Anchored in Faith: Avoiding the Drift to Legalism
Summary
In today's gathering, we delved into the theme of "The Drift Towards Legalism," exploring the profound message found in Galatians chapter three. The Apostle Paul addresses the Galatians with a stern reminder of the dangers of drifting away from the foundational truth of the gospel. He emphasizes that salvation is not earned through works but is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. This message is crucial for us today as we navigate the complexities of faith and the temptation to rely on our own efforts for righteousness.
Paul's letter to the Galatians serves as a warning against the subtle shift from grace to legalism. He reminds us that the law was given not as a means to achieve righteousness but to point us to our need for a Savior. The law acts as a mirror, revealing our sinfulness and our inability to fulfill its demands on our own. It is only through faith in Christ that we are justified and made right with God.
The story of Abraham is a powerful illustration of this truth. Abraham was justified by faith long before the law was given. His belief in God's promises was credited to him as righteousness. This example underscores that our relationship with God is based on faith, not on our ability to adhere to a set of rules.
We must be vigilant in anchoring our faith and theology in the true Scriptures. Without this anchor, we risk drifting into dangerous waters, swayed by false teachings and legalistic mindsets. Discipleship and a deep engagement with the Word of God are essential to prevent this drift. We are called to be Bereans, examining the Scriptures daily to ensure that our beliefs align with the truth of the gospel.
As we reflect on our own journeys, we must recognize the areas where we may have drifted. Whether due to past church experiences, shame, or a lack of discipleship, we are invited to return to the simplicity and purity of the gospel. Our works do not save us; they are a response to the grace we have received. Let us rest in the assurance that we are loved and accepted by God, not because of what we do, but because of who He is.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith Over Works: Our salvation is not based on our ability to follow the law but on our faith in Jesus Christ. Just as Abraham was justified by faith, we too are made righteous through belief, not by our works. This understanding frees us from the bondage of legalism and allows us to rest in God's grace. [17:33]
- The Danger of Drifting: Without a firm anchor in the Scriptures, we risk drifting into false teachings and legalism. The Apostle Paul warns against this drift, urging us to remain rooted in the truth of the gospel. Discipleship and engagement with God's Word are crucial in maintaining our faith. [20:37]
- The Role of the Law: The law serves as a mirror, revealing our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. It points us to Jesus, who fulfilled the law on our behalf. Understanding this helps us appreciate the grace we have received and prevents us from relying on our own efforts for righteousness. [34:03]
- Shame and Repentance: Shame should not drive us away from God but towards repentance and His loving embrace. When we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. This truth invites us to run to Him, not away, in times of failure and guilt. [26:28]
- The Assurance of Faith: Our standing with God is secure because of Jesus' sacrifice. On our worst days, He chose to die for us, demonstrating a love that surpasses all understanding. This assurance allows us to live in freedom, knowing that we are accepted and loved by God. [30:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Introduction to the Series
- [04:30] - Reading from Galatians 3
- [10:00] - The Drift Towards Legalism
- [17:33] - Faith Over Works
- [20:37] - The Danger of Drifting
- [23:53] - The Role of Discipleship
- [26:28] - Shame and Repentance
- [30:05] - Assurance of Faith
- [34:03] - Purpose of the Law
- [36:47] - Reflecting on the Ten Commandments
- [41:28] - Communion and Grace
- [45:00] - Invitation to Communion
- [48:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Drift Towards Legalism
Bible Reading:
- Galatians 3:1-29
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he asks the Galatians if they received the Spirit by works of the law or by believing what they heard? [10:00]
2. How does Paul use the story of Abraham to illustrate the concept of justification by faith? [17:33]
3. What is the role of the law according to Galatians 3, and how does it relate to faith in Christ? [34:03]
4. In what ways does Paul describe the dangers of drifting from the gospel message? [20:37]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul refer to the Galatians as "foolish" and "bewitched," and what does this reveal about their spiritual state? [20:37]
2. How does the example of Abraham challenge the belief that righteousness can be achieved through the law? [17:33]
