GALATIANS 3:9

“So then, those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.”

I am an extrovert at heart. I enjoy being with people. I like socializing and having a party. Being with others is critical to me. I guess I could survive alone somewhere, but it would not be nearly as enjoyable as being with someone. Why am I talking about this? Because the subject of today’s blog is about being “with” someone – Abraham.

In Galatians 3:8, Paul says God will bless all the nations “in” (en) Abraham. Then Paul changes the preposition in verse 9 to “with” suv. I know what you are thinking, Big deal, Carl. Well, it is a big deal. That word suv is a much weightier word. It means to be joined together tightly and to be identified with. That’s a little different that ev which means inside. Keep reading, and I’ll show you more.

APPLICATION

One of my favorite examples of this preposition suv is in Galatians 2:20, which we saw in an earlier blog. When Paul says “I am crucified with Christ,” he uses that preposition on the front of the verb “crucified.” It means we are identified with Christ in His crucifixion. We cannot be separated from it.

Colossians 3:1 uses the same preposition. “Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” “Raised with” means we are eternally connected. Nothing can separate us. We are “with” Christ. Do you get the picture? Do a quick word study. Look up “with Christ” in your Blue Letter Bible or Bible Hub online. Look at the Greek words for “with Christ.” You’ll see this preposition suv over and over.

Have I lost you yet? I hope not. I just wanted you to see that when Paul says we are “blessed with Abraham,” he is saying that we are forever connected to the father of faith. The promises God made to him have been extended to us through Jesus Christ. I cannot wait to meet Abraham one day. He’s on my visitation list in heaven.

O Lord, You have linked us to others through our faith. Help us be “with” others now so we can walk in unity.