Galatians 3:1-6

Summary retelling of Galatians 3:1-6

Paul asks the Galatians who has deceived them.  He wants the Galatians to remember that it was Christ who was the focus of salvation that was preached among them.  Then he asks the Galatians if they received the Holy Spirit by doing good things or by hearing about faith.  Paul wonders if the Galatians are going to backslide and give up all the spiritual progress they have accomplished.  Then Paul reminds the Galatians that even the Old Testament speaks of Abraham as being whose righteousness was credited him to because of belief.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Notice with Paul everything first comes back to Christ.  Yes, Paul will talk about other things.  But Paul’s teaching always begins with Christ.

Why do you think Paul begins all of His theological teachings with Christ?  Is this something you should mimic?  How well do you do with focusing on Christ?

Second Thought:

Paul also speaks about how we receive the Holy Spirit.  Paul puts much emphasis on hearing in this passage.  We learn about the Holy Spirit and receive the Holy Spirit through the genuine proclamation that comes from the Holy Spirit through people around us.  We don’t receive the Holy Spirit through what we do; we do what we do because we’ve received the Holy Spirit!

Who are the people in your life that consistently proclaim the Holy Spirit and faith in your life?  How does the inspiration of faith in you convert into works?

Third Thought:

Paul brings up Abraham.  The quote that Paul uses comes from Genesis 15:6.  If we read the account of Abraham in Genesis, we really do understand how important it is that faith precedes works for there to be any legitimate meaning.

What does it say to you that even in the Old Testament – with the “founding father of faith” if you will – that such emphasis is placed on belief before works?  Why is it so important for Paul to focus on belief rather than the stuff we do?

Passage for Tomorrow: Galatians 3:7-9