Morning Message: Train Up A Child

 

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Train Up A Child"
Written By: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

We have witnessed in the media a wonderful example of what it means to train up children. From the days of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, there are lessons to learn from then Prince Charles and Princess Diana, to now just King Charles as he raised up Prince William, and Prince Harry. The training and grooming took to Prince William, and was rejected by Prince Harry.

Called to greatness, and in line for the Throne, Prince Harry rejected the calling of The Crown, and the family of Windsor. Poised for greatness, Harry made a poor choice, moving with his wife to the US, and struck out on his own. He is still a Windsor, but his future prospects were changed drastically.

The Jews were called to greatness; ARE called to greatness. But they too rejected the offering of the One sent to redeem them, and lead them to greatness. The Windsors are powerful, but what they do is done in public for all the world to see. The One making promises to Abraham is all powerful and always faithful to His Word. While fickleness is a trait common to mankind, faithfulness is a trait of our Creator and Lord. As we read through this fourth chapter of Galatians, we learn more of the training that Paul had been given by God. It was the training of a servant, and a handicapped one at that! Paul alludes to his thorn in the flesh, an affliction for which he prayed many times for relief and inevitably received grace enough to continue on in spite of personal discomfort, the result of his thorn in the flesh. It had displaced the haughtiness of Saul, and produced the humility of Paul, a servant of the Most High God.

Had he remained Saul, he would never have tasted of the liberty found in Christ Jesus. But since God had given him faith and a new identity, he traveled much of the known world of that time. His time in Rome may have cut short his planned visit to Spain, but Jesus has used that too.

“A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Galatians 4:1-15 - "Train Up A Child"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

As we continue our study in the book of Galatians, Paul continues his defense of the gospel of justification by faith in Christ, in contrast to seeking justification by the works of the Law.   The previous chapter ended with Paul making a practical argument, how that by faith they had become the sons of God, the true seed of Abraham and heirs of the promise, when they put on Christ in baptism.

The practical argument continues in the first part of chapter four as Paul describes the condition of those under the Law prior to the coming of Christ. They were "children", and really no different than slaves. But when Christ came, He redeemed those under the Law and made it possible for them to receive the adoption as "sons". A special blessing of this sonship was receiving the Spirit in their hearts, and now they are no longer as a slave but as a son and a heir of God through Christ (1-7).

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Child (4:1) - The Greek word refers to a child too young to talk, a minor, spiritually and intellectually immature and not ready for the privileges and responsibilities of adulthood.

Tudors and Governors (4:2) - These are guardians and stewards.  Guardians were slaves entrusted with the care of underage boys, while stewards managed their property for them until they came of age.  Along with the tutor (3:24), they had almost complete charge of the child - so that, for all practical purposes, a child under their care did not differ from a slave.

Children . . . in bondage (4:3) - Before "coming of age" or saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Elements of the World (4:3) - From the Greek meaning "row," or "rank," and was used to speak of basic, foundational things like the letters of the alphabet.  In light of its use in verse 9, it is best to see it here as a reference to the basic elements and rituals of human religion.  Paul describes both Jewish and Gentile religions as elemental because they are merely human, never rising to the level of the divine.  Both Jewish religion and Gentile religion centered on man-made systems of works.  They are filled with laws and ceremonies to be performed in order to achieve divine acceptance.  All such rudimentary elements are immature, like behaviors of children under bondage to a guardian. 

Fullness of Time (4:4) - In God's timetable, when the exact religious, cultural, and political conditions demanded by His perfect plan were in place, Jesus came into the world. 

God Sent Forth His Son (4:4) - God set His son at the precise moment to bring all who believe out from under bondage to the law.  Jesus repeatedly affirmed this truth (John 5:30, 36-37; 6:39, 44, 57; 8:16, 18, 42; 12:49; 17:21, 25; 20:21).  