3. What does it mean to be "anchored" in the Scriptures, and why is this important for maintaining one's faith? [23:53]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between shame and repentance, and what role does this play in a believer's life? [26:28]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you have drifted towards legalism or relied on your own efforts for righteousness? How can you realign with the truth of the gospel? [20:37]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being anchored in the Scriptures. What practical steps can you take to deepen your engagement with the Bible and prevent drifting? [23:53]
3. Consider the role of discipleship in your life. Are you actively involved in a discipleship relationship, either as a mentor or mentee? How can you seek out or strengthen these relationships? [23:53]
4. Shame can often lead us away from God. How can you shift your perspective to see shame as an invitation to repentance and God's loving embrace? [26:28]
5. The sermon highlights the assurance of faith and the love of God. How can you remind yourself of this assurance in moments of doubt or failure? [30:05]
6. Think about a past church experience that may have influenced your understanding of faith. How can you discern and hold onto the truth of the gospel amidst differing teachings? [23:53]
7. Identify one specific way you can rest in God's grace this week, acknowledging that your works are a response to His love rather than a means to earn it. [17:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as the Foundation of Righteousness
Our salvation is not based on our ability to follow the law but on our faith in Jesus Christ. Just as Abraham was justified by faith, we too are made righteous through belief, not by our works. This understanding frees us from the bondage of legalism and allows us to rest in God's grace. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the law was never intended to be a means of achieving righteousness but rather a guide to show us our need for a Savior. By placing our faith in Christ, we are justified and made right with God, just as Abraham was. This truth liberates us from the pressure to earn our salvation and invites us to embrace the grace freely given to us. [17:33]
Galatians 3:11-12 (ESV): "Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for 'The righteous shall live by faith.' But the law is not of faith, rather 'The one who does them shall live by them.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you still trying to earn God's approval through your actions? How can you shift your focus to resting in the grace that comes through faith in Jesus?
Day 2: Anchoring in Scripture to Avoid Drift
Without a firm anchor in the Scriptures, we risk drifting into false teachings and legalism. The Apostle Paul warns against this drift, urging us to remain rooted in the truth of the gospel. Discipleship and engagement with God's Word are crucial in maintaining our faith. By being diligent in studying the Bible, we can discern truth from falsehood and avoid the subtle shift towards legalism. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we become more grounded in our faith and better equipped to resist the temptation to rely on our own efforts for righteousness. [20:37]
Hebrews 2:1 (ESV): "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it."
Reflection: How can you incorporate daily Bible study into your routine to ensure you remain anchored in the truth of the gospel?
Day 3: The Law as a Mirror Reflecting Our Need for Christ
The law serves as a mirror, revealing our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. It points us to Jesus, who fulfilled the law on our behalf. Understanding this helps us appreciate the grace we have received and prevents us from relying on our own efforts for righteousness. The law was never meant to be a checklist for earning salvation but a tool to show us our shortcomings and lead us to Christ. By recognizing our inability to fulfill the law's demands, we are drawn to the grace and mercy offered through Jesus. [34:03]
Romans 3:20 (ESV): "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin."
Reflection: In what ways has the law revealed your need for a Savior? How does this understanding deepen your appreciation for the grace you have received?
Day 4: Embracing Repentance and God's Forgiveness
Shame should not drive us away from God but towards repentance and His loving embrace. When we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. This truth invites us to run to Him, not away, in times of failure and guilt. Instead of allowing shame to distance us from God, we are encouraged to approach Him with a repentant heart, knowing that His forgiveness is always available. By embracing repentance, we experience the freedom and healing that comes from being reconciled with God. [26:28]
1 John 1:9 (ESV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: Is there a specific sin or area of guilt that you need to bring before God today? How can you embrace His forgiveness and move forward in freedom?
