Sermon Response Guide
PRIMARY SCRIPTURE:
Galatians 3:15-29 ESV
15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.
19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.
21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.
Key Points
- Faith has always been the way to God.
- The law reveals:
1) The promise of God
2) The purpose of God
3) The people of God - Like a mirror reveals our bad hair day, but is not designed to fix our bad hair day, the law reveals our sin, but is not designed to fix our sin – only the grace of Jesus can do that.
- Our sin reveals where we seek to find our justification outside of Christ.
Memory Verse
Ask God to write this word on your heart this week:
“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.”
-Romans 4:20-21 ESV
Questions for Reflection
Take time to reflect and respond to these questions on your own in the presence of the Holy Spirit, or with trusted friends or family members:
1: What did God promise Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3?
2: What did God promise Moses in Exodus 6:6-8?
3: What did Jesus promise his disciples (all of us who trust in Christ) in Matthew 28:18-20?
4: What do the three promises above have in common?
5: What do the three promises reveal to us about God?
6: What do the three promises reveal to us about people (us)?
7: How do you see freedom at work in each of the three promises?
8: How is the Holy Spirit prompting you to respond to God and his promises today?
Pray
Lord, as we wrestle with unbelief, remind us of your promises and awaken us to your presence. Though the winds of life seem strong enough to take us out, show us your steadfast love that upholds us through every storm. Grant us the gift of unwavering faith in you, Jesus. We believe you are able, and we trust in your will.
