Galatians 3:10-14
Galatians Book Study • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 12 viewsIn this passage, Paul shows that trying to be right with God by keeping the law only brings a curse, because the law requires perfect obedience.
Notes
Transcript
Paul explains the difference between trying to be right with God by keeping the law and being made right by faith. He shows that anyone who depends on the law places themselves under a curse, because the law demands perfect obedience, something no person can fully keep.
Paul then points us to the good news of the gospel: Jesus Christ took that curse upon Himself on the cross, so that both Jews and Gentiles could receive God’s blessing, not by works, but by faith.
1. The Curse of the Law (vv. 10–12)
1. The Curse of the Law (vv. 10–12)
For as many as are of the [or depend on] works of the law are under the curse:
for it is written, “Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”
11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident:
for, The just shall live by faith.
12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
The law is a finger pointer!
The law demands perfect obedience!
The law can show us our sin, but it cannot save us.
The law tells us what is right, but gives no power to obey.
The law exposes guilt, it does not remove it.
The law condemns the sinner, it does not justify him.
The law reveals God’s holiness and our failure.
The law drives us to see our need for a Savior.
The law can diagnose the problem, but it cannot cure it.
The law demands righteousness, but cannot produce righteousness.
The law shows the disease, but Christ provides the cure.
The law points the finger; the gospel opens the door.
Supportive Scripture
Deuteronomy 27:26 – “Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them.”
James 2:10 – “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
Discussion Questions
Why does the law place people under a curse instead of freeing them?
What does it mean that “the just shall live by faith”?
How do people today still try to be right with God by works?
2. Faith and the Law Are Not the Same (v. 12)
2. Faith and the Law Are Not the Same (v. 12)
The law is about doing. Faith is about trusting. Mixing the two always leads to confusion and bondage.
Scriptural Examples of Confusion
Scriptural Examples of Confusion
1) James 2:17 – “Faith without works is dead”
1) James 2:17 – “Faith without works is dead”
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
Where people get confused:
They think works creates faith.
(it’s the other way around) Faith creates works
Clear truth:
James is talking about evidence, not entrance into salvation.
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2) Matthew 25:31–46 – Sheep and Goats
2) Matthew 25:31–46 – Sheep and Goats
“I was hungry… and ye gave me meat”, “I was thirsty and you gave me drink”, I was a stranger and you took me in”, naked and you clothed me, sick and you visted me, in prison and you came unto me.”
Where people get confused:
They think works earn eternal life.
Clear truth:
The works reveal who belongs to Christ.
The works are fruit, not the root.
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3) Philippians 2:12 – “Work out your own salvation”
3) Philippians 2:12 – “Work out your own salvation”
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Where people get confused:
They think we work for salvation.
Clear truth:
We work out what God has already worked in
(see verse 13).
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Discussion Questions
Why is it dangerous to mix faith and works for salvation?
How can good works become a burden instead of a joy?
3. Christ Took the Curse for Us (v. 13)
3. Christ Took the Curse for Us (v. 13)
Jesus became the curse we deserved. On the cross, He took our guilt so we could be set free.
Supportive Scripture
Isaiah 53:5–6 – “He was wounded for our transgressions… the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For he hath made him to be sin for us…”
1 Peter 2:24 – “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree.”
Discussion Questions
What does it mean that Christ was “made a curse for us”?
How should this change the way we see the cross?
Why is salvation only possible through Christ?
4. The Blessing Comes by Faith (v. 14)
4. The Blessing Comes by Faith (v. 14)
Because of Christ, the blessing promised to Abraham is now available to all, Jews and Gentiles alike, through faith.
Supportive Scripture
Genesis 12:3 – “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Romans 4:16 – “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace.”
Ephesians 1:13 – “After that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.”
Discussion Questions
What is the blessing of Abraham?
How do we receive the promise of the Spirit?
Closing Reflection
Closing Reflection
Am I resting in Christ’s finished work, or still trying to earn God’s favor?
Do I live daily by faith, or by fear and performance?
How does knowing Christ took the curse bring peace and freedom?
