Galatians Words ~ Word 7: Gave

In our post on Sunday, we saw that our justification through faith in Christ results in our death to sin and our old way of life. In the second half of verse 19 Paul says that he has died to the law “so that I might live for God”. This is our purpose for dying to sin and self; that we abandon our old way of life, we turn away from it. In Christ we now live a new life, enabled by Christ in us, through our union with Him. Today’s word will point us to our motivation for living for God, the reason why we put our faith in Christ, have died to self and now live for Him “who loved me and gave himself for me”.

The word ‘gave’ only appears in two verses in Galatians, but it is a significant word.

[Jesus Christ] “who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” Galatians 1:4

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Why did Jesus so willingly give His life for us? It is revealed in both verses. First, as 1:4 shows us, it was the will of God the Father, and then, as 2:20 shows us, it was an act of love. And not simply on the part of the Son, he was imitating the Father’s love.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God’s own love for the world prompted him to give his Son, that through faith in Him we would have eternal life. God gave his Son; his Son gave his life. This is love.

Throughout his life Jesus was very much in touch with his purpose and the Father’s will.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down [gives] his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down [give] of my own accord.” John 10:18

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down [give] one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13

Jesus gave himself willingly, freely, selflessly, and sacrificially - for us. He willingly went to the cross. He freely gave his life.

Paul says in Romans 5:18 that this “one act of righteousness resulted in justification that brings [gives] life for all men.”

What should our response be? To live for God, and to imitate Jesus in giving of ourselves for others.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

[Jesus Christ] “who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:14

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16

We give and serve willingly, freely, selflessly, and sacrificially because God gave us his Son, and his Son gave his life for us. And communion is our reminder of his sacrifice:

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19

Galatians chapter 2 ends in verse 21:

"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

He wants to reinforce to the Galatians and to us that keeping the law - adding anything to grace of God - cannot provide what Christ gave to us. We can add nothing to the value of this sacrifice and gift, and when we try to then it is as though, "Christ died for nothing."

If you would like to prepare yourself for the next word read Galatians chapter 2.

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