scripture: galatians 3:10-3:14

Southview Baptist Church

Southview Baptist Church

Southview Baptist Church

Southview Baptist Church

The Laws of Moses actually put the nation of Israel under a curse if they did not obey all 613 laws. So what was the purpose of the law? It was to show us how fallen we are and have us turn to God in faith that He would provide a way. That way was not the animal sacrifices, for God says He was never pleased with them. They only pointed forward to the sacrifice He would provide. The righteous are not those who try to keep the laws, but those who live by faith in His Word, just as Abraham who believed in God's promise to Him.

The way of the Law is cursed because we can’t do it. The way of faith is blessed because we don’t have to. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us.

Sermon Notes: I. We are cursed if we rely on the law. (10) II. The law cannot set us free from the curse. (11-12) III. Jesus provided redemption by being cursed. (13) IV. Through faith in Jesus, we receive redemption from the curse. (14)

Paul has argued that the experience of the Spirit should have been enough to clue for the Galatians to know that they belong to the people of God. Why, then, is he so against the idea that some want more assurance? What if circumcision helps the weak in faith; what is so wrong with that? It this practice not a helpful way to encourage them in the faith, to keep them assured of their inheritance from Abraham? Paul has argued positively, that the Spirit is assurance enough. He will know begin to argue negatively that any mixture of works stands against faith. Works and faith are incompatible.