 18:19; 26:5; 39:7–10; Exod. 16:22–26. 1 God did not need to reveal His law to Abraham with thunder, lightning, and a penalty of death (Exod. 19:10–23). Why, then, did God give … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: The law serves to reveal God’s character and show our deficiencies, leading us to our acceptance of Christ’s righteousness and our redemption by faith. [Teaching Plan for Priority of the Promise November 2, 2011] 1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 3:15-18 A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the … Continue reading –>
In Galatians 3:19–29 Paul makes multiple references to “the law.” What law is Paul primarily referring to in this section of Galatians? 1 Some, believing that the word until in verse 19 (ESV) indicates that this law was only temporary, have thought the passage must refer to the ceremonial law, because the purpose of that law was fulfilled at the … Continue reading –>
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 –>
