Central Truth

The law is temporary, but Christ is eternal.

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Reflections

Last weekend I heard the story of a woman who grew up abroad. She shared that the legal drinking age in her home country was 16 and it was at that point most everyone was considered “grown up.” That’s pretty much how we in the U.S. feel about turning 18. Before then the law demands more discipline. It endeavors to keep us in check until we’re deemed old enough to freely make choices.

This, to me, seems to parallel the situation about which Paul wrote to the churches at Galatia. They had been led to believe their adherence to the law was the cost of admission to heaven and even today there are people who believe there is a way to eternal life apart from Christ, but that's just not true. Though the law was valid, it was a placeholder, setting boundaries until the Messiah arrived to deliver true freedom (Gal. 3:23). It pointed out sin, making the people aware of their shortcomings, a gap into which Jesus fit perfectly. Obedience to the law was unable to cover them and free them of sinful ways. Only Jesus could do that!

Paul assured the church that by faith in Christ alone they would see God’s promise to Abraham fulfilled. “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 (Gal. 3:24-25)."

To further draw the people’s attention to the difference faith makes, Paul explained that because of their belief in Christ they were bonded as sons of God, regardless of their social situation or ethnicity. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to his promise.” (Gal. 3:26-29) Amen!

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Discussion Questions

1. Did your level of discipline change once you turned 18? How did your actions during those days shape your today?

2. In what ways might you obey state or federal laws, yet disobey God?

3. Have you "clothed" yourself with Christ? If not, why not? If so, how do you know?

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