Sermon Series: Exploring the Cross: A theological & practical perspective of the cross.
Sermon Title: The Curse of the Cross
Sermon Text: Galatians 3:10-14
Sermon Purpose: To call the hearer to view the cross as a symbol of freedom.
Sermon Proposition: There are 3 ways the cross symbolizes freedom from the curse.
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith." 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them." 13 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"), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:10-14 (NKJV)
The cross is symbolic of freedom from the curse of law. v.10-13
The law carries with it a curse. v.10 (Deuteronomy 27:26)
The law carries with it a righteousness. v.11-12 (Romans 10:5-10; Habakkuk 2:4)
The law carries with it a temporary arrangement. (Galatians 3:16)
The law carries with it a deliverer. v.13 (Ephesians 1:5f; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Lev. 18:5; James 2:10)
The cross is symbolic of freedom from the curse of sin.
The positive side of Paul's argument emphasized that there is hope for all who have broken the Law and are under its curse. The hope is not in man but in Christ who redeemed us from the curse of the Law. (Mark 10:45; Galatians 4:5; 1 Peter 3:18; Deuteronomy 21:23)
The cross is symbolic of freedom from the curse of self. v.14
Jesus Christ through the cross and resurrection gives life.
Jesus Christ set the standard and gives power to keep the standards.
Jesus Christ gives strength to live as He lived. (Galatians 5:22f; Ephesians 1:19f; 3:20)
Jesus Christ fulfills the promise of blessing for the nations. v.14
Promise of the divine nature. (2 Peter 1:4)
Promise of the new birth. (John 3:3-6; 1 Peter 1:23)
Promise of being made a new creation. (2 Cornithians 5:17)
Promise of being made into a new man. (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10)
Gentiles might receive the blessing given to Abraham (3:8) this is a reference not to personal or national blessings but to the promised blessing of justification apart from works of the Law, available to all who believe.