The Righteous Shall Live By Faith

“The Righteous Shall Live By Faith”
Galatians 3:6-14

 I. Positive Proof from the Old Testament: Abraham and Circumcision
Only a mark, not the means of salvation
God gave the sign of circumcision long after He had already declared Abraham to be righteous because of his faith (Gen. 15:2, 5-6)

 II. Negative Proof from the Old Testament
Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law (Deut. 27:26)
Now that no one is justified by the law before God is evident; for, “the righteous man shall live by faith” (Hab. 2:4)
The law is not of faith; on the contrary, “He who practices them shall live by them” (Lev. 18:5) and live by them perfectly.

 III. Positive Hope in Jesus Christ
He became a substitute (curse)
He paid the ransom

 IV. Justifying Faith Requires
Reliance on and submission to the Lord
Appropriation of His grace

 V. Application
Paul comments in Gal. 3:3, “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to obtain your goal by human effort?” Share how this statement reveals your attitude sometimes.
Discuss what “All who rely on observing the law are under a curse” (Gal. 3:10) means.
Compare and contrast between “baptism” and “circumcision.”