Now that faith has come

28 JUNE 2009
SPEAKER: DAVID TAN

Psychologist Dr Carol Dweck in the book MINDSET wrote that the view we adopt for ourself profoundly affects the way we lead our life. The writer suggests that in general our society is made up of two types of people – those with a fixed mindset, and those with a growth mindset.

Now in a slightly different context you could say that Paul’s letter to the Galatians was addressed to these 2 different groups of people: those with a fixed mindset were locked in the demands of the Old Testament laws (the letter kills), and those who were in a growth mindset – believers who have been set free by faith and growing in the grace of Jesus Christ (the Spirit gives life, 2 Cor 3:6)

Strangely we who are followers of Jesus Christ who believe we are saved by grace do not always evidence this changed mindset. Instead due to mistaken notions or teachings, our lives as Christians often lack passion and power, and there is little growth. We'll take a look at what Paul has to say to us:

1.Faith in Christ grows out of God’s promise (vs 15-18)

Believers and followers of Jesus Christ stand as direct descendants of Abraham, inheriting the blessing that came from God’s historic promise (3:6-9). Abraham’s faith was counted to him as righteousness – and this was hundreds of years before Moses was given the Law. Today it follows that our faith in Jesus' finished work is counted to us as salvation as well - in both cases, the promise of the blessing of salvation came by the grace of God.

Our salvation comes out of a promise that God made – God’s initiative. God’s salvation to us is a gift and it comes not because we have earned it, but because Jesus has paid for it The Christian life will be filled with many challenges and temptations. There will be many occasions when we fall. During those times, it is good to know that our security and confidence rest solely upon God's promise and gift of grace: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." (Eph 2:8,9)

2. Faith in Christ sets us free (vs 19-24)

In v23, Paul said we were captives under the law. God’s law exposed sins. In v24, Paul also said the law was our guardian (NIV “put in charge” or, a disciplinarian).

The Law of God was essential in showing us what God’s standards were and how far we had fallen short of His holiness. Woe is me, as Paul says: “Who can save me from this body of sin?” How then did God’s laws which were meant to serve righteousness and holy living turn us into prisoners?

As an illustration consider what happens when traffic lights fail: the roads get terribly jammed and it’s every person for himself. He who dares wins! Once the traffic lights go out, everything we know about responsible driving, etc is forgotten. After years of submitting to traffic lights, we do not become better drivers. What this shows and what Paul agrees is that laws are ineffective in making people better – it maintains order but does not change us inside out. But without the law, without knowing how far we fall below God’s holy standards, we will not understand nor appreciate the need to be saved.

It was God’s plan to let the Law steer us towards holy living until Jesus came to fulfill it perfectly and save humanity from its curse. Therefore as we share the gospel, share the severity of sin. And now that faith has come - now that Jesus is come - see how Jesus is the perfect Saviour.

Gal 3:23-25 Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

Therefore now that we have been set free, we are free to draw near to Jesus. We ought not fall into sin and false ideas like those taught by the Judaizers.

3. Faith in Christ makes us one (vs25-29)

This is one of the great passages of Scripture. What happens now that faith has come? What happens when people put our faith in Jesus as Saviour and Lord? V26, says they become sons and daughters of God!

1Jn 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

Christianity celebrates the person, our identity for we are created after God’s image. Faith in Christ restores our personhood, our identity, our relationships. And this relationship goes on – we belong to God as sons and daughters in Christ. It fulfills the deepest human needs of belonging, of being loved.

And Paul says this is true for all people. Indeed when we become followers of Jesus, our race (Jew nor Greek), our gender (male or female), our status in society (slave or free) will no longer separate people or divide society. Christians need to demonstrate this mindset of the unity of God's people. It does not mean that we no longer have race or gender, etc, for in heaven these distinctions remain. But in Christ, we see everyone without prejudice and we no longer judge people on the basis of colour, their gender, or their class in society. This is why as a Church, God’s people are committed to reach out to all people, love all people, and serve all people. More than that it is also our calling to keep unity as a people united in one faith.

Eph 4:3-6 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Conclusion

Now that faith has come...we must see a dramatic change in our mindset. The confidence in the security of God’s salvation, the freedom we have in Christ, and the new identity as sons and daughters of God should put us in a place of growth and positive action. Above all it should move us to review how to remain in faith and find satisfaction in God alone. When we move from a fixed mindset of self-condemnation and sin, into the growth mindset of life in Christ, our lives will change. This church will change. Our neighbourhood will change.

As Paul also wrote to the Romans, this changing of our mindset and renewing of our faith is an ongoing process. And in the process of renewing and transforming, God will reveal his good and perfect will to us.

Rom 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

May God help us to hold on fast to what we have gained in Christ.