Galatians 3:10-14

Summary retelling of Galatians 3:10-14

Paul reminds the Galatians that they are under a curse if they live like salvation comes through obedience to the Law.  Simply put, everyone who breaks even one rule is cursed under the Law.  Thus, nobody can be justified through obedience to the Law and the righteous must live by faith.  Jesus’ death on the cross frees us from the curse of the Law.  Because the Law is not necessary for Christ’s death to work, God’s mercy can come to the Gentiles as well.  Since God’s grace comes to all people through Christ, it is through faith that we are saved and received the Holy Spirit.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

It is very fortunate for us that we have Christ, because the Law sets a very high standard.  Breaking even one law even once is reason for condemnation under the Law.  That is a high standard indeed.

How long do you think you can honestly live without committing a single sin?  Even if you know that a single violation could keep you out of heaven (which you do know) how long could you go without creating any sin?

Second Thought:

Paul really draws out the point here that what makes Christ’s death special is that it covers both Gentiles and Jews.  In other words, Christ’s death can cover any member of humanity so long as they humble themselves before God.  Our ability to be good is not key; our recognition of our failures and our submission to God’s grace through Christ is key.

Are you able to submit to God more easily than you can entirely keep yourself from sin?  Is submitting to God still difficult from time to time?

Third Thought:

At this time, Paul brings up the reception of the Holy Spirit.  It is through faith that we receive the Holy Spirit.  It is not through circumcision.  It is not through obedience.  It is not through baptism.  It is not through anything that we do.  We receive the Holy Spirit through the faith that we receive from God.  We humble ourselves to God because of His grace and mercy and in that transaction the Holy Spirit is gifted to us.

What does the presence of the Holy Spirit feel like?  Why is it important that we receive the Holy Spirit through no work of our own?

Passage for Tomorrow: Galatians 3:15-18