Galatians 2-3

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith” (3:26). Paul was deeply concerned that the Galatians were returning to Jewish Law as a means of being accepted by God and others (ch 1). Paul reminded them that even Abraham was accepted because of his faith, not his identity or the Law (3:29). The Law had been Israel’s “guardian,” but on its own, the Law became a “curse,” clarifying human failure (3:10-13).

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Trying to earn God’s acceptance or impress others are dead-ends. We can only lay down our old lives, trust Christ, and live as new people by the Spirit (2:20; 3:14).