Daily Bible Plan - Day 72

7th May 2025

Faith, Not Works — Walking in the Freedom of Christ

By Pastor Joseph | Fortified City Church, Basel

Based on Galatians 3:1–29 (NLT)

In Galatians 3, Paul rebukes the Galatians for abandoning the grace of God and relying on the law. He reminds them that salvation came through faith, not by works of the law. As believers, we received the Holy Spirit by believing in the message of Christ, not by obeying the law.

This message resonates deeply with me. As a teenager, I struggled with an addiction to pornography. I tried to overcome it through my own efforts—rules, guilt, and religious practices—but I failed. True freedom came when I placed my faith in Jesus Christ and allowed the Holy Spirit to transform my heart. It wasn’t my own righteousness but faith in Jesus that set me free. Along the way, I was also guided by spiritual leadership, mentorship, and the support of a godly community—all of which were led by the Holy Spirit.

Paul makes it clear that those who rely on the law are under a curse, but Christ took that curse upon Himself on the cross. Through Him, we receive the blessings promised to Abraham—not through the law, but by faith. The law was a temporary guardian until Christ came, but now we are God’s children and heirs of His promise through faith.

While we are saved by faith, this does not mean we are passive. As James 2:26 says, “Faith without works is dead.” We don’t work to earn salvation, but our faith must be demonstrated through action. Prayer, fasting, and church attendance do not earn salvation, but they strengthen our faith and help us live in the freedom Christ gives. Serving others and walking in justice and mercy reflect the heart of the gospel.

Reflection:

Are you relying on your own strength or living by faith in Jesus?

Let’s remember that salvation comes by grace through faith, and let’s walk out that faith in love, service, and obedience.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for saving me by grace through faith. Help me live daily by Your Spirit, serving You and others, and staying true to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.