Children of God Through Faith (Galatians 3:23-29)
Scripture: Galatians 3:23-29
Today’s Word
Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:23-29, NIV)
Background
Paul is explaining to the Galatian churches the relationship between the law and faith. At that time, some Jewish Christians were claiming that believing in Jesus alone was not enough for salvation—they insisted that one must also be circumcised and keep the law. This was a dangerous teaching that made Christ’s work on the cross seem incomplete.
Paul uses the metaphor of a “guardian” (verse 24) to describe the role of the law. In ancient Greco-Roman society, children from wealthy families grew up under the care of a slave called a “paidagogos.” This slave would escort the child to school, protect them, and teach basic manners. However, once the child reached adulthood, they no longer needed this guardian’s supervision. Similarly, the law played a temporary role in leading us to Christ.
After Christ came, a new era opened where we are justified through faith. Now we are not under the strict supervision of the law, but have become children of God through faith in Christ.
Key Terms Made Simple
- Held in custody under the law: This means the law’s requirements and rules confined us like a prison. Since we couldn’t perfectly keep the law, we had no choice but to live in guilt and fear.
- Guardian (paidagogos): In ancient society, this referred to a slave who cared for and taught young children. The law served as a temporary guardian to lead us to Christ.
- Baptized into Christ: Baptism is a ceremony symbolizing our belief in Jesus Christ and our union with Him. Through baptism, our old life dies and a new life begins in Christ.
- Clothed yourselves with Christ: In ancient times, there was a coming-of-age ceremony where children removed their childhood clothes and put on adult garments. Similarly, when we believe in Christ, our identity completely changes and we are clothed with Christ’s character.
- Abraham’s seed: This doesn’t refer to physical descendants but to spiritual descendants who have the same faith as Abraham. All who are justified by faith are Abraham’s true children.
Key Expressions to Notice
- “Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law” (verse 23)
- “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith” (verse 26)
- “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female” (verse 28)
Main Points of the Text
- The Role and Limitations of the Law (verses 23-25)
- The Status of God’s Children Received Through Faith (verses 26-27)
- Equality and Unity in Christ (verses 28-29)
Applying to My Life
- Breaking Free from Legalism
- Examining My Own Prejudices
- Finding My Identity in Christ
Think About It
- Am I living my faith thinking, “If I pray more,” “If I serve more,” “If I give more,” then God will love me more? Does my faith life come from gratitude and joy, or from obligation and fear?
- Is there anyone I unconsciously discriminate against or undervalue? Do I truly believe and practice that everyone in Christ has equal value as God’s image-bearers?
- What is the foundation of my identity? Where am I finding my value? How can the identity of being God’s beloved child in Christ bring practical changes to my life?
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