Galatians 3 is Paul’s direct argument that people are made right with God through faith in Christ, not through keeping the law, and that this faith makes every believer a true heir of Abraham’s promise. These questions suit a small group, a Sunday class or personal study. Each set can be used on its own, and the leader’s notes are written so you can guide a discussion without a separate commentary.
Galatians 3 at a Glance
Paul opens with a rebuke. The Galatians began their life in the Spirit by believing the gospel, and he asks why they now think they must add works of the law to finish the job. He then turns to Abraham, who was counted righteous because he believed God, and argues that the true children of Abraham are people of faith, Jew and Gentile alike.
From there Paul explains what the law was for. It exposed sin, stood as a guardian until Christ came, and did not cancel the earlier promise made to Abraham. The chapter closes with the claim that all who belong to Christ share one identity and inherit together.
Observation Questions
Use these first. Ask the group to answer from the text itself before anyone offers an interpretation. Keep the pace slow and let people point to the words on the page.
Galatians 3:1-3
1 Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 I just want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed in the flesh?
(WEB)
This opening passage sets the tone for the whole chapter. Reading it aloud lets the group hear Paul’s rebuke and his appeal to their own experience of the Spirit.
Galatians 3:6-7
6 Even as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.” 7 Know therefore that those who are of faith, the same are children of Abraham.
(WEB)
Reading the citation from Genesis and Paul’s conclusion together makes clear that faith, not ancestry, marks the children of Abraham. It is a good place to pause and ask who belongs.
Galatians 3:13-14
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,” 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
(WEB)
These verses state the heart of the gospel in Paul’s language: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law. Reading them aloud gives the group a clear anchor before the harder questions.
Galatians 3:19-20
19 Then why is there the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator is not between one, but God is one.
(WEB)
Paul’s question about the purpose of the law is one of the most discussed points in the chapter. Hearing the answer in full helps the group weigh the interpretation questions with the text in front of them.
Galatians 3:26-28
26 For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus. 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 nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
(WEB)
This passage gives the closing vision of unity in Christ. Ending the reading here sends the group toward the application questions with a picture of shared identity.
Memory Verse for Galatians 3
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
(WEB)
This verse is short enough to memorize and rich enough to return to for years. Repeating it together helps the group hold onto the truth that every believer shares one identity in Christ Jesus.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come to you as people who have received the Spirit by faith and not by our own striving. Thank you for the promise you made to Abraham and confirmed in Christ, a promise that no law and no failure can cancel. Forgive us for the times we have tried to add our own works to your grace, and for the ways we have built walls between people you have made one in Christ. Help us live as heirs who trust your faithfulness, and give us the courage to welcome others as family. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
