Law Faith Righteousness Righteousness Rightness right before God

Law, Faith & Righteousness

Righteousness • “Right-ness”, “right before God” “right with God” – Some take this more in a “legal” way – Bible means this more in a relationship way – Not separated from your right actions: faithfulness to the covenant relationship • Key Question: How do we have a right relationship with God?

By Faith! • Galatians 3: 1 -5 – Faith – how we have a right relationship with God – Faith = trust, faithfulness (active) • Galatians 3: 6 -14 – The Example of Abraham – 3: 10 -12 – even in the OT the law was not to make us right with God – it was to show us when we were wrong. – 3: 14 – the Holy Spirit – the great gift of God Himself, living in us

The Wall of the Law

So What? • We need to know what God expects, what we should be aiming for. • Humans have a need to be right with God. • God wants YOU, all of you.

The Purpose of the Law • v. 19 – law given to show sins • v. 21 – no conflict – all part of God’s plan – Judaizers – misunderstood the purpose of the Law • v. 22 – the universal problem – not the law, but our hearts (our will) • vv. 23 -25 – another purpose – to guard us (the walls) until Christ • vv. 26 -28 – children, changed to be like Him, united, free, heirs

Live by Faith • Why do we need trust? – There are things He wants to change in you. – There are places He wants to take you. – There are things He wants to do through you. • How do we grow that trust? – Know God more. – Trust leads to more trust. – Know He is working to mold you in love.