Bible Studies
Key Verses: (NRSV)
- 23: “Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed.” – Before faith, before turning our lives over to Christ, we had no hope of salvation except for what we created our selves. Our future rode on the back of our accomplishments.
- 25-26: “But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, 26for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” – We were motivated by failure and when failure came, as it always will, the sharp rod of discipline, the slap of a cut reed, was the only pathway to redemption available.
- 28: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” – We are no longer slaves to our situation – Christ has opened the door and we are all free to enter.
- 29: “And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.” – Through Christ, all the promised glories of God become available.
- Are you imprisoned?
Promises of the Gospel:
Following Paul’s cutting remarks towards Peter when he accuses him of hypocrisy, he writes a beautiful letter of promises fulfilled and futures assured. There is nothing we can do to earn God’s grace and because of that we have become free of the shackles that have isolated us and confined us all of our lives. We do not have to strive to be better than the next guy. We do not have to become priest-like, clothed in special garments. We are not required to maintain certain rituals, abstain from certain foods, or even adhere to a certain code of ethics. Yes, the Ten Commandments are still before us as guidelines to living a holy life. As our hearts move us, we should strive to follow them as a way towards the perfections that Christ modeled. However, we have come to know that we will always fall short in our own efforts to gain holiness. In that sense, we are all the same. We are one in our sinfulness. Paul reminds us that the Good News is Christ has also made us one in His love and salvation is available to all who believe.
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