Galatians 5:1-4
Reflect
Christ has ultimately set us free from being bound to the slavery, power, and penalty of sin and its consequences. The Galatians were encouraged to stand firm and grounded in order to not fall back into a works-based gospel.
By submitting to circumcision, the ramifications were severe as it would negate the work of Christ (v2) and have no power or value to the person. Christ would be insufficient for salvation. On top of that, if one were to submit to one part of the law, then he or she would be obligated to submit to the whole law (v4)! Can you imagine trying to keep over 600 commandments?
If I were trying to follow that type of a gospel for my salvation, I would feel insecure with the uncertainty of my salvation since it would be impossible to confidently know that I’ve done enough. I would live exhausted and anxious as someone who would care for my eternity. Do I have to give more? Serve more? Help more? Love more? Am I saved? That’s not freedom! Through grace and faith, Christ liberates us from anxiety, and replaces it with security.
Apply
Pray for discernment to recognize the possible work-based tendencies that sneak up in your faith that lead you to believe in a different gospel.
Pastor Nathanael
Pray
- Pray for our childcare team, the children and their families this week. Pray for the Director, Angie.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray for our Missions Ministry Assistant, Oleksandr Lushchyk.
- Pray for our Evening Event Hosts, Ethan Okken and Noah Okken