This fall we are unpacking the formula of salvation found in Ephesians chapter 2: grace, then faith, then salvation, then works. Getting this right makes all the difference in the world.
The churches in Galatia received that gospel message from Paul, but were troubled by other teachers who changed up the order of the formula.
Those teachers sought to move works to the left side of salvation. They taught that circumcision and obedience to the law of Moses were a prerequisite for salvation.
The letter to the Galatians is an attack against that false gospel which is no gospel at all. Central to Paul’s argument against works-based salvation is the grace of the Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit is a gift of grace alone. (3:2)
- The Holy Spirit is a communio (conveyor) of assuring grace. (4:6)
- The Holy Spirit, not the law, is the solution to sin. (5:16)
The Galatians received the wonderful experience of the gift of the Holy Spirit by hearing with faith. The Spirit came, filling their hearts with the love of God and full assurance of adoption into his family.
Their journey began with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Paul urged them to finish by that same grace. That urging came with a practical command – keep in step with the Spirit.
Here is a 4 step process Christians can practice throughout the day to keep in step with the grace of the Holy Spirit – CABY.
Confess your bankruptcy.
Ask Him to fill you and take over.
Believe that He has answered your prayer.
Yield in faith to his impulses, teaching and direction.
This is a process to be repeated over and over again, day by day.
In the sermon I quote a testimony from the British evangelist Ian Thomas who learned to walk by the Spirit of Christ. You can listen to a recording of his testimony here:
Tom Brown is the planting pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Wichita. Tom and his wife, Mandy, have worked together in ministry for over 20 years and have four children. More about Pastor Tom Brown