Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
The law is holy, just, and good — the written description of the character of a God who is love. It cannot save, because it was never given for that purpose; it defines sin, drives us to Christ, and afterwards describes the life the Spirit produces. Misplacing the law's function is the most common cause of legalism.
Key points
- The law is a mirror, not a basin: it shows dirt, it cannot wash.
- The law defines love in concrete terms.
- As schoolmaster it leads to Christ; in the believer it is written on the heart.
Key texts
- Romans 7:12
- Galatians 3:24
- Matthew 22:37-40
- Hebrews 8:10
- Comprehension
1. What are the legitimate functions of God's law, and what is not among them?
- Scripture
2. Read Galatians 3:24. What does 'schoolmaster' mean in relation to Christ?
- Doctrinal Clarity
3. Explain how the law can be perfect and yet powerless to save.
- Contrast
4. Contrast law-keeping as a means of salvation with law-keeping as the fruit of it.
- Scripture
5. Read Matthew 22:37-40. How does love relate to the commandments?
- Doctrinal Clarity
6. Read Hebrews 8:10. What is new about the new covenant treatment of the law?
- Application
7. Where has the law functioned in your life as a mirror, and where have you tried to use it as a basin?
- Application
8. How do you answer someone who says preaching grace makes people careless of the law?