Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 12, 2022: SOAP #4482:  Deuteronomy 19-21; Galatians 3

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 3:12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

OBSERVATION: It is abundantly clear that we cannot meet the righteous demands of holy living required by the law.  We are hopelessly under the curse of the law because we have sinned.  (We are hopeless in saving ourselves, or in depending on another son of Adam to do it for us because they have all sinned too!)

But the good news is that Someone, not a son of Adam, but the Son of Man, conceived of the Holy Spirit in the womb of a virgin has redeemed us! That redemption was purchased for us by the only One who was not under the curse.  He became a curse for us enabling us to receive the blessings of Abraham, God desiring that we all share in those blessings.

And without the redemption of Jesus, we could never share in the blessed ministry of the Holy Spirit!   What a loss that would be to us!

APPLICATION: I am amazed that God would love me enough to redeem me from the curse of my breaking the law.  He took the penalty and let me go free just as if I had never sinned!  I am amazed!

This life, which was started by faith, cannot be lived out in my own strength or wisdom.  When I try to live in my own strength, I soon find myself needing to repent, confess, and receive forgiveness.  Victory is mine when I continue to live by faith in relationship with the Holy Spirit. 

PRAYER:  Lord, may my appreciation of your amazing grace be easily seen by those around me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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