Sunday Words of Encouragement November 5, 2017

We had an interesting Sunday School lesson and then a good Sermon. Pastor continued with his Illuminate sermon series from Galatians.

The first week was Galatians Chapter 1 – The Purity of the Gospel.
Last week was Chapter 2 - Real freedom. Those who are free are free indeed. My old self has been crucified with Christ. Don't go back to dig up the dead man.

This week is Chapter 3. Humans often try to make up for errors even though it is impossible. It is hard to fix an error in a relationship. Offenses against God are our sins - our errors in relationship - and they continue. They can't be undone.

Paul says in Galatians 3:3: “Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” He is asking them why they are trying to get right by their own efforts. Each person who accepts God is filled with the Holy Spirit who is there to complete the process of redemption. (This is not to be confused with the gift of the Spirit for tongues which comes through the baptism with Holy Spirit, not just the acceptance.) Paul notes that righteousness comes only through faith. Galatians 3:8-9.
 
The Point: We are powerless to atone for our sin. God makes us right with Him when we put our trust in Him.

Spiritual lineage is more important than ancestral lineage. The Spiritual cannot be passed on but can be taught.Have you accepted the promise that was given to Abraham? The promise: If he would trust God, he would be saved.

It is your faith that saves you. Don’t go back to the law. The law reveals that you cannot do it on your own. It is nothing to do with cultural affiliation. Galatians 3: 13. (See Deuteronomy 21:22-23.) The law did not negate the promise but showed how only faith is able to save. Christ is our justification. Christ died to satisfy the law for us. Romans 8:1-4 God initiated a reinstatement of His relationship with us.

What do we need to do? Give up trying yourself and surrender to God. We have a suitcase full of sin that we are dragging along. Give it up. Leave it behind by accepting God's righteousness. When the believers live free, others will see their joy.

This song seems to fit today's message.

Verses for Today:
Galatians 3:8-9
8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

Lord, I thank You for justifying me,,, and giving me faith. Help me to rely on You each day and not rely on my own efforts.