This sermon's main point is to understand that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, not by the works of the law, and to appreciate the power of God's grace and the limitations of legalism.
Good morning, family! Today, we're diving into the heart of Paul's letter to the Galatians, where we'll explore themes of faith, grace, and the limitations of legalism. As we set the stage, let's remember the words of A.W. Tozer, a respected Christian author, who said, "Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ."
"We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker. For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be achieved through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
To live by faith in Christ means to fully trust in Him for our salvation, rather than relying on our own efforts or good works. It's a shift from self-reliance to Christ-reliance. This is what Paul means when he says, "a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ." Justification, in theological terms, is the act of being declared righteous in the sight of God. It's not something we can earn or achieve on our own; it's a gift that we receive through faith in Jesus Christ.
This faith is not a passive belief but an active trust that transforms our lives. It's a faith that surrenders control, acknowledges our need for a Savior, and embraces the grace that God offers us through Christ. It's a faith that shapes our identity, guides our decisions, and fuels our actions. As Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Living by faith in Christ also means recognizing the limitations of the law. The law, as Paul refers to it, is the Old Testament law given to the Israelites. While the law is good and holy, it's unable to save us or make us righteous. It can show us our sin and our need for a Savior, but it can't provide the solution. That's why Paul says, "by the works of the law no one will be justified." The law can't justify us; only faith in Christ can do that.
This doesn't mean that we disregard the law or live lawlessly. On the contrary, living by faith in Christ leads us to fulfill the law in a deeper, more meaningful way. It's not about following a set of rules out of obligation, but about living a life of love and obedience out of gratitude for what Christ has done for us. It's about being led by the Spirit, not by the letter of the law.
Living by faith in Christ is a journey, not a destination. It's a daily decision to trust in Christ, to surrender our lives to Him, and to allow Him to work in and through us. It's a process of growing and maturing in our faith, of becoming more like Christ, and of experiencing the abundant life that He promises.
Grace, in the Christian context, is the unmerited favor of God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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