Born of a Woman (4:4) - Not only is God's Sun fully Deity, but fully human (Isaiah 7:4; Matthew 1:20-25). Jesus had to be fully God for His sacrifice to be of the infinite worth needed to atone for sin.  But He also had to be fully man so He could take upon Himself the penalty of sin as our substitute.  (Luke 1:32, 35; John 1:1, 14, 18).

Under the Law (4:4) - Like all men, Jesus was obligated to obey God's Law.  Unlike anyone else, however, He perfectly obeyed that law (John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5).  His sinlessness made Him the unblemished sacrifice for sins, who "fulfilled all righteousness," perfectly obeyed God in everything.  That perfect righteousness is what is imputed to those who believe in Him.

To Redeem those Under the Law (4:5) - Guilty sinners who are under the law's demands and its curses and in need of a Savior. 

Adoption as Sons (4:5) - Adoption is the act of bringing someone who is the offspring of another into one's own family.  Since unregenerate people are by nature children of the devil, the only way they can become God's children is by spiritual adoption (Romans 8;15, 23; Ephesians 1:5). 

Spirit of His Son (4:6) - It is the Holy spirit's work to confirm to believers their adoption as God's children.  Assurance of salvation is a gracious work of the Holy Spirit and does not come from any human source.

Abba (4:6) - An Aramaic term of endearment, used by young children to speak to their fathers; the equivalent of the word Daddy.

When You Did Not Know God (4:8) - Before coming to the saving faith in Christ, no unsaved person knows God.

Known By God (4:9) - We can know God only because He first knew us, just as we choose Him only because He first chose us (John 6:44; 15:16), and we love Him only because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Days . . . Years (4:10 - Rituals, ceremonies and festivals of the Jewish religious calendar which God had given, but were never required for the church.  Paul warns the Galatians, as he did the Colossians against legalistically observing them as if they were required by God or could earn favor with Him.

Labored . . . In Vain (4:11) - Paul feared that his effort in establishing and building the Galatians churches might prove to be futile if they fell back into legalism (1 Thessalonians 3:5).

I am as Ye are (4:12) - Paul had been a proud, self-righteous Pharisee, trusting in his own righteousness to save him (Philippians 3:4-6).  When he came to Christ, he abandoned all efforts to save himself, trusting wholly in God's grace (Philippians 3:7-9).  He urged the Galatians to follow his example and avoid the legalism of the Judaizers.  

You Have Not Injured Me (4:12) - Though the Jews persecuted him when he first went to Galatia, the Galatian believers had not harmed Paul but had enthusiastically received him when he preached the gospel to them.

Blessing (4:15) - Blessing can also be translated "happiness," or "satisfaction."  Paul points out that the Galatians had be happy and content with the preaching of the gospel (Acts 13:48) and wonders why they had turned against him. 

Morning Message: Legal Troubles

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Legal Troubles"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Inherent within The Law is a problem that is nearly insurmountable. While it adds some substance to the Jewish faith, it also obliterates “faith!” The Abrahamic Covenant is integral with the Jewish faith. It is impossible to separate the two, but not because the Law has added anything to God’s promises within the covenant.

We must remember the Abrahamic Covenant, like all of God’s seven covenants of the Old Testament, is all about God provisional overwatch of the Jewish nation. Now, if anyone can tell me how mankind can add anything to God’s promises, please let me know.

We can argue that the Law is good for mankind, but it was not part of the Covenant. It’s a good reminder is God’s provision and supply in the Garden of Eden: Two trees, don’t eat the fruit of the one. Everything else Adam and Eve needed was provided by God. But when Satan came crawling, he put doubt in Eve’s mind, and she told that old serpent, “Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it lest you die.” Yet God never said it could not be touched.

We understand that adding to God’s word was wrong, but from man’s point of view, it was meant to keep them away from the temptation to taste of that fruit. A scary consequence was added to God’s word to keep the first couple away from the fruit of that tree. Suddenly, man’s understanding of God’s provision was altered. In this case, the Law is good! But it is not based in faith, but in man’s ability to use avoidance to keep himself from the temptation. This stipulation adds a layer of protection for man, but adds nothing to God’s Promise, and adherence to this “law” becomes a “good work.”

