BIG IDEA:
JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH PROVES THAT WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO LIVE BY FAITH — SINCE WE HAVE BEEN FREED FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW
I. (:10) DEPENDENCE ON THE LAW (FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS BEFORE GOD) CARRIES WITH IT AN INESCAPABLE CURSE
Quote from Deut. 27:26
MacArthur: “A curse is a divine judgment that brings the sentence of condemnation.”
A. Inescapability of the Curse
“For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse”
If you choose this route (of trusting in the works of the Law), there is no escape.
B. Hopelessness of the Curse
“for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them”
The emphasis is on “everyone” and “all” — these are universally applicable principles. God’s standard for righteousness = Perfection = impossible for any man to measure up.
Good intentions will get you nowhere. 90% compliance will get you nowhere.
II. (:11) THE OT SUPPORTS JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH — NOT BY KEEPING THE LAW
Quote from Hab. 2:4
“Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, ‘The righteous man shall live by faith.'”
III. (:12) THE LAW AND FAITH ARE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE WHEN IT COMES TO THE ISSUE OF JUSTIFICATION
Quote from Lev. 18:5
“However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, ‘He who practices them shall live by them.'”
MacArthur: “To live by law is to live by self-effort and leads inevitably to failure, condemnation, and death. To live by faith is to respond to God’s grace and leads to justification and eternal life.”
Wiersbe: “Law says, ‘Do and live!’ but grace says, ‘Believe and live!'”
IV. (:13-14) CHRIST HAS REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW
Quote from Deut. 21:23
A. Person Accomplishing Our Redemption: “Christ”
B. Nature of Redemption (points taken from Gromacki here)
1. It is a Finished Redemption —
“redeemed” — aorist active indicative
2. It is a Personal Redemption —
“us”
3. It is a Purposeful Redemption —
“from the curse of the Law”
4. It is a Substitutionary Redemption — very costly
“having become a curse for us”
C. Aside — Consistent with the Fabric of OT Prophecy
“for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”
D. Purposes of Redemption
1. Right Position — Gentile participation in the Blessing of Abraham
“in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles”
2. Right Power — Gentile inclusion in the receiving of the indwelling Holy Spirit —
“that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith”