Sunday, July 10, 2011

律法に対して約束されていること/It’s The Law vs. A Promise Kept


Galatians 3:15~29  ガラテヤ人への手紙31529
Basic facts of this passage.  Promise’ used in over 220 verses in the Bible.  First used in Gen 18:19 connecting with the Promise given to Abraham.

18 Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. 19 For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”


The Promise of God to Abraham was given many, many years BEFORE the Law was given to Moses and Israel. ISSAC, JACOB, JOSEPH, MOSES.  The promise or covenant that was established by God was given by means of God’s grace. Meaning, it was all on His side.


If the Law was to set people right before God, it was not working---even after so long a period of time, if any kind of rule-keeping had power to create life in us, we would certainly have gotten it by this time.


The Law was not given to discover a way for us to be justified before God.  It was to lead mankind to a way for them to seek the Promise. The Law only showed us that we had sin.  The Law was there to point us to Christ, through whom ALONE we could be pardoned and justified.  

A mediator, a middleman, Moses, gave the Law to us. He came after Abraham.  In the case of which came first, the chicken or the egg, The Promise came first and the Law supported it by pointing our needful hearts to the Cross of Jesus.  The Law showed us that we are indeed sinful. The Law would aid us in showing our need to be convicted of our shortcomings.  And it showed that the Law was not able to bridge the gap to bring a sin-filled mankind to the arms of a Holy and Pure God.  The Law was there to aid us in persuading us to believe on Jesus Christ.  Then the benefit of the promise would be realized:  
Eternal Life. 
Forgiveness of Sin. 
Full Pardon.

The Law was like a child’s tutor who watches after the child. He goes with them to school, watches for them on the way home.  The tutor was there to protect them from danger or distraction, making sure the children will really get to the place they set out for.  Where are you going? Do you know you need a protector to get there? 

With the Galatian Believers, after all this time believing the Promise, they had indeed arrived at their destination. By Faith in Christ, they were in a direct relationship with God. They had been baptized in Christ.  That was not to wash them up for a fresh start. It was involved with dressing them up as in an adult faith wardrobe---that is Christ’s life, which is the full fulfillment of God’s original promise. (taken from The Message)

The Promise was given a long time ago, so how does that Promise effect me today? In a number of areas.

God does make promises  

Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

In the Mental side of life: He will Shepherd them (lead them) with knowledge.  

Pro 2:5-6 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Physically: His presence is with them in a very real way. 

Matt 18:20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Socially: There is a large reward IF we do not give up.   

Gal 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Spiritually: After we have pressed on, we will receive the crown of Life.   

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.


His Holy Spirit will be teaching our spirit all things. 

John 14:26 "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."  

TO KNOW HIS GOOD PLEASURE!

Family: You will be saved and your household.   

Acts 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

Protection of the family: He will spread protection over them. 

Ps 5:11 "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you."

Overall Security: He promises peace to His People.   

Ps 85:8 "I will listen to what God the LORD will say; He promises peace to His people, His saints— but let them not return to folly."

 How does one receive a promise?  
どのように約束を受けるのでしょうか
      Ask: Luke 11:9

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

      Obey: I John 3:22

"...and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him."

      Remain in Him: John 15:7  (Harald’s verse to us…)
"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you."

      Trust in the Lord: Prov 3:5-6

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart  and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

His Spirit will guide you:  into all Truth.  John 16:13
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."

      And our responsibility in God’s Promises: righteousness that comes by faith.  
 Romans 4:13 "It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith."

And what does the Law give you?  A ticket when you break the rules, but that can be forgiven---once you have the Promise!

Sons of God 神の子たち
26-29 Through faith in Jesus Christ, a person can become a Child of God.  The connection with Him is by Faith.  The outward sign of that is more than Baptism—not an act of gaining spiritual points with God but an outward reaction to an inward obedience. Once a Believer is baptized, they have clothed themselves with Christ. Putting on Jesus, as one would put on a coat. Clothe oneself in Christ. Not really seen as you but you in Him.  And in this union, there is tremendous bond.  Everyone one is part of the whole.  No Jew, no Gentile, not slave, no free man, not Male nor Female.  All one in Him. Unity.

Look around you.  If there is anyone here with whom you have a problem, you are in need of some serious cleaning. You are children of the King.  We need to live out our lives in such a manner that others will see His Love in us and give glory to the Father.  We become sons of God and sons of Abraham.  Called into unity in the Body of Christ.