Gal 2:15–21

2:15
We are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners,
16
yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the
faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus,
so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the
works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
17
But if while seeking to be justified in Christ we ourselves have also been
found to be sinners, is Christ then one who encourages sin? Absolutely not!
18
But if I build up again those things I once destroyed, I demonstrate that
I am one who breaks God’s law.
19
For through the law I died to the law so that I may live to God.
20
I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but
Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of
the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
21
I do not set aside God’s grace, because if righteousness could come
through the law, then Christ died for nothing!

One thought:

If we could be justified by keeping the law – we would look to ourselves for salvation and give ourselves the praise we would deserve.

 

Three questions:

What is the contrast being made in this passage between sinners & Christ?

Do you trust in Jesus’ faithfulness for your salvation?

Reflect on your inability to keep the law because of sin and how desperately you need to trust in Christ.

Prayer:

Praise God that Jesus kept the law and was without sin – therefore making Him able to save sinners. Give thanks that you and the Church have been brought into Christ through faith – that we can be justified and not held to account for our sin. Ask God to help you and others to trust in Jesus alone, never in our own works or seeming goodness.

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