Living by Grace: How To Be Led By the Spirit
Living by grace is at the heart of the Christian walk, yet it is a principle often misunderstood or diluted by mixing it with the law. In Galatians 3, the Apostle Paul addresses this very issue with the church in Galatia. Known for being morally upright compared to the Corinthians, the Galatians still earned a sharp rebuke. Paul writes, "O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?" (Galatians 3:1). This striking language underscores the gravity of their error: they had begun their journey by faith and grace but attempted to achieve perfection through their own works. This error, known as "Galatianism," remains a common struggle among believers today.
Paul's argument is clear: the gospel is entirely about grace. He reminds the Galatians that Christ crucified was vividly preached to them, as if He had been crucified before their eyes. Yet, they had shifted their focus from grace to the law, believing their efforts could sustain or perfect what began in the Spirit. Galatians 3:3 poses the rhetorical question: "Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?" This challenge calls believers to examine their lives. Are we relying on God’s grace in every area, or are we reverting to self-reliance and works of the law in certain aspects?
The consequences of mixing grace and law are spiritually significant. Paul warns that living under the law brings frustration and a lack of dominion over sin and life's challenges. Romans 6:14 states, "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." Grace is not just the foundation of salvation but the power that sustains us in victorious living. Attempting to perfect ourselves through works, Paul says, leads to spiritual death—manifested as anxiety, depression, and frustration. Just as Ananias (whose name means "grace") and Sapphira (linked to "law") faced physical death when combined, mixing grace and law in our spiritual lives results in a lack of peace and rest.
True freedom comes from living solely by grace. This means recognizing that our righteousness, sanctification, and perfection are entirely the work of God, not human effort. Romans 11:6 reminds us, "If by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace." To live by grace is to surrender fully to God, trusting in His unmerited favor to transform every part of our lives. It’s a daily choice to depend on God rather than striving in our strength. When we experience ongoing frustration or areas of spiritual stagnation, it is often a sign that we are relying on ourselves rather than God’s grace.
As you reflect on this truth, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where you might be mixing grace with law. Surrender those areas to God, trusting Him to perfect what concerns you. Living by grace is not just a theological concept—it is the pathway to a life of victory, peace, and dominion. Today, let the reminder of Galatians 3 draw you closer to Christ and His finished work on the cross. Choose to rely on grace, and watch how God’s power brings transformation and freedom into every area of your life!
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