This sermon was examining Galatians 3:15-29
In verses 19 – 20, we see the mediator. In this case the
mediator is Moses. The Law was added because of human sin, as a way to remind
us that there is salvation. We also see the Seed, which is capitalized because
Jesus fulfilled being the seed. The Law cannot bring life, it was meant to be a
guide like a roadmap; it’s not the destination. It was a way to remember that
there is salvation but it’s not here to give salvation—this is what Jesus
fulfilled.
During the time Paul wrote this, Galatia was looking to the
Law instead of looking towards the promise that God had originally made. Adding
to anything does not get rid of the main agreement. That is what the Law had
been for the people in Galatia, they stood by the Law and not the beginning
covenant that was made between God and Abraham-which was a promise to Abraham
and his seed. It is one seed (“and to your seed” - Genesis 12:7; 13:15; 24:7),
which again is Jesus.
The Law doesn’t oppose God’s promise, but we are not bound
to the Law. With this, God’s promise will be given to those who believe. Verses
26 – 29 explain that no one is kept out of belonging to Christ and being part
of the promise if you have faith in Jesus. Everyone has the ability to be heirs
of the promise now because of Christ Jesus.
What does this mean for us to live the promise? It’s easy to
live by works because you get to see what you accomplish and at the end you
feel like you earn it. But this isn’t how it works with Jesus. Nothing you do
makes God love you more or less. If you measure yourself with the deeds you
fulfill, you will probably judge others to how much they do by the Law. And
this is not right because we aren’t the judge. God is, and he has allowed us to
not be chained by the Law.
All we are justified by now is our faith in Christ. So, we
are to rest in who Jesus is and in the truth—the promise of life with Christ.
Other Notes:
- The name Isaac means laughter.
- Christ is enough, by Hillsong
- What Joy, by Sarah Emerson
