September 10: The Way of Faith

Scripture
So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.” But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:11–14 (NLT)

Reflection
There are really only two ways to try to be right with God. One is by attempting to keep the law. The other is by trusting in Jesus. Paul makes it clear: no one has ever been able to perfectly keep the law. It’s like trying to climb a mountain that has no peak—you climb and climb, but the top never comes into view. Striving to earn God’s favor will only leave us exhausted and guilty.

But then comes the good news. Jesus did what we could not. He kept the law in full and then took our curse upon Himself at the cross. The righteous One hung on a tree, bearing our failure and shame, so that we could go free. Where the law leaves us condemned, Christ steps in as our Rescuer.

This changes everything. Instead of chasing righteousness through our own effort, we receive it as a gift. Instead of being weighed down by guilt, we are lifted up by grace. And instead of striving in our strength, we are filled with the promised Holy Spirit, the very presence of God, who empowers us to live in freedom.

So here’s the heart-level question: what are you trusting in today? Your own ability to “measure up,” or the finished work of Jesus? The law could only curse, but Christ has set us free. Let’s live as those who have been set free to joyfully serve Him, walk by His Spirit, and reflect His Kingdom in the world.

Reflection
1. Where do you still feel the pull to try to earn God’s approval by your performance?

2. How does the reality of Christ bearing your curse on the cross change the way you see your standing with God?

3. What is one practical way you can walk in the freedom of the Spirit today instead of striving in your own effort?

Prayer
Thank Jesus for fulfilling the law and giving you His righteousness. Ask the Spirit to help you rest in that freedom and to empower you to live with joy, confidence, and purpose for His Kingdom.