So, how then is the Law good, if it puts stipulations on God’s promise? Is not God forgiving? Are His mercies not new every morning? If we break this man-made Law, will God not still be faithful to His promises to us still? And now, we see why God told Adam that “The Fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil” was deadly to mankind, because it creates a false sense of guilt, hindering a pure faith in Him.

“…If any man shall add to these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” - Revelation 22:18b

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Galatians 3:13-29 - "Legal Troubles"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In Galatians chapter 3, we are invited to look back at the history of our faith and understand that our relationship with God is built on the promise given to Abraham and fulfilled in Christ, not on our own ability to keep the law. Paul reminds us that the key to our salvation is faith—just as Abraham believed God and was credited with righteousness, so too are we justified by our trust in Jesus. This chapter challenges us to see that the law, though holy and good in itself, was never intended to be the means by which we attain God's favor; rather, it was given as a temporary guardian until the coming of Christ.

Last week, Paul began by addressing the Galatian believers, asking them to consider whether they are truly walking in the Spirit or if they are trying to be justified by their own efforts under the law. He explains that if we relied on human works, the grace of God would be lost. This message hits home for us because it reassures us that our standing before God is not based on our performance. Instead, it is entirely a gift of grace—a grace that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, just as it was for Abraham. We learn that the promise made to Abraham was not dependent on the works of the law; it was given on the basis of his belief. That promise, Paul reminds us, extends to all who believe, whether they are Jew or Gentile.

Paul goes on to quote Scripture, emphasizing that the blessings given to Abraham were intended to be for everyone. He reminds us that “Blessed be the man who trusts in the Lord,” a truth that holds regardless of our background. The key point Paul makes is that the inheritance promised to Abraham comes through faith. For us, this means that our salvation is secure when we put our trust in God’s promise, not when we try to earn His favor by obeying the law. In reflecting on this, we can see that our faith in Jesus liberates us from the endless cycle of trying to measure up to standards that are impossible for any of us to fully achieve on our own.

Furthermore, Paul explains that the law was given 430 years after God made His promise to Abraham. This timing is significant because it shows that the law did not originate the promise, but rather it was added later to guide people until Christ came. The law was like a tutor, teaching us about sin and our need for redemption. For us, this means that while the law exposes our shortcomings, it also points us toward the grace that we receive through faith. The law’s role was to make us aware of our need for a Savior, and in that awareness, we find the wonderful truth that Jesus has already paid the price for our sins.

Paul also addresses the issue of the curse that comes from disobedience to the law. He reminds us that Scripture says, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things written in the Book of the Law.” But thanks be to God, Christ has redeemed us from this curse by becoming a curse for us, so that the blessing of Abraham might come to us through faith. This powerful truth underscores that our freedom in Christ comes not from our ability to perfectly obey the law, but from the redemptive work of Jesus. When we understand that Jesus has taken on our curse, we can live with gratitude and joy, knowing that our righteousness is not earned—it is a gift bestowed upon us because of His sacrifice.

Moreover, Paul makes it clear that the promise of God is based on faith and is an everlasting covenant. The inheritance of the promise is secured for those who belong to Christ, and it cannot be nullified by our failure to uphold the law. In our own lives, this means that our identity is not defined by our ability to keep every rule, but by our relationship with Jesus. We are children of the promise, heirs to the blessings that were promised to Abraham. This perspective frees us from the heavy burden of legalism and encourages us to live in the liberty of the gospel.

Paul further explains that the Spirit, given to us by faith, testifies to the promise of God. We are not justified by our works but by our trust in God’s Word. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that our spiritual transformation is an ongoing process—one that is continually powered by the Holy Spirit working in us. This transformation is not achieved by human effort alone, but by surrendering to the grace that flows from our relationship with Christ.

