No Change in Rules

Did you ever play a game with someone only to get part way through and then they switched the rules on you? Try as you might, you can’t get them to keep them the way they were when you started. Of course the reason the rules changed is because somehow it became an advantage for them. Had you known the rules were not going to remain the same you may never even considered starting the game. You feel foolish because you have been trick.

Paul notices that the Galatians have be trick into thinking that God has changed the rules of Salvation.

Gal 3:1-5 1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain —if indeed it was in vain? 5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? NASU
Paul takes the Galatians back to the time of their salvation and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. He asks them, was it because of something you did or was it because of the response of faith.

To the Ephesians Paul says: Eph 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. NASU

Are you trying to be like the foolish Galatians? Are you trying to work you way into favor with God? Clearly you can see that this is not going to happen. God states you are saved by "FAITH" not "works". Why not by faith today,

1. Admit you are a sinner.
2. Admit you can not save yourself
3. Invite Christ into your life to save you from your sins.
4. TELL SOMEONE TODAY WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!

Explore for yourself.

1. Why does Paul ask the Galatians who bewitched them?
2. Why does Paul ask them how they received the Holy Spirit?
3. Why does He ask them if they are going to be perfected by the flesh?
4. Why would they be suffering?
5. Why does he ask if they suffered in vain? Did they really suffer in vain?
6. How were things happening among them? How should that challenge us?