![[20211006-GalatiansHeader.png]] **Topics** - [[#^ec9f68 | Justification according to faith]] - The purpose and effect of the Law - [[#^65dfb5 | The Law brings a curse]] - Grace offers a [[#The Changeless Promise |changeless promise]] - The result of the promise of faith - We become [[#Sons and Heirs | sons and heirs]] through faith ## Justification by Faith ^ec9f68 ![[Justification By Faith 3.1-9]] ***What is the tone that the Apostle Paul is adopting as he continues the letter?*** Surprise and indignation. > “It is an expression of surprise mingled with indignation. The situation in Galatia will help us understand this outcry. There was on the one hand, the native and national spirit joined to the power of the priesthood and the temples, the spirit of Orientalism, that of stagnation, ignorance and superstition. On the other hand, there was the desire for education, the recognition that Greece and Rome stood on a higher intellectual level than was afforded by the native religions and customs, and in addition to that, a revolt against the ignorant and enslaving native superstitions. The people of the province of Galatia are those who have shaken off the benumbing and degrading influence of the native magic and superstition. They are those who judge for themselves as to the real values in life, and lay claim to insight and wisdom.” <cite>Kenneth S. Wuest, [_Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader_](https://ref.ly/logosres/wuest?ref=Bible.Ga3.1&off=43&ctx=+foolish+Galatians.+~It+is+an+expression+), vol. 3 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 83.</cite> Paul was surprised and astonished that a people who prided themselves on being progressive and more modern in their thinking, having rejected superstition, they have turned away from the truth. He said that they had become bewitched. They have become enamoured and captured by a “beguiling” or “evil eye.” The result of coming under this type of thinking, **they didn’t obey the truth.** They departed from the truth, that Jesus had died and risen according to the Scriptures, for “another gospel.” Paul says that Jesus was clearly portrayed as dead. Portrayed, in the Greek meant “to be posted,” almost like you would see a wanted poster in a Western movie. Paul was contrasting this to the “evil eye” or the beguiling look. He is using visual terms to essentially say, “Someone has shown you a picture of something that is different than what you clearly saw and you believed them.” ***Why does the Apostle Paul repeatedly emphasize Jesus’ crucifixion?*** Through the crucifixion propitiation has been made for our sins. Through the cross, the penalty of sin was paid and Jesus died. If Jesus didn’t die, then there could be no resurrection. The cross is central to the message of justification. In [[Galatians 3.2 |verse 2]], the Apostle Paul is asking them a simple question to show the foolishness of their new belief. ***What is the contrast here?*** How we receive the Spirit. It is not through the works of the law but through faith. >[!todo]- For Further Study: What is the role of the Holy Spirit in creation? >Beginning in Genesis 1 study the role of the Holy Spirit in creation. Consider how He is present in the beginning, the role He plays in the creation of man (Adam), and in the new life that we receive in Christ. ***Why is it important to identify how we receive the Spirit?*** Because the Spirit brings life (cf. [[Galatians 2.20]]). In other words, how did we receive the life of Christ? ***How did we receive the Spirit?*** The apostle Paul says that it was through the *hearing* or *message* of faith (cf. [[Romans 10.17]]). ***What is the message of faith?*** It is the message about the Person and work of God in Christ. **Galatians 3:3 NLT** > How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? Paul continues his interrogation in [[Galatians 3.3]] and challenges them about going back to trying become perfect by the works of the flesh, or *our own effort.* The temptation to become perfect by our own effort still takes place today. ***Why do you think we have this tendency to try to become perfected through our efforts?*** One of the answers is culture. We have grown up in a meritocracy in the West where we celebrate and reward hard work. ***In this passage, is Paul emphasing that right belief is what saves us or is faith more than that?*** We tend to mix faith with works…our belief becomes our works. In other words, we have faith that knowing and saying the right things will save us instead of trusting God, who did the right things. Demons belive and tremble, but those who trust God and believe in His character act in faith (see [[James 2.19-24]]). Paul is emphasising that it wasn’t words that save us. It is the faith and trust in God that came up when we heard the words. The Law brings us to Christ ([[Galatians 3.24]]). Paul points to their sufferings and asks them if they suffered for no reason (see [[Acts 14.2-5]], [[Acts 14.19-22]] for examples of the types of persecutions they might have experienced). He then continues his argument that the Spirit is given to us and miracles are done among us by the hearing of faith and not the works of the law. Paul then refers to Abraham as an illustration of this principle in action. Abraham *believed* God and the result of that faith was God making him righteous. ***What does it mean that Abraham believed God?