Unshackled #6

The Purpose of the Law

Galatians 3:15-29 (NKJV)

The Promise vs. the Law (v. 15-18)

Galatians 3:15-18 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the

promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

The law does not negate the promise given through Christ

The Purpose of the Law (v. 19-26)

Galatians 3:19-26 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but

God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Three Purposes of the Law

1. The law helps us see right and wrong – “What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions …” (v. 19)

Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.”

2. The law exposes our sin – “But the Scripture has confined all under sin …” (v. 22)

Job 13:23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin.

3. 3. The law shows our need of a Savior – “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (v. 24)

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Power of the Promise (v. 27-29)

Galatians 3:27-29 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs

according to the promise.

1. The promise places us in God’s family (v. 27)

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

2. The promise makes us one with all Christians (v. 28)

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

3. The promise makes us heirs with Christ (v. 29)

Galatians 3:29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.