Galatians - Grace Over Legalism (Daily Devotional)

Greetings and welcome to Living Supernaturally. Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity to minister to you and spend a few moments in prayer. Today, we will look at grace over legalism. Galatians chapter 5, verses 7 and 8, ‘You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.’ The word ‘legalism’ doesn’t occur in the bible. It is a term that Christians use to describe a doctrinal position, emphasizing a system of rules and regulations for achieving salvation and spiritual growth. Legalists believe in and demand a strict, literal adherence to rules and regulations. Doctrinally, it is opposed to grace. Those who hold a legalistic position often fail to see the real purpose, especially the purpose of the Old Testament of law which is to be the tutor to bring us to Christ. Paul compares the Galatians past progress with their present confusion. Paul was fond of athletic metaphors and if we read through the New Testament and read his letters, we read a lot about running, wrestling and he mentions these aggressive kinds of athletics endeavors to bring out the fact that Christian life is an active life. In fact, it is combative in nature, not in a bad sense but a good one. It calls for discipline, good and proper living, concentration and adherence to rules and belief in Christ. These Galatians heard the gospel, they believed it and they began to run the race with vigor, they were running straight and well. They not only believed the gospel but were also living it. Then someone cut into their lane and forced them out of track. Now when we see that happening in a sporting event and occasionally in a track meet when runners collide, it is a violent collision. They fall down, they are sprawled out of track, skinned up, hurt and dizzy. Well, that is what Paul is describing here. Paul is asking, ‘who hindered you?’ This is a rhetorical question for Paul had already known what the problem was. Legalism is always a hindrance, never a blessing. So, avoid falling into the trap of legalism. We can start by holding fast to the words of apostle John. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. While we need to be gracious to one another and tolerant of disagreement over disputable matters, we cannot accept heresy. We are exhorted to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to us the saints. If we remember these guidelines and apply them in love and mercy, we will be safe from both legalism and heresy.

Let us pray, Father, we thank you for your word and for teaching us in your word that it is not by our works that we come to you but by faith in Jesus Christ. Enable us, empower us and teach us to walk by faith every moment of our lives, to live for you, to glorify you. We thank and praise you, in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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