Help me understand this

[Rachel Rachel]

This is something I've been struggling with for a while and I've even been having a related discussion on another forum.
I don't know how to deal with it without risking huge disrespect of Paul.

Here's my problem.....

Matthew 5: 17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

1 John 2:
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Revelation 22: 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

Now after reading these words from our Messiah - and not just while he walked the earth but even after his resurrection (Revelation 22) how can we justify Paul teaching that the Law is our old schoolmaster and we're dead to the law, etc?

My understanding is that, of course, the Law can't save us - nothing but the blood of Yeshua can save us, but the LORD's Law is eternal.

Also, as I understand it, Ceremonial Law (sacrifices) is fulfilled and Civil Law was intended for Israel only.
Where am I wrong in all this?

 

[Shimshon]

This is something I've been struggling with for a while and I've even been having a related discussion on another forum.
I don't know how to deal with it without risking huge disrespect of Paul.

Here's my problem.....

Matthew 5: 17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

1 John 2:
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Revelation 22: 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

Now after reading these words from our Messiah - and not just while he walked the earth but even after his resurrection (Revelation 22) how can we justify Paul teaching that the Law is our old schoolmaster and we're dead to the law, etc?

My understanding is that, of course, the Law can't save us - nothing but the blood of Yeshua can save us, but the LORD's Law is eternal.

Also, as I understand it, Ceremonial Law (sacrifices) is fulfilled and Civil Law was intended for Israel only.
Where am I wrong in all this?

Simple, where it says 'his commandments' it does not imply the law given Moses. It implies all the commands and words that Yeshua spoke. When you ignore the pre-concieved implication that the term means the Torah and treat it as the words commanded by God through Yeshua your dilemma disappears.

 

[ContraMundum]

This is something I've been struggling with for a while and I've even been having a related discussion on another forum.
I don't know how to deal with it without risking huge disrespect of Paul.

Here's my problem.....

Matthew 5: 17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

1 John 2:
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Revelation 22: 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

Now after reading these words from our Messiah - and not just while he walked the earth but even after his resurrection (Revelation 22) how can we justify Paul teaching that the Law is our old schoolmaster and we're dead to the law, etc?

My understanding is that, of course, the Law can't save us - nothing but the blood of Yeshua can save us, but the LORD's Law is eternal.

Also, as I understand it, Ceremonial Law (sacrifices) is fulfilled and Civil Law was intended for Israel only.
Where am I wrong in all this?

Adding to Shimshon's comments- not every law in the Torah applies to every person on the planet. Find out which ones apply to you and do them!

 

[daq]

This is something I've been struggling with for a while and I've even been having a related discussion on another forum.
I don't know how to deal with it without risking huge disrespect of Paul.

Here's my problem.....

Matthew 5: 17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

1 John 2:
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Revelation 22: 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

Now after reading these words from our Messiah - and not just while he walked the earth but even after his resurrection (Revelation 22) how can we justify Paul teaching that the Law is our old schoolmaster and we're dead to the law, etc?

My understanding is that, of course, the Law can't save us - nothing but the blood of Yeshua can save us, but the LORD's Law is eternal.

Also, as I understand it, Ceremonial Law (sacrifices) is fulfilled and Civil Law was intended for Israel only.
Where am I wrong in all this?

When Paul writes that the Law was our schoolmaster who exactly does he mean by our??? Is it possible that he means himself and all the brethren with him from the opening statement of the epistle?

Galatians 1:1-2 KJV
1. Paul, an apostle, ( not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead; )
2. And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

If the Law is your paidagogos-tutor-crossing guard to lead you into Messiah then how can anyone that has never been under the paidagogos-tutor-crossing guard in his entire life claim that he or she has indeed come to Messiah?

Galatians 3:24 KJV
24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [GSN#3807 paidagogos] to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Original Strong's Ref. #3807
Romanized paidagogos
Pronounced pahee-dag-o-gos'
from GSN3816 and a reduplicated form of GSN0071; a boy-leader, i.e. a servant whose office it was to take the children to school; (by implication [figuratively] a tutor ["paedagogue"]):
KJV-- instructor, schoolmaster.

Galatians 4:1-2 KJV
1. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2. But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

Perhaps you are debating with children who merely claim to be "sons" while ditching class?

 

[CherubRam]

This is something I've been struggling with for a while and I've even been having a related discussion on another forum.
I don't know how to deal with it without risking huge disrespect of Paul.

Here's my problem.....

Matthew 5: 17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

1 John 2:
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Revelation 22: 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

Now after reading these words from our Messiah - and not just while he walked the earth but even after his resurrection (Revelation 22) how can we justify Paul teaching that the Law is our old schoolmaster and we're dead to the law, etc?

