Reflect

God always keeps His promises, even when His timing is different than ours. God promised Abraham an inheritance – that through his heir, all nations on earth would be blessed. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus, even though many centuries passed before He came to earth and died for our sins. 

In the interim years, God gave His children the law – an imperfect set of rules they had to follow in order to be considered righteous. But the law did not truly take away sins. Before Jesus, through His perfect sacrifice, made a way for us to stand before God as faultless, we were “held captive under the law,” always having to strive to be forgiven and acceptable. Jesus, our great mediator (I Timothy 2:5), made a new covenant with us – one that brings life and freedom.

Respond

Do you prefer to read in the Old Testament or the New Testament? Why? How can understanding the Old Testament help us to better understand the New?

We often speak of freedom – in relation to choices, rights, and even faith. What does freedom really mean? How does the idea of law fit with freedom?

Have you ever felt unforgiven or unacceptable before God? If you have believed in Jesus for salvation, you are made righteous! Talk to God today and ask Him to help you understand that, in His eyes, you are “without spot” (1 Peter 1:19).

Go Deeper

Learn more about Galatians 3:15-25 from our sermons series.