Galatians3:7-9

Summary retelling of Galatians 3:7-9

Paul continues his teaching by asserting that the true sons of Abraham are people who have faith, not the genealogical Jews.  Because God knew His plan from the start, He attests to this plan in His Word by saying that in Abraham the nations (Gentiles) will be blessed.  Therefore, anyone among the nations and the Jews who has faith are blessed as Abraham was blessed.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Remember who Paul is.  He was a Pharisee.  This made him an absolutely staunch devotee of the Law.  He knew the pride that the Jewish people had in their genealogy.  For Paul to come out and say that Abraham’s true sons are those who have faith and not the genealogical descendants demonstrates an incredible change in his beliefs.

Why do you think Paul was able to change his beliefs so drastically?  Do you think anyone can change their beliefs this radically so long as they are open to God?

Second Thought:

Paul does an incredible job using the story of Abraham to illustrate God’s omniscience.  God really does know everything.  He not only knows everything about the present, but He knows everything about the future, too.  God has the plan.  He knows His plan.  He knows exactly how His plan will come to pass.  Even though Abraham likely lived well beyond 1,500 years before Jesus, God knew how it would unfold and His Word demonstrates His omniscience.

How amazing is it to realize that God’s Word speaks truth even as much as 1,500 years prior to the truth being seen?  How can this give you confidence that God knows what is happening in your life?

Third Thought:

Paul focuses on faith.  We are blessed because we embrace the same faith that God gave to Abraham.  God gives us faith, just as God gave to Abraham.  All we need to do is receive it and live our life by it.  If we do that, we are indeed blessed.

Does it surprise you to hear all of this talk about faith instead of works?  Is this the typical perspective that people have about Christianity?

Passage for Tomorrow: Galatians 3:10-14