August 8, 2017
The law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24-25 (NIV)
If you take God’s law seriously, it will convince you that you are a sinner. That doesn’t come easily. Our instinct is to think that God owes us. But God uses the law to waken us to the reality that he owes us nothing and that what we really deserve is hell.
Paul speaks about his own experience: “I would not have known what sin was except through the law” (Rom. 7:7). Then he tells us that it was the tenth commandment that got him. “I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, ‘Do not covet.’ But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire” (Romans 7:7-8).
When the law convinces you of sin, remember, God is using this to bring you to Christ. The law was “put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.” The law is like a teacher, trainer, or coach to get you to Christ.
You need to know that because when the law does its work in you, Satan also sees an opportunity. “You see that you are a sinner,” he says. “You’re right. And there is no hope for you.” The proper use of the law is to lead you to Christ.
Do you see the mercy and grace of God to you in Christ? Are you rejoicing in Christ? Let the law lead you to Christ.