Galatians 3:1-14
Be Still: Lord Jesus, guide my heart today. Calm my shifting feelings to sense the deeper presence of you beside me, now, and throughout my day. Amen
Read: Galatians 3:1-14
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? So also Abraham ‘believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ (vv1-6)
Encounter: Paul returns to the crux of the letter – reminding the Galatians that salvation in Jesus is not the cross and... but simply believing the good news of Christ’s death for them.
He warns against proceeding ‘in the flesh’. The Message puts it: ‘How did your new life begin? Was it by working your heads off to please God?… For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God. If you weren’t smart enough or strong enough to begin it, how do you suppose you could perfect it?’
Trying to accomplish by our efforts our own salvation, or the kingdom-building God tasks us with, is ‘crazy’. Yet do we sometimes look at others' lives and think they look worthier of salvation than ours – that we must try harder? Instead, we should remember that although faith in Jesus produces a changed life, the Holy Spirit does the work, not us*. Yes, of course each one of us is called by him to specific areas of ministry and service, but it’s important to review whether there are areas of serving where we are labouring alone, striving to finish by means ‘of the flesh’ rather than empowered by the Spirit.
Be reminded: ‘My grace is enough, my power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:13).
Apply: Where do you sense the burden of striving to earn salvation? Seek freedom from this in his presence.
Where might you have started service in the Spirit, but are now trying to finish 'in the flesh' i.e., by yourself? Where do you feel jaded, powerless, or hopeless? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh to adapt, grow and fulfil the work given to you.
Devote: Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of salvation, and the joy of service. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit to assure me of your freely given grace, and to guide and sustain the work you have for me to do.
*I highly recommend the book Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Hayley Barton for diving more deeply into letting go of striving, and enjoying God