Stop relying on religion, start trusting Jesus

Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Bern Leckie:

What did I like about today’s passage?

One of the things keen Christians do (like us, digging into the Bible today!) is to look for ways to put what we read into practice. We ask, “What am I going to do differently?” every day in this series because we don’t want God’s word to run through our heads without changing our lives. However, this does not mean that we should do everything we read about.

That’s obvious with some stories, like when Moses murdered an Egyptian; we obviously are not meant to copy that. But what about God’s instructions and laws? If God gave them to Israel so that people could draw close to him, shouldn’t we obey them too?

I love that Paul answers this question here directly and with passion and authority. The short answer: no! The slightly longer answer: no, because all you need is faith in Jesus.

As I listened to Paul’s reasoning, I loved remembering how close Paul was to Jesus despite not being one of the disciples who lived with Jesus for years. God chose Paul, revealed the gospel to him directly and it changed his life dramatically. Paul had to stop relying on a religious system and start trusting Jesus. Only then could he see God’s law for what it had always been – a “guardian until Christ came.” I am massively grateful that, because of Jesus, I am not just a believer and follower but a child of God. Because of this, I am not separated from other believers by different opinions on various issues, but united by God with them.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

The Spirit has given Paul insight into God's plan unfolding over centuries, as God's people waited expectantly to be delivered from enemies. God did not make this happen in the way that people expected. He knew that religious people were hoping for God to recognise and bless their zeal and let the rest of the world leave them in peace. Instead Jesus challenged them to live differently, empowered by him, so that God could work through them to change the world.

God wants us to live sinless lives but knows that we can’t do this in our own strength. Jesus justifies us, removing our guilt, so we can live as God’s children and Spirit-filled partners in his kingdom-building work.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

Remember, and thank God more often for, my life in Christ and the grace by which I received it. Resist the temptation to believe that I am working to earn God's favour or love.

Who am I going to share this with?

Family and people I pray with this week.