CURSE REVERSE/GALATIANS 3:6-14

Have you ever thought that someone had put a curse on you?  If you’ve watched any TV at all, then you know how it goes ... an evil sorcerer puts a curse on another for vengeance sake or to gain power, fame, and fortune.  The plot usually contains a character who can rescue the one put under the evil curse, and in the end reverses the curse.  Our text today speaks of a curse, the effects of the curse, and how the curse is reversed.  Listen as the apostle Paul tells us of a curse that is more than the imaginings of Hollywood film makers.  And, I think you might be surprised at who is behind this curse.

I) THE STORYLINE

            A) Paul, in Galatians 3:1-5, was reminding the Galatians of their experience of justification by explaining the work of the Holy Spirit.  He relates how faith and the works of the Holy Spirit are intricately tied together. 

            B) Paul then moves on to expand on God’s work of justifying all (Jews and Gentiles) by faith.  The primary example of such a work is Abraham.  Paul highlights Abraham’s relationship to the Gentiles.  It seems to me that Paul’s main point is to show that God intended to save/justify the Gentiles, just as He did the Jews by faith.  The evidence of this justification by faith is the receipt of the Holy Spirit.  Now let’s turn our attention to the text.

II) ABRAHAM’S FAITH

            A) Paul begins here in verse 6 with a quote from the Old Testament book of Genesis (15:6).  Paul’s point is that Abraham, prior to being circumcised, and just after being called the father of many nations (Jews and Gentiles), was declared (legally) right with God through faith in God.  Why did Paul make this point?  One reason: to make sure that the Galatians were clear that Abraham was in a right relationship with God through faith, and not through observance of any laws.  Paul’s opponents had sought to say that being right with God took faith in Christ, and the observing of the Mosaic Law.  Paul emphasizes that to be considered a son of Abraham took more than physical descent from Abraham; it took faith to be a true son of Abraham (v.7).  So, it is only those (Jews or Gentiles) who exercise saving faith who are the “sons of Abraham” cf. John 1:12-13. 

            B) Paul tells us of the “gospel” that was preached beforehand to Abraham in verse 8.  Paul says that the Scriptures (God’s word) declared in advance that God desired to save/justify the Gentiles.  Paul makes this point over against his opponents who said it was necessary for the Gentiles to become Jews to be saved/justified.  Paul says, “Not so!”  In God’s words to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 is found the good news/the gospel of Gentile salvation.  So, anyone who exercises saving faith in Christ are blessed with believing Abraham (v.9).  That gave encouragement to Paul’s hearers, and it knocked the wind out of his opponents.  Paul now moves on to explain the condition of those under ...

III) THE CURSE OF THE LAW

            A) In verse 10, Paul contrasts those who seek to be right with God by faith, with those seeking to be right with God by keeping the Law of Moses.  We can summarize Paul’s point this way: Attempting to be right with God through observing the law results, not in blessing, but in cursing.  Paul understood this because it was an Old Testament principle found in Deuteronomy 27 & 28.  Paul has made it clear in Galatians and other places that no one will be right with God by trying to keep all that the law requires (vv.11-12).  Why?  Because of our fallen sinful nature, we are unable to keep the requirements of the law.  And, because this is so, we are under God’s curse.  

IV) WHAT WE NEED AND RECEIVE

            A) To reverse God’s curse upon all of humanity, we need someone to take the curse, and to bear it’s penalty for us.  Paul tells us that there is one who did, Jesus Christ (v.13).  Paul’s point is that Christ did, in fact, redeem many from the curse of the law.  Who are the many who have been redeemed?  Only, only those who have right standing with God through faith alone.  Paul tells us that Christ bore the punishment the law prescribed–being hung on a tree (the Cross).  

            B) Those then redeemed by faith in Christ receive the blessing of Abraham–the promise of the Spirit (v.14).  Let’s consider some passages that help us understand this blessing more fully cf. Isaiah 59:21; Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:33; John 7:39.

V) A FINAL IMPLICATION

            A) The good news that God saves/justifies through faith in Christ is for all.  We can say that the good news of salvation is a universal message, and an inclusive message.  Yet, the message is also exclusive.  How might that be true?  The universal and inclusive nature of the good news is found in that the message is for all to hear.  All need to be saved.  But, the truth is that only those who come to God on His terms–faith in His Son Jesus Christ–will be saved.  That means that there will be those excluded from the blessings given in Christ.  Who are they?  Those who do not come to Christ by faith.  So, renounce any attempts to please God by your own labors, and turn to Christ for salvation.  And, experience the blessings of possessing the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternal life here and now.