To the churches of Galatia:
1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren who are with me,
3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Do you feel trapped in this “present evil age?” The world around us certainly is a mess. Politics, violence, disasters, and cultural battles abound and that’s just if you spend five minutes looking at a news feed! Add to that the day-to-day that we face with relationships, businesses, jobs, family situations, and health issues and this present evil age seems to be working us over.
Yet Paul tells us in this passage that in delivering us from our sins, Jesus also delivered us from “this present evil age.” We are not supposed to be under our circumstances. The finished work of Jesus has made it possible for us to live as more than conquerors according to Romans 8:37. It is so important for us to receive the truth that Jesus did not just purchase our salvation to start after our bodies die here. We are called to experience deliverance and victory in this present age.
Too often, we are quick to accept the effects of an evil age by saying, “God’s will be done.” We blame God for the negative circumstances that we face. But we can see clearly in Galatians 1:4 that Jesus delivered us from this present evil age “according to the will of our God and Father.” It is God’s will for us to live in victory right now, not someday after we die. Verse five explains why. When we live out Christ’s victory, God is glorified. He isn’t glorified if we roll over and just take whatever the world dishes out. We are called to fight the fight of faith in order to lay hold of the victory that His Son purchased for us.
Don’t allow religious thinking to cause you to settle for less than what Jesus died to give you. Religion will lie to you and say that the death and destruction of the world somehow gives God glory in our lives. The truth is that God is glorified when the finished work of His Son manifests in us. Be encouraged today to raise your expectations beyond religious thinking. Brave grace. Go into your day expecting and declaring victory through the finished work of Jesus, to the glory of God the Father.
Braving Grace 
You both are so wise and I love how you preach God’s word. Excited to do this devotional and LOVE the name Braving Grace. 💙
LikeLiked by 1 person
After reading today’s devotional, what are some areas you struggle with religious mindset? We’d love to hear from you!
LikeLike
Sometimes I get into a pattern of reading my bible, which could be a good thing until I miss days and feel like I’ve failed! That’s when I realize that I’m working in a religious mindset believing that I have to read and if I don’t I’m failing God!
LikeLike
After reading this devotion I think the most religious mindset God has allowed me to renew my mind to is thatGod is NOT withholding anything from me , and it’s not DEPENDENT on me crossing my Ts and dotting my Is . Christ work is complete and finished and it’s by Grace and Grace alone ! How do you “work” for something that’s already been given to you? Renewing my mind to What has been purchased for me and my IDENTITY in Christ has been absolutely life changing. Just like what was said in this devo… Christ’s death , burial , and resurrection has somehow been boiled down to forgiven when we die.. oh how It is Not only forgiveness (And even if it was only that what an amazing gift alone ) but It is SO SO SO SO MUCH MORE. What a God !
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t be more proud of you two. Love Braving Grace! The best part was “The finished work of Jesus has made it possible to live as more than conquerors.” I receive that ! Praise God!
LikeLike
I love that you all are doing this. In times of busyness and in seasons of distress I personally find myself analyzing all I do and don’t do as if my salvation hinges on this. Was my response to my child showing them Jesus in such and such situation, did I serve enough or with my very best attitude, did I truly tithe generously when I was able or was I fearful to even though I know God will and has provided all I need. That thinking leads me down that path of unworthy self talk when the truth is we’re all unworthy but because of Christ we are seen righteous outside of our short comings and momentary lack of faith we may display.
LikeLike