Teaching on Galatians 3, An Exposition of Justification by Faith

Teaching on Galatians 3

An Exposition of Justification by Faith

Introduction

Galatians 3 stands as one of the clearest doctrinal defenses of the gospel in all of Scripture. The Apostle Paul writes with urgency because the churches of Galatia were being influenced by teachers who insisted that faith in Christ was not enough—that obedience to the Law of Moses was necessary for full acceptance before God. Paul responds by reaffirming the foundational truth of Christianity: justification is by faith alone.

I. The Folly of Abandoning Faith (Galatians 3:1-5)

Paul begins with a sharp rebuke: "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?" (3:1, NKJV). Their drift toward legalism was not intellectual growth—it was spiritual regression.

He asks, "Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (3:2). The implied answer is unmistakable: the Spirit was received through faith. Paul presses further: "Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?" (3:3). The Christian life begins by grace and continues by grace.

II. Abraham: The Pattern of Justification (Galatians 3:6-9)

"Just as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness" (3:6; Genesis 15:6). Abraham was declared righteous centuries before the Law was given. This demonstrates that righteousness has always been credited through faith.

Paul explains that those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. "The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, 'In you all the nations shall be blessed'" (3:8). The promise to Abraham always anticipated a global, faith-based family.

III. The Curse of the Law and the Work of Christ (Galatians 3:10-14)

"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them'" (3:10; Deuteronomy 27:26). The Law demands perfect obedience—something no sinner can provide.

"But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for 'the just shall live by faith'" (3:11; Habakkuk 2:4). Paul then proclaims the heart of the gospel: "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us" (3:13). On the cross, Jesus bore the penalty of the Law so that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles.

IV. The Promise Precedes the Law (Galatians 3:15-18)

Paul argues that even human covenants, once confirmed, cannot be annulled. The promise was made to Abraham and to his Seed—Christ. "The law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ" (3:17). The inheritance comes by promise, not by performance.

V. The Purpose of the Law (Galatians 3:19-25)

"What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come" (3:19). The Law revealed sin, restrained sin, and pointed forward to Christ.

"Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith" (3:24). But once faith has come, believers are no longer under that tutor. The Law prepared the way; Christ fulfills the promise.

VI. Sons and Heirs Through Faith (Galatians 3:26-29)

"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" (3:26). "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (3:27). To put on Christ means to be clothed in His righteousness and identified with Him.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (3:28). If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise (3:29). Faith unites all believers into one covenant family.

Conclusion

Galatians 3 establishes beyond question that justification is by faith alone. The Law reveals sin but cannot save. Christ bore the curse. The promise is fulfilled in Him. We begin by faith, live by faith, and inherit by faith. "Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham" (3:7).



©2026 Steven Miller Ministries.