No Other Gospel- Week 5

5-Day Devotional on Galatians 3:1-14

Day 1: Living by Faith, Not by Works

Summary:
Paul rebukes the Galatians for turning away from the gospel of grace and relying on works of the law. The gospel is clear: we are saved by faith in Christ, not by human effort.

Read:

• Galatians 3:1-3
• Romans 10:9-10
• Ephesians 2:8-9

Background:
The Galatians were being led astray by false teachers who promoted a blend of faith in Christ and obedience to the Mosaic Law for salvation. Paul reminds them that they received the Holy Spirit by faith, not by works, and rebukes them for abandoning the truth of the gospel.

Key Words:

• Foolish: A strong word Paul uses to express the Galatians’ spiritual misjudgment.
• Spirit: The Holy Spirit who initiates and sustains the Christian life.
• Works of the Law: Actions done to obey the Mosaic Law, which cannot justify or save.

Theological Truths:
Martin Luther wrote, “The article of justification is fragile, not in itself, but in us. I know how quickly one can forfeit the joy of the Gospel.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. Are there ways in which you depend on your works for assurance of salvation?(MULTILINE)
2. How can you rest more fully in the work of the Holy Spirit in your life?(MULTILINE)
3. What does it mean for you to live by faith rather than by works?(MULTILINE)

Application:
Identify one area where you rely on your efforts for spiritual growth. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to trust in His work in that area.

Day 2: The Blessing of Abraham by Faith

Summary:
Paul points to Abraham as the example of justification by faith, emphasizing that it is those who trust in God, not those who rely on the law, who are truly Abraham’s children.

Read:

• Galatians 3:6-9
• Romans 4:1-5
• Genesis 15:6

Background:
The false teachers in Galatia insisted that Gentile believers must follow Jewish customs. Paul reminds them that Abraham was justified by faith, not by works, and that the promise of blessing extends to all who believe, not just to those who observe the law.

Key Words:

• Faith: Trust in God’s promises, like Abraham’s trust in God’s word.
• Justification: Being declared righteous before God.
• Children of Abraham: Those who share Abraham’s faith, not just his ethnicity.

Theological Truths:
John Calvin noted, “Faith brings a man empty to God, that he may be filled with the blessings of Christ.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does Abraham’s example challenge your understanding of faith?(MULTILINE)
2. What promises of God are you trusting in by faith?(MULTILINE)
3. How does being a child of Abraham through faith impact your identity as a believer?(MULTILINE)

Application:
Consider an area of your life where you need to exercise faith like Abraham. Commit to trusting God’s promises over your own efforts.

Day 3: The Curse of the Law

Summary:
Paul explains that those who rely on the law are under a curse because no one can keep the law perfectly. Christ redeemed us from this curse by becoming a curse for us.

Read:

• Galatians 3:10-13
• Deuteronomy 27:26
• Romans 8:1-4

Background:
The Judaizers taught that observance of the law was necessary for salvation. Paul counters this by showing that the law cannot save anyone because it demands perfect obedience. Christ’s death on the cross redeemed us from the curse of the law, freeing us to live by grace.

Key Words:

• Curse: The judgment that comes from failing to keep the law.
• Redeemed: Bought back or rescued by Christ’s sacrifice.
• Hung on a tree: Refers to Christ’s crucifixion, where He bore the curse of the law.

Theological Truths:
Charles Spurgeon said, “Christ bore the curse of the law in His own body on the tree, that we might have the blessing of eternal life through faith.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. What does it mean for Christ to bear the curse of the law on your behalf?(MULTILINE)
2. How does the law’s demand for perfection reveal your need for a Savior?(MULTILINE)
3. In what ways do you still try to live under the law rather than in the freedom Christ offers?(MULTILINE)

Application:
Meditate on the reality that Christ took the curse you deserved. Let this truth shape how you live in freedom and gratitude today.

Day 4: The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

Summary:
Paul emphasizes that no one is justified by the law, but rather, “the righteous shall live by faith.” This truth has been central since the time of the Old Testament.

Read:

• Galatians 3:11-12
• Habakkuk 2:4
• Hebrews 10:38-39

Background:
Paul quotes Habakkuk to show that justification by faith was always God’s plan. The law is not based on faith but requires perfect obedience. In contrast, faith trusts in God’s provision for righteousness, which comes through Christ.

Key Words:

• Righteous: Those who are declared right with God through faith.
• Faith: Trusting in God’s promises and provision, not in human effort.
• Live by faith: Living in constant dependence on God’s grace rather than on human achievement.

Theological Truths:
John Owen wrote, “Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone. It is always accompanied by true repentance and a life of obedience.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does faith change the way you relate to God compared to living by the law?(MULTILINE)
2. What challenges do you face in living by faith day by day?(MULTILINE)
3. How does understanding that the righteous live by faith bring peace and freedom?(MULTILINE)

Application:
Identify one way you can intentionally live by faith today. Surrender an area where you have been striving in your own strength, and trust God instead.

Day 5: Receiving the Promise of the Spirit

Summary:
The blessing of Abraham comes to both Jews and Gentiles through Christ, and with it, we receive the Holy Spirit by faith. This Spirit-filled life is central to the believer’s experience.

Read:

• Galatians 3:14
• Acts 2:38-39
• Romans 8:14-16

Background:
Paul concludes that the purpose of Christ’s redemption is to bring the blessing of Abraham to all nations through faith, which includes the promised Holy Spirit. This Spirit empowers believers to live the Christian life and is the mark of those who belong to God.

Key Words:

• Blessing of Abraham: The promise of salvation and blessing that comes through faith.
• Promise of the Spirit: The gift of the Holy Spirit given to all believers in Christ.
• Gentiles: Non-Jewish people who are included in the covenant through faith.

Theological Truths:
J.I. Packer noted, “The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the supreme and crowning blessing of the gospel, bringing believers into an unbreakable fellowship with God.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life assure you of your salvation?(MULTILINE)
2. In what ways do you rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance?(MULTILINE)
3. How can you seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit in your daily walk?(MULTILINE)

Application:
Spend time in prayer today, asking the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh. Reflect on how the Spirit guides, comforts, and empowers you as a believer.