Identity in Christ Series: Week Fourteen I am Redeemed from the Curse of the Law

Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs [crucified] on a tree (cross)”— Galatians 3:13 (AMP) 

Paul tells us here that Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law by hanging on the cross for us.  That definitely sounds good but what exactly have we been freed from? 

A little back story.  In Genesis God had promised to give Abraham's decedents the Promised Land. Genesis 17:8 God, speaking to Abraham says, "And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.” 

This promise, however, came with a stipulation: Obedience!!!!  God told Abraham that if he and his decedents would be faithful to obey the commands and keep the covenant, He was making with them that they would be blessed.  In Deuteronomy, again God through Moses tells the people if they obey they will be blessed, however, in verse 15 He says, “But if you refuse to listen to the Lord your God and do not obey all the commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come and overwhelm you..." 

       

In Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26 we read a list of the curses promised to the people of Israel if they chose not to obey all the commands they had been given by God.  It is this same list that Paul is talking about in Galatians 3:13.     

        

The Curses:  

  1. Towns and Fields (vv. 16) 

  1. Baskets and Kneading Bowl (vv. 17) 

  1. Fruit of the Womb (Woman and Animals), and Crops of the Land. (vv. 18) 

  1. Going Out and Coming In (vv. 19) 

  1. Diseases and Plagues (vv. 20-22) 

  1. Defeat by Enemies (vv. 25-26) 

  1. Madness, Blindness and Confusion of Mind (vv. 28) 


This is not an exhaustive list; however, it covers the basics. Let's take a deeper look at each of the curses and see what the Word has to say about the blessings we have in Christ in each area. 

First, our towns and fields are blessed. Matthew 7:24 (NIV) tells us, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” 

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24: 3-4 (NIV)
The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but blesses the home of the righteous. (Proverbs 3:33 NIV) 

We see in these verses that God blesses the homes and property of the righteous, and as we learned in week 9, that means us!!!! 

Second, God blesses us with resources and provision.  John 10:10 tells us that Christ came to give us life more abundantly. Poverty and lack are NOT abundant living. Poverty was part of the curse, and we don’t have to live in that today. 

Paul also tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:8, And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others.  

We can have everything we need and plenty left over to share!!!!  That’s blessing! That’s abundance!!! 

Again, in Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.  

Our provision comes from God’s riches to us through/by Christ Jesus. There is no lack in Christ. He has all he needs plus!  

Next, our children are blessed and blessings. All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. (Isaiah 54:13 ESV) 

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:4) 

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! (Psalm 127: 3-4 ESV) 

To continue, we are blessed in our daily lives (going out and coming in). Romans 8:28 (NLT) tells us, And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. (Psalm 37:23-24 NLT) 

Isaiah 48:17, This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. 

We are also promised freedom from disease and plagues. 1 Peter 2:24 (ESV) He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 

But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5 ESV)
 
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! (Psalm 91:9-13 NLT)   

Further, we are promised victory over our enemies. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 John 5:4 ESV)   

James 4:7 says, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Luke 10:19 (ESV), Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. (Psalm 34:7 ESV) 

Finally, we are free from madness, blindness, and confusion of mind.

The word of the cross, you see, is madness to people who are being destroyed. But to us – those who are being saved – it is God’s power. (1 Corinthinas 1:18 NTE) 

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4: 3-4 ESV) 

For God hath not given us that spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV) 

In conclusion, Paul admonishes us in Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. You are free from the curse of the law. Don’t allow the enemy to keep you living below your station in Christ. Hold onto the promises and walk as a Free Child of the King!!! 

 

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