The Story of Jesus There Is One Way To Get Into Him (Lesson 85)
Introduction:
1. To grow in the knowledge of Christ as we are instructed in 2 Peter 3:18, we must search the Scriptures (John 5:39). 2. In this lesson we are concentrating on the information revealed in Galatians 3:26-29. 3. These verses show that "there is one way to get into Christ." 4. Let us begin our study by pointing out some . . .
Discussion:
I. GENERAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BOOK OF GALATIANS
A. According to 1:1-2, this letter was written by Paul the apostle, and it was addressed to the "churches" [congregations] in the area known as Galatia. B. These congregations were facing a serious problem. C. Some teachers were influencing the Christians in Galatia to keep the Law of Moses. D. We learn from 3:23-24 that the law had served its purpose. 1. Under the law, the Israelites were God's chosen people -- they were Abraham's physical descendants. 2. The Law of Moses was designed to keep the Israelites separate from other people, particularly the Gentiles, until Christ came. E. Paul showed in 3:25 that Christians are not under the Law of Moses. F. According to 5:1, Christians are to "stand fast" in the liberty that Christ provides. G. We learn from 5:4 that following the Law of Moses now is a serious offense. H. With this information before us, let us turn our attention to . . .
II. THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN IN GALATIANS 3:26-29
A. (vs.26) Today we become God's children "by faith in Christ Jesus." 1. This applies to everyone -- "all." 2. Let us make an observation from 6:15. a. In Christ, whether a person is circumcised does not matter. b. What really matters is becoming "a new creature." 3. How do we get into Christ so we can become new creatures? B. (vs.27) We get into Christ by being baptized into Him. 1. When we are baptized into Christ we put on Christ. 2. We also become God's children, and we become new creatures. C. (vs.29) When we get into Christ we enjoy two other blessings. 1. We become "Abraham's seed" [his spiritual descendants]. 2. We become "heirs according to the promise." a. (Genesis 12:3) God promised that "all families of the earth" would be blessed in Abraham. b. Paul discussed this promise in Galatians 3:7-9. D. We learn from Galatians 3:28 that these principles relate to everyone, regardless of racial background, social background, or gender.
III. THESE PRINCIPLES ARE ILLUSTRATED IN ACTS
A. Jews in Jerusalem were baptized into Christ (Acts 2:5, 37-38, 41). B. People in Samaria were baptized into Christ (Acts 8:5, 12). C. The eunuch of Ethiopia was baptized into Christ (Acts 8:35-38). D. Saul was baptized into Christ (Acts 22:16; 9:18). E. Cornelius, a Gentile, was baptized into Christ (Acts 10:48). F. Lydia, a businesswoman, was baptized into Christ (Acts 16:14-15). G. The jailer in Philippi was baptized into Christ (Acts 16:30-33). H. Many people in Corinth were baptized into Christ (Acts 18:8). I. People in Ephesus were baptized into Christ after learning that they had not been properly baptized (Acts 19:3-5).