Holy Grit — Confronting Legalism with Grace - Monday
Today’s Verse
Galatians 3:2-3
Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort. (NLT)
In school, from elementary through college, I was never much of a studier. Whether through personal laziness, unfounded confidence, or lack of time due to sports or extracurriculars, I regularly found myself unprepared and unfamiliar with the subject matter. My report cards and grades often represented this fact with little nuance. Thankfully, “Cs get degrees” rang true in my life!
The early church leaders often seemed to feel similarly when it came time to talk to Paul about how they were doing. Even worse, it seems their errant behavior made it back to them via letter, which has to feel a bit like a fiery email today—Paul’s writing often carried a bit of a “Per my previous email” sentiment when he had something to address. Today’s verse from Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia touches on what we heard in this weekend’s sermon. I walked away with this idea: Legalism is what it looks like to live on the wrong side of the cross. On one side, we have the old life buried with Christ; on the other, we have the new life we have in Christ.
Reread today’s verse. The church in Galatia was leaning back towards their old understanding of the law, implementing rules and practices that at times were generally good—but not the result of faith. They were re-establishing the old law, meant to align them more closely to God, and forsaking the fact that Jesus came to fulfill the law and provide a constant connection to God through grace.
How often do we fall into the same trap of legalism?
REFLECTION
As we tackle legalism and grace this week, reflect on what you’re trying to get “right” in your faith. Prayer is one thing I am tempted to place rules around so that it’s “correct”. Take an inventory, and let’s meet back tomorrow.
