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"God gave it to Abraham by promise."

Text: Galatians 3:18b

CLOSELY RELATED THINGS

The subject of the Abrahamic covenant involved a number of things that were closely related.

These include the following:-

1. The Covenant given to Abraham

2. The blessings promised

3. The faith of Abraham

4. The Seed of Abraham

DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM OF THE FALSE TEACHERS

The false teachers chose to emphasise the law of Moses to such an extent that the significance of all of the above was threatened. The only way was for Paul to present a series of strong arguments that would help believers arrive at a proper understanding of God’s promise given to Abraham.

UNDERSTANDING THE PROMISE OF GOD TO ABRAHAM

Paul went on to add this important note about how the promise given by God to Abraham was to be understood.

For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of
promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Galatians 3:18

1. “Inheritance”

a) This is a reference to the promises given by God to Abraham.

b) The sons of Abraham would receive these promises as “an inheritance”.

2. How would the inheritance be received?

a) The Judaizers would argue that this would come by observing the law.

b) If the law was kept the inheritance of the promise would be given.

c) Paul had already refuted this line of thought as erroneous.

3. “It is no longer of promise”

a) The inheritance cannot be obtained by the keeping of the law.

b) It was given by promise and not by the law.

4. “But God gave it to Abraham by promise”

a) The word “promise” is properly featured.

b) God gave to Abraham precious promises.

c) This inheritance can only be realised through a correct understanding of God’s promises.

d) The true sons of Abraham are those who share his faith; these would enjoy the inheritance.