Daily Walk Through the New Testament
December 23
Read Galatians 4:21-5:15

Two extremes that must be avoided in the Christian life are addressed in our text for today. The first extreme is legalism. Redemption is not the result of performing religious rituals and ceremonies. Sanctification is not the result of traditionalism. Adhering to codes of personal conviction (not based on Scripture) and ethics of human expectation is not the way to regeneration and a God-pleasing life. Faith in Christ’s redemptive work is the only way to salvation.
If we neglect faith and return to a system of rules and regulations to please God, we will rob ourselves of joy, hinder our ability to love God, and taint the gospel. If we entrap ourselves in legalism, we will take credit for our own righteousness. Instead, we must realize our righteousness only comes through the grace of god and the exercise of faith. We must realize how much we have been forgiven and how little we deserve it. When we do, we will fuel our love for God.
The second extreme is licentiousness. Misguided Christians use their freedom as an excuse to sin. We are saved to be holy and to serve God and others, not to indulge ourselves. A proper understanding of this text results in a fulfilled and effective life.
Today, trust in Christ instead of your own rule-keeping, and give yourself to holiness and service instead of sinful self-indulgence.