Galatians 3:15-18
This text the beginning of portion of Scripture that has given Bible students headaches ever since written. Perhaps wondering how this is different, all of Bible gives you headache at times. This one significant b/c of how it ties together OT and NT, what it means for proper understanding of OT prophecy especially relating to Jewish people. Given recent developments in Mideast, temperature of discussion has increased but not necessarily light. One thing for certain: apostle engaged here in quoting and interpreting Scripture, revealing important things along the way.
Important for us to remember: whether we understand Paul’s reasoning or not has no bearing on text of Galatians and its place in inerrant inspired word of God. Doesn’t even matter whether we agree or disagree w/his interpretation – Holy Spirit signed off on it and so should we. Also important to recognize framework Paul used to help make sense of OT, grasp its structure and continuity. Is evident from example he gave, covenant – is God’s covenant with his people that is most important.
Also should keep purpose of God’s covenant in view at all times – what did God have in mind when he made covenant with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David? To focus on individuals or covenant details to neglect of God’s purpose unhelpful and potentially dangerous. We are truly blessed people to have all God’s revelation, can not be said of anyone involved in recording his revelation for us. And… in spite of all we might think is wrong with U S of A, liberty we have to possess and study and discuss and learn from and be changed by God’s word a priceless gift.
A. an example v.15
people treat a covenant seriously
“let me give you an example from everyday life” – concept of covenant well understood by Galatians as well as their neighbors
once covenant made and ratified / solemnized, supposed to remain in effect until all its terms have been met / fulfilled
not something to be taken lightly, is legally enforceable, usually substantial penalties for failure to honor it and keep terms
many cultures have ceremony customarily used when covenant is ratified, often involves some sort of blood ritual as in OT
they treat it as unchangeable
is one reason for these lines in marriage ceremony: “in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.”
too bad more don’t believe / follow that today – don’t you dare break covenant dealing w/money, property… marriage… well…
having opportunity for this kind of agreement a good thing, especially so when parties to covenant are dependable, ethical
if man… then God…
if people have such high regard for covenant, only stands to reason God would do the same – is exactly what observe throughout Bible
yet is important difference: God’s covenant one-sided – not some kind of mutually agreed arrangement, God imposes covenant unilaterally
but what about all those covenants with Adam and Noah and – God never altered his purpose or changed terms/requirements
what God did was reveal more details essential to his one purpose throughout, redeem sinful men, women, boys, girls
B. a Seed v.16-17
words are important
when comes to covenant, remember who is speaking – is God himself – shouldn’t try to put words in his mouth, get creative in how we relate to others what he has said
Rev. 22:18-19 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
here Paul makes distinction between singular and plural use of word… and is not a little thing… but sure makes sense of lot of things later on in Bible
reinforces idea we really need all of God’s word for full understanding – portions are helpful but… need to have / read / understand both Old and New Testaments
Christ is the point
Adam Gen 3:15 “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”
Noah Gen 9:9 “And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendants [seed] after you”
Abraham Gen 22:18 “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”
Moses Deut. 32:43, 46; “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of His servants, And render vengeance to His adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people.” …and he said to them: “Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe – all the words of this law.
David 2 Sam 7:12-16, Acts 2:30 “Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,”
later law cannot overrule Christ
actually more than “just” the law, really God’s covenant declared to Moses and through him as mediator of old covenant to people
not possible for God who changes not to make up new rules/requirements for salvation already promised through Abraham
would be same as if were two ways to blessing: meet all requirements on your own -or- trust in the one who would do it for you
C. a reassurance v.18
if it really did…
know from study through letter to church in Rome salvation / the inheritance is either result of one or other – can’t be two ways
Paul really frustrated with false teachers and those they persuaded – thinking they can earn salvation making it too hard on themselves, and won’t succeed anyway
but it didn’t
God gave a promise, did not fail to keep his promise – the Seed, Jesus, has come and done precisely what the Father intended
b/c Jesus satisfied all requirements of God’s covenant w/Abraham and the others, can expect rest of promise to all nations
since God’s gracious giving promised blessing eliminates possibility of earning by works, where does that leave the world re: law
spoiler alert
focal point of God’s covenant is Jesus, still is and always has been – need to look to Jesus for answers to our questions… and more
same is true for everyone w/o exception regardless of anything else including whether or not they are descended from Abraham
Chorus of closing hymn quotes words Paul wrote in second letter to Timothy. Paul knew “whom” far more foundationally important than “what”. Can believe many things, even good things. Unless they are founded in Jesus, will not serve to gain God’s blessing or eternal happiness. If the Father’s covenant was confirmed in Christ, our hope must be in him also since all the blessings promised to Abraham come to us in Christ and him alone.
Reformanda 