Purpose and Promise

Sermon Introduction

Paul wrote that no one could alter God’s covenant with Abraham, not even the law given to Moses. In a manner of speaking, they seem contradictory, yet Paul explained that the Mosaic Covenant and the Abrahamic Covenant do not contradict. In fact, the two complement each other. Paul would then explain the purpose of the law of Moses, which is to reveal sin. An honest look at the law and an honest look at the self would show the need for forgiveness, which is found in Christ.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Galatians 3:19-22 ESV

19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.

21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Notes

Paul wrote that no one could alter God’s covenant with Abraham, not even the law given to Moses. In a manner of speaking, they seem contradictory, yet Paul explained that the Mosaic Covenant and the Abrahamic Covenant do not contradict. In fact, the two complement each other. Paul would then explain the purpose of the law of Moses, which is to reveal sin. An honest look at the law and an honest look at the self would show the need for forgiveness, which is found in Christ.

1. Purpose of the Law
   Paul explained that the law was added to reveal sins until the coming of the promise, who is Christ Jesus (3:19). And that God with angels put the law in place using Moses as an intermediary, but not in Christ (3:20).
   19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one
   

2. No Contradiction
   There is no contradiction between the law of Moses and God’s promise. Paul explained that if the law could give life, righteousness would be through the law, but the law could not bring righteousness (3:21).
   21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law.
   

3. The Promise
   The Scriptures show that people are prisoners of sin, but people experience freedom through faith in Christ. The law could not make anyone righteous, yet it had its purpose. Ultimately, the law prepared the coming of the Lord (3:22).
   22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe

Application

1. Look Closely
   Understand the purpose of the law, one of which is to reveal sin. Both OT and NT Scriptures reveal what sin is. So let us look closely at the Scriptures like a mirror and see our shortcomings, which should lead us to repentance.

2. Do Not Contradict
   God gave the law of Moses to reveal what is sin to Israel. The law gave Israel a sense of structure and order, also a sense of sin and not sin. It showed us our need to repent and believe in the gospel.

3. Proclaim the Promise
   God gives the promise through faith in Christ. Obeying the law does not lead to righteousness. Only faith in Christ Jesus brings righteousness. Therefore we proclaim the promises of God in Christ.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Why was the law given?

2. Is the law contradictory to the promises of God? Explain.

3. What did Paul mean about Scripture that imprisoned us?

4. How may we conclude the discussion?