In this passage of scripture, Paul talks about the importance of us recognizing that we are not only saved by the Gospel, but we also grow by the Gospel. Paul is stating that we don’t begin by faith and then grow through our works. Verse 2 says, “Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?” This refers to being born again, at which the Spirit of God comes into the heart and life of the new Believer. It is received simply by trusting Christ, and what He did at the Cross. “Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” Do you think you can now be brought to a state of spiritual maturity by means of self-effort?
Paul talks about believing in God and how it is not the same as having faith in Him. He encourages us to be like Abraham and his willingness to live by faith. When he encourages us “to live by”, it means to rely on it for our happiness and fulfillment.
Wendell Butler