My understanding is that, of course, the Law can't save us - nothing but the blood of Yeshua can save us, but the LORD's Law is eternal.

Also, as I understand it, Ceremonial Law (sacrifices) is fulfilled and Civil Law was intended for Israel only.
Where am I wrong in all this?

The laws are all lumped together, but there is Gods moral laws, and there is Moses laws for the priesthood. There is no change in the keeping of Gods moral laws with the seventh day Sabbath. The old ceremonial laws were part of the old covenant.

 

[Rachel Rachel]

I couldn't be more confused.
So far all the Messianics who have replied are saying we're not under the Law.
And how do you differentiate between the God's eternal Law and the Law of Moses, which contain the 10 Commandments??

 

[CherubRam]

I couldn't be more confused.
So far all the Messianics who have replied are saying we're not under the Law.
And how do you differentiate between the God's eternal Law and the Law of Moses, which contain the 10 Commandments??

There is a difference between moral laws and civil laws.

Deuteronomy 31
King James Version (KJV)

24 And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,
25 That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,
26 Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.

Deuteronomy 10:2
And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark.

Kings 8:9
There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.

The covenant laws were in the side of the ark as a testimony against the people. The moral commandment laws of God, with the Sabbath were placed inside the ark.

 

[daq]

I couldn't be more confused.
So far all the Messianics who have replied are saying we're not under the Law.
And how do you differentiate between the God's eternal Law and the Law of Moses, which contain the 10 Commandments??

It does appear that you have received several differing opinions here. However, I did not say what you claim I have said when you include me in "all the Messianics who have replied". Does the following which I quoted in my first reply sound like children are not to be under any law?

Galatians 4:1-2 KJV
1. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2. But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

No child knows the day or the hour of his appointment, (the Father only knows) but after that appointment a son knows beyond the shadow of any doubt that he is become a true son. Likewise the same knows that Torah Moshe is eternal, (in Messiah) but that does not mean he is under it because if it is become a rod of iron in his hand, (meaning he knows how to use it lawfully) then he is no more under it in that sense. If you have the Ten Words pierce all the way through your heart, (as with Moshe) then all of the rest flows from and through the Ten Words, (as with Moshe the man of Elohim). The only thing "disannulled" (Isaiah 28, Hebrews 7) was a high priesthood of flesh men that kept "waxing old, dying, and decaying" because of the weakness and inferiority of the flesh going forward, (and therefore the former necessity for constant replacement). It is only the high priesthood that was not given by an oath, however, Ahron and his sons received multiple promises, which are oaths, including the promise to Phineas son of Eleazar of an everlasting priesthood and the covenant of peace, (Numbers 25:12-13). So when someone else starts differentiating between what he calls "moral laws" and "civil laws" please understand that he does not speak for me.

 

[anisavta]

Cherub, be mindful of your "tone". This is not an issue of who is smart and who is dumb by virtue of understanding of the word law.
Rachel - give Contra and Shimshon time to develop their line of thought and perhaps they will shed the light you are wanting.

 

[Rachel Rachel]

Cherub, be mindful of your "tone". This is not an issue of who is smart and who is dumb by virtue of understanding of the word law.
Rachel - give Contra and Shimshon time to develop their line of thought and perhaps they will shed the light you are wanting.

Wowzers!!! I can't begin to understand the reception I've gotten on this question!
I thought I was asking a good question and in a respectful tone.
At this point, I don't even care and I won't be back here looking for any more help. Sorry I bothered you all. Carry on.........

 

[Shimshon]

Now I couldn't be more confused.......

 

[daq]

Wowzers!!! I can't begin to understand the reception I've gotten on this question!
I thought I was asking a good question and in a respectful tone.
At this point, I don't even care and I won't be back here looking for any more help. Sorry I bothered you all. Carry on.........

Huh??? Nevermind . . .

 

[aniello]

Simple, where it says 'his commandments' it does not imply the law given Moses. It implies all the commands and words that Yeshua spoke. When you ignore the pre-concieved implication that the term means the Torah and treat it as the words commanded by God through Yeshua your dilemma disappears.

Adding to Shimshon's comments- not every law in the Torah applies to every person on the planet. Find out which ones apply to you and do them!

Worthy comments both.

Perhaps the problem, which I ponder sometimes, is based on this:

Matthew 5: 17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

It does seem that Y'shua is reiterating and re-validating adherence to the Mitzvot, as in the 613(arguably, give or take). If that be the case, what is the reasoned pathway to doing less? ContraMundum's reply I would readily affirm.

