Galatians 2:15-21; 3:1-5 Page 989 in Pew Bibles 15. We are Jews by birth and not “Gentile sinners”; 16. yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ…

…And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified.

17. But if, while seeking to be justified by Christ, we ourselves are also found to be sinners, is Christ then a promoter of sin? Absolutely not! 18. If I rebuild those things that I tore down, I show myself to be a lawbreaker.

19. For through the law I have died to the law, that I might live to God…

I have been crucified with Christ; 20. and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

21. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Continuing to Chapter 3… 1.You foolish Galatians! Who has hypnotized you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was vividly portrayed as crucified?

2.I only want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by hearing with faith?

3.Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now going to be made complete by the flesh?

4.Did you suffer so much for nothing—if in fact it was for nothing?

5.So then, does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law or by hearing with faith?. >

Seven Questions: Reasoning about the Nature Of the Christian Faith

Question 1: Does Grace Lead to Sin? An Anticipated Question

The Idea that Grace Leads to Sin 2:17 “But if, while seeking to be justified by Christ, we ourselves are also found to be sinners, is Christ then a promoter of sin? Absolutely not!” 2:17 “But if, while seeking to be justified by Christ, we ourselves are also found to be sinners, is Christ then a promoter of sin? Absolutely not!” - >

The Life-Changing Dynamic of the Gospel Salvation Includes a Changed Life, Not Forgiveness and Heaven Only

Alive to God 2:19-20 “For through the law I have died to the law, that I might live to God …” 2:19-20 “For through the law I have died to the law, that I might live to God …” Died to the Law: Jesus, in a way that fulfilled the terms of the law, ended the law’s demands on the believer’s life Died to the Law: Jesus, in a way that fulfilled the terms of the law, ended the law’s demands on the believer’s life Live to God: No longer separated from God and able to respond to God Live to God: No longer separated from God and able to respond to God >

Christ in Me 2:19-20 “…I have been crucified with Christ ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me...” 2:19-20 “…I have been crucified with Christ ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me...” >

Living by Faith 2:19-20 “…The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” 2:19-20 “…The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”. >

Question 2: Why Do You Think Jesus Died on the Cross? An Implied Question

If We Can Be in Good Standing with God on the Basis of Our Own Record, Then What’s the Cross About? 2:21 “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.” 2:21 “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.”. >

Question 3: What’s Gotten into You? A Rhetorical Question

So, Tell Me Again—How Did You Miss the Cross? 3:1 “You foolish Galatians! Who has hypnotized you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was vividly portrayed as crucified?” 3:1 “You foolish Galatians! Who has hypnotized you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was vividly portrayed as crucified?” Foolish: Lacking good moral judgment Foolish: Lacking good moral judgment Hypnotized: Cast a spell on them Hypnotized: Cast a spell on them Could the cross have been made more clear? Could the cross have been made more clear?. >

Question 4: How Did Your Christian Life Begin? A Direct, “Either or” Question

A Supernatural Beginning 3:2 “I only want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by hearing with faith?” 3:2 “I only want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by hearing with faith?” Romans 8:9 “You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” Romans 8:9 “You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”. >

Question 5: How Does Your Christian Growth Continue? A Direct, “Either or” Question

A Supernatural Growth Process A Supernatural Growth Process 3:3 “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now going to be made complete by the flesh?” 3:3 “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now going to be made complete by the flesh?”. >

Question 6: Did You Endure All that Persecution for Nothing? A Question to Consider

Do They Persecute You For Being Like Everyone Else or For Being Different? 3:4 “Did you suffer so much for nothing—if in fact it was for nothing?” 3:4 “Did you suffer so much for nothing—if in fact it was for nothing?” If the Gospel is false, and they suffered for it, then they suffered for nothing If the Gospel is false, and they suffered for it, then they suffered for nothing If the Gospel is true, then they were faithful to the truth and God will reward them in the end If the Gospel is true, then they were faithful to the truth and God will reward them in the end. >

Question 7: What is the Secret of a Supernaturally Empowered Church? A Direct, “Either or” Question

A Supernaturally Empowered Church 3:5 “So then, does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law or by hearing with faith?” 3:5 “So then, does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law or by hearing with faith?” You: plural -> supply ya’ll You: plural -> supply ya’ll The Spirit’s presence and power in the church The Spirit’s presence and power in the church.