Faith Over Works: Embracing Our Relationship with God

Devotional

Day 1: Faith, Not Works, Defines Our Relationship with God

Our relationship with God is based on faith, not works. Abraham's righteousness was credited to him because he believed God, not because of his adherence to the law. This foundational truth emphasizes that our standing with God is not earned but received through faith. The example of Abraham, a central figure in Jewish history, illustrates that righteousness comes through belief, not through the law, which had not yet been given. This truth was crucial for the Galatians, who were being misled by teachings that emphasized works over faith. Today, it remains vital for us to understand that our spiritual status is not a result of our personal achievements but a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. [04:26]

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 relying on your own efforts rather than trusting in God's grace? How can you shift your focus to faith today?

Day 2: Prioritizing a Right Standing with God

The most important issue in life is having a right standing with God. While daily concerns are significant, they should not overshadow our need to prioritize our relationship with God. Jesus taught that when we seek God's kingdom first, everything else falls into place. This teaching challenges us to evaluate our priorities and ensure that our relationship with God is at the forefront. By seeking His kingdom and righteousness, we align our lives with His purposes, trusting that He will provide for our needs. [06:16]

Matthew 6:33-34 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to prioritize your relationship with God over your daily concerns?

Day 3: Faith, Not Heritage, Makes Us God's Children

True children of Abraham are those who live by faith, not by heritage or personal achievements. This truth challenges the notion that our spiritual status is based on lineage and opens the door for all believers to be part of God's family through faith. For the Jewish Christians, this was a radical idea, as they took pride in their lineage. However, Paul clarifies that faith, not genetics, is what makes us part of God's family. This truth is liberating for all believers, regardless of their background, as it opens the door to a relationship with God based on faith. [17:42]

Romans 9:6-8 (ESV): "But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but 'Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.' This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring."

Reflection: How does knowing that faith, not heritage, makes you part of God's family change your perspective on your spiritual identity?

Day 4: The True Blessing of Faith

The blessing of faith is a right standing with God, not material wealth or power. This blessing is available to all who trust in Jesus, and it is far more precious than any earthly gain. The example of Abraham shows that the true blessing is not found in material possessions but in being counted as righteous before God. This understanding shifts our focus from seeking temporary, worldly success to valuing our eternal relationship with God. [26:58]

Ephesians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him."

Reflection: In what ways have you been measuring your blessings by material standards? How can you begin to value your right standing with God as your greatest blessing?

Day 5: Living by Faith Daily

Living by faith means trusting God in every aspect of life. It involves stepping out in boldness, relying on God to come through, and being willing to take risks for His glory. This kind of faith is what God desires from us daily. By trusting God like Abraham, we can experience the fullness of His promises and live a life that reflects His faithfulness. This daily walk of faith requires us to surrender our fears and doubts, choosing instead to rely on God's strength and guidance. [29:18]

Hebrews 11:8-9 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to step out in faith today? How can you trust God more fully in this area?

Sermon Summary

In Galatians 3:6-9, we explore the profound truth that our relationship with God is founded on faith, not on our works or personal achievements. Paul uses the example of Abraham, a revered figure in Jewish history, to illustrate this point. Abraham was considered righteous not because of his adherence to the law, which hadn't even been given yet, but because he believed God. This belief was credited to him as righteousness. This foundational truth is crucial for us today, as it was for the Galatians, who were being misled by teachings that emphasized works over faith.

The core issue is our standing before God. While we may be preoccupied with daily concerns like finances, relationships, and personal struggles, the most critical question is whether we have a right standing with God. Jesus emphasized this when He said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Our priority should be to align our lives with God through faith, trusting in what Jesus has accomplished for us.

Paul challenges the notion that our spiritual status is based on our heritage or personal achievements. Instead, he asserts that true children of Abraham are those who live by faith. This was a radical idea for Jewish Christians who took pride in their lineage. However, Paul clarifies that faith, not genetics, is what makes us part of God's family. This truth is liberating for all believers, regardless of their background, as it opens the door to a relationship with God based on faith.

The blessing of faith is not about material wealth or power but about having a right standing with God. This is the blessing of believing Abraham, and it is available to all who trust in Jesus. The challenge for us is to live out this faith daily, trusting God in every aspect of our lives, and stepping out in boldness, knowing that He is faithful.

Key Takeaways

1. Our relationship with God is based on faith, not works. Abraham's righteousness was credited to him because he believed God, not because of his adherence to the law. This foundational truth emphasizes that our standing with God is not earned but received through faith. [04:26]
2. The most important issue in life is having a right standing with God. While daily concerns are significant, they should not overshadow our need to prioritize our relationship with God. Jesus taught that when we seek God's kingdom first, everything else falls into place. [06:16]
3. True children of Abraham are those who live by faith, not by heritage or personal achievements. This truth challenges the notion that our spiritual status is based on lineage and opens the door for all believers to be part of God's family through faith. [17:42]
4. The blessing of faith is a right standing with God, not material wealth or power. This blessing is available to all who trust in Jesus, and it is far more precious than any earthly gain. [26:58]
5. Living by faith means trusting God in every aspect of life. It involves stepping out in boldness, relying on God to come through, and being willing to take risks for His glory. This kind of faith is what God desires from us daily. [29:18]
** [29:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:08] - Introduction to Galatians 3:6-9
[00:25] - Abraham's Faith and Righteousness
[00:57] - Faith vs. Works
[02:13] - Paul's Argument from Experience
[03:03] - Abraham's Example
[05:07] - The Importance of Right Standing with God
[06:16] - Prioritizing God's Kingdom
[07:15] - Righteousness by Faith
[09:38] - Accomplished vs. Accounted Righteousness
[12:28] - Trusting God Like Abraham
[17:42] - True Children of Abraham
[22:14] - Spiritual vs. Genetic Descendants
[23:56] - Replacement Theology Misunderstandings
[26:58] - The Blessing of Faith
[29:18] - Living by Faith Daily

