Galatians (Part 9)
Christ + Nothing: The Power of the Promise
Galatians 3:15–29
Sermon Notes | Pacific Point Church
Welcome & Introduction
This week’s message continued our series through Galatians with a clear focus on the promise of God — the foundational truth that salvation comes through Christ alone. It’s not Jesus plus effort. Not Jesus plus good works. Just Christ + Nothing.
As Pastor John opened with lighthearted banter and laughter, he reminded us that although joy is part of our gatherings, what we're dealing with in Galatians is no light matter — it's core to the gospel.
Main Theme: Christ Is the Promise
Christianity is set apart from every other religion because it teaches that you cannot earn salvation.
Every other belief system centers on man working toward God. Christianity is God coming to man through Jesus Christ.
We’re saved by grace alone — not by religious rituals, personal performance, or law-keeping.
“Rest in who I am and my grace and my cross and the blood that covers your sins.”
– Pastor John
Salvation Is Free, But It Costs Everything
The gift of salvation is free. But entering into relationship with Christ requires full surrender.
Like a marriage, the moment we commit to Christ, we align ourselves to His will, putting aside former ways of living.
Not to earn His love, but because we already have it.
Family, Fellowship, and Faith in Action
Pastor John challenged us to invite others into our homes during this series — to model the early church and build fellowship.
Daily devotions, worship nights, and meals aren’t obligations — they’re opportunities to live out our faith.
The Central Promise: Jesus
Galatians 3:15–29 centers on one key idea: God’s promise to Abraham was ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
The law, which came 430 years later through Moses, does not nullify the promise.
That promise — Jesus Himself — is what every other promise of God flows from.
Why the Law Exists
The law isn’t evil — it serves as a mirror, revealing our sin and need for a Savior.
It doesn’t transform us. It guides, restrains, and convicts, but it cannot save.
The law’s purpose was to point us to Jesus, not replace Him.
God’s Promises Are For You
Pastor John highlighted specific promises in Scripture that apply to each of us today:
God hears your prayers – 1 John 5:14
God gives wisdom – James 1:5
God forgives sin – Isaiah 43:25
God gives strength – Isaiah 40:31
God works all things for good – Romans 8:28
You are a new creation – 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Someone in here today needs to stand on the promise that He hears your prayers.”
– Pastor John
Don’t Carry What Jesus Already Carried
We often return to burdens we’ve already laid at the cross.
Let go of the guilt, shame, or condemnation.
Like the stones under the cross at Easter, leave it at the feet of Jesus and don’t pick it back up.
The Law Shows Us Our Need for Grace
Paul reminds the Galatians that the law is not contrary to the promise.
It highlights our inability to keep it — and points us to the necessity of Christ’s grace.
We are no longer under the guardian of the law, but free in Christ.
A Level Playing Field
In Christ, there is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female — we are all one.
There's no hierarchy in the kingdom. No sin is "less offensive." No person is "more spiritual."
We are all saved by grace through faith in Jesus — equal heirs of the promise.
Final Encouragement: You Belong to the Promise
“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.”
– Galatians 3:29
You are part of God’s family. You are fully forgiven.
You are an heir to every one of God’s promises.
Don’t stop at salvation — walk boldly in the fullness of what God has already said is yours.
Communion Reflection
As we take communion, reflect on the ultimate promise — Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
The bread represents His broken body.
The cup symbolizes His blood that washes us clean.
Examine your heart. Are you standing on the promise of Christ?
Let this holy moment mark a fresh start — not just in this room, but in how you live this week.
Next Steps
Invite someone to dinner this week. Open your life, your table, and your heart.
Read Galatians 3 again. Highlight the promises.
Ask God: “What promise do You want me to believe and walk in this week?”
Don’t walk out the same way you walked in.