The Grace You Want & Need | Galatians 1:3-5

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. — Galatians 1:3-5Show more

CALL OUT: Shout out today to Robert Fiscalini from Willis, TX. Thanks for your financial support and partnership in the Gospel.

This introductory clause here is so important. First, it is with the word "grace" that Paul is going to begin the letter and the same term he uses to close the letter (Galatians 6:18). Second, grace is the whole reason he is writing in the first place.

Here is how we define grace.

Grace is God's loving kindness and favor we don't earn or deserve. It's freely given to us because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Through Jesus, God offers us forgiveness, salvation, and a restored relationship with him, even though we fall short and make mistakes. It's a gift demonstrating God's unending love for us and his desire to be close to us.

Once we start digging into this letter, you will see why he intentionally uses the term "grace." It's because they had drifted from God's grace primarily because they were listening to some teachers who weren't teaching the doctrine of "grace" but of "works."

So today, I want to break both terms down for you and how they relate directly to our salvation and the core message of this book.

First | The Doctrine of Grace

The doctrine of grace teaches that salvation, or being made right with God, is a gift freely given by God. It's not something we can earn through our good deeds or efforts. Instead, it's entirely based on God's love and mercy toward us. This grace is made possible through Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again, conquering death. When we believe in Jesus and accept Him as our Savior, we receive the gift of grace, which includes forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life.

Second | The Doctrine of Works

On the other hand, the doctrine of works emphasizes the idea that our actions and good deeds play a role in earning salvation or favor with God. This perspective suggests that following religious laws, performing rituals, or doing good works can somehow merit God's acceptance and approval. However, according to Christian belief, no amount of human effort or good deeds can make us righteous in God's eyes. The Bible teaches that all people fall short of God's perfect standard (Romans 3:23) and that our righteousness is like filthy rags compared to God's holiness (Isaiah 64:6).

With this understanding in place, let's come back to our text. Paul is saying that God's grace by means of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection is our deliverance. His grace is our only deliverance.

Those of you listening today who have been in situations where you knew nothing you could do to save yourself understand what it means to trust in the grace of another person and God alone. If you have been caught in adultery by a spouse, knowing it was wrong and desiring to reconcile, you understand that your spouse's grace and God's grace in them is all you have. And many of you have been in situations just like this. Where there was no work you could do. Grace was your only hope. It's you who understand grace.

And this is what Paul is about to remind these Galatian churches about — incredible grace. God's grace. And it's not made possible by something you can do.

I want to recognize that some of you need some grace right now—grace from a person and God. And today, I am going to pray for you.

"Father, the believer on the other end of this devotional today needs grace. They realize their sinful deeds have gotten them to where they are today and that they can do no good deed to make right the wrongs. They realize their only hope is your grace in this ungracious and unforgiving world. They need your deliverance. Deliver them now as promised by the only man who did any good work, your sinless and perfect son, Jesus. Redeem their life, remove their sin, and restore their relationship with you, made possible by Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, in which they place all their faith and belief right now. Amen."

If you prayed this prayer, let me know at vince+grace@beresolute.org

#GraceInGalatians, #SalvationByGrace, #FaithNotWorks, #GodsUnendingLove, #RedemptionThroughJesus

ASK THIS:

How does understanding the difference between grace and works impact your perception of your relationship with God and your approach to living out your faith?
In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to fully rely on God's grace rather than trying to earn His favor through your own efforts?

DO THIS: Accept the only grace you need. It comes from God.

PRAY THIS: Father, I humbly come before you, acknowledging my need for your grace and redemption in every aspect of my life. Thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, and help me to live each day in the fullness of your grace and love. Amen.

PLAY THIS: This Is Amazing Grace.