Saved from the Curse of the Law
Galatians 3:10-14
Summary
As we begin Advent, we step back from mere sentimentality to consider why Jesus truly came. Scripture tells us that all who rely on the works of the law stand under God’s curse, a reality we rarely think about, yet one that lies at the heart of the gospel. The law exposes our failure, and no amount of moral effort can remove the curse our sin deserves. But the good news is this: Christ redeemed us by becoming a curse for us. On the cross, he bore the judgment we earned so that the blessing promised to Abraham could flow to us. In Jesus, the curse is lifted, our guilt is removed, and we receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith. Advent invites us to see the Savior clearly, God’s Son who took our curse so that we might share his blessing.
Discussion Questions
Summary
As we begin Advent, we step back from mere sentimentality to consider why Jesus truly came. Scripture tells us that all who rely on the works of the law stand under God’s curse, a reality we rarely think about, yet one that lies at the heart of the gospel. The law exposes our failure, and no amount of moral effort can remove the curse our sin deserves. But the good news is this: Christ redeemed us by becoming a curse for us. On the cross, he bore the judgment we earned so that the blessing promised to Abraham could flow to us. In Jesus, the curse is lifted, our guilt is removed, and we receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith. Advent invites us to see the Savior clearly, God’s Son who took our curse so that we might share his blessing.
Discussion Questions
- What does Paul mean when he says that those who rely on works of the law are “under a curse”?
- Why is the idea of God’s curse so unfamiliar—and even offensive—to modern people?
- How does recovering a biblical understanding of “curse” help us see the gospel more clearly?
- How does this passage challenge the instinct to “try harder” or improve ourselves spiritually through effort?
- What does it mean that Christ redeemed us? What imagery or feelings does that word evoke?
- Paul says Christ became a curse for us. How does this deepen your understanding of what was happening on the cross?
- Verse 14 highlights the blessing of Abraham coming to the Gentiles. What is that blessing?
- How does knowing that Christ took your curse affect the way you view God’s posture toward you today?
- In what ways does sentimentality around Christmas (songs, images, traditions) cloud our understanding of why Jesus came?
- How might focusing on Christ taking the curse lead you into deeper worship, gratitude, or repentance during Advent?
- What might it look like for you to cultivate “sanctified grief” over sin by looking more steadily at the cross?
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