The Blessing and the Curse

Aim: To live in grace as the church; and to relish the blessings of Christ.

Exegesis: Cursed are we if we trust in our works, because we fall far short of the goal (v. 10), and because this has never been God's means of salvation (vv. 11-12). Blessed are we if we trust in our Savior. He substituted for us (v. 13a), atoned for us (v. 13b), and unleashed the covenant for us (v. 14).

Key verses: vv. 13-14 ''Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree'), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.''