Read Galatians 3:1-25
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3:1-25
In Galatians 3:2-14, Paul showed that the promises of God came not from works of the Law, but through faith. He reminds them that they received the Spirit of God because the believed what they had heard and the work begun in them by the Holy Spirit can not be finished by their own efforts. Even Abraham’s belief was credited to him as righteousness. Our faith in Christ redeemed us from relying upon the Law so we could receive the promise of the Spirit.
In Galatians 3:15-25, we see that the promise made to Abraham was not nullified when the Law was presented 430 years later. The Law was given because of transgressions until the Seed, Christ Jesus, came. The Law, unable to impart life, worked to show that everyone was a sinner. This was needed so that what was promised might be given to those with faith in Christ. Rather than being opposed to the God’s promises, the Law was a tutor to lead us to Christ so we could be justified and freed from the Law’s guidance
What in this chapter spoke to you?
Have you experienced legalism in the church? How did that make you feel?
Personal reflection
On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate your faith number this past week? Where do you need to have more faith in your life?
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Whenever I have experienced legalism in the church, it has usually turned me off from what is trying to be done. It always feels like we are trying to constrain God or make Him conform to the way we feel he should be.
ReplyDeleteI feel sometimes that legalism enters into some of the discussion in the church. I agree with Scott that it turns me off and most of the time it appears to me that we are trying to do what us as mankind want to do and are getting away from what God wants us to do.
ReplyDeleteI think this chapter is a good discussion of the purpose of the Law and how Christ changed everything when he came to die for us.
When I see legalism in the church it breaks my heart, because that person just doesn't get it. If you really look hard, it is more about them than the topic at hand. They are not grounded in the Word, they are stuck on one thing and won't let go.
ReplyDeleteAmen! I agree with all of you on legalism! I do feel when this happens we are taking away from God and trying to make it our will instead of His. And it is very sad because the church should be a place of growth and freedom to further our walk with the Lord.
ReplyDeleteAgree & Not Good. Harmful to the church, makes others feel uncomfortable & creates negative feelings. The person is being stubborn & trying to do their way & not follow way of church.
ReplyDeleteOrganizations usually have some rules, but when there are too many or they are too strict, people tend to become resistant and resentful. We need to keep the main thing the main thing! (Jesus and his love).
ReplyDelete