Galatians 3, 4, 5
Christ freed us from our sins. Our salvation required intervention by the Spirit, yet we end up fighting against what was started and try to accomplish it on our own accord. Paul criticizes the Galatians for this.
3Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? 5Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard? Galatians 3:3-5
We do not just live according to the Law because of our own volition, but through our faith. “The righteous will live by faith.” Just as Paul indicated to the Galatians, he reminds us all that we are a prisoner to sin.
22But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Galatians 3:22
The most hard hitting part of our faith and salvation is that we used to sin prior to knowing God. Now that we do, how can we all possibly keep turning back to those sins, the very sins that bound us to earth?
1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
7You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? Galatians 5″6-7
13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature[a]; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] Galatians 5:13-14
We need to all remember that we all live by the Spirit and we should strive to not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
The simplest way to explain how we should live is written in Galatians 5:22-24.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24
Dear Lord, I lack so many things. Yet, you stand by, ready to catch me when I fall. Let your commands ring in my heart – may it spurn me on in zeal to enjoy the fruits of the spirit. Help me to live with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Help me to crucify my sinful nature. You are a God of promise, help me to live on your grace alone and not on my own human merits. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Nourished by His Word 
Leave a comment