Galatians: Week 5 | Day 5

by

Day 5

Lisa Sheffler, author

Happy Friday!

We’ve made it through another week of Galatians! What is God revealing to you through his Word? Spend some time with him today, asking him to guide you to apply what you’ve learned.

Reflect

As we’re moving into the more theological section of Galatians, we’ll be challenged. Not because it’s too hard, but because we’re going to have to understand the context to get Paul’s message, and then we can consider how we might apply it to our lives today. The Word of God always has something to teach us!

Take another look at Galatians 3:1–14

  • In your own words, what point is Paul trying to make? What is his argument against his opponents?
  • What has stayed with you personally as you’ve studied this passage?

    Connect

    Abraham “believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Galatians 3:6).

    Our Christian faith has always been based in relationship. God created a beautiful garden for the first humans to dwell, but his desire was to live there with them. When their rebellion created distance between God and his people, God bridged that distance. He’s never given up on humanity, though we’ve given him plenty of reasons to.

    God’s love for us is so powerful and complete, that all he asks of us is that we trust him. There’s no checklist of requirements to meet. Our relationship with God is not some cosmic job interview where we have to prove we’re worthy. Our Father has done everything that was needed to bring us home to be with him. We only need to have faith that it’s true.

    But it’s hard sometimes, isn’t it? Sin and suffering can obscure these profound, but simple truths. Every pain that we feel, and every obstacle that we face can become another veil dropped in front of us that we have to peer through to see the goodness of God. Our own willful sin can be another shroud. The suffering of others and the injustice in our world can further block our view. If we don’t lift those screens, we’ll lose sight of the one standing behind them offering us his love. How can we move them out of the way?

    We can always close our eyes and remember the cross.

    Jesus “redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13) Can you imagine? The eternal Son of God, present at the moment of creation, through whom all things were made became the cursed of God to redeem us from the curse we deserved. It’s astounding when you stop and ponder it, isn’t it? That’s how much your loved. That’s how much your Creator thinks your worth. And all you have to do is put your faith in him, and it will be credited to you as righteousness. By the Spirit, your obedience will flow from your relationship.

    Lift your head, Christian and behold your God. You can trust him. Believe, and then live like it. He’s not going to let you down.

    Respond

    I’m adding a question to our response time. See what you think. Slow down, pray over these, and ask the Spirit to direct you.

    • What do you want me to take away from what I’ve studied this week? What do you want me to remember and keep present with me?
    • What do you want me to do with the truth of your Word? What is the one, next, right step that you want me to take?
    • What are you teaching me about you? About who you are and the relationship I have with you? How can I worship and love you based on what you’ve revealed?

    As we study Galatians, we have the opportunity to grow in our faith. The more we understand who God is and what he has done for us, and the more we rely on the Spirit, the more we will trust God, invite him to transform us, and step out in faith to do the work he has set before us.

    So what is the Spirit calling you to do as an act of faith? Is there an area of your life where you are relying on unhealthy habits to soothe your fears instead of trusting God? Are you living a life of obedience to God? How could trusting God more enable you to obey him more fully? Are you reaching out to others with the love of Christ in practical ways? Allow the Spirit to lead you to repentance.

    Easter is next week! Who could you invite to join you for Easter services, either in person or online? How could you have a meaningful conversation about the true meaning of Easter? 

    Coming up next week…

    We have a special Easter Engage God Daily for you next week! We’re going to provide you with a devotional every day from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday that walks you through the final events in Jesus’ earthly life. That’s eight days of content that can help you focus on Christ as we remember what he has done for us and celebrate the resurrection.

    So check your email or the Christ Fellowship App this Sunday for Day 1. This might be a good week to check out our audio version too. We have a special narrator for our Easter guide! bit.ly/EngageGodDaily