Central Truth

We can never earn God's acceptance by our own effort.

Reflections

I love the direct, in-your-face language Paul uses in verse 1 – "You foolish Galatians!" Sometimes I need that same directness too. While I might not consciously think I am justified or made right by following the law, I know I am practicing it when I compare my behavior to others.   This can only lead to a self-righteous attitude when I perceive myself as better than someone else or throwing a pity party for myself when I don’t measure up. A classic lose-lose scenario. Unfortunately, it's also a lose-lose situation to play this game with God. I can keep the major rules. I didn’t kill anyone. I didn’t steal. So hey, God, I’m doing pretty well…aren’t I?

It’s interesting that people throughout the centuries have turned to a list of rules for acceptance. Just give me a list and tell me what the requirements are. Then I can figure out how I measure up. Maybe the real issue is not so much the law as the vexing problem of grace. Paul references Abraham. He believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Paul contrasts the law with faith. He further declares this as faith in God and faith in Christ. Can I further push that to faith in God’s grace? I do that because it is only by His grace that I can find His complete and sustainable acceptance. His amazing grace that is impossible to really grasp. Because I cannot comprehend it with my mind, it is by only by faith that I can believe it.

Paul goes on to tell the Galatians that the Holy Spirit ONLY comes by faith. Another clear and direct challenge to walk by faith! So the choice seems clear, try to live by the law and you will die by it. Live by faith and you will live in the Spirit!

Discussion Questions

1. What does “the law” look like today?

2. Has following the law ever worked for you?

3. Can you believe God and accept his grace?  Why or why not?