Don’t Be a Fool
In Galatians 3, Paul confronts the Galatians about their misunderstanding of how one is justified before God, emphasizing that faith alone, and not works, is the basis of justification. He begins by expressing astonishment at the Galatians' shift in understanding:
“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?” – Galatians 3:1
The Galatians had heard and understood the gospel of grace, but they were being deceived into thinking that works could somehow add to their justification. Paul had clearly preached Christ crucified to them, making it known that their salvation and righteousness was entirely through His sacrifice, not through any works or adherence to the law (Gal 4:13, 1Co 1:23, 2:2). The message of the cross had been firmly established in their hearts and minds, so why would they now turn away from that truth?
They were being foolishly led away from the truth that had been clearly presented to them. They were under some kind of influence that has caused them to stray from the foundational truth of salvation by faith alone. This reminds us of how quickly our sinful human nature can be swayed by persuasive but false teachings, even when the truth has been laid out before us – a warning to always stay grounded in the grace of God (Gal 5:7, Col 1:23).
Our flesh loves to point to ourselves: our efforts, our accomplishments, our good works. Even if your flesh feels good puffing yourself up, it’s a trap. These things don’t make you better in God’s eyes, you’re complete in Christ alone and what He did for you (Col 2:10, 18-23). The world loves to convince you that what you do defines you and identifies you, but in Christ, your identity and worth are in Him.
Paul continues in Galatians by challenging them with a critical question:
“Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” – Galatians 3:2
The answer is evident—the Galatians received the Spirit by faith, not by works. Just like us today, the moment they believed in the gospel, they were sealed with the Holy Spirit, a guarantee of their inheritance and a sign of God’s work within them. This reception of the Spirit is not something that could be earned or achieved by obeying the law; it is purely a gift of God’s grace accessed through faith (Eph 1:12-14, 4:30, Rom 10:17, 2Ti 2:19, Php 1:6).
Paul drives the point further:
“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” – Galatians 3:3
The process of becoming complete and mature in Christ is not something that can be achieved through human effort. We are perfect (positionally complete, not lacking) in Christ because of His righteousness and Spirit in us the moment we believe (Col 2:10, Titus 3:5). We are subsequently perfected (fully informed, transformed, and renewed) in our inner man by the Word of God and the Spirit working in us, not our works. (Col 1:28, 4:12, 2Ti 3:16-17, 2Co 4:16, Eph 4:12-15, Rom 12:1-2). Trying to finish what God has started in our lives through our own efforts would be foolish because the power of God’s Spirit is what transforms and renews believers.
The lesson is clear: relying on your own works or efforts is foolish. Rely entirely on Christ’s finished work on the cross and trust in God’s grace. Don’t be a fool: despite our world full of self-help and self-righteousness, you find your help and righteousness in Christ.
