Guarding Against Lifeless Religion
1. Remembering what Jesus has done for you
Galatians 3:1 NLT
1Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross.
2. Remembering what the Spirit has accomplished in you
2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV
18And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Galatians 3:2-4 NIV
2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? 4Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain?
3. Remembering what the Father has provided for you
Galatians 3:5 NLT
5I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.
But just remember he is our most loving Father. Every other
discovery of God, without this, will but make the soul fly from him;
but if the heart be once much taken up with this the eminency of the
Father’s love, it cannot choose but be overpowered, conquered, and
endeared unto him. This, if any thing, will work upon us to make
our abode with him. If the love the of father will not make a child
delight in him, what will? Put then, this to the venture: exercise
your thoughts upon this very thing, the eternal, free, and fruitful
love of the Father, and see if your heart be not wrought upon to
delight in him.”
~ John Owen, Communion With God
