Galatians 3

Lest any should hereupon say, 'Wherefore then serveth the law?' he answers, (1.) It
was added because of transgressions. (2.) It was given to convince the world of the
necessity of a Saviour. (3.) It was designed as a schoolmaster, to bring us to Christ.
And then he concludes the chapter by acquainting us with the privilege of Christians
under the gospel state. - Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible
Pray and then read through the passage. Feel free to answer the questions on this
study guide to help you focus in on the passage, and try to back up your answers
with scripture. If you have your own questions, be sure to write them down to bring
them up at the Bible study. Comments should be handled the same as questions.
The purpose of this guide is to help you challenge and grow in your faith.
The Bible version used is the English Standard Version (ESV).
1. [Verse 1] What do you think Paul means by '...before your eyes...Christ was
publicly portrayed as crucified'?
Answer:
a) _______________________________________________________________________________
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Passage Reading [Verse 2]: Ephesians 1:13-14
2. [Verse 2] How did the Galatians receive the Holy Spirit? Is it the same way
you received the Holy Spirit?
Answer:
a) _______________________________________________________________________________
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b) _______________________________________________________________________________
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3. [Verse 3] What did Paul say was foolish?
Answer:
a) _______________________________________________________________________________
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Passage Reading [Verse 6]: Genesis 15:1-6, Romans 4:9-12

Historical Fact [Verse 7]: Abraham is the physical and spiritual patriarch of Judaism.
Jews hold Abraham in the highest reverence, being their father and the one whom
God established circumcision as a covenantal sign.
4. [Verse 6-9] On what basis was Abraham counted righteous? Why would
Judaizers say you have to follow the law to be a son of Abraham? When we
follow the example of Abraham's faith, what are the results?
Answer:
a) _______________________________________________________________________________
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b) _______________________________________________________________________________
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c) _______________________________________________________________________________
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Passage Reading [Verse 10-12]: Deuteronomy 27:26
Habakkuk 2:4
Leviticus 18:5
5. [Verse 10-12] How is it a curse to rely on works of the law?
Answer:
a) _______________________________________________________________________________
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Passage Reading [Verse 13]: Deuteronomy 21:22-23
6. [Verse 13-14] Why did Christ die according to these verses? What does this
mean for you?
Answer:
a) _______________________________________________________________________________
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b) _______________________________________________________________________________
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Passage Reading [Verse 15]: Genesis 12:2-3, Genesis 17:3-8

7. [Verse 15-18] What is the promise that God gave Abraham? What is the
meaning behind Paul's example in v.15, and how does that tie into v.18?
Answer:
a) _______________________________________________________________________________
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b) _______________________________________________________________________________
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8. [Verse 19-26] What was the reason for the law? What is the significance of
v.20? Why does the law not void the Promise?
Answer:
a) _______________________________________________________________________________
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b) _______________________________________________________________________________
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c) _______________________________________________________________________________
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9. [Verse 28-29] Paul lists several ways in which people have been categorized.
How have these categories sometimes functioned as barriers? How does v.29
tie into the Promise given to Abraham, and how does that affects us?
Answer:
a) _______________________________________________________________________________
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b) _______________________________________________________________________________
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Application: Let us remember that it's belief in Christ that gives us God's
inheritance and makes us sons of Abraham, so that we may not fool ourselves
into thinking that we must perform works to be saved.