Paul vs. The Galatiansনমুনা

By Faith or By Works?

Ever had a situation that was so unbelievable you nearly didn't know how to respond?

When the ideas confronting you are so ludicrous that standing gobsmacked was just about the only thing, and the best thing, you could do?

I kind of think that was how Paul was feeling with the situation with the church in Galatia.

Unfortunately, Paul’s frustration was rooted in reality: believers there were being misled and compelled to submit to Jewish laws in order to belong.

The Gospel of grace was starting to have a flavor of legalism, and to Paul, it was bitter.

He knew what it meant to strive hard for the moral perfection that targeted God’s acceptance, and knew the guilt, shame, and tireless pursuit that always seemed just short of filling the bill.

So, he is rightfully and deeply concerned. There was no time to waste. Getting Galatia back to the Gospel of Jesus was the one and only priority.

He counters this drift by steering them back in the direction of a fundamental truth:

Justification comes by faith in Jesus Christ, not by religious performance.

Let’s not undervalue the significance of this! When men are burdened by expectations—be they spiritual, familial, or societal—this passage offers liberation from performance-based identity.

It is not our performance; it's Jesus's!

It’s easy to equate achievement with “being a good man.” Climbing the corporate ladder, providing materially, or upholding a flawless reputation.

While not worthless, these efforts never secure inner peace or signal God’s approval.

Paul cuts to the chase: standing rightly before God depends not on accomplishments, but on faith in Christ’s finished work on the Cross.

Accepting this truth reshapes everything for a man—even the way we treat our loved ones.

When self-worth is tethered to performance, relationships become transactional; affection is earned, respect is due.

But when faith in Christ’s righteousness becomes the core, relationships breathe, self-identity and value are freed.

Grace infuses leadership, intimacy, and friendship.

This is a life fueled by the Spirit. It comes only when we keep in step with the Spirit.

We are called not to be supermen, but men of grace—admitting weakness, humbly relying on Christ’s righteousness.

But this freedom doesn’t excuse passivity—it fuels perseverance, strength under stress, and a strong witness.

Prayer: Lord, forgive the ways achievements have shaped my identity. Shift my trust from self-effort to Your finished work. Make faith—not performance—the bedrock of my life. Amen.

Reflection: Are there any areas of your life where you are determining your worth by achievements and performance—or has faith in Christ’s righteousness become your foundation? How do you see the difference between the two?