Scripture Text: Galatians 3:1-9
just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.
Galatians 3:6-7
Being called out wrongly is normal, and is also a humbling experience especially to Christians who are living their life in line with the standards of the gospel. Our lives devoted to Christ should always be a reminder that it is only by the saving faith that was given by God through the conviction of the Holy Spirit that we are called and made right in front of God.
Apostle Paul rebuked the Galatians by first emphasizing the fact that Christ's sacrifice is no longer foreign to them since they are well aware of the gospel as they themselves heard of it. However, they are now seeing the gospel differently from what was taught to them. Paul wanted them to realize that it was only by the grace of God that they were made right in the sight of God and will continue until the glorious welcoming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As Philippians 1:6 said, God is the one who began this good work in us, and He won't stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns. Paul wanted them to realize that even after hearing the gospel, it is only by faith that they can follow the commandments, teach and preach the word, and even live their lives in accordance to the word of God.
He then reminded that Abraham, who is one of the forefathers of our faith, was made righteous not because of the Law (this does not mean that he was not following any law), but followed the will of God because of the faith he has by hearing the One who has given him faith.
This was never to discount the law of God in our lives, but to set the fact that it is by faith that we are saved and sustained. This is the reason why we can follow the will of God and not the other way around. Obedience is the outcome of salvation through faith.
The gospel Paul preached was the public proclamation of salvation through faith in Christ crucified. His gospel was a matter of faith, not works. His gospel relied on the power of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel was meant not only for the Jews, but also to the Gentiles, which is why all the nations will be blessed through Abraham.
Reflect
1. Does the gospel you believe in solely rely on the faith that was given by God, or do you still think that you have a contribution to this gospel that saved you?
2. Do you realize that the way you believe in the gospel reflects on your actions and your heart as a Christian?
Remember
The Law was the perfect standard of God for us to follow, but faith is the enabling and continuing power that gives us the strength to obey through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Read
Romans 1:16-17, 4:11-24; Galatians 4:7-10, 5:4-8; Philippians 1:6
Pray
I pray to You, Abba Father, who is the Author of my salvation. I acknowledge the gospel of my Lord Jesus Christ as the power for salvation through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Humble me when I think that I have any contribution to my salvation. Correct my heart if I think highly of myself when I follow You. Make me realize that I can only do these because You are the one who works in me. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
Comments