In summary, Galatians chapter 3 calls us to recognize that our justification before God comes solely through faith—faith that connects us to the promise given to Abraham and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The law served its purpose as a guide to reveal our need for salvation, but now that the promise has been realized in Christ, we live under a new covenant of grace. This grace transforms us from within, uniting us as one family of believers regardless of our background, and freeing us from the impossible task of earning God’s favor through our own efforts.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Christ Has Redeemed us from the Curse of the Law (3:13) - The Greek word translated "redeemed" was often used to speak of buying a slave's or debtor's freedom. Christ's death, because it was a death of substitution for sin, satisfied God's justice and exhausted His wrath toward His elect, so that Christ actually purchased believers from slavery to sin and from the sentence of eternal death (4:5; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18; cf. Romans 3:24; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:12).

Being Made a Curse for Us (3:13) - By bearing God's wrath for believers' sins on the cross, Christ took upon Himself the curse pronounced on those who violated the law.

It is Written (3:13) - The common NT way (sixty-one times) of introducing Old Testament quotes. Deuteronomy 21:23 is quoted.

The Blessing of Abraham (3:14) - Faith in God's promise of salvation.

Promise of the Spirit (3:14) - From God the Father. Cf. Isaiah 32:14; 44:3; 59:19-21; Ezekiel 36:26, 27; 37:14; 39:29; Joel 2:28,29; Luke 11:13; 24:49; John 7:37-39; 14:16, 26.

Brethren (3:15) - This term of endearment reveals Paul's compassionate love for the Galatians - which they may have begun to question in light of his stern rebuke.

Manner of Men . . Man's Covenant (3:15) - Even human covenants, once confirmed, are considered irrevocable and unchangeable; how much more a covenant made by the unchanging God (Malachi 3;6; James 1:17).

Seed (3:16) - The quote is from Genesis 12:7.  The singular form of the Hebrews word, like its English and Greek counterparts, can be used in a collective sense.  Paul's point is that in some OT Passages (Genesis 3:15; 22:18), seed refers to the greatest of Abraham's descendants, Jesus Christ.

Promises (3:16) - Those associated with the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:3, 7; 13:15, 16; 15:5, 18; 17:8; 22:16-18; 26:3, 4; 28:13, 14).  Because they were made both to Abraham and his descendants, they did not become void when Abraham died, or when the law came.

Four Hundred and Thirty Years (3:17) - From Israel's sojourn in Egypt (Exodus 12:40) to the giving of the law at Sinai (1445 B.C.).  The law actually came 645 years after the initial promise to Abraham (c. 2090 B.C.; cf. Genesis 12:4; 21:5; 25:26; 47:9), but the promise was repeated to Isaac (Genesis 26:24) and later to Jacob (c 1928 B.C.; Genesis 28:15).  The last known reaffirmation of the Abrahamic covenant to Jacob occurred in Genesis 4:2-4 (c. 1875 B.C.) just before he went to Egypt - 430 years before the Mosaic Law was given.

The Covenant (3:17) - The Abrahamic covenant.

Confirmed Before by God (3:17) - Means "ratified."  Once God ratified the covenant officially, it had lasting authority so that nothing and no one could annul it.  The Abrahamic covenant was unilateral, eternal, irrevocable, unconditional, but its complete fulfillment awaits the salvation of Israel and the millennial kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Because of Transgressions (3:19) - Paul's persuasive argument that the promise is superior to the law raises an oblivious question:  What was the purpose of the law?  Paul's answer is that the law reveals man's utter sinfulness, inability to save himself, and desperate need of a Savior.  It was never intended to be the way of salvation (cf. Romans 7:13). 

By Angels (3:19) - The Bible teaches that angels were involved in the giving of the law, but does not explain the precise role they played.

Concluded All Under Sin (3:22) - The Greek verb translated "confined" means "to enclose on all sides."  Paul portrays all mankind as hopelessly trapped in sin, like a school of fish caught in a net.  That all people are sinners is the express teaching of Scripture (Romans 3:19; 1 Kings 8:46; Psalm 143:2; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:9-19, 23; 11:32).

