Sons of Abraham, Part 7

March 28, 2010 Pastor: John Fonville Series: Galatians

Scripture: Galatians 3:6–3:14

Sons of Abraham

Part 7

 

Text: Galatians 3:6-14

 

March 28, 2010

 

Review/Introduction:

 

A.       How important is the distinguishing of the law and gospel?

 

Failure to distinguish between the law and gospel:

 

1.       It is the principle source of the corruption of Christianity.

 

2.       It is a mark of a true church.

 

3.       It establishes comfort for one’s soul.

 

4.       It separates Christianity from all other religions.

 

5.       It is necessary for understanding Scripture.

 

6.       It guards the truth of the gospel.

 

Lesson:

 

B.       How are we to understand the law and the gospel?

 

1.       Law

 

a. the law is natural to man (Rom. 1:32; 2:14-15).

 

b. the law teaches us what we ought to do, but gives no strength to do it (Matt. 22:37-40; Rom. 7:7-14).

 

“As if we could think of anything more difficult than to love God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength! Compared with this law, everything ought to be considered easy,” (John Calvin, Institutes, 2.8.57.).

 

c. The law promises life upon the condition of perfect, perpetual obedience and threatens cursing for disobedience (cf. Gen. 2:16- 17; Deut. 30:15-20; Gal. 3:10; Jam. 2:10).

 

“The usefulness of the law lies in convicting man of his infirmity and moving him to call upon the remedy of grace which is in Christ.” Augustine

 

“The law was given for this purpose: to make you, being great, little; to show that you do not have in yourself the strength to attain righteousness, and for you, thus helpless, unworthy, and destitute, to flee to grace.” Augustine

 

Conclusion:

 

“For God’s mercy is revealed in Christ to all who seek and wait upon it with true faith. In the precepts of the law, God is but the rewarder of perfect righteousness, which all of us lack, and conversely, the severe judge of evil deeds. But in Christ His face shines, full of grace and gentleness, even upon us poor and unworthy sinners,” (John Calvin, Institutes, 2.7.8.).

 

© John Fonville

 

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