After resolving that, someday maybe someone might compile Yeshua's commands and present an ordered list or whatever. Something in this world needs be presented of His Commands, emphatically, as most common folk in religion express that they're all graced out and there ain't no stinkin' law that applies to them. Used to see them every day I went to court. One would think that Scripture statement is sufficient, but empirically, with even the religious folks, it may be observed repeatedly that IT is just not getting through. Sigh.

 

[etZion]

This is something I've been struggling with for a while and I've even been having a related discussion on another forum.
I don't know how to deal with it without risking huge disrespect of Paul.

Here's my problem.....

Matthew 5: 17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

1 John 2:
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Revelation 22: 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

Now after reading these words from our Messiah - and not just while he walked the earth but even after his resurrection (Revelation 22) how can we justify Paul teaching that the Law is our old schoolmaster and we're dead to the law, etc?

My understanding is that, of course, the Law can't save us - nothing but the blood of Yeshua can save us, but the LORD's Law is eternal.

Also, as I understand it, Ceremonial Law (sacrifices) is fulfilled and Civil Law was intended for Israel only.
Where am I wrong in all this?

Focus on the facts first:

Yeshua did not do away with any part of the Law, whether ceremonial or civil, and if He did, then He is not the Messiah, disqualified.

Thus, Yeshua cannot even have His own commandments or instructions, in the sense, that they contradict the Torah. If His commandments or instructions contradict the Torah, then He sinned. Yeshua was born under the Law, and had to keep the Law perfectly, in order to be the sinless offering that He was, He could not add or take away. If anyone teaches that Yeshua changed the Torah or did away with it or did away with certain parts, then they are teaching and preaching a false Messiah and diminishing His ministry.

Concerning Paul, it is not so easy, there are varying opinions on how to understand his writings. Paul must be read completely within context. Paul's issues are not about "obeying God's Law" or "no longer the need to obey God's Law", instead they are issues dealing with a false understanding of justification. With that, the Galatians questions would take a much larger thread. I would recommend Tim Hegg's commentary on Galatians, if you are interested in digging in.

 

[daq]

Cherub, be mindful of your "tone". This is not an issue of who is smart and who is dumb by virtue of understanding of the word law.
Rachel - give Contra and Shimshon time to develop their line of thought and perhaps they will shed the light you are wanting.

Shalom Anisavta,
I was just going over the SoP and realized that the following might be taken in more ways than one:

"No anti-Torah theology. No posts accusing or debating that Messianic Jews or Gentiles are ‘under the law’, or re-erecting the ‘wall of partition’, or that Torah has been made null and void, or done away with."

Is there somewhere in one of the discussion threads where this has been addressed? For instance one might see this as stating that it is against the rules to claim that "Messianics have put themselves under the Law and fallen from grace", (which is somewhat how I understand it) or another might perceive this as saying that no one here is allowed to say that anyone should be "under the Law" according to the understanding of this faith community. If the second example is the case then it violates the Scripture which I posted from Galatians 4:1-2 which says:

Galatians 4:1-2 KJV
1. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2. But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

See what I mean? If the Law is our "tutor to bring us to Messiah" in the previous chapter, (which is yet the same passage) then that is indeed what Paul says about it: The children/heirs are under tutors and governors, (the Law) until the time appointed of the Father. Can we get clarification on this please?

 

[Lulav]

This is something I've been struggling with for a while and I've even been having a related discussion on another forum.
I don't know how to deal with it without risking huge disrespect of Paul.

Here's my problem.....

Matthew 5: 17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

1 John 2:
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Revelation 22: 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

Now after reading these words from our Messiah - and not just while he walked the earth but even after his resurrection (Revelation 22) how can we justify Paul teaching that the Law is our old schoolmaster and we're dead to the law, etc?

My understanding is that, of course, the Law can't save us - nothing but the blood of Yeshua can save us, but the LORD's Law is eternal.

Also, as I understand it, Ceremonial Law (sacrifices) is fulfilled and Civil Law was intended for Israel only.
Where am I wrong in all this?

Hi Rachael, those are very good questions and I don't think you are wrong at all. Yeshua must come first above all others.

Now what is our main concern to keep the commandments or not to keep them but to have eternal life with the G-d and Savior we love?

It is simple, if we want to live with him forever we do as he says.

Now what did Yeshua teach, and to a Pharisee ( a teacher of the law) and may very well have been a member of the Sanhedrin.

And, behold , one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do , that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said , Thou shalt do no murder , Thou shalt not commit adultery , Thou shalt not steal , Thou shalt not bear false witness , 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him,If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast , and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

You see that to have eternal life one must keep the commandments of G-d not Yeshua, he only came to teach them in a better way not change them.

