By Faith

“And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God”

(Galatians 2:20 – Part 3, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, March 25, 2018)

Paul's Old Life

To understand how we are to live “by faith,” we need to start with the man who penned these words so long ago, the Apostle Paul. He did not always introduce himself with the word “apostle” (Galatians 1:1). He was once Paul the Pharisee, a dedicated follower of what we have been calling scribal Judaism. Scribal Judaism is all over the New Testament. For instance, here are two verses from our gospel reading today that give us examples of this false way of thinking and living where a religious person insists on scrupulous obedience to holy appearances while committing glaring sins against the weightiest matters of God's Law.

Matthew 26:59 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death.

But what about the commandments against false witness and murder?

Matthew 27:6 The chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.”

But who gave Judas the blood money? (Matthew 26:14-16)

We read about the involvement of the old Paul in a different unjust death, not long after this:

Acts 7:58–8:1 [58] Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. [59] And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” [60] And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. [8:1] And Saul approved of his execution.

Paul's New Life

(The one called “Saul” in Acts 7 is none other than Paul. See Acts 13:9.) The old life was gone for Paul, and the new life had arrived. What did that look like? Paul was honest even when it made him look bad. He was also truthful in teaching God's Word even when others might take offense. Yes, he was bold for His Savior and Lord, not caring too much about what other people thought of Him, but caring deeply about obeying the Lord. He was also loving toward God's children, including being discerning enough to protect sheep from wolves. Honest, bold, loving, genuine, holy... these are words we would use to describe God. There's something there about living by faith...

Paul says things in this letter that he never would have said in the old days. Once he hated the message of Jesus, but now he insisted it was the only good news (Galatians 1:9). Once he insisted that the only way to be right with God was through being a careful follower of the Old Testament ceremonial Law. Now he boldly pleaded with the churches in Galatia to reject that trap. He insisted that the gift of the Holy Spirit came to them not through the “works of the Law” but by “hearing with faith” the promise of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:1–2). He confronted them boldly about their old life as idol worshipers, showing them that they should not turn again to powerless ceremonies just because the customs now being promoted in their hearing were Jewish traditions rather than Gentile superstitions (Galatians 4:8–9). He reminded them that they could have a confident expectation of a future of perfect righteousness, and that the old rituals could never give them that hope (Galatians 5:5–6).

Union and Communion with the Son of God

Paul was a new creation. He was united with Jesus, the Son of God, and he grew in his new life through communion with Christ in prayer, hearing the truth, and living it out—all by the Spirit of God. That was Paul's new life, but it was also for the Galatians. He did not say to them, “I have found that Jesus and the resurrection work for me, but if you find help in Jewish ceremonies, enjoy.” No, he said regarding those who were trying to move the church toward trusting in circumcision, “I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!” (Galatians 5:12). He insisted, “If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:9).

Your Old Life, Your New Life in the Present Age, and Your Perfected Life in the Age to Come

1. For those who have rejected any kind of life of faith: In the Name of Jesus, the Son of God, I call you to the only new life that God has authorized me to present to you.

2. For those who imagine that some kind of faith is all that counts: The truth or falsehood of any belief system is of absolute importance. There is only one true gospel.

3. For all who are here to embrace what God declares in His Word: Your old life is gone, and your new life in Christ is worth everything. Bear fruit that comes from the Spirit of God now in this current era, and believe that God has more than you could ever imagine in store for you in the age to come. This is the Christian hope, and it is yours. Enjoy! The truth matters, and you have found Him. Relax and obey.

Living by Faith in the Son of God Now

Sermon point: The same Jesus who died and rose again will be with us today and forever. You are wise to put your trust in the Son of God.

In this life you will face tribulation. The Bible urges Christians to live “by faith in the Son of God.” Faith is trust—relaxing in Jesus. It has a mind, the mind of Christ given to us in the Scriptures. It has a heart, the heart of the Son of God who loves you. It has legs and feet, arms and hands, for we walk by faith and not by sight as the body of Christ.

Where does faith come from and how can we get more of it to help in our daily lives? This entire life, the resting and obeying God has for us, is a gift built on the foundation of what Jesus has done. Ask for that gift and that Man, and may the resurrection of Christ be on display in your life. In the last words of Paul's letter to the Galatians, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (Galatians 6:18)

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 50 – A Covenant by Sacrifice

Gospel Reading—Matthew 26:57-27:14 – Jesus before Caiaphas and the Council / Peter denies Jesus / Jesus Delivered to Pilate / The Death of Judas / Jesus Before Pilate