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
