Galatians 3:2–3
Memory Verse
This only I desire to learn from you, out from works of law did you receive the Spirit, or out from hearing of faith? In this way are you so unthinking, having begun by the Spirit, now by the flesh you bring yourself to maturity? (Galatians 3:2–3).
How do we grow in our Christian life? Many claim this is done by works of law. Whether it is through a seven-step process or forty days of commitment, they teach that through self-effort we are brought to maturity.
We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). This salvation is not by works of righteousness that we have done. It is through the washing and regeneration by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). Therefore, salvation comes by hearing and thus believing, not because we desire to be saved or through self-effort. God saves whom He desires to save in the manner He determines to save (Romans 9:16).
Since we began by the Spirit, we cannot mature through the flesh. A mind that is framed on the things of the flesh is hostile to God and is not able to subject itself to the law of God. This type of lifestyle produces death, for it cannot please God (Romans 8:7–8).
Maturity comes by walking by faith. We train our senses to discern between what is wrong and what is proper (Hebrews 5:14). We use the renewed mind we have in Christ (Romans 12:2), and we are diligent to use the things we have in Christ pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3–4). This is a life that takes each step by the Spirit, seeking to do His will and the desirous will of God in every aspect (Galatians 5:26).