Series: Action [#35]
FREEDOM LETTER- STOP TRYING
Galatians 1:1-10
Introduction:
We have been in our series in Acts since the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been many things happen since this series started. Every week’s sermon has been at the right time. My daily Bible reading has been in Acts and then all of a sudden, it went to Galatians. I began to pray about this; and God led me to continue this series; but put the letters that Paul wrote in their chronological order with when it happened in the Book of Acts.
Although there is a differing of opinion, most scholars believe that Galatians was written while Paul was in Antioch. Galatians is a letter about being free in Christ. There are many things that block the way to enjoying our freedom that we have in Christ- This morning we are going to look at the hindrance of works.
How many of you have thought, “If I will just try harder, my life will be better”? We hear comments like, “You can do anything you want to if you just believe and try harder”. I hate to disappoint you, but that is not true. I would like to be a star NBA player; but no matter how hard I try, that is not going to happen. Christians, you need to stop trying and trust God. Your freedom in Christ has nothing to do with how hard you are working for it.
Galatians 1:1-5
For freedom in Christ, stop trying and…
1. Trust in Jesus.
Many believers do not enjoy their salvation because they always feel like a failure. The Christian life has become a bunch of do’s and don’ts. These believers were slaves to the Law and had forgotten that they were saved by grace, not works.
The solution to not trying to work your way into Heaven is Jesus. Jesus came to this earth, died on a cross, and defeated sin, Satan, and death because we broke the Law. Therefore, it is humanly impossible to live a sinless life without Jesus. Strive to live a sinless life; but when you sin, don’t forget that Jesus already paid the price for that sin.
Galatians 1:6-9
For freedom in Christ, stop trying and…
2. Trust in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Many believers do not enjoy their salvation because they always feel confused. Every time they hear a doctrine preached or taught it sounds good; but when there is conflicting teaching, they do not know who to believe. Often these believers become slaves to the appearance of the teacher, (which results in the following of false doctrines and works taught by that teacher). The solution to not following all sorts of doctrines is to follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
There are many things in the Bible that can be debated and whatever “stance” you take really doesn’t matter; but when it comes to salvation and the Christian walk it matters more than anything else. The focus must be on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Don’t get “side-tracked” by things such as genealogies or the date of the Second Coming. Stay focused on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and in following Jesus’ footsteps. Keep it simple.
Galatians 1:10
For freedom in Christ, stop trying and…
3. Trust in God the Father.
Many believers do not enjoy their salvation because they always feel pressured. These believers did not want to disappoint other believers; they did not want to “stand out” amongst their unsaved friends; but they did not want to disappoint God either. These believers were working at how they appeared to each group.
The solution to trying to please everyone is to just trust in God the Father. There will come a time when each person will have to stand before God and give account for their life. Anytime you have to choose between God and man, the correct answer is God.
Conclusion:
This week, we are going to celebrate Thanksgiving. It seems hard to celebrate when we are told that we cannot be together for Thanksgiving- It is a challenge just to buy food and get your medication; but if you find your joy, peace, and thankfulness in Christ; you will be free.
