Galatians 3:23-29

VI. THE PRISONERS—vv. 23–29

23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.

24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.

25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a a tutor.

26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.’

27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.

1. Problem—v. 23. Before Christ, all under the law.

2. Purpose—vv. 24–25. Law only a guide until Christ came.

3. Pardon—vv. 26–27. Children of God through faith.

NEW CLOTHES

In order to grasp the long-term effects of “putting on Christ,” we might be helped by seeing the robe he gives us as a full-size, adult set of clothing. It is a seamless robe of characteristics, attitudes, and intentions modeled by Jesus himself.

At first, because we are no more than spiritual children, the clothing doesn’t fit. The more we grow, the better we fit into what Christ has already given us.

However, we carry out the disciplines of the spiritual life or train in holiness, not under the threat of failure or judgment, but under the loving guidance of God’s Spirit. We do not seek merit with God; rather, we desire to experience fully all that God has given to us in Christ.

In what areas of spiritual life do you find your “clothing” still not fitting? What parts of God’s Word have you found that give you directions for growth in those areas?T

he expression (put on, clothed yourselves) recalls a specific ancient rite of passage.

In Roman society, a youth coming of age laid aside the robe of childhood and put on a new toga. This represented his move into adult citizenship with full rights and responsibilities.

Likewise, being “in Christ” leads to our ongoing experience of clothing ourselves with Christ. Paul combined this cultural understanding with the concept of baptism.

By becoming Christians and being baptized, the Galatian believers were becoming spiritually grown up and ready to take on the privileges and responsibilities of the more mature.

Paul was saying that they had laid aside the old clothes of the law and had put on Christ—that is, Christ’s robe of righteousness. The person who did so became a “new” person, with a new lifestyle and new aspirations. Clothing ourselves with Christ is not passive; it is an action we must take. Have you put on the attitudes, characteristics, and intentions of Jesus Christ?

4. People—vv. 28–29. All one in Christ.