It Starts Small

 ²¹ Is the law therefore contrary to God’s promises? Absolutely not! For if the law had been granted with the ability to give life, then righteousness would certainly be on the basis of the law. ²² But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin’s power, so that the promise might be given on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ to those who believe. ²³ Before this faith came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed. ²⁴ The law, then, was our guardian until Christ, so that we could be justified by faith. ²⁵ But since that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, ²⁶ for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.

²⁷ For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. ²⁸ There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 3:21-29

Is the law opposed to God’s promises?

Nope.

In a perfect world, a flawless law would ignite the flames of perfection within us. Yet, this world is far from perfect, and so are we, mortal beings struggling against our own flaws. Righteousness cannot spring forth from the law because no one can adhere to its demands all the time. But let’s be clear—the law itself is not at fault. It is, in fact, a beacon of goodness, justice, and uprightness, illuminating God’s divine standards for us. However, it was never intended to be the ultimate answer to our shortcomings. The standard set forth in the law feels impossibly distant. This drives home the very point God wishes us to grasp. As echoed in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”

The law powerfully illustrates that we fall short of God’s perfect standard. Regardless of our perceived goodness, the truth remains: we are all sinners. No amount of willpower or self-determination can lead us to righteousness. We are wretched beings, unable to fully adhere to God’s commands laid out in the Bible. How does this realization stir your heart? What action does it ignite within you?

Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin

The Old Testament law passionately unveiled the harsh truth that humanity was shackled by sin, with no escape in sight. It laid bare our utter helplessness, forcing us to confront an insurmountable problem. This divine law fiercely proclaimed our lost condition, igniting within us the desperate need to be found. It clearly showed that self-belief would not lead to salvation. Instead, it urged us to place our unwavering faith in Christ as our sole and radiant hope.

The law was our guardian

The law draws us irresistibly closer to the divine right path. It serves as a powerful reminder of God’s profound expectations for our lives. It illuminates two core truths: the holiness of God and the reality of our human fallibility. Through the law, we witness the perfection of God’s holiness in every action, an awe-inspiring contrast to our own shortcomings. These essential truths underpin the very heart of the gospel message. God is utterly holy. We fall short. The only way to restore our broken relationship with Him is through the resolution of sin. Jesus lovingly paid this debt on the cross.

You are all children of God through faith…you are all one in Christ Jesus

²⁸ There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

The verses here are a very vital. They teach us the truth that God values all people equally.

²⁷ So God created man
in his own image;
he created him in the image of God;
he created them male and female.

Genesis 1:27

Each person is magnificently crafted in the breathtaking image of God, embracing every ethnicity with glorious inclusivity. Males and females stand equally, radiating the same divine spark. The poor hold as much value in God’s eyes as the affluent, highlighting the sacred worth embedded in every soul. Geniuses and those with mental disabilities possess an inherent dignity that cannot be diminished. We are woven together as one vibrant human family, created in God’s likeness, distinguished only by superficial variations in appearance. Ultimately, each individual traces their lineage back to the same beloved ancestors, Noah and his wife. This connection reminds us of our shared heritage and unity.

Why is this important?

It is crucial because, in God’s glorious kingdom, there is absolutely no place for discrimination or bias (James 2). Every single life holds profound significance and value. Each person is uniquely crafted by the hands of God. Every soul is fiercely loved by God. In the church, every individual is redeemed in the same extraordinary way, through the boundless grace of God. We are called to embrace and uplift every person with unwavering equality.

Many of the most horrific atrocities in human history occur when we devalue lives. We deem some lives to be less significant than others. This devastating reality unfolded as the Nazis ruthlessly exterminated nearly seven million Jews and callously euthanized the disabled. In Rwanda, we witnessed the horrific slaughter of nearly 800,000 Tutsi by the Hutu. This serves as a chilling reminder of our capacity for violence. Western Colonial powers intensified this grim narrative. They kidnapped and enslaved individuals based solely on the color of their skin. And today, unborn babies are tragically murdered. They are voiceless and vulnerable. They cannot stand up for themselves against the tide of indifference.

These verses passionately proclaim that we are all equal in worth. However, our roles and gifts are uniquely ordained by God. Each of us is crafted for a specific purpose. Whether delivering a powerful sermon from the stage or setting up chairs backstage with humility, both actions are equally precious in the eyes of the Almighty. Embrace your individuality, for it is in our diversity of gifts that we truly reflect the greatness of God’s love!

We should not have prejudice or bias in our interactions with others. We should not treat rich people better or, on the other hand, favor the poor in his dispute (Exodus 23:3). There is no room for racism of any kind in the church. You are not better than others because you have a more prominent role. You are not worse than others just because your role may be less recognized. Therefore, you should be humble and treat others as more important than yourself.

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Cross References:

• Genesis 1:27
• James 2
• Romans 3:23
• Romans 7:7
• Romans 10:4
• Romans 3:20
• Romans 8:3

Questions to Ponder:

• Is the law contrary to God’s promises?
• Could it impart life?
• Then why did God establish it?
• How has the Scripture shut us up to sin?
• What is the faith that was later to be revealed?
• What can we see is the key purpose of the law in verse 24?
• How does the law tutor us?
• What can we learn from it?
• How can the law lead people to Christ?
• We often recite Galatians 3:28. What additional insights can we gain into this verse based on the context of what we have just studied?
• What applications can we make from this verse?

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