How can we apply Galatians 2:18 to resist returning to old habits? The Verse at a Glance “For if I rebuild what I have already torn down, I prove myself to be a transgressor.” (Galatians 2:18) What Paul Is Saying—Plain and Simple • The moment we trusted Christ, our old, law-based, sin-dominated structure was demolished. • Returning to it means acting as though Christ’s finished work were incomplete. • Re-establishing the old system makes us guilty all over again, not because grace failed but because we’ve stepped outside it. Seeing the Same Truth Elsewhere • Romans 6:6 – “Our old self was crucified with Him…” • 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” • Ephesians 4:22-24 – “Put off your former way of life… be renewed… put on the new self.” • Proverbs 26:11 – “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” Spotting the “Rebuild” Signals in Daily Life Ask, “Where am I tempted to pick the hammer back up?” Typical areas include: • Legalistic self-righteousness (“I’ll earn God’s favor today”) • Secret sins once surrendered (pornography, substance abuse, gossip) • Old identity labels (“I’m still the failure,” “I’m still the angry one”) • Performance-based acceptance in relationships How to Keep the Walls Down 1. Ground Yourself in Your New Identity – Meditate on Romans 8:1: “There is now no condemnation.” – Speak truth aloud: “That structure is gone; I am in Christ.” 2. Flood the Mind with Scripture – Memorize key verses (Galatians 2:20; Titus 2:11-12). – Replace tempting thoughts with literal promises. 3. Engage Daily Surrender – Each morning, reaffirm: “Lord, You’ve already demolished the old; I choose to walk in the new.” – Invite the Spirit to spotlight any sneaky reconstruction. 4. Leverage Accountability – Share specific battle zones with a mature believer. – Allow trusted friends to call out early warning signs. 5. Build New Routines Where Old Ones Lurked – If late-night scrolling feeds impurity, charge the phone outside the bedroom. – If certain friends pull you back, limit or redefine those contacts. 6. Celebrate Grace Wins – Record victories, however small. – Thank God aloud for His sustaining power (Psalm 40:2-3). When You Slip—Run Forward, Not Backward • Confess immediately (1 John 1:9). • Remember Christ already paid; there’s no penance to earn. • Re-enter the new way without delay—never let a fall morph into rebuilding. Living on the New Foundation • Fix eyes on Christ (Hebrews 12:2). • Serve others; serving redirects focus from self to Savior (Galatians 5:13). • Anticipate future grace—He who began the good work will finish it (Philippians 1:6). Stay alert, stay anchored, and keep the rubble where it belongs—buried under the cross. |
    |