SERIES: Freedom!
TITLE: Before/After
Scripture: Galatians 3:23-29
I. BEFORE CHRIST
This section signifies a shift in Paul’s thinking. In previous verses he had been concerned with (the law’s true purpose), which is to lead men to Christ. In this section he moves on to the idea of (change of status).
Paul uses two figures: a prison and a guardian.
1. Verse 23: “held captive” or “kept in custody” means “protect by military guards.” The word “imprisoned” means “hemmed in” or “cooped up.”
“What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet’…I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died.” Rom.7:7,9
2. Verse 24: guardian or tutor. Literally means “child leader.”
II. AFTER CHRIST
There was a (moral) law and there was a (ceremonial) law.
The Law was never intended to be anything more than a temporary means of showing (men their sin) and leading them (to the Savior).
Roman coming of age was called (toga virilis). This was similar to Jewish (Bar Mitsvah).
NEXT WEEK: Theme: Freedom!
Title: Adopted
Scripture: Galatians 4:1-11
