Sermon: Faith vs. Works in Galatians 3

Scripture Reading

Paul writes corrective letter to Galatian churches (modern Turkey) against Judaizers.
Judaizers: Jewish believers adding Mosaic law (circumcision, feasts, kosher) to faith in Jesus for salvation ("Jesus plus").
Core truth: Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone; works cannot save.

Abraham justified by faith, pre-law: Abraham (father of Jews) lived 430 years before Moses/law; righteous because he believed God's promise (Gen 15:1-6).
- God promised descendants like stars; Abraham (age 75) believed despite childlessness; fulfilled at 100 with Isaac.
Law condemns all: No one keeps all 613 commandments perfectly; breaking one = guilty of all (James 2:10); under curse (Deut 28).
- Quotes: Deut (curse for not obeying all), Habakkuk 2:4 ("just shall live by faith").

Jesus became curse for us ("hung on a tree" = cross; Deut 21:23).
Blessing of Abraham (righteousness by faith) extends to Gentiles via Spirit through faith (Gal 3:14; 2 Cor 5:21).

Explains God's righteous standard: Defines right/wrong (e.g., Rom 7:7); contrasts unchanging God with shifting culture (Isa 5).
Exposes sin: Like mirror showing dirt but not cleaning (Gal 3:22; Job 13:23).
Tutor to Christ (paidagogos): Guards, leads to faith in Jesus; obsolete post-faith (Gal 3:23-24).

Law reveals standard, sin, need for Savior; Jesus alone saves via faith in His death.