In our spiritual lives, we often choose between relying on our efforts and trusting in God’s grace. This decision impacts not only our relationship with God but also how we handle life’s ups and downs.
The book of Galatians warns about moving away from grace. The early believers in Galatia experienced a significant change through faith in Christ. But then, they were misled by teachings that stressed following rules and rituals instead of trusting in grace for salvation. This shift from grace to a rule-based faith was a real threat to their foundational beliefs.
It’s easy to wonder why these believers turned so quickly from grace to legalism. But if we’re honest, we might see a bit of ourselves in their struggle. In our daily routines, we might forget the simple gift of grace and start trying to earn God’s approval through our own deeds.
The apostle Paul addresses this by asking a key question: “Did you receive the Spirit by following the law, or by believing what you heard?” This question goes straight to the heart of the issue. Our connection with God and the presence of His Spirit comes from grace, accepted through faith, and not through our striving.
Think about Abraham, who is called the father of faith. Long before any laws were given, he “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” His trust in God set the example for all who would come after. Abraham was made right with God not by following rules but through faith.
This truth is not just in the Bible but also in our lives. Think about when you felt closest to God. Was it when you had everything figured out and were perfectly following the rules? Or was it when you trusted God, even in uncertain times?
We are often tempted to rely on our own efforts. In a world that values self-sufficiency, the Gospel calls us to depend on God’s grace instead of our strength.
Good works do matter, but they should naturally flow from a life transformed by grace, not be a way to earn God’s love. Paul writes that we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works prepared for us, but these actions result from salvation, not a means to it.
Living by grace requires us to keep renewing our minds. We must resist teachings that promise shortcuts. Instead, we need to anchor ourselves in God’s Word. By immersing in Scripture, we train ourselves to recognize His voice amidst the world’s noise.
Faith often grows in the everyday moments—in our routines and quiet reflections. In these ordinary times, God shapes us to be more like Christ.
The Bereans are a great example; they eagerly studied the Scriptures to confirm what they were taught, safeguarding themselves from false teachings.
As we grow in faith, we should remember the simplicity and power of the Gospel. It’s not about what we do for God, but what He has done for us through Christ. Understanding this truth frees us from trying to earn God’s love. It invites us into a trusting relationship based on His grace.
Practically, this means being aware of God’s presence daily, bringing our struggles and triumphs to Him, and acknowledging His grace in our lives. It also means appreciating our spiritual growth without comparing ourselves to others or merely checking boxes.
Living in grace means our lives become evidence of God’s power to transform. The qualities of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—grow not from our own efforts but through staying connected to Christ, abiding in Him.
Today, recommit to the grace that saves us. Let’s steer clear of legalism, self-reliance, and trust in God’s complete work through Christ. Doing so opens us to a deeper relationship with God—a relationship driven by His endless love and grace, not by a checklist of rules.
Study #14808
Galatians 3:1-9
