The Old Testament Law is our Tutor

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The Old Testament Law is our Tutor

30 June 2009 2 Comments

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Have you ever received tutoring from someone on a subject that was difficult to understand? Some tutors have a talent for helping their students understand concepts and material. If you’ve ever taken a difficult class and received tutoring, you will understand the relief that comes from finally “getting it”. A good tutor knows how to convey concepts in an easy to understand method.

The bible refers to a special tutor: the law of God. Galatians 3:24,25 says, “Therefore the law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. “

This may seem a little confusing at first glance, but it is really quite simple. Just as someone may need a tutor to teach him math, the law in the bible teaches us as well. Yes, it teaches us not to lie or steal or murder….but that is not the lesson here. The law points out our sin, and shows us that we need help. Galatians 3:10 says that we are under a curse. It says, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the law to perform them”. This verse quotes an old testament verse in Deuteronomy which states that anyone who can’t keep the whole law is cursed. No matter how much someone tries, they could never perfectly obey every part of the law….it is impossible. If you don’t believe me then take the good person test.

The good news is that Jesus freed us from the curse. Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’.” When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, he took our curse upon himself so that we could be free. If you believe and have faith that Jesus died for your sins and you put your trust in Him, then you will be justified by faith.

Some people make the mistake of thinking that being justified means that they have to try to be a “better person”. They mistakingly think that if their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds they will somehow find favor with God. This is an all or nothing situation. Either we obey everything in the law perfectly, or we are subject to the curse. There is no in between. Since it is impossible to live a perfect life and never sin, the only way to escape punishment from sin is to have faith in Jesus, who already took our punishment for us. Read the heart of the gospel to find out what He did.

What is faith? Is it simply just believing? No. The bible says that the demons also believe and shutter (Mark 16:17). Faith is a conviction that drives you to act. True faith is followed by repenting of sin. True faith believes and is followed by a desire to obey.

To summarize;

1. The law tutors us by pointing out our sin. It shows us that we haven’t been perfectly obedient.

2. We are under a curse because we can’t abide by all things written in the law…it’s impossible.

3. Jesus took our curse upon Himself by dieing for us on the cross. He took our punishment.

4. We can be justified before God, not by trying to be a better person, but by putting our faith in Jesus.

5. True faith is followed by repenting of sin. This doesn’t mean that a new Christian never sins again. It simply means that he/she strives to be more obedient. There will be changes in his/her life. Listen to Phil Joel’s song “Changed”.

Galatians 2:16 says, “nevertheless, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law; since by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

If you are not sure if you are a Christian, Examine Yourself.

Check out this sermon transcript on the Law and the Gospel.

Faith

2 Comments »

Jermaine said:

So is it safe to say the Law is written to show people there sin? so they may understand why they need christ to save them from there sin? so the law would be a tutor that leads sinners to christ by convicting us of our sin against GODS law.oh let me ask this, is it wrong for me to reffer to the 10 commandments as god’s moral law?

# 25 July 2009 at 8:50 am

walk (author) said:

Hi Jermaine, thanks for your comment. It is not wrong to refer to the 10 commandments as God’s moral law. As far as why God gave the law, He gave the law to show us His moral standard. The problem is that we are unable to keep every aspect of the law at all times. The law does indeed point out our sin and show us we need Christ. Here is a transcript of an excellent sermon on this topic.

http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/80-335

# 25 July 2009 at 10:38 am