Promise of God's Spirit for Believers

We move from reading the law yesterday to reading Paul’s warning about trusting in the law today in the letter to the Galatians. This warning was written to early Christians who were being influenced by false teachers called the “Judaizers”. The Galatians had started to believe that they would be saved through religious and moral actions, and not by grace through faith. Paul warns them about this false teaching with harsh words that reveal how dangerous he considered legalism. As you read, consider: Why are people so interested in a legalistic form of faith? What does Paul teach us about what it looks like to trust, instead, in grace through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit?

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

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REFLECTION

Faith, Hinge-Pin of Salvation

By Judy Webb

How comfortable is it to give up control? Is it a struggle to just let go of something you have been working on so very diligently – and allow someone else to complete the task. Is anyone reading this a rabid controller? (Raise hands now). Did the early Christians fight this practice, or was it easy to “let go, and let God?”

As one who grew up Catholic in the 50’s, I was taught that my salvation would be a decided largely by my works. My actions determined my eternity. At least that is how I remember it. My good or bad works would be factored in before being allowed into heaven. I understood that Jesus died on a cross, but I didn’t comprehend that this selfless act of Jesus was atonement for my sins.

“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?” (Galatians 3:1-2)

When I got involved in a small group, a few seasoned believers began to speak into my life. I learned the truth about salvation. That it is all grace. There is nothing I can do, but freely receive this amazing gift of God’s grace and salvation.

Faith is the hinge pin. Faith is the God-ordained path to righteousness and eternal life:

By faith…You are children of Abraham (Romans 9:8).

By faith…you are justified (Romans 3:28, Galatians 2:16).

By faith…you are blessed (1 Peter 4:14).

The righteous live by faith (Galatians 3:11).

Received by faith, Christ was a sacrifice of atonement (Romans 3:25).

By His wounds you have been healed (1 Peter 2:24b).

By faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit (Galatians 3:14)

It is time to give up all control to God’s will. 

Again - Faith is the hinge pin. The God-ordained path to righteousness and eternal life.

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER

WEDNESDAY WISDOM – Pray for wisdom in these times as we all work toward protecting lives and consider the livelihoods of millions hurt by the economic impact.