August 8, 2025

LIVE IN FAITH AND WALK IN YOUR GRACE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.”

Galatians 3:23-25 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Let’s look at some observations from our passage today. 

1. The Law Was a Guardian — Not a Giver of Life

Paul compares the law to a guardian (or tutor)—someone who watches over a child but does not give them life or identity. In ancient Roman culture, a paidagōgos was a household servant who supervised children, taught them discipline, and protected them until they were mature enough to act on their own.

Key point: The law never had the power to save or give spiritual life. It served a regulatory and protective role, helping Israel understand right from wrong.

The law reminded people of God’s holiness and our inability to reach His standard by our own effort.

2. The Guardian’s Role Was Temporary

Just like a child eventually matures and no longer needs a guardian, humanity was meant to graduate from the law when Christ came.

The law was always meant to be temporary—a shadow until the substance (Jesus) arrived.

It helped Israel—and us—see our sin and our need for a Savior, not a checklist.

3. The Law Prepares Us for Faith—but Can’t Replace It

Paul is making a clear case: faith in Christ is now the only way to be made right with God. Obeying the law can’t justify us. It simply exposes our weakness and our sin.

The Judaizers wanted Gentile believers to go backward—to return to law-keeping.

But Paul says: “That was before. Now that faith has come, we are free.”

4. Warning Against Religious Pride

Human nature tends to like rules and rituals—we want to “check the boxes” and prove ourselves. But this can breed pride, and pride leads to self-reliance, which pulls us away from grace.

The law is good—but when we use it to measure our righteousness, we miss the point. The law was meant to point us to Jesus, not replace Him.

The law was a guide, but Jesus is the goal. The law was temporary, but faith in Christ is eternal. The law exposes our need, but Jesus meets that need with grace.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for fulfilling the law and giving me life. I couldn’t earn Your favor, but You gave it freely. Keep transforming my heart to trust You more, live by faith, and walk humbly in Your grace. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”