Scripture
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by[a] the flesh? Galatians 3:3 ESV
Observation
Paul asks a poignant question: Is our faith based on the Spirit (faith in Christ) or flesh (the law)? We have started our renewed lives through our faith in Christ, faith that, through His death and resurrection, we are made righteous through the blood of Christ. Faith that Christ has sent His Spirit to live in us to do works according to our faith, not to gain righteousness. Or, as Paul is questioning, are we trying to be perfected by observing the law? Paul tells us that as we have started by receiving the Spirit through faith by hearing, let us also pursue and end with being perfected by the Spirit. Let our race be completed not by trusting in the observing the law but by trusting in the perfected work of Christ.
Application
I know I sometimes slip into doing work to atone for some wrong, and this affects my faith. I messed up and sinned, so I need to make it up to God. Paul says that the law tells us the standard God holds us to. And that standard is so high that we cannot possibly atone for it with the work we do here alone. It is only through Christ. Through faith, His sacrifice has covered our sins and shame and given us grace.
Though with my sins come natural consequences, I am redeemed and righteous in God’s eyes. In saying that, I need to repent and confess my sins: I need Christ. There may be things I need to do for reconciliation, but I need to remember that those actions and works I do are not to become righteous. The Bible says that if we confess our sins, he is faith and just to forgive them. I am forgiven, but let all my works be done in response to the forgiveness and grace I have received.
Prayer
Father God Almighty, Thank yo so much for Your Son, Jesus. Thank you for allowing us to be holy and righteous through His sacrifice. I am sorry for the times I try to make things up to You through action. I ask that You break that idea and allow me to rest in knowing it is through Your Spirit that I can be with You and not by my works. Thank you so much for this Word. Thank you for Your Grace! Thank you for your promise – Jesus! In your Mighty Name, Jesus. Amen!