Day 5: Assurance in Christ's Sacrifice
Our standing with God is secure because of Jesus' sacrifice. On our worst days, He chose to die for us, demonstrating a love that surpasses all understanding. This assurance allows us to live in freedom, knowing that we are accepted and loved by God. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is the ultimate expression of God's love for us, providing a firm foundation for our faith. By resting in this assurance, we can live confidently, free from the fear of condemnation, and fully embrace our identity as beloved children of God. [30:05]
Romans 5:8 (ESV): "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Reflection: How does the assurance of Christ's sacrifice impact your daily life and relationship with God? What steps can you take to live more fully in the freedom and love He offers?
Quotes
"Are you so foolish that after beginning by means of the spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Have you experienced so much in vain? If it really was in vain. Verse five. So again, I ask, does God give you his spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law or by believing what you heard?" [00:00:45] (17 seconds)
"Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith." [00:04:25] (18 seconds)
"We kept drifting away from the place that we needed to be. We kept drifting into danger, and we drifted into danger because we didn't have anything to anchor us into the solid ground. We didn't have anything that would keep us staying still and afloat and not move us. And because we decided not to bring the anchor, we drifted into danger." [00:11:47] (23 seconds)
"Our faith and theology have to be anchored in the Scriptures, the true Scriptures, the Word of God. Because if not, we'll buy into any kind of teaching. We'll buy into different kinds of theologies. We'll buy into different kind of Instagram posts that we see and different kinds of things that we hear. So we have to be rooted in truth." [00:13:29] (20 seconds)
"And so Paul is mad. He is now three chapters in, and he is rebuking them still because their theology is distorted. They have this yoke of bondage. They're no longer anchored to grace, and they're anchored to the bondage of works, making them think that in order for them to be saved, they have to be good." [00:14:55] (20 seconds)
"Your works continue to sanctify. Your works continue to make you more like him. Your work should be a result of your faith. Your actions should be a result of his love. Your actions should be a result of his grace. When you view, there's some of you in here, you view Christianity as a bunch of lists of to-dos and don'ts." [00:17:33] (19 seconds)
"Shame should not lead you to works. Shame should lead you to repentance. It should lead you into his presence. It should lead you into the loving father's arms of his grace and his mercy for us. For his mercies are new each morning. Morning is when you decide to wake up from your spiritual slumber." [00:26:20] (24 seconds)
"The Bible says that if we confess our sins, that he is faithful and just, and he will forgive us our sins and purify us from our unrighteousness. He doesn't say if you tithe 11%, which wouldn't make it a tithe. If you give 11%, if you serve in kids ministry, although there's a special place in heaven, if you do, if you do this, no, he says, if you want to be cleansed and purified from your shame and your unrighteousness, just confess your sin. You will be forgiven and you will be made right with him again." [00:26:44] (32 seconds)
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, becoming a curse for us, for it is written, curse is everyone who is hung on a pole. He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus so that by faith we might receive the promise of the spirit." [00:30:39] (16 seconds)
"Anytime you stop trying to live in this grace and you try to live your salvation based on your good efforts and your good works, you're living under a curse. You literally have walked, come, you've literally stepped out of the lane of grace that he has given you and you have merged onto the lane of a curse. You now carry a weight and a bondage." [00:31:03] (21 seconds)
"He gave the law to point us to Jesus. He gave the law as a moral compass, as a moral compass, but also to show us that we can never fulfill it on our own. That even if we tried to be good, that we would never be good apart from Jesus. He gave us the law, I think, to show us a depravity in our sin." [00:34:17] (28 seconds)
"And today, if you need Jesus for the first time, you don't need to do cartwheels. You don't need to run laps in this place. You don't need to give money. You don't need to serve. You don't need to do anything to be saved. All you have to do right there is if you believe in your heart and you confess with your mouth, the scriptures say that you will be saved. That you will be justified because you believe." [00:42:32] (22 seconds)
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