Big Idea: The same faith that saved you is the faith that sustains you. O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by[a] the flesh? 4 Did you suffer[b] so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify[c] the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. Galatians 3:1-9 (NIV) The Righteous Shall Live by Faith 10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”[d] 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit[e] through faith. Galatians 3:10-14 (NIV) The Law and the Promise 15 To give a human example, brothers:[f] 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[g] 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. Galatians 3:15-29 (NIV) NEXT RIGHT STEPS This week, I will: Take the leap of faith Examine my spiritual influences Follow Jesus in Believer’s Baptism Big Idea: “The same faith that saved you is the faith that sustains you.” Welcome & Opening Prayer Take a few moments to reconnect and share how your week has been. Icebreaker: What is something you had to learn through practice rather than getting it right the first time? Read the Passage Together: Galatians 3:1-29 If you have children present, consider having different family members read a few verses each. Family Questions (Kids & Parents) How do we become part of God’s family? Parent Help: We become part of God’s family by trusting Jesus, not by trying to be good enough. Key Verse: Galatians 3:26 Can we earn God’s love by doing things? Parent Help: No. God loves us because of Jesus. We obey Him because He loves us, not so He will love us. Key Verse: Ephesians 2:8-9 What is one way you can trust Jesus this week? Family Application: Share one thing you can pray about and trust God with this week. Teen & Adult Discussion What stood out most to you from Sunday's message? Paul asks “After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” Supporting Verse Galatians 3:3 Why do you think believers often drift from trusting God to relying on themselves? Have you ever found yourself trying to earn God’s approval through performance, spiritual activity, or comparison? How did that affect your relationship with God? Abraham was declared righteous because he believed God (Galatians 3:6). What does Abraham’s example teach us about faith and God’s promises? Supporting Verses: Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:1-5 Paul teaches that the Law reveals our need for Jesus but cannot save us. How would you explain the difference between the purpose of the Law and the purpose of grace? Supporting Verses: Romans 3:20, Galatians 3:24 Galatians 3:26 says we are children of God through faith. How does living as a beloved child differ from living as someone trying to earn acceptance? Where are you most tempted to rely on yourself instead of trusting Christ? Examples: Family challenges, Finances, Health concerns, Ministry responsibilities, Spiritual growth, Future decisions What would greater faith in that area look like? Personal Reflection Take a moment to quietly reflect: • Have I drifted into striving instead of trusting? • Am I living like God’s child or like His employee? • What burden to I need to surrender to Christ this week? Write down one area where you need to trust God’s grace more fully. Living It Out This Week Choose one: Memorize Galatians 3:26 Thank God daily for His grace rather than focusing on your performance. Begin each morning praying, “Jesus, help me trust you today.” Encourage another believer who may be struggling with guilt or discouragement. Pray for: Greater trust in God’s grace. Freedom from performance-based living. Confidence in God’s promises. Growth in faith. Families and relationships. Closing prayer “Father, thank You that we are saved by grace through faith. Forgive us for the times we rely on ourselves instead of trusting You. Help us remember that the same faith that saved us in the faith that sustains us. Teach us to live as Your beloved children and rest in Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen”