1. Faith Forsakes Foolishness (Galatians 3:1–5)
The Apostle Paul opens this passage with a strong rebuke: “O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?” He is shocked that the believers in Galatia, who had once clearly embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ, were now reverting to a law-based approach to righteousness. Paul reminds them that Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified—this gospel was not hidden or vague. The Galatians began their spiritual journey by the Spirit, not by works of the law. So why would they now try to finish their walk by human effort? Paul’s line of questioning exposes the foolishness of relying on anything but faith. The lesson is clear: true faith turns away from the empty promises of legalism and clings solely to Christ’s finished work.
2. Faith Freely Gains Righteousness (Galatians 3:6–9)
Paul continues by pointing back to Abraham, the father of faith. “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” This was long before the law was given—before circumcision, before Moses, before any commandments. Righteousness, then, is not something earned through obedience to the law but something granted through belief in God’s promises. Paul emphasizes that it is those of faith who are the true sons of Abraham. Just as Abraham was justified by faith, so too are all who believe. In this way, the Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preaching the gospel to Abraham in advance: “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” Faith unites believers with Abraham and secures the blessing of righteousness, freely given by God.
3. Faith Frees From the Grave (Galatians 3:10–14)
Finally, Paul addresses the devastating consequence of relying on the law: a curse. “All who rely on works of the law are under a curse,” he says, because no one can keep the law perfectly. The law demands complete obedience, and failure in even one point brings judgment. However, Christ redeems us from that curse by becoming a curse for us—“Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.” Through His death on the cross, Jesus bore the weight of our failure and freed us from the grave of condemnation. Now, through faith, we receive the promised Spirit and the blessings given to Abraham. We are not just freed from legalism; we are brought into the life-giving relationship with God, empowered by the Spirit to live in grace and freedom.
