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 verse: v. 11 ''But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for 'the just shall live by faith.'''