Galatians 3

From this chapter we can see that the "goal" which Paul had for himself and for the Galatians, is the same goal Paul's opponents had for the Galatians—he wanted them to mature in their faith. But the reason Paul is so outraged is because his opponents have convinced them that not only did their salvation come through works, but the process by which they will mature as believers would come through works as well!

"Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (vs 3). For Paul, it's foolish to think one is saved by receiving the Spirit through faith, and then growing as a believer by doing good works.

This is such an easy trap to fall into! I do it all the time. I know that good works are the fruit of those whose hearts have received and accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ, yet time and again I slide into thinking and living as though what I do (praying, reading God's word, serving others, etc.) is making me more holy. Do you ever do that?

Spiritual practices, like those listed above, do not make us holy. It's the other way around—when we are made holy, spiritual practices are produced. Do you see? You have already been made holy; through Christ's death on the cross and your receiving his Spirit through faith, you have been declared "righteous" by God. And according to Paul, the righteous are not only saved by faith, they also live by faith (vs 11).

It's easy to wake up and feel like you have to "do" the Christian life. Slow down. Take a deep breath (or two), and trust in what Christ has already done. If you know that Christ's death was 100% enough, you will not be trying to add to his work. Instead, whatever you do will be out of joyful gratefulness to your precious Savior.