GalatiansSample

Paul reminds the Galatians of the beginning of their faith: “Think back,” he essentially says, “how did you receive the Holy Spirit? Through works of the law, or through faith in Jesus Christ?” The answer is obvious: God gave them his Spirit — not because of anything they had done, but as an undeserved gift of grace.

Then Paul goes even further back, to the origin of the people of Israel. Even at the beginning, faith was central. Abraham was declared righteous because he trusted God — not because he obeyed a law. The law came later. But it could not save anyone. On the contrary: it only made clear how desperately we need grace. Anyone who tries to be justified through the law places themselves under a curse — because no one can fully obey it and thus stands under its judgment, which is death.

That is why Jesus had to come. On the cross, he bore the full curse that rightly belonged to us. He fulfilled the law — and at the same time took its consequences upon himself. For us. So that we can be free. Free to believe. Free to receive grace. And this applies to all people — regardless of background, culture, or social status. Before God, only faith in Christ counts. And everyone who believes in Jesus automatically inherits the promise given to him — completely independent of law-keeping.

Discussion
How did you come to faith in Jesus? Recall that moment. What did Jesus show you then? When did you realize: everything is grace — everything is a gift?