Denver Seminary

Participation in the gospel, in God’s grand story, is being made right with God as Christ is formed in us by faith. Five times in this section and once in Galatians 5:5 the phrase “by faith” occurs. Three times it refers to justification with God in the past (2:16; 3:8; 3:24). Twice it speaks of living by faith in the present moment (2:20; 3:11) and once it looks to the future hope of the believer (5:5). Past, present, and future is comprehended by faith, which leaves no room for earning by performance. The life of faith is dominated by being rather than doing—being present to God, being aware of His presence in and with me, being grateful for His care and being responsive to His love. In this posture of faith we are clay in the Potter’s hands to be shaped into the image of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, just as I have placed my full confidence in you for my eternal destiny, help me to live my 9-5 real life by faith in You who lives within me.  Amen.

Galatians 2:19-3:3: For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing. You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? Having started with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh?