Galatians Chapter 3

SECTION OUTLINE THREE (GALATIANS 3)

Paul offers five arguments, all demonstrating the sufficiency of justification by faith alone.

I. The Argument from the Galatians Themselves (3:1–5)

A.  They became believers by turning to the gospel (3:1–2).

B.  They are becoming bewitched by turning from the gospel (3:3–5).

II.   The Argument from Abraham (3:6–9, 15–18)

A.  How Abraham was saved (3:6–9)

1.   His salvation (3:6): He was justified by faith.

2.   Our salvation (3:7–9): Both Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith.

B.  Who saved Abraham (3:15–16): It was Christ, who came from the line of Abraham.

C.  When Abraham was saved (3:17–18): The promise was given to him 430 years before the law was introduced.

III.  The Argument from the Law (3:10–12, 19–25)

A.  The problem of the law (3:10–12): Those under the law who do not obey all of it are cursed by the law.

B.  The purpose of the law (3:19–25)

1.   It helps to point out our sin (3:19–20).

2.   It helps to prepare for our Savior (3:21–25): The law serves as a teacher and guide to bring us to Christ.

IV. The Argument from the Work of the Son of God (3:13–14)

A.  What he did (3:13a): He redeemed us from the curse of the law.

B.  How he did it (3:13b): He became a curse for us on the cross.

C.  Why he did it (3:14): He did it to fulfill the promise God gave Abraham.

V.  The Argument from the Work of the Spirit of God (3:26–29)

A.  What he does (3:26–27): He baptizes repenting Jews and Gentiles into the body of Christ.

B.  Why he does it (3:28–29): This assures that all may share in the promise once given to Abraham.