Hey Gang,
This is a powerful series we began last week. Imagine what it would be like to experience true freedom! Last week it was important for us to understand that with personal rights come the temptation to self-indulge. The first lesson in freedom in Christ is to understand and learn how to reject self-indulgence. It takes a lot to be free from self.
This week our focus is on what the law is for and what it is not for!
Good News … It doesn’t have to be that way! God already loves you. Your list can be a freeing process, not a shackling master. You can be free! Galatians 3 gives us three choices we can make to live in a loving, fulfilling, liberating relationship with Christ.
I. FORGET OR FOCUS? – GALATIANS 3:1-3
Justification through Faith
You foolish Galatians! Who has hypnotized you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was vividly portrayed as crucified? I only want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now going to be made complete by the flesh?
How did the Galatians begin their walk with Christ?
How were they trying to continue that walk?
What are you doing to mature in your walk with Christ?
When have you chosen to forget faith and chain yourself to a checklist? Do you define the rules?
Who do you know that is bound up by a list of do’s and don’ts? How can you vividly portray freedom through Christ? Will this most help you or help that person?
II. RELY OR RECEIVE? – GALATIANS 3:10-14
Law and Promise
For all who [rely on] the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written: Cursed is everyone who does not continue doing everything written in the book of the law. Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith. But the law is not based on faith; instead, the one who does these things will live by them. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written: Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree. The purpose was that the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we could receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
What logical argument did Paul use to prove that people who rely on a religious checklist are cursed?
How have you discovered that trying to meet yours and other’s religious expectations is a curse? What expectations are worth meeting?
Have you more often chosen to rely on what you do to earn abundant life or to receive life by faithfully following Jesus Christ?
III. CONFINE OR CONFIDENT? – GALATIANS 3:19-26
The Purpose of the Law
Why the law then? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come. [The law] was ordered through angels by means of a mediator. Now a mediator is not for just one person, but God is one. Is the law therefore contrary to God's promises? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly be by the law. But the Scripture has imprisoned everything under sin's power, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed. The law, then, was our guardian until Christ, so that we could be justified by faith. But since that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
So, what does Paul say is the purpose of the law?
Many boomers enjoy relating with their children who have matured into young adults. Real conversations replace scoldings, and there are no more bedtime battles since we go to bed before they do! Rules no longer govern the relationship. By faith, you are free to relate to God like His confident adult child rather than a confined, sullen teenager!
So, what does Paul say is the purpose of the law?
Whole New Relationship
Many boomers enjoy relating with their children who have matured into young adults. Real conversations replace scoldings, and there are no more bedtime battles since we go to bed before they do! Rules no longer govern the relationship. By faith, you are free to relate to God like His confident adult child rather than a confined, sullen teenager!
I Want To Enjoy the Freedom of Living by God’s Grace
I hope that everyone has had a blessed week as we prepare this week for more on our series of Freedom In Christ.
In His Love,
David & Susan
