Week 6: Faith or the law?

Like many of you, my Bible is full of notes in the margins. Sermons, Bible studies, chapel services in college...taking notes helps me understand what I'm reading and helps me remember what I learned. When I found out I was assigned to write the weekly blog post for week 6, it sure was nice to open my Bible and find some notes in the margins!

Paul begins chapter 3 with, "You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?" Those are pretty strong words. I can only imagine the emotions that must have been behind those words. Why was Paul so stirred up? In this portion of Galatians, we see Paul rebuking the mentality of working to keep salvation. Galatians 3:4 says, "Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?"

Talk about taking one step forward and two steps back! Like the Galatians, we need to challenge ourselves to begin with the Spirit--and then we need to remain there! We are redeemed from the curse of the law because our Savior became a curse for us. Paul sums it up in verse 14. "He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."

Some thoughts to ponder today:

• Am I living foolishly like the Galatians, trying to work to keep my salvation?
• If so, what does that say about Jesus's sacrifice on the cross?
• Is there anyone in my life who needs to hear the freeing message of living by faith?

God, give us Your Spirit and work miracles among us. We receive You by faith!

Sarah Ann