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Galatians 3:6-9
- Genesis 15:6
- Matthew 6:33

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Observation Questions:

What does Galatians 3:6-9 say about how Abraham was considered righteous? How does this relate to the concept of faith versus works? [00:25]
In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the difference between "accomplished righteousness" and "accounted righteousness"? [09:38]
What example does the pastor use to illustrate the difference between believing in God's existence and truly trusting in Him? [14:01]
According to the sermon, what is the significance of being a "true child of Abraham"? [17:42]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the pastor explain the importance of having a right standing with God over other life concerns like finances or relationships? [05:31]
What does it mean to "seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness," and how does this principle apply to the sermon’s message? [06:16]
How does the pastor address the misconception that one's spiritual status is based on lineage or personal achievements? [17:42]
What does the sermon suggest about the role of faith in our daily lives, and how does it challenge the notion of living a "safe" Christian life? [29:05]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your current relationship with God. Are there areas where you rely more on your works than on faith? How can you shift your focus to faith this week? [07:15]
Consider the daily concerns that often overshadow your spiritual priorities. How can you practically "seek first the kingdom of God" in your daily routine? [06:16]
Think about your spiritual heritage or background. How does the idea that true children of Abraham are those who live by faith, not by heritage, impact your view of your spiritual identity? [17:42]
Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust God more. What bold step can you take this week to demonstrate that trust? [29:18]
The pastor mentioned the importance of having a relationship of trust and reliance upon God. What is one practical way you can deepen this relationship in your life? [13:48]
Reflect on the concept of "accounted righteousness." How does this understanding affect your view of your own spiritual journey and your relationship with God? [09:38]
How can you encourage others in your community to live by faith and not by works? What role can you play in fostering a faith-based community? [17:42]

Sermon Clips

"Paul has been building a point and hammering at home piece by piece through this letter that the foundation for the Christian walk is our relationship with God by faith alone, not faith plus what we do with him or for him, not by the works we do for him alone, but it's by faith alone." [00:01:45]

"Paul says yes we all know that it's by faith that we've experienced these things, and Paul has been building a point and hammering at home piece by piece through this letter that the foundation for the Christian walk is our relationship with God by faith alone, not faith plus what we do with him or for him." [00:01:45]

"Paul takes one little segment out of the life of Abraham and says here in verse 6 he says just as Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Now the people who were pushing this works based relationship with God were Christians from a Jewish heritage." [00:03:20]

"Paul's saying you see this is how Abraham found his right standing before God he found it by faith. You know let me just cut down to it and just kind of pierce through it a very cutting question right now, what I'm saying right now might seem pretty irrelevant to many of you, honestly speaking." [00:04:54]

"Jesus said something and I want you to remember these words he said seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all these other things will be added unto you you know what Jesus said in that he said you get your priorities straight you put God first and your relationship with God first." [00:06:13]

"Paul is trying he's trying to explode that kind of thinking right now and say no take that chart and rip it up because you can never put enough stars on that chart to really make you pleasing to God no you're standing before God is based on what Jesus Christ did for you and you received that by faith." [00:07:19]

"Friends there's basically two different ways that you can find a right standing before God you can have an accomplished righteousness no you accomplish it yourself promise is never going to be good enough now you know what really messes us up with that kind of thinking is we know that we can accomplish righteousness better than other people." [00:08:14]

"Abraham shows us the way we don't need an accomplished righteousness we need an accounted righteousness a righteousness that's accounted to us that's credited to us and so Paul says this is how it happens look at it here verse 6 again just as Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness." [00:09:40]

"Paul realized listen you know we're not just about experience let's see what the Bible says here this is what the scripture says look at it here verse 8 that God would justify the nations by faith preach the gospel to Abraham beforehand saying in you all the nations shall be blessed." [00:25:56]

"Friends the blessing we receive with believing Abraham is a beautiful blessing it's not the blessing of fantastic wealth and power though Abraham was a man of incredible wealth and power no it's the blessing of something far more precious the blessing of a right standing with God through faith." [00:27:14]

"Do you believe God even as Abraham did when God says it do you believe it do I live as if I really believe God is true how about this one can others see that I'm trusting God oh I can talk about my trust in God all day long can others see it." [00:29:28]

"God's been building faith in you now you can say thank you God I'm going to go out from these walls and use it and step out and believe you believe you in prayer believe you and talking to other people about Jesus Christ believe you and going on missions trips believe you and stepping out." [00:30:34]

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Faith Over Works: Embracing Our Relationship with God

Devotional

Day 1: Faith, Not Works, Defines Our Relationship with God

Day 2: Prioritizing a Right Standing with God

Day 3: Faith, Not Heritage, Makes Us God's Children

Day 4: The True Blessing of Faith

Day 5: Living by Faith Daily

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Faith Over Works: Embracing Our Relationship with God

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