Galatians 3: 2-7 CEB – ‘I just want to know this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the Law or by believing what you heard? Are you so irrational? After you started with the Spirit, are you now finishing up with your own human effort?
Today’s devotional is a reminder about important foundations of our faith to aid right believing and right living.
Believe in God first then come works. John 6:29 – “Jesus told them, ‘This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.’”
True faith in God is what produces the righteous works that are pleasing to God.(James 2:17-26). Attempting to please God without genuine faith does not produce works acceptable before God. (Isaiah 64:6, Genesis 2:4)
Believe in Jesus first then comes righteousness. Our belief in Jesus is what credits us with righteousness (Galatians 3:6). There is no striving necessary for this righteousness because it is a gift given to those who believe (Romans 5:17). God wants it to be this way so that no man can boast. Realizing that we were saved by grace continually keeps us humble and indebted to the One who died for us so we can live for Him.
We must also take into consideration that our belief in Christ is evident by our obedience and righteous deeds in Him (1 John 3:7; James 2:14-26).
A relationship with Jesus first, then comes growth. John 15: 1-17 – “Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. If you remain in Him, you will produce fruit.” Fruit happens as a result of continuing in true relationship with God. Draw close to the Lord daily in prayer, study of the word and fellowship, the more you abide in Him, the more you become like Him and bear fruit for Him.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank you for the truth of your word. You have called me to a life of faith, obedience and righteousness. Please give me the grace and wisdom to understand the truth of the gospel and walk in it in Jesus name. Amen.