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The Law’s Purpose

December 1st, 2023

Galatians 3:1-6

Paul cautions not to worship created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25). This plea is at the heart of his words to the believers in Galatia who were being pressured by false teachers in their midst to follow certain Levitical laws found in the Torah.

There was no amount of law following, however, that would result in the infilling and ongoing guidance of the Spirit. Only believing the good news could invite in such a transformative gift. Paul was essentially writing, “You know such behavior is not required to live as people of the Spirit, so why do you continue to be influenced by this teaching?”

The law is a created thing, and to depend on it instead of the one true God is nothing short of idol worship. Paul is not saying to ignore commands found in the law, such as “Love the Lord your God.” He simply wanted His readers to realize that the law’s ultimate purpose was to point humanity to God, not to save or sanctify us. If it could, as Paul so plainly puts it, why was Christ crucified at all (Galatians 2:15-21)?

Author: Miranda Musick