Study Guide | Galatians 3:1-9
1. The Galatians’ Deception (v.1)
Paul confronts the believers for being deceived into believing they could add to the gospel through law-keeping. He reminds them of Christ’s crucifixion vividly portrayed before them.
Something to think about: What subtle ways might you be tempted to “add” to the gospel instead of resting in Christ’s finished work?
2. The Way of Salvation (v.2)
Paul asks the Galatians to recall how they first received the Spirit—by faith, not by works.
Something to think about: How did your faith journey begin? Have you drifted from simple trust to self-effort?
3. Sanctification by the Spirit (v.3)
Having begun in the Spirit, they were trying to be perfected by the flesh. Paul reminds them that what God started, only He can finish.
Something to think about: Are there areas of your life where you’ve stopped trusting God to bring the growth?
4. Perseverance Through Suffering (v.4)
Paul challenges them not to let persecution or hardship make their faith seem wasted.
Something to think about: How can remembering God’s grace help you endure trials without losing heart?
5. The Spirit’s Work and Miracles (v.5)
Paul contrasts the miraculous work of the Spirit with the futility of works-based religion.
Something to think about: Have you seen God’s power move more through your striving or through your faith?
6. The Example of Abraham (vv.6–9)
Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness long before the law. He becomes the model for all who believe.
Something to think about: In what ways can Abraham’s faith inspire your trust in God’s promises today?
Paul confronts the believers for being deceived into believing they could add to the gospel through law-keeping. He reminds them of Christ’s crucifixion vividly portrayed before them.
Something to think about: What subtle ways might you be tempted to “add” to the gospel instead of resting in Christ’s finished work?
2. The Way of Salvation (v.2)
Paul asks the Galatians to recall how they first received the Spirit—by faith, not by works.
Something to think about: How did your faith journey begin? Have you drifted from simple trust to self-effort?
3. Sanctification by the Spirit (v.3)
Having begun in the Spirit, they were trying to be perfected by the flesh. Paul reminds them that what God started, only He can finish.
Something to think about: Are there areas of your life where you’ve stopped trusting God to bring the growth?
4. Perseverance Through Suffering (v.4)
Paul challenges them not to let persecution or hardship make their faith seem wasted.
Something to think about: How can remembering God’s grace help you endure trials without losing heart?
5. The Spirit’s Work and Miracles (v.5)
Paul contrasts the miraculous work of the Spirit with the futility of works-based religion.
Something to think about: Have you seen God’s power move more through your striving or through your faith?
6. The Example of Abraham (vv.6–9)
Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness long before the law. He becomes the model for all who believe.
Something to think about: In what ways can Abraham’s faith inspire your trust in God’s promises today?
Prayer Points
Rest in God’s Finished Work – Ask God to help you stop striving for His approval and rest in the completed work of Christ.
Renew Your Faith Daily – Pray that your heart would be freshly awakened to trust Him fully in every area of life.
Reject Legalism – Ask God to reveal any areas where you’ve placed confidence in your performance rather than His grace.
Walk in the Spirit – Pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading rather than relying on your own understanding.
Faith That Inspires Others – Pray that your faith would be a testimony that draws others to believe in Jesus.
Renew Your Faith Daily – Pray that your heart would be freshly awakened to trust Him fully in every area of life.
Reject Legalism – Ask God to reveal any areas where you’ve placed confidence in your performance rather than His grace.
Walk in the Spirit – Pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading rather than relying on your own understanding.
Faith That Inspires Others – Pray that your faith would be a testimony that draws others to believe in Jesus.