Galatians 2 - 1.15.24

Scripture

Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

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Observation

“Paul draws our attention away from the law, sin, death, and every evil, and centers it upon Christ.” (Reference: studylight.org)

Paul was opposing Cephas for forcing Gentiles to follow Jewish customs, and reiterating that we are saved and justified by faith in Jesus Christ and not works of the law. Paul, who of all people, knew how to follow the rules (which is a reason why he persecuted Christians as Saul), did not want the church to fall into the trap of rule following again, but rather a faith relationship with Christ.

Application

It’s all about Christ. Keep our focus on Him.

It is impossible to please God without faith. (Hebrews 11:6) I love this chapter in Galatians. Basically, do not be caught up in the rules of the faith, but rather the faith relationship with Christ. As a result, obedience will follow. If I just give my kids a bunch of rules to follow, but they don’t feel deeply loved by me first, how long do you think that relationship will last, before they start to rebel?

I want to encourage us through this time of prayer and fasting, that if it is not building our faith in Christ or drawing us closer to Jesus, we are just doing activities or having bragging rights of completing a challenge. Following rules breeds pride, but following Christ takes faith and humility.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your death and resurrection on the cross for my sins and that I am justified solely because of what You did, not what I did. Holy Spirit, please convict my heart when I fall into the trap of pride from following rules and the law. Help me to always stay humble and grateful for what only You alone have done for me. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi