Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Hey there, crazy people! Yes, I’m talking to you — you irrational, foolish, superficial people!

Did that get your attention? Good. For the record, I’m using this kind of language because it’s exactly the language Paul used at the beginning of what we now call Galatians 3. Take a look at a couple of translations:

“Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you?” Galatians 3:1a, New Living Translation

“You crazy Galatians! Did someone put a spell on you?” Galatians 3:1a, The Message

Clearly, Paul was passionate about what he was trying to communicate. And honestly, who can blame him? The message was urgent. The believers in Galatia had been taught that we are made right with God through faith. But now, they were slipping backward, trying to earn God’s approval through their own efforts, trying to perfect themselves by human striving. They were abandoning the very heart of the gospel: that salvation comes by faith alone. Paul reminds them (and us) in Galatians 3:12 that the way of faith is not the same as the way of the law.

The way of faith rests in this truth: Jesus died for us. We can’t earn His love or favor — it is already given.

The way of the law says: You’d better perform — or else.

But in Christ, we are free from the burden of “earning.” We are children of the King because of faith, not flawless performance. You can live today knowing that God already loves you, and there is nothing you can do to make Him love you more tomorrow. Nothing.

In chapter 4, you can hear Paul’s pleading tone:

“Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to live as I do in freedom from these things…” Galatians 4:12, NLT

This is a freedom like no other — a freedom that comes from faith alone. When we move the truth of Jesus from our minds into our hearts and confess Him as Lord, we are saved. And we are free.

Free from having to get it all right.

Free to be led by the Holy Spirit.

Free to love and serve others, not out of duty, but out of gratitude for what Jesus has already done.

And when Christ sets you free, you are free indeed.

So let me ask you: are you working out your salvation today? Think about that. Are you striving to earn God’s favor, or are you living in deep, reverent trust that fills you up instead of wearing you thin? Are you resting in Him and serving others from a heart full of gratitude? It’s good to desire to do what is right, but know this: God’s love for you is not dependent on your performance today. He loves you. Period.

So don’t be foolish, crazy, or irrational like the Galatians were tempted to be.

Live in freedom.

Jesus, how sweet it is to trust You — to take You at Your Word. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for the freedom we have in You. Amen!

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

FALL AT VENTURE