Living by Faith: A Devotional on Galatians 3:1-4:31
November 12
Scripture: Galatians 3:1-4:31 (NIV)
In Galatians 3:1-4:31, the apostle Paul continues his passionate defense of the Gospel of grace and freedom in Christ. He addresses the Galatian believers who were being influenced by false teachers to turn away from the message of salvation by faith alone and to return to a reliance on observance of the Jewish law.
One important verse from this passage is:
Galatians 3:11 (NIV):
"Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because 'the righteous will live by faith.'"
This verse underscores the central theme of Paul's message in Galatians: salvation is received by faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from works of the law. Paul quotes from the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk to emphasize that righteousness comes through faith, not through adherence to the law. The righteous are those who live by faith, trusting in God's grace and the finished work of Christ on the cross.
In Galatians 3:1-4:31, Paul presents several arguments to demonstrate the superiority of faith over the law in the believer's life. He appeals to the Galatians' own experience of receiving the Holy Spirit and experiencing the miraculous works of God through faith, not by obeying the law. Paul also points to the example of Abraham, who was justified by faith long before the law was given, and he highlights the promise made to Abraham and his offspring, who is Christ.
Furthermore, Paul contrasts the freedom and sonship that believers have received through faith in Christ with the bondage and slavery that comes from trying to earn righteousness through the law. He uses the allegory of Hagar and Sarah to illustrate the difference between living under the law and living in the freedom of the Spirit. Believers are children of promise, like Isaac, born through faith, not through works of the law.
As we reflect on Galatians 3:1-4:31, let us consider how this passage applies to our lives today. Let us recognize the futility of trying to earn righteousness through our own efforts and works. Instead, let us place our faith in Jesus Christ, who has fulfilled the law on our behalf and has made us righteous through His sacrifice on the cross.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of salvation through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to trust in His finished work on the cross and to live our lives by faith in Him.
Deliver us from the bondage of trying to earn righteousness through our own efforts, and fill us with Your Spirit so that we may walk in freedom and obedience to Your will.
May we live as children of promise, heirs of Your kingdom, and may Your grace and love shine through us to the world around us.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
