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Galatians 3:24

²⁴So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.

Wealthy families of the first century often had an educated slave that would teach and care for the children. This tutor/babysitter would teach the child basic subjects but also instruct them in proper behavior. Until the child was ready to represent the father of the home, the guardian stayed by the child's side. When the day came that the child was considered an adult, able to represent his father, the guardian was assigned another task.

The law was given before the Spirit was poured out as the guide to proper behavior. We could not receive the Spirit until Jesus atoned for our sins by His sacrifice on the cross. Now we can be justified by faith and receive the Spirit to be our guide in all things. He guides and teaches us in every situation, which is something the law could not do. He shows us how to properly represent the Father.

Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and instruct you? Jesus said that He would guide us into all truth (John 16:13). The law is a good guideline in matters of morality, but only the Spirit can show us how to properly represent the Father in each unique situation we face in life.

Consider: Are you still looking to the old guardian to avoid a relationship with the Spirit? The law gives us the bare minimum of behavior. The Spirit will challenge us to let Jesus be Lord in all our decisions.