Studying through Galatians has forced us to think deeply about sin, law, and grace; something that we need more of, not less. Paul reminds us that the law had a purpose, but it was never meant to be our savior or even our sanctifier. The purpose of the law was to reveal the sinful condition of our hearts and to drive men away from its condemnation and to the promise that is fulfilled in Christ. This reality remains critically relevant for us today as we learn to recognize how conditioned we are to think in terms of performance and external results. Though we affirm faith in Christ Jesus, we can often live as though our standing before God relies on our good works. But the gospel does not tell us to work harder so that perhaps God will accept us; it tells us that in Christ, God has already accepted us. We must also notice how deeply His grace changes our identity: “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith,” Paul tells us (v. 26). We belong to Christ. We have been clothed with Christ, united to Christ, and made heirs according to God’s promise. May we not return to the enslavement of a performance-based “Christianity” when Christ has already brought us into the family of God. Rest in the promise. Live today not for acceptance, but from acceptance; not trying to become God’s child, but walking as one who already is. –Pastor Nate
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: BTH–Obadiah–The Fall of Pride: Reaping What You Sow
10AM: Pastor Nate–No Other Promise by Faith, 2–Galatians 3:23-29 (sermon notes)
11:45AM: Potluck and Members’ Meeting