Week 2 | Day 1
FAITH THE WORKS
Galatians 3:1-14
Paul opens Galatians 3 with pastoral urgency: “O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?” Having begun their Christian lives by the Spirit through faith, they were now being tempted to pursue spiritual maturity through works of the Law. Paul reminds them of their own experience—did they receive the Spirit by observing the Law, or by hearing with faith? The obvious answer exposes the error. The Christian life begins by grace through faith, continues by grace through faith—and is kept by it too. Never is it sustained by human effort.
To clarify, Paul turns to Abraham, demonstrating that justification has always been by faith. “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” The Law, given centuries later, didn’t replace the promise but reveals our inability to achieve righteousness on our own. Scripture declares that all who rely on works of the Law are under a curse because perfect obedience is required. Yet Christ redeemed us from that curse by becoming a curse for us on the cross fulfilling where the Law fell short. The blessing promised to Abraham—justification and the gift of the Spirit—comes to all who believe teaching us that the gospel is not self-improvement through keeping the law but redemption through substitution.
To clarify, Paul turns to Abraham, demonstrating that justification has always been by faith. “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” The Law, given centuries later, didn’t replace the promise but reveals our inability to achieve righteousness on our own. Scripture declares that all who rely on works of the Law are under a curse because perfect obedience is required. Yet Christ redeemed us from that curse by becoming a curse for us on the cross fulfilling where the Law fell short. The blessing promised to Abraham—justification and the gift of the Spirit—comes to all who believe teaching us that the gospel is not self-improvement through keeping the law but redemption through substitution.
Application
Remember How You Began Your Walk with Christ
We are saved by grace through faith, not by effort. Don’t attempt to perfect in the flesh what began in the Spirit. Live in active response to what Jesus did on the cross under the leading of the Spirit in sync with God’s Word.
Guard Against Spiritual Self-reliance
Legalism often disguises itself as discipline or maturity. True growth flows from dependence on the Spirit, not confidence in performance.
Stand Firmly in the Truth of Justification by Faith
Abraham was counted righteous because he believed God. Our acceptance before God rests on trust in His promise, not our personal record.
Take Seriously the Weight of the Law
The Law reveals God’s holiness and our inability to meet its demands. It drives us to Christ, who fulfilled its requirements on our behalf. To choose anything other than Jesus is to subject yourself to t the rule of the Law.
Rejoice in Christ’s Substitutionary Redemption
Jesus became a curse for us so that we might receive blessing. Gratitude and humility grow when we remember what it cost Him to set us free.
We are saved by grace through faith, not by effort. Don’t attempt to perfect in the flesh what began in the Spirit. Live in active response to what Jesus did on the cross under the leading of the Spirit in sync with God’s Word.
Guard Against Spiritual Self-reliance
Legalism often disguises itself as discipline or maturity. True growth flows from dependence on the Spirit, not confidence in performance.
Stand Firmly in the Truth of Justification by Faith
Abraham was counted righteous because he believed God. Our acceptance before God rests on trust in His promise, not our personal record.
Take Seriously the Weight of the Law
The Law reveals God’s holiness and our inability to meet its demands. It drives us to Christ, who fulfilled its requirements on our behalf. To choose anything other than Jesus is to subject yourself to t the rule of the Law.
Rejoice in Christ’s Substitutionary Redemption
Jesus became a curse for us so that we might receive blessing. Gratitude and humility grow when we remember what it cost Him to set us free.
Closing Prayer
Father, forgive me when I drift into self-reliance and forget that I’m to live by the same grace that saved me. Thank You that Christ redeemed me from the curse of the Law and secured the blessing of faith. Teach me to walk daily in dependence on Your Spirit and to rest confidently in Your promise. May my life reflect gratitude for the cross and steadfast trust in Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.