Before Faith Came (3:23) - From the viewpoints of both the history of redemption and through all times in the area of individual salvation, only saving faith unlocks the door of the prison where the law keeps people bound.

Kept Under the Law (3:23) - Paul personifies the law as a jailer of guilty, condemned sinners, on a death row awaiting God's judgment (Romans 6:23). 

Faith...Revealed (3:23) - Paul was looking at the coming of Christ, historically and at each believer's salvation, individually.  Faith in Christ alone releases people from bondage to law, whether the Mosaic Law, or the law written on the hearts of Gentiles (romans 2:14-26).

Schoolmaster (3:24) - The Greek word denotes a slave whose duty it was to take care of child until adulthood.  The tutor escorted the children to and from school and watched over their behavior at home.  Tutors were often strict disciplinarians, causing those under their care to yearn for the day when they would be free from their tutor's custody.  the law was our tutor which, by showing us our sins, was escorting us to Christ.

Children of God (3:26) - While God is the Father of all people in a general sense because he created them (Acts 17:24-28), only those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ are God's true spiritual children.  Unbelievers are the children of Satan according to Matthew 13:38; John 8:38, 41, 44; Acts 13:10; 1 John 3:10; cf. Ephesians 2:3; 1 John 5:19).

Baptized into Christ (3:27) - This is not water baptism, which cannot save.  Paul used the word baptized in a metaphorical manner to speak of being "immersed," or "placed into" Christ by the spiritual miracle of union with Him in His death and Resurrection.

Put on Christ (3:27) - The result of the believer's spiritual union with Christ.  Paul was emphasizing the fact that we have been united with Christ through salvation.  Positionally before God, we have put on Christ, His death, Resurrection, and righteousness.  Practically, we need to "put on Christ" before others, in our conduct (Romans 13:14).

One in Christ Jesus (3:28) - All those who are one with Jesus Christ are one with one another in the faith.  

Abraham's Seed (3:29) - Not all physical children of Abraham are the "Israel of God" (cf. 6:16), Gentile believers who are not physical children of Abraham are, his spiritual children in the sense that they followed the patter of his faith.

Heirs According to Promise (3:29) - All believers are heirs of the spiritual blessing that accompanied the Abrahamic covenant - justification by faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3-11).

Morning Message: Faith and Works (Part 2)

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Faith and Works" Part 2
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

In last week’s teaching, The Apostle Paul exposed the hypocrisy of the Apostle Peter when Judaisers from Jerusalem came to Antioch, dispatched from the Apostle James. The cultural morals held by the Jews at that time were to not eat/share a meal with non-Jews. But Peter, as well as Barnabas, Paul’s companion in ministry, both fell away from the truth, and left eating with new Gentile converts to eat with the visiting Jews. This is “the fear of man,” and Paul confronted Peter face-to-face.

Paul’s conversion to Christ was because of a face-to-face exchange he had with Jesus, and three years being taught by God’s Spirit in Arabia let him realize what the law forced upon its followers. Forced works don’t come from faith, but from fear.

As Paul considers his own conversion, following the Law was nothing more than a series of fleshly works to appease the priests and leaders of Judaism. So, in today’s presentation, Paul’s confrontation with the Galatian Churches continues. Because of what the Judaisers (teachers of Jewish Law) brought to the Galatian Churches. he poses a series of questions to the Churches. Paul takes exception to Jerusalem’s envoys, and to the premise of their teachings.

Jewish converts were no longer Jewish, but Christians. And Gentile converts were no longer Gentiles, but Christians. The error can be placed at the feet of the Jews because they saw Christianity as a sect of Judaism, instead of a new-found faith based in God’s Son. Paul sees the Jews as antithetical to faith in Christ, while Peter still viewed Jesus’ teachings as updates and clarifications for the Jews. Paul understands that this new Christian faith worships the God of the Jews in an entirely new way: by faith instead of by works.

