Understanding the Law's Role in Justification by Faith

In this session, we delve into the complex relationship between the law and faith as articulated in Galatians 3:10-14. The central question is: What does it mean when it says, "The law is not of faith"? This exploration is challenging, as it requires understanding the law in both its broader and narrower senses. The broader sense encompasses the entire Old Testament, including the Pentateuch, which teaches justification by faith, as seen in the story of Abraham. The narrower sense, however, refers specifically to the Mosaic Law, which was given 430 years after the promise to Abraham and is not of faith.

The law, in its narrower sense, was added because of transgressions. It served as a judgment and a means to multiply transgressions, imprisoning everything under sin. This imprisonment was not contrary to God's promises but was part of His design to highlight the need for faith in Christ. The law, weakened by human sinfulness, could not lead to justification. Instead, it exposed sin and the futility of seeking righteousness through law-keeping.

The phrase "the one who does them shall live by them" from Leviticus 18:5 is contrasted with living by faith. This statement underscores the law's role in revealing the impossibility of achieving righteousness through human effort. The law's purpose was not to provide a path to justification but to point to the necessity of faith in Christ for true life.

In summary, the law, in its narrower sense, was not designed to produce faith immediately but to serve as a judgment that would ultimately lead people to recognize their need for Christ. It was intended to imprison people under sin, highlighting the futility of legalism and the necessity of faith for justification.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The law in its broader sense, including the story of Abraham, teaches justification by faith. However, the narrower Mosaic Law, given later, is not of faith and serves a different purpose. It highlights the need for faith by exposing the futility of seeking righteousness through law-keeping. [06:47]
• 2. The law was added because of transgressions, serving as a judgment and a means to multiply sin. This was not contrary to God's promises but part of His design to lead people to faith in Christ. The law exposes sin and the need for a savior. [08:22]
• 3. The statement "the one who does them shall live by them" contrasts with living by faith. It underscores the law's role in revealing the impossibility of achieving righteousness through human effort, pointing to the necessity of faith in Christ for true life. [16:36]
• 4. The law, weakened by human sinfulness, could not lead to justification. Instead, it exposed sin and the futility of seeking righteousness through law-keeping. This highlights the need for faith in Christ for true justification. [12:06]
• 5. The law's purpose was not to provide a path to justification but to point to the necessity of faith in Christ. It was intended to imprison people under sin, highlighting the futility of legalism and the necessity of faith for justification. [14:50]
  ** [14:50]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:19] - Introduction to the Session
• [00:54] - Main Question: The Law and Faith
• [01:39] - Prayer for Understanding
• [02:18] - Understanding the Law's Context
• [03:08] - The Law in Broader and Narrower Senses
• [04:11] - Examples of Law Usage
• [05:09] - The Law and the Promise
• [06:30] - The Law is Not of Faith
• [07:10] - Does the Law Teach Legalism?
• [08:22] - The Purpose of the Law
• [09:11] - The Law and the Promise of God
• [10:19] - The Law's Role in Imprisoning Sin
• [11:30] - The Law and Sin
• [12:22] - Understanding the Law's Purpose
• [14:50] - The Law and Justification by Faith

1. Galatians 3:10-14
2. Leviticus 18:5
3. Romans 8:3

1. What does the phrase "The law is not of faith" mean in the context of Galatians 3:12, and how does it relate to the broader message of justification by faith? [00:54]
2. How does the sermon describe the purpose of the Mosaic Law in relation to transgressions? [08:22]
3. What is the significance of the statement "the one who does them shall live by them" from Leviticus 18:5, and how is it contrasted with living by faith? [16:36]
4. According to the sermon, how does the law expose sin and highlight the need for a savior? [10:19]

1. How does the sermon explain the relationship between the law given to Moses and the promise made to Abraham? What implications does this have for understanding faith and law? [05:28]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the law was intended to imprison people under sin, and how does this serve God's purpose? [10:19]
3. How does the sermon interpret the role of human sinfulness in weakening the law's ability to justify? What does this reveal about the necessity of faith in Christ? [12:06]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of the law in leading people to recognize their need for Christ? How does this understanding affect one's view of legalism? [14:50]

1. Reflect on a time when you tried to achieve righteousness through your own efforts. How did that experience highlight your need for faith in Christ? [09:30]
2. The sermon discusses the futility of legalism. Are there areas in your life where you might be relying on rule-keeping rather than faith? How can you shift your focus to faith in Christ? [14:50]
3. Consider the statement "the one who does them shall live by them." How can you ensure that your actions are a reflection of your faith rather than an attempt to earn justification? [16:36]
4. How can you use the understanding that the law exposes sin to deepen your reliance on Christ as your savior? What practical steps can you take to live out this reliance daily? [10:19]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing the law's role in pointing to Christ. How can you apply this understanding to your study of the Old Testament? [06:30]
6. In what ways can you encourage others in your community to move from a mindset of legalism to one of faith? What conversations or actions might help facilitate this shift? [14:50]
7. How does the sermon challenge you to view your own sinfulness and the grace offered through faith in Christ? What changes might you need to make in your spiritual life as a result? [12:06]