Heirs by Faith

Galatian Liberty • Galatians 3:23-29 • June 12, 2022 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

Paul explained that God gave the law to reveal sin, which showed that all are guilty, thus needing a savior. Furthermore, Paul made it clear that the law of Moses does not contradict God’s covenant with Abraham. Instead, it complements it in a temporary nature. Paul then explained that the law functioned as a prison to set boundaries. Israel needed the law to govern itself, to remind them that God is one, and to prepare for the coming of Christ. The law also functioned as a tutor, showing the shadows of what is to come, the sacrifice of Christ for the guilty.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 

Galatians 3:23-29 ESV

23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 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 no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

Notes

Paul explained that God gave the law to reveal sin, which showed that all are guilty, thus needing a savior. Furthermore, Paul made it clear that the law of Moses does not contradict God’s covenant with Abraham. Instead, it complements it in a temporary nature. Paul then explained that the law functioned as a prison to set boundaries. Israel needed the law to govern itself, to remind them that God is one, and to prepare for the coming of Christ. The law also functioned as a tutor, showing the shadows of what is to come, the sacrifice of Christ for the guilty.

  1. Prison and Guardian
    Paul explained that the law held them captive. In other words, imprisoned, with established boundaries. The law also functioned as a guardian or tutor until Christ came so that one may find justification by faith (3:23-24).
    23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.

  2. Children of God
    Paul referred to a practice where a father would hire mentors to teach his son until a certain age; then, the mentor would return the son to the father. Because of Christ, there is no need for the law as a tutor. (3:25-27).
    25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

  3. Abraham’s Heirs in Christ
    There is no difference between the Jew or Gentile, enslaved person and free, male and female. All who believe are one in Christ. And through faith in Christ, Abraham’s descendants, heirs to the promise (3:28-29).
    28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

Application

  1. Prisoners No More
    Let us acknowledge the purpose of the law, which is to reveal sin and set boundaries. Yet let us experience liberty through faith in Christ. Since the law no longer imprisons us, let us not live as if we are still under the law.

  2. Mature in Christ
    The immature need a guardian or a governess, but the mature know how to lead themselves. For a time, the law became the teacher of the coming of the Messiah and the need for Him. But Christ has come.

  3. Glorify God
    Through faith in Christ, God made us part of the promise to Abraham. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, male and female, rich and poor. All who believe become heirs to the promise. Let us glorify God for His plan.

Reflection & Discussion

  1. In what way was the law like a prison?

  2. In what way was the law like a guardian?

  3. Explain why Paul used Abraham in his discussion.