The Law and Grace as Parts of the Bigger Story
Today we’re learning about the Law and Grace while studying a section of Galatians 3. In this video, you’ll learn new insights into central Gospel concepts about the law and grace. We’ll approach the passage in ways that will help you to #ReadTheBibleBetter today and in the future.
We’ll learn about:
- The context and motivation behind the writing of Galatians.
- What Paul is communicating in this passage of scripture.
- The central gospel truths about the law and grace – including how they intersect, how they differ, and how to understand them side-by-side.
How to Learn from This Passage
At the end of this video, we’ll synthesize what we’ve read and let it teach us something important about how we live our lives today as Christians and believers in the gospel. Regardless of its age, this message provides timeless course-correction for all Christians.
The Big Ideas and Helpful Highlights of the Law and Grace in Galatians 3
Understanding Context
Paul’s Audience and Motivation
Paul was writing to offer encouragement and correction to the churches in Galatia – churches he helped found and teach.
His primary audience was that of non-Jewish followers of Jesus. After Paul’s departure from Galatia, these new Christians had been told they needed to start following Jewish law. Paul writes to correct that teaching.
Context within the Passage
In this teaching, we’re focusing on Galatians 3, verses 21-24, but we need to understand what’s been communicated as this passage is introduced to really understand its meaning.
Paul outlines the core relationship between God and His chosen people. He starts with its origins in the promise God gave to Abraham, and teaches that that promise will ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.
In this context, Paul explains that the law was a trustee of God’s people until the time for the promised inheritance to be fully given. Paul argues that the point of God’s promise was the gift of salvation for all – not the means by which one might get there.
In Paul’s explanation, viewing the law as the means proves his point. One need only try to live in perfect accordance with the law to see that it is impossible. The law cannot bring righteousness.
How This Helps You Read the Bible Better
Paul’s message has relevance not only for early Christians grappling with the role of the Jewish law.
It is also for Christians today as we grapple with the tendency of many to use rigid rules and social expectations as substitutions for authentic engagement with God.
When we cling to the rules as our path to God, we cut ourselves off from true ability to live in Grace.
How to Learn Even More as You Study
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