Faith, Power, and the Spirit
Have you ever felt like you’re running on a spiritual treadmill, trying hard to please God but feeling like you’re not getting anywhere? You’re not alone. This struggle is something the Apostle Paul addressed in his letter to the Galatians, particularly in Chapter 3. The Galatians had started their journey with Christ by faith, but they were slipping back into legalism, thinking they could complete God’s work in them through their own efforts.
Paul’s message is clear: the same way you started by faith is the same way you must continue. The book of Galatians is a powerful reminder of the gospel and grace, emphasizing that our relationship with God is not based on our works but on faith in Christ.
Faith, Not Works
Paul uses Abraham as a prime example of faith. Long before the law was given to Moses, Abraham was justified by his faith. Genesis 15:6 tells us, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” This shows that righteousness has always been about trusting in God’s promises, not about rule-keeping.
The law, Paul explains, demands perfection, which none of us can achieve. It exposes our weaknesses and shows us our need for a Savior. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, as Galatians 3:13 states. Through faith in Christ, we receive the promise of the Spirit.
Living by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not a reward for good behavior but a gift received by faith. As Christians, we are called to live by the Spirit, not by our own efforts. The Spirit empowers us, assures us of our identity as God’s children, and brings wisdom and revelation.
Paul challenges us to let go of self-effort and rely on the Spirit’s power. This means living with an expectancy of what God can do in and through us. It’s about waking up each day with the anticipation of seeing God’s work in our lives.
The Power of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit’s power is not a one-time event but an ongoing supply. We are called to continually receive and rely on His strength. This power is described as “dunamis,” a Greek word meaning miraculous power or strength beyond human capability. It’s the same power that marked Jesus’ ministry and is available to us today.
A Call to Surrender
To experience the fullness of the Spirit, we must surrender our self-reliance and ask for His power. Jesus promised that the Spirit would come upon us, empowering us to be His witnesses. This is not just about having the Spirit within us for our salvation but having the Spirit upon us for the salvation of others.
In conclusion, Galatians 3 reminds us that our journey with Christ is one of faith from start to finish. We are called to live by the Spirit, relying on His power and grace. Let us cast aside our self-efforts and embrace the abundant life that comes through faith in Christ. As we do, we will see God work in miraculous ways, both in us and through us.