Pulpit Curriculum - From Law To Liberty
Derek A. Ward
February 18, 2024

Law to Liberty.png

Pulpit Curriculum

February 18th – February 24th, 2024

Sermon Summary

Today’s sermon emphasizes the journey of faith from the bondage of law to the liberty found in Christ. It is based on a passage in which Paul calls on the Galatians to abandon false teachings that emphasize the works of the law. Paul stressed that the law brings bondage and death, while faith in Christ offers freedom and righteousness. Paul presents Abraham as an example of faith rather than works, and reiterates the promise that those who share Abraham’s faith receive God’s blessings.

Despite attempts to corrupt it, the message of the Gospel is clear: through his death and resurrection, Jesus Christ redeems us, his followers, from the curse of the law. By bearing the curse, he sets us free. We receive Abraham’s blessings through Christ, including justification and the gift of the Spirit. We should embrace the freedom that Christ offers. Freedom not only to avoid condemnation of the law, but to have a fulsome relationship with God. By placing our faith in Christ alone, we can experience God’s blessings and walk in the freedom of the Spirit.

Verse of the Week

Galatians 3:13-14
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 hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

Going Deeper

Review Galatians 3: 1 – 14

1) Why does Paul call the Galatians “foolish”?
a. What point is he making in verse 3?

2) List the promises and curses mentioned in the passage, using other scripture cross-references to strengthen your point.


a) Who receives these promises and curses, and under what conditions?


b) What are the differences and implications of the promises received through faith versus those received through the Law?


c) Why does relying on the Law lead to a curse? life?

3) How does Paul distinguish between faith and works in this passage?


a) Are they mutually exclusive, or is there a deeper relationship?


b) What is the significance of receiving the Spirit by faith rather than works?


c) Why is it impossible for anyone to be justified by the Law?

4) Why is Abraham’s faith significant in the context of salvation?


a) How does faith connect us to the promise given to Abraham?

5) What does the passage say about Christ’s death on the cross (“the tree”)?


a) What is the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice?

Assess Your Life

1) How does this sermon challenge your own understanding of salvation? In which ways does it resonate with your personal faith journey?

2) Reflect on, and create a list of, any legalistic tendencies in your own faith journey.

3) Meditate on the depth of Christ’s love for you. As you do so, pray for the Holy Spirit to help you put aside your legalistic tendencies.

Application

1) Consider moments when you’ve trusted God’s promises like Abraham did. How can you encourage others to walk in faith, following Abraham’s example?

2) What practical steps can you take to live more fully in the freedom and blessings offered by faith in Christ?

3) Which of these steps will you act on this week?

I will ask_____ to hold me accountable in this

Sermon Main Points

In traversing the journey from law to liberty through faith in Christ alone, believers need to:

1) Recognize the bondage of legalism.

2) Imitate the faith of Abraham.

3) Embrace the freedom of Christ

Sermon Reflection

What stood out for me in this sermon?

  1. Legalism blinds us to the reality of grace, hindering our spiritual growth and intimacy with God.

  2. Legalism refers to the error of preaching faith plus something else to make one acceptable to God.

  3. While we need to be gracious to one another and tolerant of disagreement over disputable matters, we cannot accept heresy.

  4. Righteousness is not achieved through works or adherence to the law but through faith in God’s promises.

  5. Abraham’s faith provides a deeper understanding of the role of faith in our relationship with God.

  6. The law exposes our sinfulness and inability to meet God’s standards on our own.

  7. Christ’s death on the cross was not merely a random act of violence but a deliberate and purposeful sacrifice, fulfilling God’s plan of salvation.

  8. From law to liberty was made possible through Christ alone.

What is something I can do to remember this?

5 Day Study Plan

Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.

Follow these steps
1. Observe the text.
(What do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)
2. Interpret the text.
(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)
3. Apply the text.
(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)

Day 1 - Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 15:6

Day 2 - Romans 4:1-5 Romans 13-17

Day 3 - Deuteronomy 27:26

Day 4 - John 1:17

Day 5 - Galatians 5:1-6


For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.