In Galatians 3:23, Paul describes the law as a guarding and protecting force. To what does he liken it in verse 24, and what does that mean? The word translated “schoolmaster” (KJV) comes from the Greek word paidagogos. Some versions translate it as “disciplinarian” (NRSV), “tutor” (NKJV), or even “guardian” (ESV), but no single word fully can encompass its meaning. … Continue reading –>
The road to faith. Does your faith ever falter when you face hard times? Are you ever bewildered by the experiences that confront you in your Christian life? Do doubts ever strike you as you try to wrestle with issues that seem too vast to comprehend? Are you ever stricken with doubt and agonize for … Continue reading –>
The introduction to our lesson study this week shows us just how easy it can be to become lost, but Hymn 373, “Seeking the Lost’ adds to the encouragement the Bible gives us, as does Hymn 108, “Amazing Grace”. Sunday’s thoughts give us the Hymn 518, “Standing on the Promises” and with this hymn we … Continue reading –>
Paul gives two basic conclusions about the law: (1) the law does not nullify or abolish God’s promise made to Abraham (Gal. 3:15-20); (2) the law is not opposed to the promise (Gal. 3:21-22). What role does the law actually play then? Paul writes that it was added “because of transgressions” (Gal. 3:19), and he expands on this … Continue reading –>
In Galatians 3:23, Paul writes that “before faith came, we were kept under the law.” By “we” Paul is referring to the Jewish believers in the Galatian churches. They are the ones acquainted with the law, and Paul has been speaking to them in particular since Galatians 2:15. This can be seen in the contrast between the … Continue reading –>
“Is the law then contrary to the promises of God?” (Gal. 3:21, ESV). Sensing that his comments might lead his opponents to conclude he had a disparaging view of the law or that his comments about the priority of God’s promises were just a veiled put-down of Moses and the Torah, Paul asks the very question … Continue reading –>
In the previous two posts,1 we reviewed the major systems of covenant thought in the Protestant tradition. We split the systems into categories A and B – “A” being those that affirm the perpetuity of the law and “B” representing those that reject the perpetuity of the law. We also saw how Adventism’s understanding of … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Gal. 3:21-25; Lev. 18:5; Rom. 3:9-19; 1 Cor. 9:20; Rom. 3:1-2; Rom. 8:1-4. Memory Text: “Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe” (Galatians 3:22, NKJV). Homing pigeons long have been known for their ability to fly hundreds of miles a day and arrive at … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: The law at Sinai did not do away with the promise made to Abraham, nor did it alter the provisions of the law. It was given so that people could recognize their sinfulness and need of God’s promise. Lesson 6, August 5, 2017 1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 3:15-18. a. Ask class … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “In their bondage the people had to a great extent lost the knowledge of God and of the principles of the Abrahamic covenant. In delivering them from Egypt, God sought to reveal to them His power and His mercy, that they might be led to love and trust Him. He brought them down … Continue reading –>
“If God saves people by faith alone, why did He give the Law in the first place?” So begins Carl Cosaert in his discussion of this week’s lesson with colleagues at Walla Walla University. (Audio presentation of 14 min 11 sec.) Listen for a modern illustration of the relationship of the Law to the Promise. What … Continue reading –>
“ ‘He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living words to pass on to us’ ” (Acts 7:38, NIV). In Galatians 3:19-20, Paul continues his train of thought about the law not nullifying the covenant of grace; this is … Continue reading –>
