In today’s post, we continue our study of the book of Galatians, discussing whether our salvation is earned by faith or by works. I feel like this is one of those topics you cannot discuss enough. Last week we hit on the idea that the church in Galatia and the surrounding regions were being influenced by Jewish believers that wanted them to take on the burden of the Old Covenant.
Think back to elementary school and think of a favorite teacher. Imagine seeing that teacher now, introducing that teacher to me as Mr. or Mrs. Whoever, and expecting me to address them the same way. I would have no desire/need to call them Mr or Mrs. Because they weren’t my teacher. Imagine you putting pressure on me to do so, or you would begin implying that I was rude and disrespectful.
That scenario might sound ridiculous, but in reality, this is what the Gentiles were being forced into. And they had the choice to give in to this other gospel or go with the one that Paul preached. So as we dive deeper into this letter, we start seeing how Paul will build the case for their salvation by faith and not by works. Let’s start by reading Galatians 3:1-14
So this good work began with Christ. However, we as individuals (who needed Jesus), say that we will take it from here. It’s so easy to do this. We thank God for the cross and then act as if we didn’t need it.
Have you ever heard about the drive-through blessing? This is where you pay for the person behind you in the drive-through. If you are aware of the drive-through blessing, you have probably even seen news stories where it ignites a chain that can go on for hours of everyone paying for the next person.
This perfectly models the scripture we are reading. Who gets the blessing? The first person who started it, and the last person. The first person gave the gift and the last person received it. Everyone else paid more or less for what they were already going to get.
They feel like they got something, but they didn’t. Now get this. When you receive the drive-through blessing, it’s like when you accepted Christ. You didn’t do anything to earn it; you just received it. Now, if it really sinks in how appreciative you are of that gift, you might start doing that yourself when Holy Spirit prompts you. If that’s the case, you are doing it because your life was changed.
But if you are sitting there and doing it because “it’s the right thing to do” or you are worried about the cost, it is because of works and the flesh. God’s Presence came by grace, not works. Adding your works to God’s grace is like flapping your wings on a flight to help.
All Blessed Through Abraham
Galatians 3:6-9 discussed how Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? The Jewish population (especially at the time) was proud of their relationship with Abraham. But ultimately, they created a Counterfeit Abraham. The real Abraham (or Abram at the time) – was a Gentile; God showed up to bless him (Land and Lineage) in Genesis 12; he had faith in God, and circumcision happened 13-14 years later when he was promised a son at the age of 99. Then the Law of Moses came 400-500 years later.
What is our take on that? Faith is all that matters. Works flow from a grateful spirit for what God does for us and a desire for others to experience it as well.
Start with Jesus, Stay with Jesus
Take a moment and read through Galatians 3:15-29 (ESV)
What we can tell from this passage is that Abraham has three kinds of children:
Culturally Jewish with faith in Christ = Christians
Culturally Jewish without faith in Christ = non-Christians
Culturally Gentile with faith in Christ = Christians
This passage also describes a promise that Abraham received…
This promise was given to Abram before he became Abraham, before he had a son, before circumcision, and 430ish years before the law. Faith was in place before the law existed. The law existed until the appointed time for the Messiah, Jesus, to come and live out faith. There was always going to be the ability for Gentiles because Abram was a Gentile until he fathered the people that would become Israel.
So ultimately, anything I try and put on myself besides Christ constitutes a false religion. It is a chain or a weight that holds me down and back. THAT BEING SAID!!! Refusing to serve, refusing to grow, refusing to give, and refusing to go, are indicators that you haven’t fully received Jesus.
Heirs and Slaves
Now lets take a moment to read Galatians 4:1-7 (ESV)
Children don’t get to make a ton of choices. As they age, they can get more responsibility, but when you become 18, almost every choice is opened up to you. In the Galatian society, the Father decided when you were an adult and could make those choices. They freed you up to truly become an Heir. When you were a child, it was like you were a slave; you had to listen, but when you fully become an heir, you can make your decisions.
At the fullness of time, God sent forth Jesus to redeem those who were under the law so that we might receive adoption as sons and heirs. Leaving the law behind and putting on Jesus allows us to mature and take on more responsibilities for the Kingdom. But it leads me to ask this question of you…
Do you relate to God as a master or Father?
If I try to earn salvation from God, I am still under the law and operating as a slave. If I am trying to serve out of a grateful heart, it’s because I am serving my Father.
Step into maturity. Step into a relationship; step into being an heir.
Want to study this topic in more depth? Check out the full sermon here on YouTube!