THE GIFT OF GOD'S INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT
READ Galatians 3:1-5
Today's reading is speaking about the gift and ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of every believer. It also speaks about the means by which the Spirit is received, which is by faith, and not the works of the law. There were Jews who continued to promote the necessity of keeping the law of Moses in order for one to be saved. Paul is rebuking the believers of Galatia for being swayed by these Jews. "Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:3). The word "perfect" found in verse 3 means to be made complete. There is nothing about the Christian life that is dependent upon the works of the flesh. When we accepted the gift of God's salvation, He gave us not only the gift of eternal life, but the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The work of God's Spirit in a person allows us to live as we should for the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the One who regenerates the believer, and who complements the work of Christ in our lives.
Stay the course! Salvation is through Christ alone by faith alone. Good works are a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Have a great day rejoicing in your salvation, which has been provided by God through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. What distinguishes the truth from error? Why do some believers fall into error?
2. What can you do to protect yourself from being deceived?
3. Why has God connected salvation with faith instead of works and the law?
4. What is the only way that you can grow in Christ? What are some distractions or barriers to growth that you need to overcome?
5. How does verse three help you to refocus upon the Lord?