Faith is difficult. This may be the reason so many in the Galatian church turned to the tangible – the Law. Faith is believing and trusting in something yet unseen. The Law was observable – at least that seems to be the thought process of those who started believing that following Jewish customs was necessary for salvation.
I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Galatians 3:2 (NIV)
The flaw in their thinking is revealed in verse 2. Obedience or observance to the law did not bring the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is only present in the life of one who has faith in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. We will deal with this a little later but here a hint: faith produces works in the lives of believers through the work of the Holy Spirit, making faith tangible and observable. For now, we must realize that the Spirit is present in our lives because of faith not the law.
Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Galatians 3:3 (NIV)
Human effort only mars the work of Christ on the cross. He died so the Comforter could come. This is the process God chose in order to redeem man. It is a simple process yet pride seems to keep people from accepting this gift. It is too easy so they turn away from just faith and try to work their way into heaven. This was a mistaken philosophy of such groups like the Deists. We must understand that works do not produce faith nor earn God’s grace. Grace is freely given and the Galatians had originally understood that in the beginning – “After beginning with the Spirit….”
That probably would make a great sermon: After beginning with the Spirit! Sometimes we let old habits overcome us and we fade in our spiritual habits. Sometimes speeches of grandeur which lack theological significance or truth sway us from faith and we fade. Sometimes life happens and we fade. After beginning with the Spirit, the Galatians started relying on their own efforts to stay true to the law. They faded from the beginning.
Abraham believed and was credited with righteousness. Sure he stepped out, but only after he believed. Sure he trusted God, but only after he believed. Sure he returned to God, but only because he believed.
The Jews’ one claim to “Jewishness” was their lineage dating back to Abraham. But Paul pops that bubble because the Bible foretold of the faith of the Gentiles who would be blessed by Abraham’s faith. The Gentiles through faith became the children of Abraham’s faith – not by circumcisions or customs! Gentiles through faith are just as blessed as Abraham! Oh, Happy Day!
All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." Galatians 3:10 (NIV)
Verse 10 is an eye opener. If you choose to rely on the law, you remain under a curse. Why? All are cursed who do not follow every act of the law written in the Pentateuch. The law does not make a person righteous before God. The law cannot establish relationship with God. Once broken, the law only reveals how separated we are from God. Only Christ could bridge this separation. Jesus had to be cursed (by hanging on a tree – wooden cross) to break the curse so we could enter into this relationship with God.
The righteous live by faith. This is the “new life” experience. It is a new perspective on our existence: accepting a Lord and Savior for His righteous work to redeem us from the curse revealed by the law. He died to show us life – life more abundant and life eternal.
The Holy Spirit’s presence in our life is evidence of the promise of Christ. God is faithful. Don’t forget what life is like after beginning with the Spirit because this beginning is not the end or the goal. Our goal is to press forward with the Spirit to an eternity with Christ. The Spirit was promised, and He came. Don’t get lazy in your faith. Don’t forget the foundation of your faith. Don’t forget the promises of your faith. The Spirit is here to help: let Him!
- Have you seen your faith wane? What do you think happened?
- How did you strengthen your faith? How do you keep it strengthened?
- How is the Holy Spirit’s presence evident in your life?
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