ISSL Reflections May 15 2022 Galatians 3:18–29 Post 2

IV.
Let’s return to our listening to Paul speak of promises, law, and faith.

After you read the passage again and rest with Paul’s words for a few minutes, consider what word or words or concept you might use in the place “promise.”

Then read the passage again replacing “promise” with what comes to mind for you.

V.
Galatians 3:18-29 (New Revised Standard Version)

For if the inheritance comes from the law, it no longer comes from the promise; but God granted it to Abraham through the promise.

Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring would come to whom the promise had been made; and it was ordained through angels by a mediator. Now a mediator involves more than one party; but God is one.

Is the law then opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law. But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 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. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.

VI.
What word or words or concept came to mind for you as a replacement for Paul’s use of the word “promise”

?

Did you try hearing the passage with a couple different words/concepts?

VII.
Did any of these come to mind for you?

Salvation – redemption – freedom – abundant life – kingdom of God – heaven – the chosen people – God’s children – the elect – blessed – blessing – covenant – contractual obligations – perfected living

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


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