 

[Lulav]

Shalom Anisavta,
I was just going over the SoP and realized that the following might be taken in more ways than one:

"No anti-Torah theology. No posts accusing or debating that Messianic Jews or Gentiles are ‘under the law’, or re-erecting the ‘wall of partition’, or that Torah has been made null and void, or done away with."

Is there somewhere in one of the discussion threads where this has been addressed? For instance one might see this as stating that it is against the rules to claim that "Messianics have put themselves under the Law and fallen from grace", (which is somewhat how I understand it) or another might perceive this as saying that no one here is allowed to say that anyone should be "under the Law" according to the understanding of this faith community. If the second example is the case then it violates the Scripture which I posted from Galatians 4:1-2 which says:

Galatians 4:1-2 KJV
1. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2. But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

See what I mean? If the Law is our "tutor to bring us to Messiah" in the previous chapter, (which is yet the same passage) then that is indeed what Paul says about it: The children/heirs are under tutors and governors, (the Law) until the time appointed of the Father. Can we get clarification on this please?

If that were so, that they were under the law until the time appointed (which would mean the time of Messiah), then why was he so insistent about keeping the law?

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy , but to fulfil . 18 For verily I say unto you, Till * heaven and earth pass , one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till * all be fulfilled .

Think about this which follows up therefore we know he is speaking of the Law given to Moses

Whosoever * therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

So you should remember this when anyone tells you the commandments aren't for you, for they are trying to keep you out of the kingdom and they will be the least in it.


We may not know the least but we know the greatest.

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it * , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

There are many other places where Yeshua speaks of keeping the commandments and not that he came to replace them but this should suffice for now.

 

[CherubRam]

Wowzers!!! I can't begin to understand the reception I've gotten on this question!
I thought I was asking a good question and in a respectful tone.
At this point, I don't even care and I won't be back here looking for any more help. Sorry I bothered you all. Carry on.........

I apologize for being rude. It was not my intent to insult anyone.

 

[mercy1061]

Shalom Anisavta,
I was just going over the SoP and realized that the following might be taken in more ways than one:

"No anti-Torah theology. No posts accusing or debating that Messianic Jews or Gentiles are ‘under the law’, or re-erecting the ‘wall of partition’, or that Torah has been made null and void, or done away with."

Is there somewhere in one of the discussion threads where this has been addressed? For instance one might see this as stating that it is against the rules to claim that "Messianics have put themselves under the Law and fallen from grace", (which is somewhat how I understand it) or another might perceive this as saying that no one here is allowed to say that anyone should be "under the Law" according to the understanding of this faith community. If the second example is the case then it violates the Scripture which I posted from Galatians 4:1-2 which says:

Galatians 4:1-2 KJV
1. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2. But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

See what I mean? If the Law is our "tutor to bring us to Messiah" in the previous chapter, (which is yet the same passage) then that is indeed what Paul says about it: The children/heirs are under tutors and governors, (the Law) until the time appointed of the Father. Can we get clarification on this please?

Daq, you know some of those students who are ditching class may need a tutor to reteach the lesson. Some students do not attend public school with a crossing guard like your picture, they are home-schooled. Do you know any students that are home-schooled or taught by their parents?

 

[daq]

If that were so, that they were under the law until the time appointed (which would mean the time of Messiah), then why was he so insistent about keeping the law?

It depends on what you mean by "the time of Messiah". If you mean Paul speaks of the first advent of Messiah then I would strongly suggest that Paul does not use "time appointed", (the compound word "prothes-mias") in that manner. Prothes is to purpose, to prepare, to put forth, and sometimes even used for the Shewbread which is put forth or "presented" in the presence, the secondary Holy Place). Prothes, (without mias) is used more often in the following manner and context:

Ephesians 1:11-14 KJV
11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose [prothes] of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
12. That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Likewise in this context there is a stated goal, a telos-end, which is a point aimed at rather than an "abolition" of anything: in other words, a set appointment, (receiving of the promise in this instance which is the same goal of Galatians 4:1-2). There is a process which has only just begun when a person first believes as the above clearly states. It begins with the holy Spirit of Promise, (the full Testimony of Yeshua which must be consumed-absorbed). However this is only an "earnest" like a down payment or "earnest money" on the purchase of a house. We know by other passages that the receiving of the Promise is not something that occurs immediately upon a simple first confession of faith:

Hebrews 10:35-39 KJV
35. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Paul agrees with the "will of God" statement from the passage above:

1 Thessalonians 4:1-6 KJV
1. Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4. That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5. Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6. That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

This is by appointment only and no one decides the day . . .