*** Abraham trusted God. His trust was demonstrated by his actions. Put another way, his actions were the evidence of his trust. This is a parallel to what the Apostle James said when he said, “Faith without works is dead” (see [[James 2.18-26]]). This leads to another question, ***is faith simply blind belief?*** If faith includes the idea of trust, it is associated with relationship. **Hebrews 11:1-3 AMP** > **1** NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. **2** For by [faith—trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report. **3** By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible. We can believe God based on a variety of evidences that point to His existence. When we consider those things, we can draw a reasonable conclusion that God exists. Faith does not require the setting aside of the intellect. Faith includes relational trust. When you know the character of God, the things that He will and will not do, then you can confidently obey even if you don’t understand what He is asking of you (cf. [[Titus 1.2]], [[Hebrews 6.18]], [[James 1.13]], [[Job 34.12]], [[Malachi 3.6]]). We have confidence based on who He is. Additionally, we have a historical record in the Scriptures and through the biographies and testimonies of Christians throughout the ages that validate and affirm the testimony of Scripture. This leads to another question, ***did Abraham’s faith earn him salvation?*** The answer is clearly **no**. We can not say, “I believe…and now I deserve rightousness.” Salvation is a gift of God’s grace that we receive through faith ([[Ephesians 2.8]]). Abraham’s faith resulted in righteousness. This is because God chooses to respond to faith in this way. %%Potential to add: discussion of kenosis. Garden, Philippians. Choice. Relationship. It was discussed during the June 1, 2022 meeting.%% ***Why does the Scripture use the word “accounted” when referring to God’s response toward Abraham?*** This is a business term. God deposited righteousness into Abraham’s account (cf. [[Romans 6.23]], [[2 Corinthians 5.17-21]]). This is the picture this word is meant to evoke. He was bankrupt spiritually and God made up for it. Then Paul connects this idea to the context of the discussion: only those who are faith are sons of Abraham. Not just the Jews who naturally were descendents and those who were covenanted with God through circumcision ([[John 8.39]], see also [[Genesis 17.9-13]]). Paul is saying that it wasn’t the covenant that Abraham had which was ratified by circumcision that made Abraham special. It was Abraham’s faith that God accounted to him as righteousness. This is important for us today because what makes us righteousness is the grace of God through faith, just as it was for Abraham. >[!todo]- For Further Study: What is the meaning of righteouseness? >Use a tool like a [Nave’s Topical Bible](https://www.naves-topical-bible.com) to look up the topic of [righteousness](https://www.naves-topical-bible.com/RIGHTEOUSNESS.html) to see the various ways that the Bible speaks on that topic. This will give you a more full view of the meaning of this word. Additionally, Paul **defines the gospel** to Abraham, **“In you all the nations will be blessed.”** Specifically, it was through Abraham’s seed that the nations would be blessed (cf. [[Genesis 26.4]], [[Genesis 28.14]]). This seed is linked to the prophetic promise that God gave to Adam and Eve after the fall ([[Genesis 3.15]]). This is reflected in the text of [[Galatians 3.8]], where the Scripture foresees God’s work of justifying the nations by faith. Ultimately, those who are of faith enjoy blessing and happiness along with Abraham. This blessing of justification, righteousness, and salvation comes by faith and not the law. ## The Law Brings A Curse ^65dfb5 ![[The Law Brings a Curse 3.10-14]] The Apostle Paul continues to contrast the Law (mentioned 5 times in this passage) with faith (mentioned 4 times). He states that the law brings a curse (mentioned 5 times). But those who follow Abraham in faith experience blessing ([[Galatians 3.9|verse 9]] and [[Galatians 3.14|14]]). **Galatians 3:10 ESV** > 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.” Notice that the text implies trust: those who *rely* on the works of the law. They are trusting on, relying on, leaning on the works of the law for their standing with God. ***What is the outcome of those who trust in the law for justification?*** They are cursed, unless they keep it 100% of the time, perfectly. The law provides God’s *standard.