The word "end" has two distinct meanings. First, we talk about reaching the "end" of a race, which means the finish line. Once we have reached the end, we are done. The second meaning is "purpose." Suppose someone were to interview a distance runner during the race, and asked, "Why are you running?" The person might say, "To reach the finish line." The end, or purpose, for which the person acts, the goal she or he is trying to reach, is called the end. This meaning comes from the Greek word, "telos," which is translated either end or purpose. Aristotle believed everything exists for a purpose, and the purpose of any thing or person is its telos.
The Telos of the Law
Read Psalm 19:7-11. How is the Law described in these verses?What purpose(s) of the Law do these verses point to?
Turn to Psalm 119. Scan down through the stanzas of this psalm and copy out at least four verses that describe the purposes or uses of the Law.
According to Romans 3:20, what is the telos of the Law?
What about I Timothy 1:8-11?
The End (completion) of the Law
Turn to Galatians 3:23-25. These verses describe the end of the Law, both in terms of its purpose and its completion. Explain what these verses say about these ends of the Law.
What does Romans 6:14 say about the Law for Christians?
What does Romans 7:4-6 say about how Christians should view
the Law?
The Law: A Summary
Try to write down the ten commandments in order from memory.
In your own words, summarize why God gave Law, what the purpose of
the Law is, and what you should try to do in relationship to the Law.
What do you think it means in Romans 10:4, when it says that
Christ is the end of the Law for those who believe?
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Series written and published to the Web by
Dale Sullivan