Fallen Away from Grace

Text: Galatians 5:1-6
Theme: Trusting in works means not trusting God’s grace
Key verses: “If is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (v. 1). “…if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all” (v. 2). “You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace” (v. 4). “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (v. 6).
What God said to me: See the snow falling outside your window? You’re sitting by a nice warm fire inside your nice warm home. The temperature outside is dangerously cold, but you are enjoying safety. That’s how it is with my grace. Those who rely on their own good works have chosen to stay outside my grace. In a real sense, they have fallen away from grace. Dwayne, grace is always available. I offer my favor to all who will accept it. Inside my house of grace, there is always a bright shining open sign and a welcome mat saying, “Whoever will, let him come.” Yet, there are many who sadly choose to remain out in the elements, endangering themselves and ultimately leading to their destruction. The fire in your soul, the warmth in your heart and the protection of my favor in your life–these are all because of my favor on you. I formed you in your mother’s womb. I knew you and foreknew you before the foundations of the earth were laid. Never take my grace for granted. And never, never fall away from depending on my grace to sustain you and guide you.
What I said to God: Holy and precious Lord, what a joy to serve You. What a privilege to sit at Your feet and glean from Your Word today. I am blessed beyond all measure. I am no better or more deserving than any other. Yet, for reasons I may never fully comprehend, You have chosen to draw me to Your side, save me for eternity and live in me everyday. You are my Savior and my best friend. You are my Father and my counselor. You are my beginning and my end. You are my all in all. Help me never trust in my works or in keeping the law. Rather help me fall toward Your never-failing, always plenteous grace!