Living by Faith, Not Works: September 9, 2026

Sermon | September 9, 2026

Living by Faith, Not Works

It is easy to say that we trust Jesus while quietly depending on our own effort, religious habits, or ability to make ourselves right with God. But the gospel offers something far better: salvation by grace through faith and a life transformed by the Holy Spirit.

In this sermon from Galatians 3:1–9 and verse 11, Pastor Jeff Houston examines the difference between walking in the Spirit and relying on the flesh. Paul’s words to the Galatians believers remain an important challenge for Christians today: we cannot earn salvation through good works, and we cannot complete through human strength what God began through His Spirit.

“The just shall live by faith.”

Galatians 3:11

Salvation Is Received by Faith

Paul reminded the Galatians that they received the Spirit through faith, not by keeping the law. Jesus’ death and resurrection are not additions to a list of religious requirements—they are the foundation of our salvation. No amount of good behavior, generosity, church attendance, or rule-keeping can accomplish what Christ completed at the cross.

The invitation is simple but life-changing: believe and receive. We believe in Jesus Christ, trust what He has done for us, and receive the grace, forgiveness, and new life that only He can provide.

What God Begins in the Spirit Cannot Be Completed by the Flesh

The Christian life does not merely begin with faith and then become a test of human willpower. The Holy Spirit continues shaping believers into the image of Christ. Like clay in the hands of a potter, we are being formed, matured, and completed by God.

Nevertheless, Pastor Jeff emphasizes that we cannot build our lives around what we can accomplish on our own. Our confidence must rest in what Christ can do within us. Prayer, fasting, studying Scripture, serving, and obeying God matter—but they flow from faith and the Spirit’s work rather than replacing either one.

Do Not Let Your Spiritual Vision Become Clouded

Paul asked who had “bewitched” the Galatians because their understanding had become clouded. They once knew that Jesus was enough, but other voices pulled their attention toward rules, traditions, and human performance. The same danger remains today. When every opinion and influence is allowed into our lives, confusion can replace conviction.

Believers must examine what they hear and compare it with God’s Word. If something draws us away from Christ or contradicts Scripture, it does not belong in our lives. Clear spiritual vision grows as we pray, seek God, study the Bible, and keep our focus on Jesus.

Hearing the Truth Is Not the Same as Living It

The sermon also offers a serious reminder from Hosea 4:6: God’s people can suffer because they reject knowledge. Simply hearing the Word is not enough. Noah’s generation heard a warning. The people in Jeremiah’s day heard God’s call to repent. The Galatians heard the gospel clearly. The question was whether they would respond.

God’s truth becomes transformational when we allow it to take root and change us from the inside out. Faith listens, trusts, and acts. It chooses God’s way even when the world offers a different path.

Abraham Believed God

Galatians 3 points to Abraham as an example of faith. Abraham believed God, and righteousness was credited to him. He did not earn right standing with God through his own achievements. He trusted God’s promise, and God placed righteousness into his account.

That same promise reaches everyone who places faith in Jesus Christ. Because of Christ, believers are forgiven, declared righteous, and welcomed into God’s family. Our hope is not found in our perfection. It rests in the perfect Savior.

Walk Side by Side With God

Living by faith is a daily relationship. We do not need to run ahead of God or fall behind Him. We are invited to walk side by side with Him—listening for His voice, leaning on His strength, and trusting His presence in every valley and storm.

Pastor Jeff closes by calling listeners to examine their hearts. Are we trusting in Jesus, or are we depending on ourselves? Have other voices clouded our focus? Are we merely hearing God’s Word, or are we allowing the Holy Spirit to transform how we live?

Choose Faith Today

You cannot work your way into heaven, but you can place your trust in the One who gave His life for you. Believe in Jesus, receive His grace, and allow His Spirit to lead you. The just shall live by faith—and the God who begins that work will remain faithful as you continue walking with Him.