Category Archives: Guardian

Bible, Children, Freedom, Guardian, Law, Obedience, Redemption, Scripture

GUARDIANS AND MANAGERS

GALATIANS 4:2

“but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father.”

Have you ever seen the movie, Mary Poppins? It’s a story about a governess who is hired to care for and teach the children of a family. Julie Andrews plays the key role and does a magical job with the children. Her duties embodied the same duties discussed in today’s verse. However, back in Paul’s day there wasn’t as much magic used, lol.

Continuing the theme from yesterday, Paul explains how the minor child could not do as they pleased with their father’s estate. Normally a slave who was trustworthy would have been put in charge of the children for instruction. These same individuals may have often handled the family assets, thus controlling the disbursement of funds. This would probably have continued if the master of the home had passed until the minor child reached the age set by his father.

APPLICATION

The Law served as our guardian, dictating what we could and couldn’t do. There were strict rules to follow – what to eat, what to wear, etc. These can be found in the Old Testament books of Leviticus and Numbers, as well as other books. For the sake of time, we won’t read all of that. But let me encourage you to take the time, if you haven’t read these books, to dig into them. They are also part of God’s Word and should be read.

However, all those laws have been fulfilled through the atoning death of our Savior. He tells us in Matthew 5:17-18, “17 ‘Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter shall pass from the Law, until all is accomplished!’”

Romans 10:4 says, “For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” That’s the “age set by the father” to be released from the guardianship of the Law. When we accept Jesus, at whatever age that is, we are freed from the requirements of the Law. For me, that was at age 16. I am now an heir of the father’s estate and have full access to all He offers. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!

O Father, You are far too good to me. May I bring Your honor and praise each day.

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Allies, Bible, Defense, Guard, Guardian, Protection, Scripture

GUARDIAN

GALATIANS 3:24

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

When I worked in the Child Welfare field, I often had dealings with people who served as a Guardian-ad-litem (GAL). That person was someone who watched out for the care of a child who had been placed in state custody. They were appointed by the court to ensure that proper placement occurred and, once it did, that the custodian at that site was meeting the social, spiritual, educational and medical needs of the child. Most, if not all, these GALs I met were special people with good hearts.

Paul describes the Law much like a GAL. Its purpose was to direct and care for the people. Its purpose was to try to guard them against getting hurt by giving them clear directions on how to live. But try as it might, the Law could not save them. It was limited. It was powerless to save. It did, however, point to Christ Who can save us.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for guardian is paidagōgos. It’s only used three times in the New Testament (here, in tomorrow’s verse and in 1 Corinthians 4:15). HELPS Word Studies says it “is used of the role of the Law (OT), especially the necessary “letter” (foundation, technicalities) needed to establish the doctrines of salvation, grace, faith, etc.” A guardian is a good thing, even though many people who have one begin to resent it. They want their freedom. Hmmm, that sounds familiar, doesn’t it.

1 Corinthians 4:15 says, “For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” What was Paul saying here? Guardians are no guarantee of getting things right. You need someone to truly come alongside you and spend time with you. You need someone to serve as your role model.

In my ministry (Every Man A Warrior), we do just that. We get men to spend time with men and be each other’s allies. We need each other. We need others to serve as our guardians, our role models, our defenders and protectors. All of that is for one purpose – to point each other to Christ. Nothing is more important than that. Can you do that for someone?

Father, help me be a good “guardian” for another brother in Christ to help them in their walk with You.

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