We underestimate the insidious nature of thinking of the law as a savior.
Legalism and law-keeping in general are a common temptation. We like law-keeping because we like control; we want to be sure about where we stand. Thus, when someone offers us a law that can “save” us, we readily agree to it and become enslaved.
This seems innocent enough, but the reality is that this is quite insidious. In fact, Paul compares it with idolatry. Before Christ, the Galatian believers had worshiped what by nature were no gods at all. But after faith, when they allowed the Judaizers to trick them into law-keeping, they enslaved themselves again. They began to serve not the same idols, but something as weak and worthless as those idols.
This is the striking thing about Paul’s statement. They were turning back to weak and worthless things. In other words, although they were turning to the Old Testament law, it was no different than turning back to idols. Neither could save them. Both enslaved them. Both proved weak and worthless.
This is why we must guard against the legalism of turning to righteousness from the law. The law brings only a curse; it provides no solution when we fail to keep it. But Christ is a perfect Savior. He offers a better alternative to both idols and the law. They are weak and worthless, but Jesus is strong and faithful. Only trusting Him alone can save. –Pastor Rory
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: BTH–Hosea–The Scandal of Grace: Pursuing an Unfaithful Spouse
10AM: Pastor Nate–No Other Master but God–Galatians 4:8-11 (sermon notes)
4PM: Kids’ Club
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