* The standard is set regardless of circumstance. If humanity has a fallen nature inclined to iniquity, does the law take that into account (consider [[Romans 8.3]])? No, it does not. For example, if the speed limit is 70 mph and you drive 71 mph you broke the law irregardless of reason. While a police officer might extend grace and forgive you for breaking the law, the law remains unmoveable. Is the Law a gift or was God setting us up to fail? God is perfect and holy. The Law was the lowest standard that God could accept for man to walk with Him. If we have standard for relationship, do you expect God to be different? Thankfully, Christ kept the Law perfectly and extended us grace and through faith accounted us as righteous (cf. [[2 Corinthians 5.21]]). ***What is the key to living up to God’s standard as described in the Law?*** that we *do them.* If we do them we will live and if we don’t we will come under the curse. ***How does free will and God’s law intersect?*** Free will gives us the freedom to choose to keep the Law. It also removes our excuse for not keeping it. In verse 11, is the word *just* a legal or an ethical term? It is a legal term describing your status in relationship to the Law. > Excavations in the city of Ur where Abraham lived, reveal the fact that Abraham was not a wild desert sheik, but an educated, wealthy, sophisticated citizen of the world, a man living in and ostensibly partaking of a state of culture and opulence little dreamed of by the person who is unfamiliar with the ancient civilizations of the past. Abraham was no ignoramus with a gullible faith. <cite>Kenneth S. Wuest, [_Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader_](https://ref.ly/logosres/wuest?ref=Bible.Ga3.9&off=678&ctx=y+human+standpoint.+~Excavations+in+the+c), vol. 3 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 94.</cite> ***Is faith blind belief for those who are desperate and have nothing?*** Despite Abraham’s natural blessings and status, he chose to trust God in faith. His trust resulted in him being declared just in the sight of God. The basis of our right standing with God is our trust in God over the Law or any other thing. ***Can anyone who is living under the law be living by faith?*** According to verse 12, they can not. They are still relying on their works to make them acceptable to God. **Galatians 3:12 NLT** > This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.” Legalism is living under the law and often leads to creating more and more laws. This is not the same as the way of faith. The Apostle Paul refers to the Old Testament passage in [[Deuteronomy 21.22-23]] to remind the reader that when Jesus was hung on the cross, He also was cursed. Just as Christ took our sins and imputed His righteousness to us, He also took the curse for us so that we might be blessed with the blessing of Abraham and receive the Holy Spirit (see [[2 Corinthians 5.21]]). In this pericope the word law is connected to “curse” and the word faith is connected to “live” and “blessing”. Both the word *curse* and the worrd *law* are listed 5 times in [[The Law Brings a Curse 3.10-14|verses 10-14]]. This should lead us to ask questions like, “What is the curse?” and, “Why is the curse connected to the Law?” The connected Old Testament passage is found in Deuteronomy 28. If you obey the law you will be blessed ([[Deuteronomy 28.1-14]]). If you disobey the law you will be cursed ([[Deuteronomy 28.15-68]]). We see that not keeping the law results in our being cursed. And the curse affects many areas of our lives including areas of security, provision, and fruitfulness. If living according to the law leads to the curse and living according to faith leads to blessing and life, ***which kind of life do you want to live?*** Ultimately it comes to living perfectly according to the rules or by establishing our lives by living according to our trust in God. We can see that living by the Law and living by faith are two opposite. Living by the Law is trusting in your capacity to keep it and your confidence that if you do, you will be right with God. Living by faith means that you trust in Christ’s fulfillment of the Law and His work to make you right with God. How does trusting in our ability to keep the Law affect our lives? Consider how stressful it is to have to know the Law and then at every moment obey it. Jesus was able to do this because He trusted the Father and obeyed Him step by step (cf. [[John 5.19]]). But we have fallen short ([[Romans 3.23]]). Trusting in Jesus and following Him brings His rightousness into our lives. It becomes accredited to us. > [!todo]- For Further Study: The role of love in following Jesus > Take some time and consider what role love plays in following Jesus. A good place to start would be [[John 14.21]] and [[1 John 4.18]]. Do we simply not worry about the Law at all because of faith, or is there more to the story (see [[Romans 6.15]] and Romans 7.). > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: Law vs Grace > The Old Testament story of Naaman in [[2 Kings 5.1-19]] is a good illustration of someone who struggled with trusting God’s word (faith) over doing great deeds (works of the law). One of the important theological words of this conversation is **redeem.