Christ Alone – Blessed. Not Cursed.
February 19, 2023
Pastor Alan Smith
Sermon Notes
I. Blessings and Cursings
Galatians 3:10-14
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.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 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”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
A. Blessing
1. Animals at Creation
Genesis 1:22
And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”
2. Adam and Eve at Creation
Genesis 1:28
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
3. Abraham
Genesis 12:2-3
And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
4. The Law of God
Deuteronomy 28:2
If you will obey the Lord your God, all these blessings will come to you and be yours
B. Curse
1. Serpent in the Garden
Genesis 3:14-15
cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
2. Ground because of Sin
Genesis 3:17
…cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
3. Curse of the Law
Deuteronomy 28:16
The Lord will curse you in the city and in the field.
You were created to live a life of blessing.
II. Our Works Are A Curse
Galatians 3:10-11
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.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.”
III. His Work is a Blessing
Galatians 3:12-14
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”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Your salvation is a blessing that brings life and abundance through faith.
Next Steps
- Today, I want to receive this blessing in my life by placing my faith in Jesus.
- I will stop trying to earn my faith and will trust in the work of Jesus.
- I will be a blessing to others by being generous with the abundance that Jesus makes possible.
Deep Dive
- Read Galatians 3:13-14 and Luke 24. What has Jesus done to reverse the curse and restore God’s blessings? How does Jesus’ work inform our lives today?
- What are ways you place yourself back under the law and works? What are some ways you can overcome them?
- If your salvation is by faith, how can you live daily by faith?
Springboards
- Why is it important for Christians to study the Old Testament?
- Read Galatians 3:15-22 and discuss how the promise to Abraham highlights our need for faith.
- What is the relationship between faith and obedience?
