Embrace Dependence

Embrace Dependence

Series: Galatians: Church on the Move
Passage: Galatians 3:1–14

Introduction

Most of us don’t like being out of control.

Whether it’s flying thousands of feet in the air or facing uncertain circumstances, we feel the tension of being dependent on something—or someone—else.

But that discomfort reveals something deeper:

We are wired for self-dependence.

• “I’ve got this.”
• “I can fix it.”
• “I’ll figure it out.”

From toddlers to adults, we resist dependence.

And spiritually, that instinct becomes dangerous.

Galatians 3 confronts this directly:

Self-dependence drives us away from God.
Dependence on God draws us near.

1. The Spirit Indwells by Faith

(Galatians 3:1–5)

“Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?”

Paul is stunned:

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?”

The Problem

The Galatians started with faith—but were now trying to grow through effort.

• Began by the Spirit
• Trying to be perfected by the flesh

The Reality

The Holy Spirit is not earned.

He is received by faith.

The Work of the Spirit

• Regenerates the heart (Ezekiel 36:26–27)
• Indwells believers (Ephesians 1:13–14)
• Empowers obedience (Galatians 5)
• Produces fruit (Galatians 5:22–23)

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15)

Application

Your spiritual life is not self-generated.

• Your growth is from God
• Your obedience is from God
• Your transformation is from God

Dependence means giving God the credit.

2. The Father Justifies by Faith

(Galatians 3:6–9)

“Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

Paul uses Abraham to prove his point:

• Justification came before circumcision
• Righteousness came through faith

What is Justification?

To be declared righteous before God.

Not earned—credited.

The Promise

God’s plan was always to save the nations through faith.

“In you shall all the nations be blessed.”

The Struggle

Many believers live as if:

• Justification depends on performance
• God’s acceptance fluctuates

But Scripture is clear:

“It is God who justifies.” (Romans 8:33)

The Result

• No condemnation (Romans 8:1)
• No separation (Romans 8:38–39)

Application

Dependence on God means trusting His promises—not your performance.

3. The Son Redeems by Faith

(Galatians 3:10–14)

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.”

The Problem

The law demands perfection.

“Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things…”

No one meets that standard.

We stand under a curse.

The Solution

Jesus took our place.

• Paid our debt
• Bore our curse
• Shed His blood

“In him we have redemption through his blood.” (Ephesians 1:7)

What is Redemption?

A ransom paid to set someone free.

We could not save ourselves.

Christ did what we could not do.

The Right Response

If asked, “Why should God let you into heaven?”

The answer is not:

• “I tried my best”
• “I was a good person”

The answer is:

“Christ has done everything.”

Dependence means trusting Christ alone for salvation.

Conclusion

Faith is dependence on God.

• The Spirit indwells by faith
• The Father justifies by faith
• The Son redeems by faith

“He saved us…not because of works done by us…” (Titus 3:5)

What Happens When We Embrace Dependence?

• We become humble
• We become prayerful
• We become forgiving
• We become evangelistic
• We become worshipful

When we realize how much we’ve been given,
we respond with joy, gratitude, and surrender.

Homework

Luke 18:9–14

Read
Reflect
Respond
Rest