** What does this word mean? The word that the Apostle Paul uses in [[Galatians 3.13]] for redeem is *exagorazo* which means “to buy a slave out of the market-place.” As Kenneth Wuest explains: > The bondslave of the Lord Jesus is bought not only to be His bondslave, but he is bought out of the slave market, never to be put up for sale in any slave market. He becomes the bondslave of the Lord Jesus for time and for eternity.<cite>Kenneth S. Wuest, [_Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader_](https://ref.ly/logosres/wuest?ref=Bible.Ga3.13&off=1264&ctx=f+the+market-place.+~The+bondslave+of+the), vol. 3 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 97.</cite> > [!todo]- For Further Study: What is a bondservant or bondslave? > Do a study on the topic of bondservant or bondslave in the Bible. How was it used? Who did it apply to? Were there people who were bondservants by choice? How did God view the treatment of bondservants? How were Christians to treat believing bondservants? Did any early believers consider themselves as bondservants? Is there anything that we can learn and apply to our own walk with God through this learning? > <br> > Here are some verses to get you started (from the greek word *doulos*): [[Titus 1.1]], [[James 1.1]], [[2 Peter 1.1]], [[Joshua 24.29]], [[Leviticus 25.44]], [[Psalm 34.22]], [[Psalm 88.4]], [[Psalm 119.91]], [[Joel 2.29]], [[Jeremiah 25.4]], [[Matthew 10.24]], [[John 8.35]], [[Matthew 20.27]]…(there are many more). Don’t forget to check the context as you study! ***What does this tell us about our relationship to the curse?*** If we have to be redeemed, what does that mean about our condition? We were slaves to sin and not free to live for God (see [[Romans 6.16-20]]). Consider the context of slavery. You have a master and a servant. The law as the master is unmoving and completely in control ready to punish every disobedience. But we are no longer a slave to the law of sin ([[Romans 7.23]], [[John 8.34]]). We have been redeemed by Christ to live free of the demands of law by trusting Jesus (cf. [[Luke 4.18]]). ***How is this possible?*** Because Jesus hung on the Cross. ***Why did Jesus become a curse for us and die on the cross?*** So that we could experience the blessing of Abraham *and* so that we can receive the Holy Spirit. God wanted to bless us and give us His presence in our lives. ***What was the blessing of Abraham?*** His offspring would be a holy, set apart, chosen generation. They were going to be God’s chosen people. Through faith in Jesus and His work of redemption, we enter into this relationship with God. Additionally, we receive the Holy Spirit. ***What does this imply for us?*** God’s presence with us all of the time. Access to God, intimacy with Him. We are no longer separated by sin and iniquity but now have access to the throne of grace and union with Christ in the Spirit ([[Hebrews 4.16]], [[Ephesians 2.18]]). ***How would you summarize these two blessings?*** We have been freed from the influence and even control of the world around us and our own desires so that we can live for God and His purpose in my life. ## The Changeless Promise ![[The Changeless Promise 3.15-18]] In this pericope both seed (3x) and promise (4x) stand out. ***Who is the promise made to?*** Abraham and his Seed. ***Who is the Seed referring to?*** Jesus ***Did the promise come through the law or covenant?*** Through covenant. Because of our covanant with God in Christ we too become beneficiaries of the promises God gave to Abraham. This could be summarized as *promises through covenant to the Seed.* ***Can the covenant be annulled or invalidated by the law?*** No. What are some of the ways that seed is translated? offspring, descendants, heirs, progeny, family. The only time this word was used in the Old Testament as plural was when it was applied to corn (see [[1 Samuel 8.15]]). The Apostle Paul interprets this promise to Abraham as being about Jesus. Everyone who is *in Jesus* therefore becomes a beneficiary of the promise. This promise is accessed only by faith in Jesus, not through the works of the law. ***Why does the Apostle reference 430 years?*** Because the law came 430 years after the promise of God to Abraham. ***What is important about this?*** We see that the law does not replace or invalidate or nullify the promise even though it came later. ***How does this idea tie into the conversation that Paul has been having?*** Because our righteousness by works can not replace the righteousness of faith. We do not want to go back to the law because that brings us back into bondage. ***Can you have both law and promise or are they mutually exclusive?*** They are mutually exclusive. You can not have both. It is living by grace through faith and not by works of the law. The only way to receive the blessing is through the promise. ## The Purpose of the Law ![[The Purpose of the Law 3.19-25]] By looking at word frequency we see that the word “law” was used 6 times and “faith” was used 5 times. This pericope is continuing on the theme of Paul’s letter and the contrast of law and faith. In our own words, ***what is the purpose of the law?