Paul reminds them that the Abrahamic Covenant was based in faith: Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness. We should therefore remember that Abraham was once Abram the Gentile called by God to bring Messiah into the world through his descendants.

“For the promise that he should be the heir of the world was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.” - Romans 4:13

Bobservations' Column - Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Romans 3:1-12 - "Faith and Works" Part 2

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

With a defense of his apostleship behind him, Paul spends the next two chapters defending the gospel he received by revelation. It is a gospel which proclaims justification by faith in Christ, not by keeping the works of the Law. As support, Paul begins by providing a personal argument, asking the Galatians to recall how they themselves had received the Spirit, and from Whom. That it came not by the works of the Law but through the hearing of faith should be obvious to them. If they were so begun in the Spirit, why seek to be made perfect by the flesh (1-5)?

For his next argument, Paul appeals to the Scriptures. First, Genesis 15:6 reveals that Abraham's faith was accounted to him as righteousness, and Genesis 12:3 foretold that in Abraham all the nations would be blessed. Therefore, those who are of faith are sons of Abraham and blessed along with him (6-9). As for the Law itself, the Scriptures reveal that those who are of the works of the Law are under a curse, while proclaiming that the just shall live by faith (Deuteronomy 27:26; Habakkuk 2:4). Christ, however, has redeemed us from the curse of the Law and made it possible for the blessing of Abraham to come upon the Gentiles, especially that the promise of the Spirit might be received through faith (10-14).

Continuing in his argument from the Scriptures, Paul reminds them that the covenantal nature of the promise made to Abraham means it cannot be broken. Therefore, the promise (along with its inheritance) to Abraham and His "Seed" (Christ) remained firm, even when the Law came along 430 years later (15-18). What was the purpose of the Law then? Paul answers that it was added because of transgressions until the Seed (Christ) should come. It was not against the promises of God, but because it could not provide life itself, it served the purpose of confining all under sin until the promise by faith in Jesus could be given to those who believe (19-22). Thus the law served to keep them under guard, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. To put it another way, it was like a tutor leading them to Christ where they could be justified by faith. Once faith had arrived, the tutor was no longer over them (23-25).

Paul then proceeds with a practical argument to prove we are justified by faith in Christ, which will be continued on into the fourth chapter. Through faith they have become sons of God in Christ, for in being baptized into Christ they had put on Christ (26-27). Being in Christ, they are now one in Him, with all racial, social, and sexual distinctions removed as it pertains to salvation. Being in Christ also makes them Abraham's seed and thereby heirs according to promise God made to him (28-29).

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Foolish (3:1) - This refers not to lack of intelligence, but to lack of obedience (cf. Luke 24:25; 1 Timothy 6:9; Titus 3:3).  Paul expressed his shock, surprise, and outrage at the Galatians' defection.

Who? (3:1) - The Judaizers, the Jewish false teachers, were plaguing the Galatian churches with false doctrine and undermining the gospel of Christ. 

Bewitched (3:1) - Charmed or misled by flattery and false promises.  The term suggests an appeal to the emotions by the Judaizers.

Evidently Set Forth (3:1) - Meaning "clearly portrayed".  The Greek word describes the posting of official notices in public places.  Paul's preaching had publicly displayed the true gospel of Jesus Christ before the Galatians. 

Crucified (3:1) - The Crucifixion of Christ was a one-time historical fact with continuing results into eternity.  Christ's sacrificial death provides eternal payment for believers' sins (cf. Hebrews 7:25), and does not need to be supplemented by any human works. 

Received Ye the Spirit (3:2) - The answer to Paul's rhetorical question is obvious.  The Galatians had received the Spirit when they were saved (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 John 3:24, 4:13), not through keeping the law, but through saving faith granted when hearing the gospel (cf. Romans 10:17).  the hearing of faith is actually hearing with faith.  Paul appealed to the Galatians' own salvation to refute the Judaizers' false teaching that keeping the law is necessary for salvation.

