Curse or Righteousness

Galatian Liberty • Galatians 3:10-14 • May 22, 2022 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

Paul explained that righteousness comes through faith and not the works of the law. He cited Abraham as the prime example of such. Abraham believed, and it was counted as righteousness. Paul would then proceed that the promise of God through Abraham is through the gospel of Christ. And that gospel is through faith, not the works of the law. He warned the Galatians that those who live under the law are cursed by it. Yet Paul encouraged them that the blessing of Abraham is through faith. If a Gentile believes in the gospel, then such a person receives the blessing promised through Abraham.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 

Galatians 3:10-14 ESV

10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

Notes

Paul explained that righteousness comes through faith and not the works of the law. He cited Abraham as the prime example of such. Abraham believed, and it was counted as righteousness. Paul would then proceed that the promise of God through Abraham is through the gospel of Christ. And that gospel is through faith, not the works of the law. He warned the Galatians that those who live under the law are cursed by it. Yet Paul encouraged them that the blessing of Abraham is through faith. If a Gentile believes in the gospel, then such a person receives the blessing promised through Abraham.

  1. Curse of the Law

    All who depend on the law for their righteousness bring themselves under a curse. If one depends on the law for righteousness, one must not fail to obey all the law's commands. But no one succeeded in obeying all (3:10).
    10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.”

  2. Righteousness and Faith

    The law cannot bring righteousness because no person can obey it completely. Consequently, no one is justified by the works of the law. Paul made it clear by citing Habakkuk that the righteous shall live by faith (3:11, Habakkuk 2:4).
    11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.”

  3. Christ Redeemed Us

    Paul explained that Christ suffered and died for us, which was how he paid for our curse. In fact. God’s promise to Abraham shall be fulfilled through Christ. Therefore, through faith, the Gentiles may receive the blessing (3:13-14).
    13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith..

Application

  1. Do not rely on obeying the law
    Obeying the law brings no righteousness. Thus, we should not rely on obedience to the law as a way to righteousness before God. God established the law for a purpose, but it is not to bring righteousness.

  2. Live by faith
    God justifies through faith; the righteous shall live through faith. Thus, we live by faith in Christ and what He did, becoming a curse for us, which redeemed us from the curse. Therefore, we trust Him today and always for our righteousness.

  3. Fulfill the promise to Abraham
    The promise of God to Abraham is through the gospel of Christ. The blessing to the nations is the blessing of the gospel to all tribes and tongues. Christ commands us to proclaim the gospel and make disciples of all nations.

Reflection & Discussion

  1. Why should people NOT rely on the works of the law for righteousness?

  2. How then should the righteous live?

  3. What is the connection between God’s promise to Abraham and the gospel?