Faith, Part 1 Series

Faith, Part 1

Galatians 2:15-21

Believers often struggle with explaining, "What is faith?"

Sometimes we are strong

Other times we are weak ... and we struggle

It is in these times that God moves us

IF ... we will listen and obey His direction

Stand and read Galatians 2:15-21 / Pray

1. What is Faith?

Paul really lays it down - he really pulls no punches on what faith is

His definition allows us to explore it, to study and examine ourselves

When we examine ourselves, 3 things are revealed:

1. Sin

2. Failure

3. Our need for a Savior

The latter is the most important ... we NEED Jesus!

Jesus fulfills the Law (from Romans study), He completes it and us

Our faith is put in Him 100%

We cannot be saved by anything that we do (see Eph 2:8-9)

v16 - There is nothing that we do to be saved

When we are justified we are righteous ... and only Jesus is both!

2. We Need to Seek Jesus FIRST

(17) We see our sin when we:

1. Seek Jesus

2. Realize what He has done

3. Comprehend that only He is able to forgive

When we try to rebuild our lives by ourselves:

1. It becomes us working for us

2. It is no longer a faith issue

3. It is then a matter of our controlling the situation

(19) Faith is understanding that through the Law we must die to ourselves in order to LIVE for God!

3. No Longer Mine

Faith takes control if we surrender

In the hard times is when the testing comes

God calls us to Himself for strengthening of our faith

He is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2) - expound

We live because of what He has done

(21) Very familiar verse to many -- but what is the application?

I live by the faith that He gives me

I look to Him solely for guidance

Because the GRACE and RIGHTEOUSNESS that Jesus provides defines our lives in Him

Next Sunday: Why God tests our faith?

Pray