Are Ye So Foolish? (3:3) - Incredulous at how easily the Galatians had been duped, Paul asked a second rhetorical question, again rebuking them for their foolishness.

Begun in the Spirit . . . By the Flesh (3:3) - The notion that sinful, weak (Matthew 26:41; Romans 6:19), fallen human nature could improve on the saving work of the Holy Spirit was ludicrous to Paul.

Suffered (3:4) - The Greek word has the basic meaning of "experienced," and does not necessarily imply pain or hardship.  Paul used it to describe the Galatians' personal experience of salvation in Jesus Christ. 

Many Things (3:4) - This refers to all the blessings of salvation from God, Christ and the Holy Spirit (cf. Ephesians 1:3).

If Indeed it was in Vain (3:4) - See Luke 8:13; Acts 8:13,21; 1 Corinthians 15:2; 2 Corinthians 6:1; 13:5,6.

Sons of Abraham (3:7) - Believing Jews and Gentiles are the true spiritual children of Abraham because they follow his example of faith (cf. v. 29; Romans 4:11, 16).

Scripture, Foreseeing (3:8) - Personifying the Scriptures was a common Jewish figure of speech (cf. 4:30; John 7:38, 42; 19:37; Romans 9:17; 10:11; 11:2; 1 Timothy 5:18).  Because Scripture is God's Word, when it speaks, God speaks.

Preached the Gospel to Abraham (3:8) - The "Good News" to Abraham was the news of salvation for all the nations (quoted from Genesis 12:3; 18:18). See Genesis 22:18; John 8:56; Acts 26:22, 23.  Salvation has always, in every age, been by faith.

Those Who are of Faith . . . Abraham (3:9) - Whether Jew or Gentile.  The OT predicted that Gentiles would receive the blessings of justification by faith, as did Abraham.  those blessings a poured out on all believers because of Christ (cf. John :16; Romans 8:32; Ephesians 1:3, 2:6, 7; Colossians 2:10; 1 Peter 3:9; 2 Peter 1:3,4).

As Many as are of the Works of the Law (3:10) - Those attempting to earn salvation by keeping the Law.

Under the Curse (3:10) - Quoted from Deuteronomy 27:26 to show that failure to keep the law perfectly brings divine judgment and condemnation.  One violation of the law deserves the curse of God. (cf. Deuteronomy 27, 28).

All Things (3:10) - No one can keep all the commands of the law - not even strict Pharisees like Saul of Tarsus (Romans 7:7-12).

Justified (3:11) - Made righteous before God.

The Just Shall Live by Faith (3:11) - Paul's earlier OT quote (v.10; cf. Deuteronomy 27:26) showed that justification does not come from keeping the law; this quote from Habakkuk 2:4 shows that justification is by faith alone (cf. Hebrews 10:38).

The Law is not of Faith (3:12) - Justification by faith and justification by keeping the law are mutually exclusive, as Paul's OT quote from Leviticus 18:5 proves.

Christ Has Redeemed us from the Curse of the Law (3:13) - The Greek word translated "redeemed" was often used to speak of buying a slave's or debtor's freedom.  Christ's death, because it was a death of substitution for sin, satisfied God's justice and exhausted His wrath toward His elect, so that Christ actually purchased believers from slavery to sin and from the sentence of eternal death (4:5; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18; cf. Romans 3:24; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:12).

Having Become a Curse for Us (3:13) - By bearing God's wrath for believers' sins on the cross, Christ took upon Himself the curse pronounced on those who violated the law.

It is Written (3:13) - The common NT way (sixty-one times) of introducing Old Testament quotes.  Deuteronomy 21:23 is quoted. 

The Blessing of Abraham (3:14) - Faith in God's promise of salvation.

Promise of the Spirit (3:14) - From God the Father. Cf. Isaiah 32:14; 44:3; 59:19-21; Ezekiel 36:26, 27; 37:14; 39:29; Joel 2:28,29; Luke 11:13; 24:49; John 7:37-39; 14:16, 26.