*** It is the standard of righteous behavior that God expects from people. It guards or imprisons us. ***What are transgressions?*** Is that a special category of sin? One definition is “an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense.” The greek word *parábasis* means “striding to and fro,” “stepping over,” “transgressing,” “violating” <cite>([[TDNTA]], 772).</cite> It can also cary the meaning of stepping beyond. We might say, “you crossed the line” or “you went too far.” In order to “cross the line” and transgress, we need to know what that line is. *This is where the law comes in.* It shows us the boundary. Sin (greek *hamartia* meaning “missing the mark”) was already in the world. People were not living up to God’s standard. The law revealed the boundary and target so that it would be clear what was sin and what was not. > [!keyidea] Key Thought > The law drew the line for us but it did not change our nature to prevent us from crossing it. **Why would God use the law to provide boundaries?** When we provide boundries for our kids, we are concerned with their safety. The boundary was showing where we could live and be safe. The problem is that due to a corrupted nature, we were unable to stay within the confines of that boundary. When we realize that our hearts and inclinations have not been changed by knowing the boundary as set by the law we begin to look for something else to offer life and safety. In this way the law and revelation of sin are meant to point us to the *promise by faith in Jesus Christ*. The law was given as a guide until Christ had come. ***How did the law come?*** It was *appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.* ***What is a mediator?*** A mediator is a go-between. The Angel of the LORD spoke to Moses in the burning bush and Moses spoke to the people of Israel. God spoke to Moses and Moses related that information to the people. Moses was the mediator between God and Israel. ***What does the writer include that statement, “but God is one”?*** There is a difference between the law and promise. The law was given by God for man to keep. The promise was given by God and He was the only one who could keep it. In other words, the promise is not dependent on anyone other than God to be kept. The promised gift of salvation through the Seed was only dependent upon God’s keeping that promise. The people had to accept the terms of the covenant established when the law was given. Abram was asleep when God made His covenant with him. The law had conditions that were expected to be met by both parties. The promise only depended upon God. Notice that this promise was given to Abraham’s *Seed*–singular. It was referring to Jesus, through whom salvation and the blessing of the nations would come. > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: The Seed > Read [[Genesis 3.15]] and [[Genesis 22.15-18]] to discover more about the prophetic promise to the “Seed.” What other passages or Messianic references are connected with this Seed? ***What does it mean that we were “kept under guard by the law?”*** Other translations included the words “imprisoned” or “locked up” or “shut up and imprisoned” or “surrounded and protected.” The law sensitises us to the affect of sin and the fact that it has us trapped. This awareness of sin and its effect should lead us to an expectation of the Savior to come and free us. If we can live within the boundaries of the law we will be secure and protected, but because we are unable to do so due to our sinful nature it becomes a prison cell that we want to be free from. It encircles us and surrounds us until we can find true freedom in Jesus. ***Without the law would we know that we are sinners in need of a Savior?*** The function of the law is to show us this reality so that we are prepared to receive Jesus and the Way of faith when He comes. The consequences of breaking the law is to get us to return to the confines of the law. Consider how this idea might overlap with God’s action toward His people in [[Hebrews 12.3-11]]. When there was no law, in Noah’s day for example, the thoughts of mankind was evil continually and that grieved God ([[Genesis 6.5-6]]). The law came in a sense to prevent humanity from devolving into that same condition, ultimately leading to our death ([[Romans 6.23]]). But it was restricting and limiting. The law was meant to function in this way until the promise of faith in Christ came to enable us to enter into new life. ***Once faith has come, do we need to go back to the old way?*** No. We no longer seek the law for what’s right because we have access to Jesus. We now live following Him. He is the one who shows us the Way of life (cf. [[John 14.6]]). ## Sons and Heirs ![[Sons and Heirs 3.26-29]] This section ties back to [[Galatians 3.7|verse 7]] where those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. ***Why do we look back to Abraham?