Galatians 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received you the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? I. WHAT FAITH? 1. A historical (James 2:19). 2. Dogmatical (Acts 8:13, 23; Luke 4:41). 3. A temporary (Luke 8:13; John 5:35). 4. A faith of miracles (Luke 17:6; 1 Corinthians 13:2). 5. A saving faith (Romans 10:10; Acts 16:31; 1 Peter 2:6). II. WHAT IS MEANT BY HEARING? Hearing the Word of God — 1. Read. 2. Expounded. 3. Preached. III. HOW IS FAITH WROUGHT BY THE WORD? Not as a principal, but as an instrumental cause. Thus — 1. The minister commissioned by God speaks it to the ears sometimes of God's mercy to man, sometimes of man's duty to God (2 Timothy 4:2). 2. The ears of the hearer take in what is spoken, and convey it to the understanding. But that cannot receive it (1 Corinthians 2:14): therefore — 3. The Spirit goes along with the "Word, and enables the understanding to receive it. 4. And also inclines the will to embrace it (Philippians 2:13; Romans 7:15; Hebrews 4:12). (Bishop Beveridge.) Parallel Verses KJV: This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? |
    |