Faith Working Through Love: Redeemed from the Curse

Sunday we moved back into Galatians to examine the apostle’s argument that we are brought into the family of God by faith. The focus of his discussion is on a believer’s reception of the Holy Spirit, which comes through faith and not by obedience (works of the law). Having begun by the Spirit, we are made perfect—“completed”—by the Spirit, not by means of the flesh. He says it this way in Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” The work of Christ on our behalf was finished on the cross.

This week we will consider the biblical example Paul gives: Abraham. Paul explains how God worked in the life of Abraham through faith. He says, “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Galatians 3:6 NIV). God made promises to Abraham as an act of grace to be received by faith. Those promises included a blessing to all who, like him, believe—which includes Gentiles. “Those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham” (Galatians 3:9).

It has always been God’s intention to redeem us from the curse of the law through faith. He redeemed us so that we could receive the Spirit along with Abraham by faith. This is crucial to Paul’s challenge to those who would require more than faith.

So come Sunday, and let’s consider God’s work of grace.