It Starts Small

¹⁵ Brothers and sisters, I’m using a human illustration. No one sets aside or makes additions to a validated human will. ¹⁶ Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say “and to seeds,” as though referring to many, but referring to one, and to your seed, who is Christ. ¹⁷ My point is this: The law, which came 430 years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously established by God and thus cancel the promise. ¹⁸ For if the inheritance is based on the law, it is no longer based on the promise; but God has graciously given it to Abraham through the promise.

¹⁹ Why, then, was the law given? It was added for the sake of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come. The law was put into effect through angels by means of a mediator. ²⁰ Now a mediator is not just for one person alone, but God is one. 

Galatians 3:15-20

Brothers and sisters

Paul passionately reminds the Galatians of the profound familial bond they share. He addresses them not as an outsider, but as a loving family member, deeply invested in their well-being. Paul is not merely rebuking them as a stranger. He appeals to them with heartfelt urgency and sincerity. He urges them to recognize their unity. We must embrace this fervor. It is crucial when we need to gently correct our beloved brothers and sisters around us.

In verses 15 through 18, Paul passionately highlights a powerful covenant. This covenant was forged between Abraham and God Himself. In this sacred agreement, God boldly declared that all nations would find their blessing through Abraham’s lineage. A contract, once penned and signed, stands immutable. It is inviolable. Similarly, this divine promise endures. Neither party can alter its essence. Paul fervently underscores that the salvation of the Gentiles is eternally woven into this covenant, an unchangeable thread of hope. The promise God made is steadfast, remaining untouched even by the currents of subsequent events.

Why does Paul mention this?

Some law proponents argue that God gave the Mosaic law to the Jews. This happened after the Abrahamic covenant. They might argue that the Mosaic law, therefore, replaced the Abrahamic covenant. In verse 17, Paul declares that this is not the case.

³ I will bless those who bless you,
I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt,
and all the peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.

Genesis 12:3

The Mosaic covenant does not replace, alter, or overshadow the magnificent Abrahamic covenant! The Abrahamic covenant is rooted in unwavering faith. It unfolds the extraordinary promise of God. This promise aims to reach the entire world through the lineage of Abraham. Our God is eternal—unchanging yesterday, today, and forever! His Word remains steadfast, and His promises are as rock-solid as ever. Between Abraham’s promise and its breathtaking fulfillment in Christ, nearly 2000 years passed, yet God’s memory never faltered. Now, almost 2000 years after Christ ascended into glory, His promises continue to shine. They hold the same brilliance they did at their inception. His second coming is as certain today as it was then. Neither time nor future events will sway the unshakeable plans of our Almighty God!

We can therefore be fiercely confident in Him! Let us hold steadfastly to our belief in Him. Never let the promises He makes to us fade from our hearts. We must never allow ourselves to become complacent or unready for His glorious second coming. Instead, we should embrace the call to remain vigilant and relentless in our diligence.

Why was the law given?

It undeniably prepared people for the Seed of Abraham, the long-awaited Messiah. It illuminated the stark reality of humanity’s sins. It made it painfully clear just how lost and helpless we are. We are desperately in need of a Savior. A person must grasp the depth of their lostness before they can ever seek help. People must confront their sinful nature before they can genuinely repent and wholeheartedly embrace God’s magnificent solution to sin. This, my friends, is the profound purpose of the Old Testament. It boldly unveils the undeniable truth: humanity is shackled by a grave problem. It dares to show us how serious this predicament is. It reveals that we are utterly powerless to resolve it on our own. The only glimmer of hope lies in divine help.

The Old Testament prepares people to receive Christ because it shows them that they are completely lost without Him. The law was so imperative that God gave it through angels, and He entrusted it to a mediator. In this case, it seems that God Himself was the mediator. Usually, a mediator intercedes between two parties. However, in this circumstance, God could perform the role of mediator Himself. He is certainly well qualified!

---

Cross References:

• Genesis 12:1-3
• Genesis 17:1-9
• Genesis 22:15-18
• Acts 7:38, 53
• Hebrews 2:2
• Psalm 105:8-11
• Jeremiah 31:31-34

Questions to Ponder:

• What does Paul mean in verse 15?
• What covenant is he referencing?
• How did this covenant change (or not change) over time? What point is Paul making from this?
• What promise was made? About whom?
• So, what is Paul is saying (verse 17)? How does this relate to his theme of the law and justification by faith?
• What comparison is Paul making in verse 18?
• How was the law ordained through angels?
• Who are the two parties the mediator is mediating for?
• Who then would the mediator be?

---

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.