*** Because it was through the promised Seed of Abraham that the blessing would come. This promise was attached to Abraham’s *faith* and not by works of Law (there was no Law when the promise was made). %%All sons through faith put on Christ baptism into%% ***When the Scripture says that we are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus does it mean everyone is a son of God?*** No. The condition is that we have faith in Jesus and through that faith in Him we are given the ability to become children of God (cf. [[John 1.12]]). Everyone is God’s creation, but not everyone is a son. ***Why does this distincion matter?*** For one, if everyone thought they were already a child of God apart from Jesus they might not think of a need for Jesus. > [!Principle] > Specifics and distinctions in Scripture matter, especially when it comes to explicit statements in the text. We must be certain to recognize and identify those details if we want to accurately understand. Becoming a child of God is a process. This idea is echoed in the fact that we are called to put on Christ. ***What is the difference between justification and sanctification?*** Simply stated, justification is the entry point into salvation where God treats us as if we had never sinned because of Jesus. Sanctification is the process of God separating us and making us holy unto His purpose. We were justified by the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We are sanctified as we submit to the process of being made new by the Spirit and renewed in the Word. > [!todo]- For Further Study: What does it mean to be saved? > What does it mean to be saved? Is it simply to be free from punishment and eternal damnation or is there more to it? A good place to begin is to look up the Greek word for salvation (Strong’s g4982) in [[Romans 10.13]] in a [concordance](https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4982/nkjv/tr/0-1/). What are the various meanings of this word? What does this mean for your understanding of salvation? The focus of this pericope is the change of relationship that comes through faith in Christ. We don’t become children of God by our works or transactionally. **Galatians 3:27 AMP** > For as many [of you] as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ. This is a spiritual baptism that brings us into *union* and *communion* with Christ. Intimacy and deep relationship is implied in the concept of union. In modern vernacular, we would describe marriage as a union. ***What does it mean to be in union with Christ?*** Walking together. Taking direction and having communication with Him. Adopting His characteristics. ***What does this union look like practically in your everyday life?*** Living a holy lifestyle, avoiding sin and living God’s way. You are no longer conforming to the world, but you are conforming to Christ (cf. [[Romans 12.2]]). Fruitfulness (see [[John 15.5-8]], [[Galatians 5.22-23]]). ***What does it mean to put on Christ?*** We put off our old life and put on the new life…we stop living the old way and start living like Christ. We put to death old behaviors which are inconsistent with God and practice new behaviors that are consistent with the character and nature of God. > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: Putting on Christ, Putting off the flesh > Read [[Colossians 3.1-11]] and [[Ephesians 4.20-32]] to learn more about what it means to put on Christ and put off the works of the flesh. As you read ask yourself, *What behaviors do we remove? What do we add?* ***What effect does our unity with Christ have on the community of faith?*** If we are in union with Christ, then by extension we should be in union with each other. Notice the divisions: - *Racial or cultural*: neither Jew nor Greek - *Social status*: neither bondservant nor free - *Gender*: neither male nor female These distictions are irrelevant to our position in Christ. In Christ, we are all of equal value and through faith we are equally qualified to be sons of God. Faith is an equalizer. It doesn’t matter where you are from, your background, your net worth, your job, your gender…none of these things are relevant to whether or not we can be receipients of God’s blessing. There are no advantages nor disadvantages to being one of these groups when it comes to our relationship with God. These categories do not matter. All that matters is Christ. ***What does this mean practially?*** When we put on Christ, and thus put off these distinctions, we learn to live in unity with each other. The only distinction that matters is that we are *like Christ.* This pursuit of christlikeness is what has allowed the Church to remain distinct and even identifyable in the world no matter the country or culture. ***Does this erase the differences of the people who make up the church?*** No. There were 12 tribes in Israel but they were one nation chosen by God. Each had a role and offered something valuable to the whole. In a similar way, our differences reflect the creativity of God but they are not elevated above our union with Christ and each other. Ultimately, because we are in the Seed we become heirs of the promise of God toward Abraham. This should be evident in our lives through actions and relationships.