“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” (Galatians 3:1-5).
These were the fiery questions Paul had for the Galatian Christians, when they were acting like they enjoyed living under the bondage of the Law. He had to put it straight to them and ask who bewitched them. God had delivered them from the curse and condemnation of the Law; He had delivered them from its principles, ordinances, statutes and judgments. What they heard and received, and the miracles they experienced all came by the hearing of the Word of faith.
It’s the same thing today; everything you have, every blessing that has come your way, you received them by faith! It wasn’t just because you talked well at the interview that you got the job. It wasn’t because you were so fast and your reflexes were sharp that you escaped crashing your car. It was the unseen hand of God working on your behalf. Recognize the blessing of God in your life. It’s neither common nor ordinary. When you appreciate this and acknowledge God who helps you, you’ll experience even greater testimonies in your life.
Remember, the miracles and the manifestations of the Spirit of God you experience in your life are by the hearing of the Word of faith, and not by observation of the law or by works. God doesn’t hear you or bless you just because you pray for several hours every day, or because you attend all your church meetings, or because you fast thrice in the week. Don’t get me wrong; these things are good in themselves and vital in your life as a Christian, but don’t try to get God’s approval by doing them. What God watches out for and rewards is your faith, not works; yet your works will promote you if done in faith.
Confession
I’ve been justified, not by my works, but by the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. For by the works of the Law shall no man be made right with God. Therefore being full of the Holy Ghost I live by the faith of the son of God who loved me and gave His life for me!
Further Study: Galatians 2:16: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
Romans 4:3-5 “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. [4] Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. [5] But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
(Taken by permission from Christ Embassy Church , aka Believer’s LoveWorld Ministries , Lagos, Nigeria. www.ChristEmbassy.org )
