Free to Live by Grace

River Church Sermons

Let Freedom Ring

Part 5: Free to Live by Grace

By Louie Marsh, 6-23-2024

1) Why did God give the Law?

· Because of my SIN.

“19Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator. 20A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one. 21Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law.” (Galatians 3:19–21, BSB)

· To lead me to CHRIST

“22But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe. 23Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” (Galatians 3:22–25, BSB)

· To TEACH me what’s right.

“1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father. 3So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world.” (Galatians 4:1–3, BSB)

· To lead me to FREEDOM

“4But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4–5, BSB)

2) What does this freedom mean to me?

· I am a CHILD of God.

“4But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4–5, BSB)

“26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:26–27, BSB)

· I’m UNITED with all believers

“28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:28–29, BSB)

• I’m an HEIR to God’s promises.

“6And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.” (Galatians 4:6–7, BSB)

• I also have the HOLY SPIRIT living in me.