The Law’s place and purpose
Gal. 3:19-29
Theme: The Ten Commandments have recently been one of the most highly contested items of the twentieth century, have you ever wondered why?
Introduction: During our last visit to the Galatians series, we discovered how grace took priority over the Law. With everything we have studied so far, it kind of makes us wonder ‘why is the law even mentioned in the new testament’. Well there is a reason and it isn’t a big mystery either. As a matter of fact after we complete our study this evening you should be able to think back or look back over you Bible and better understand the connection between Grace, the Law and Salvation. If you can’t already do this, I sincerely believe
I. What purpose does the law serve and how did we get it? (3:19-20)
A. The law was added because of transgression.
This effect of the Law is accomplished:
(1) By showing us what God requires, and what is duty. It is the straight rule of what
is right; and to depart from that is the measure of wrong.
(2) it shows us the nature
and extent of transgression by showing us how far we have departed from it.
(3) it shows what the just
penalty of transgression is, and is thus suited to reveal its true nature.
(4) it is suited to produce
conviction for sin, and thus shows how evil and bitter a thing transgression is.
(5) it thus shows its own
inability to justify and save people, and is a preparatory arrangement to lead
people to the cross of the Redeemer.
(6) The Law was given with reference to transgressions in order to keep
us from transgression. It was designed to restrain and control us by its
denunciations, and by the fear of its threatened penalties.
B. The law was put in place until the promised seed would come.
C. The Law came through a mediator, the promised seed came directly from God.
Accordingly Gal_3:20 serves to define the true conception of a mediator, and through this definition to make clearer the difference between the law, which required a mediator, and the promise, which is the simple expression of God's will. The very idea of mediation supposes two parties. The law is of the nature of a contract between God and the Jewish people. The validity of the contract depends on its fulfillment by both parties. Hence it is contingent, not absolute
II. What limitations does the law have? (3:21)
A. The law is not in competition with Jesus.
B. If the law could provide eternal life, righteousness could then come by the law.
III. What does the Scripture
establish? (3:22-25)
A. All are
included when speaking of sin. {concluded speaks to
being surrounded by or embraced by while under speaks to the idea of being
(22a)
B. The promise {assurance} of Jesus to these who believe
(22b)
C. Before someone
comes to faith, the law serves as a prison for our conscience. (23)
D. The law
established itself as a tutor (schoolmaster), which lead (the Jews to Christ)
IV. What does faith establish? (3:26-27)
A. Through Jesus we are Gods children.
B. There is a testimony (baptized) to eternal life.
V. The seed is revealed and identified. (3:28-29)
A. God doesn’t discriminate.
B. Abraham’s seed is identified through Jesus.
Conclusion: It has been publicly
stated that the Ten Commandments do not apply to our lives in the twenty first
century. I disagree and hope that after our message tonight you do as well. The
Ten Commandments had a specific purpose for