April 27, 2014
“The Road Map, Pt. 1” - Gal. 3:19-23
Patrick Wehmann, Campus Pastor
Review Chapter 3
Remember what has already been done for us not what we think we need to do for ourselves.
(3:1-5)
Why remember?
Our confidence in the finished work of Jesus rests in the character, power, and plan of God.
(3:6-9)
Why not the Law/works?
The Law comes up short: (3:10-18)
1. It requires constant observance and complete obedience.
2. It doesn’t produce God’s favor, confidence in Jesus does.
3. Jesus fulfilled the Law and died for our failure to do so.
What do you rely on, God’s grace or your best effort?
What should we do with the Law?
Gal. 3:19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should
come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an
intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.
1. The Law explains sin, not salvation.
Matt. 5:21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old,
‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to
judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry
with his brother will be liable to judgment...
Matt. 5:27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not
commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who
looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed
adultery with her in his heart.
Matt. 5:31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let
him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that
everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of
sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery...
Matt. 5:33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those
of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the
Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not take
an oath at all…
Matt. 5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an
eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist
the one who is evil...
Matt. 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love
your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you,
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…
2. The Law provides our need for salvation, not the ability to save ourselves.
Gal. 3:21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been
given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture
imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to
those who believe.
3. The Law provides direction to Jesus through its inability to impart life.
4. The Law removes our ignorance regarding sins power over our lives.
Rom. 7:7 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.” … 11 For sin,
seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived
me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the
commandment is holy and righteous and good. 13 Did that
which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was
sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order
that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the
commandment might become sinful beyond measure.
“The law discovers the disease. The gospel gives the remedy.” – Martin Luther
The Law provides a roadmap to salvation by making our sin and need for a savior plain to
see.
How do I practice reading the road map?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Read Matthew 5 and prayerfully take inventory of your sin.
Agree with God regarding that sin.
Ask God for forgiveness regarding that sin to restore fellowship with Him.
Trust that your sin was nailed to the cross with Jesus.
Reflect God’s grace by extending grace through forgiveness.