Read Galatians 3:23-28 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. What was the purpose of the law?
2. When was its purpose fulfilled?
3. What have we now put on?
Reflect
Paul continued his argument against legalism by reminding the Galatian church of the law’s purpose. It was their “guardian until Christ came,” protecting them until Jesus made them right with God through faith. In a culture where people found their worth and identity in their activities, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status, Paul said the only thing that qualified them to stand before God was that they were clothed in Christ.
This invitation was offered to every ethnicity, both genders, and every socioeconomic status, and it holds true today. All of us look to “clothe” ourselves in something. We’re all searching for a sense of identity, community, and acceptance. Jesus offers each of these things, regardless of who we are, where we’ve been, or what we’ve done.
Christianity is both radically inclusive and radically exclusive. Jesus calls Himself the door, and on the other side is life. An abundant, fulfilling, joyful life. We’re all invited through the door – Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female. Jesus is the only One who gave His life to cover our sins and purchase our righteousness, and all are invited to come.
Respond
• Where do you tend to find your worth and identity? How does today’s reading challenge you in that?
• Have you had a hard time accepting the invitation to come to Jesus because of doubts that He’ll welcome you? What’s a next step you could take to accept that invitation? (If you want to talk with one of our pastors, you can reach out through our Contact Us form or by emailing info@tpcc.org.)
• Who have you not welcomed through the door? What would it look like to live an “all are invited” life as you represent Jesus to others?
Pray through these questions, and write down what God is prompting you to do next. Share with a friend, and take a step to apply it.
Want to go deeper? Visit the Traders Point app or this link to see our recommended resources for this week’s topic. If you want to catch Sunday’s message again, you can find it here.