Repeated phrases
(1) By doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard v.2, 5
a. The Galatians receive the Spirit by believing v.2, and saw the miracles by believing v.5. That was proven by their own 1st hand experience
b. Abraham was also credited as righteousness by faith v.6. Those who believe are the real followers (sons) of Abraham v.7.
(2) blessing or curse v.8-10
Those who believers shared in Abraham blessings v.8-9. While those who doing the works are cursed v.10. It was because the Law required "keep on doing" "everything written in the book of the law."
(3) The system of the law and the system of the justification by faith were totally different v.11-12.
v.12 But the law is not based on faith, but the one who does the works of the law will live by them.
Under the law, the emphasis is on how much you have done. If that is the case, Paul was certain that no one will be justified v.11.
(4) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law v.13-14
No more curse for those who believe, only blessing because Christ was cursed.
Reflection: Paul started out from distinguishing the 2 systems and confirmed that we are saved by faith. Then he switched from "you" to "those" and explained the reason why those who insisted on doing the works of the law would only bring curse. Finally, Paul was not interested just to teach the theological principle, he ended this section by expressing his gratitude to Christ. He used "us" to close.
v.13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us...
I think it is important to "know" the right and wrong, especially in Paul's situation when the false brothers confused the church with "another gospel." And, it is also important to know the reason behind why something is right and wrong. However, we need to bring home what does it have to do with us. Let us join Paul and thank Jesus for what He has done for us. He became a curse for us so that we will not be cursed v.13. We cannot keep the Law, and the only result that we would be having is curse. But now, Jesus took the curse for us so that we can be blessed when we believe in Him. Thank you Jesus!
Audrey
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