Wednesday, July 2nd
Read: Galatians 3:19-25
What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator. A mediator, however, does not represent just one party; but God is one. Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
Spend a few minutes discussing questions you have about the passage. Here are a few to get you started:
What are transgressions?
What is a mediator? How do you think the angels acted as a mediator?
What does it mean that the whole world is a prisoner of sin?
What does is mean to be justified by faith?
The law never made us righteous, or gave us life. When we were still walking in darkness, our forefathers became mediators between God and man. They did this in order to point the way to the true Mediator who was to come— and who is now sitting at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. Our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, our Humble King, Jesus Christ.
After coming out of Exodus our Father knew that we needed direction. God always disciplines those He loves. In order to keep us from falling into our transgressions, the law had been given to us. God knew that He would send His Son into the world as Light that shines in a dark place, and now that light is here. A new covenant has been given us, which has made the old one obsolete. The old law was not perfect—otherwise we would still be under it. However, Jesus Christ is perfect, and we too can now be perfect in Christ, and have a place reserved for us with Him in Heaven.
Process:
– Are there still those who believe they are under the old law? How can we deliver the message of belief—that Jesus has come, and brought with Him a new covenant for those who still walk in darkness? Do you believe that you can become perfected in Christ through His covenant and promises?