Love God Greatly - GalatiansSample

Paul questions the Galatians asking if they really believe they can receive the Holy Spirit by following religious laws. Paul answers definitively that the Holy Spirit is poured out through the revelation and power of faith, not by keeping the law.

The purpose of the religious law was to reflect the holiness of God, to demonstrate our need for a Savior, and to inevitably bring us to Christ. Once we are saved and have received the Holy Spirit within us as a seal of our salvation, God desires to transform us and glorify Himself through our good works. Therefore, good works follow salvation; they do not precede it. Therefore, good works are simply the byproduct of our love for God, not a means of earning God’s approval or righteousness. Those who are saved through Jesus already have been approved and found righteous.

In what ways do you find yourself trying to grow in maturity of Jesus Christ through willpower and self-reliance without the leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit? What habitual sin has you doubting that you are now holy? Are you pursuing holiness through your own futile efforts? Or will you surrender every moment, every decision, and every situation to God for His leading and guidance onto the path of holiness?

Father God, I constantly sense this overwhelming struggle between my sinful flesh and the Holy Spirit within me. When I want to do right, I find myself doing wrong. Although I know You have forgiven me of all of my sins, I still find myself trying to earn Your love. Lord, help me to surrender myself fully to You in faith - all of me, all of my flaws, mistakes, guilt, and shame. Remind me daily that I don’t have to fix myself for You or pretend to be spiritually perfect in order to earn Your acceptance. Help me to trust that I already have You for an eternity… that You are mine, and I am Yours no matter what. In Jesus’ name. Amen.