Sons of Abraham or People of the Law Dr. Jim Cecy

Introduction:

The Book of Galatians is being played out right before our eyes….

Group #1: The Sons of Abraham = Justified by Faith Alone Group #2: The People of the Law = Attempting to be Justified by Works

Our Text: Galatians 3:6-14 Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “All the nations will be blessed in you.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.” Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “The righteous man shall live by faith.” However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “He who practices them shall live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

I. The Story of Abraham (Galatians 3:6) Gal. 3: 6 “Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” cf. Gen.12-22 Gen.15:6 “Then he (Abraham) believed in the Lord; and He (the Lord) reckoned it to him (Abraham) as righteousness. Abraham’s conversion happened 430 years before the Law of Moses was even instituted (cf. Gal. 3:17) Romans 4:3 “Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness” (cf. Rom. 4:9-10) reckoned = “to put to one’s account”

II. The Story of the Sons of Abraham (Galatians 3:7-9) Gal. 3:7-9 Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “All the nations will be blessed in you.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. Gal. 3:28-29 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” cf. Romans 2:28; 9:6-7 Being a physical descendant of Abraham does not automatically qualify anyone for eternal life. Coming to God through faith in Christ alone makes us the real spiritual descendants of Abraham.cf.Lk. 3:7; Jn 8:37-39 Gal 3:8-9 “The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the GOSPEL beforehand to Abraham, saying, “All the nations will be blessed in you.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.” Abraham understood the gospel of grace – that one is justified only by grace alone through faith in Christ alone Jn. 8:56 “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my Day; and he saw it and was glad.” • Before the cross people like Abraham placed their faith in the promised Savior who was to come and fulfill the promise. After the cross people like Paul placed their faith in the Savior who came and fulfilled that promise.

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III. The Story of the People of the Law (Galatians 3:10-12) Gal. 3:10-12 “For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.” Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “The righteous man shall live by faith.” People of the Law are under a curse Gal. 3:10a “For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse…” (i.e. “cursed by religion” Gal 3:10b “For it is written, cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, to perform them.” (cf. Deut 27:26) Obedience to the Law is incapable of saving us from the curse of spiritual death unless we perfectly obey every part of the Law. James 2:10, “For whoever keeps the whole law yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.” The Two Ways to Salvation 1. The Impossible Way to Salvation: Obey the Law perfectly Gal. 3:11 “Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident…” 2. The Only Way To Salvation: Respond to the Grace of God Gal. 3:11 “The righteous man shall live by faith” (cf. Hab. 2:4) Law and faith don’t mix! Gal. 3:12a “However the Law is not of faith…” Gal 3:12 “He who practices them (the Law) shall live by them.” (cf. Lev. 18:15) Gal 3:13 “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law…” Redeemed = “purchased out of the slave market of sin”

IV. The Story of the Redeemer (Galatians 3:13-14) Gal. 3:13-14 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. • Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law (3:13) • Christ became a curse for us by hanging on a cross (3:13; cf. Deut 21:23) • In Christ the blessing of Abraham comes to all who believe (3:14) • In Christ we receive the promise of the Spirit through faith (3:14)

Concluding Challenge: • To the Sons of Abraham…

• To the People of the Law…

© 2010 Dr. James M. Cecy, Campus Bible Church, Fresno, CA. 93726 www.campusbiblechurch.com

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