Galatians 2 Lesson

FAITH IN JESUS SAVES US

Paul’s letter to the Galatians tells us two things:

1. Ourfaith in Jesussaves us,
2. Our works do not.

Consider the following verses:

1. “A man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 2:16 (a),
2. “So that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law.” – Galatians 2:16 (b).

MANY IN GALATIA WERE REVERTING BACK TO JUDAISM

At the time of Paul’s letter, many Galatians were either reverting to Judaism or considering reverting to it. 

The Jews in power were making a concerted effort to convince the Jews that they were still under the Law. Of course, their motives were selfish and based on a desire to maintain their power and status over the people.

As you read Galatians, look for two central themes:

1. The Law was insufficient to take away our sins,
2. It is only through faith in Jesus that we can be reconciled with God.

THE LAW WAS INSUFFICIENT

The Law was an important part of God’s plan, but it had its limitations.

While it made us aware of our sins, it could not and does not, reconcile us with God.

That point is made clear in the following seven verses:

1. “Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?” – Acts 15:10,
2. “Because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.” – Romans 3:20,
3. “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin.” – Hebrews 10:4,
4. “For the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.” – Romans 4:15,
5. “For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, to perform them.’” – Galatians 3:10,
6. “For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” – Hebrews 7:18-19.  
7. “For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second.” – Hebrews 8:7.

FAITH IN JESUS RECONCILES US WITH GOD 

We are all sinners! (Romans 3:23)

Our sins separate us from God. (Isaiah 59:2)

These two facts should give all of us reason to pause. We do not want to be separated from God.

Thankfully for us, God loves us despite our sins.

He loved us enough to send us His Son to pay the price of our sins for us.

And when we put our faith in Jesus, He reconciles us to His Father.

Consider the following two scriptures:

1. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by Hisgracethrough the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” - Romans 3:23,
2. “If we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” - 1 John 1:7.

CONCLUSION

All of us sin and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

It is through God’s grace that we can be redeemed by the precious blood of His Son.

The Hebrew writer wrote:

• "Without shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” -Hebrews 9:22.

This scripture applies to us today.

The blood that was shed came from Jesus, and because He is the perfect sacrifice, no other sacrifice will ever be needed.

We will conclude today’s lesson with the following scripture from the Book of Hebrews:

• “For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins?  But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year.  For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, “Sacrifice and offering You have not desired, but a body You have prepared for Me; in whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have taken no pleasure. “Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come (In the scroll of the book it is written of Me) to do Your will, O God .’” After saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have not desired, nor have You taken pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the Law), then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will .” He takes away the first in order to establish the second.By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” – Hebrews 10:1-10.