Our scripture this morning is Galatians 2:19-21.
For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.
Paul teaches that we must die to ourselves and earthly things in order for Christ to live in us. God had given the law through Moses, but we chose our own way instead. Now Jesus has come to live as one of us and teach us how we can be made right with God.
Paul says “So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God”. When we get too wrapped up in rules and regulations, processes and procedures, we forget the reason it was given – so that we might live in God’s love and share it with the world. The intent was never for the law to be a weapon, but we have made it one.
Jesus made the sacrifice for sin for all time, living here that we might see God’s love in action, and by this gift we may all be saved. The law could never do this, only a true connection to God will allow us to live for Him. By following the path Jesus has shown us, we can be part of God’s plan for salvation.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for the example of Jesus Christ who came to teach us the way to redemption and eternal life with You. Bless us to go in Your name to share the Good News with the world. Amen.