Life's Journey

Galatians ~ Week 2 ~ Day 3

Hello to you all. Today we are reading Galatians 3:10-14. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes please share your insights, applications, or thoughts. Here are today’s verses for you to read.

“10 For all who depend on the Law [seeking justification and salvation by obedience to the Law and the observance of rituals] are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed (condemned to destruction) is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, so as to practice them.” 11 Now it is clear that no one is justified [that is, declared free of the guilt of sin and its penalty, and placed in right standing] before God by the Law, for “The righteous (the just, the upright) shall live by faith.” 12 But the Law does not rest on or require faith [it has nothing to do with faith], but [instead, the Law] says, “He who practices them [the things prescribed by the Law] shall live by them [instead of faith].” 13 Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs [crucified] on a tree (cross)”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might also come to the Gentiles so that we would all receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:10-14

Paul continues to explain how those who live under the law will fail to keep it and as a result, they will be cursed. But Christ has redeemed us from the curse, by becoming the curse for us. He bore our sins on the cross. And so, we rely on Jesus for our salvation rather than our works—because the righteous will live by faith. There are a lot of people who practice religious traditions, such as going to church on Sundays, praying before meals, giving to the poor, or even reading portions of scripture out loud. While all of these are good things, they do not save us. If they are not done out of sincere faith, then they are simply external good works. True faith is internal. God looks at the motives of our hearts.

My reflection for the day: Thank God that we live by faith in Christ and not under the law. The law cannot justify. It can only bring judgment. Therefore, grace is superior to the law. The works of the law and the faith of the gospel have radically different consequences. Christ paid the full price to set us free from the curse of the law. He absorbed the curse completely as he became a curse in our place.

Reflection Questions: Are there any spiritual practices you are doing right now that are done more out of habit than faith? Ask the Lord to change your heart and help you live more by faith