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Question 1
Paul says “the ones chosen” are “those who have believed,” and the lesson argues Israel “still observes the law” yet “reaps no righteousness” because they missed the law’s “ultimate purpose”; what does this imply about God’s intention in giving the law, and what does it expose about religious obedience that can exist without faith?
Another way to ask: What does this suggest God wanted the law to do, and what does it show about obeying rules without real faith?

Direct Answer Based on David Bercot’s teaching, the law’s intention was meant to lead to its “ultimate purpose” that results in righteousness, and that purpose is reached by faith rather than mere law-keeping. It exposes that a person can be very religious—still “observing the law”—and yet “fall short of the mark” and gain no righteousness if obedience is separated from believing.

Support from Transcript:

  • Paul says unbelieving Israel “obtained neither the promises nor the righteousness they were seeking,” while “the remnant…have obtained both righteousness and the promises made to Abraham.”
  • “By the ones chosen…[Paul means] ‘those who have believed.’”
  • “By its adherence to the law, Israel has fallen short of the mark.”
  • “For contrary to the ultimate purpose of the law, Israel still observes the law. Therefore, it reaps no righteousness.”
  • “Those among the Jews who have believed, these have obtained righteousness.”
Discussion Follow-ups What kinds of obedience today might look impressive outwardly but still miss the law’s intended goal? How do we tell when our obedience is flowing from faith rather than replacing it?

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