v8-11) Paul points out a subtle but very important concept.... even though it appears we come to know God, it is really that we come to be known by God. This concept is (and will be) echoed by Jesus in Matthew 7:22-23 Oh how important it is to be KNOWN by God. Yet Paul is perplexed by their actions of turning back to things of the world.
v11-20) We continue to get a feel for Paul's love for the Galatians, though he fears his labor is in vain, he continues. Why? v19) states because they've not reached the ultimate goal of Christ being formed in them. Paul is frustrated because he has seen the Love and Freedom of Christ in these Galatians before (v14-15), he also wants them to know that the frustration is not out of anger but confusion as to how they have arrived at where they are now. People seek to shut us out as well, to have us follow them. Paul informs them that he continues to seek them out for good, not only when Paul is in their presence but during other times as well, and always until the final goal of Christ in them is achieved. Do I desire to seek people for God until His goals are achieved, even when people behave like Galatians? Is there a persistence in my life toward the work of God?
I repented this morning during prayer, before reading 8-20 and in doing so expressed how awesome God is and how "Life is just not the same without Him" and His quite voice asked "then why aren't you telling everyone about Me?" Then I read Paul's words and actions how he continued to labor for those he and God loved.... further conviction resulted, but I do not want it to stop at conviction. Conviction is used by God for repentance leading to action. Father light that fire in me that was lite in Paul. Create in me your desires to love and labor for all, despite the apparent results, and well past my abilities.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Gal 3:26-4:7
The law leads us to Christ and we are justified by faith in Him (v3:24). But the good news does not stop there - we are also brought into God's family as sons. Paul is addressing a church that had turned from the gospel of grace to the gospel of earning your own way. Paul reminds the Galatians that *all* who have believed and trusted Christ are sons of God. There is no Jew and Gentile. No circumcised and uncircumcised. No "only gave $5 to God, but I gave $10". No good enough and not good enough. There is no "special knowledge" or revelation that we must attain. All believers are sons of God and all believers are *one* in Christ Jesus. There are not distinctions - we are all one in Christ. Jesus, the Son, redeemed those born under law that we might receive the full rights as sons (v5). There are not some believers who are freed from slavery to sin and other believers who are still slaves to sin. All who believe are freed. All who believe receive the gift of the Spirit in their hearts. All who believe have the privilege of approaching God as "Daddy". And through the Spirit, all who believe are freed to follow the law. Not through their own power to achieve eternal life, but through God's power to live as sons. Daddy, thank you for your many gifts of grace. Remind me to live today through Your Spirit and as Your son.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Gal 3:15-29
v15-18) Here Paul establishes that a promise, a covenant, was made between God and Abraham way before the Law ever showed up. start to get a glimpse of why the Law was given.
v19-22) It's interesting here to note that the Law was ordained by angels through a mediator, Moses, until the Seed would come. God gave the promise, angels gave the Law to point to the need of the promise.
v21 is worthy of a special note: "...For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law." The law can never impart life.... ever. This is why salvation by works dies. The law was never made to, in fact can't, impart life to us, only Christ can.
People, myself included, seem to fall asleep in their sin, we love our sins and grow use to the pursuits of the world, until the law wakes us up to our condition. Then the shear terror of our condition really sinks home and the only, the only, way out is faith in Christ. The law is used wake us up to our condition and then to point us to the promise God made so many years ago, the promise of Christ.
v25-29) Once we have graduated the sixth grade there is no reason to repeat the grade. Surely we will need some refreshers going forward, to recall things previously learned, but once faith has come there is no need for the pointer to Christ. There is no need for the law, except to remind us, during prideful moments, and redirect us back to Christ. The law takes a backseat and we move forward in new revelation, in new teaching, in living out this faith now established in Christ.
Lord, help me to not head back to the Law, or my little watered down versions of it. Help me to continue the faith in you that brings joy, that brings comfort, that brings life.
v19-22) It's interesting here to note that the Law was ordained by angels through a mediator, Moses, until the Seed would come. God gave the promise, angels gave the Law to point to the need of the promise.
v21 is worthy of a special note: "...For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law." The law can never impart life.... ever. This is why salvation by works dies. The law was never made to, in fact can't, impart life to us, only Christ can.
People, myself included, seem to fall asleep in their sin, we love our sins and grow use to the pursuits of the world, until the law wakes us up to our condition. Then the shear terror of our condition really sinks home and the only, the only, way out is faith in Christ. The law is used wake us up to our condition and then to point us to the promise God made so many years ago, the promise of Christ.
v25-29) Once we have graduated the sixth grade there is no reason to repeat the grade. Surely we will need some refreshers going forward, to recall things previously learned, but once faith has come there is no need for the pointer to Christ. There is no need for the law, except to remind us, during prideful moments, and redirect us back to Christ. The law takes a backseat and we move forward in new revelation, in new teaching, in living out this faith now established in Christ.
Lord, help me to not head back to the Law, or my little watered down versions of it. Help me to continue the faith in you that brings joy, that brings comfort, that brings life.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Gal 3:1-14
Paul continues hammering the point that "if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!". Paul is angry that the Galatians have turned from the truth that he taught them: "Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified." Paul uses strong words, not just because he is angry, but to try to get through to them. This passage reminds me of Jesus speaking to the crowd in John 8, where he calls them the children of the devil (strong words also):
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed..."
"Abraham is our father," they answered.
"If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did."
Paul argues what should have been obvious - that the Galatians did not receive the Holy Spirit by following the law, but by believing what they heard. Paul argues that Abraham was justified not by following the law (which was not given yet), but because he believed God. Paul, like Jesus, urges the Galatians to do the things that Abraham did: "So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith". Paul urges the Galatians to not put themselves under a curse, but rather to trust that Christ has redeemed them from the curse. "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
The application that I see for me is to LIVE by faith. In Christ, I have died to sin and I am no longer a slave to sin. But sin is not gone from my life. And it does not always *seem* to me that I have power over sin in my life. No, but BY FAITH I know that I have power over sin. And BY FAITH I have received "the promise of the Spirit" (v14). And BY FAITH I can choose to walk with the Spirit every day, relying on Him rather than "trying to attain [my] goal through human effort" (v3). Father God, increase my faith and allow me to live by faith.
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed..."
"Abraham is our father," they answered.
"If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did."
Paul argues what should have been obvious - that the Galatians did not receive the Holy Spirit by following the law, but by believing what they heard. Paul argues that Abraham was justified not by following the law (which was not given yet), but because he believed God. Paul, like Jesus, urges the Galatians to do the things that Abraham did: "So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith". Paul urges the Galatians to not put themselves under a curse, but rather to trust that Christ has redeemed them from the curse. "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
The application that I see for me is to LIVE by faith. In Christ, I have died to sin and I am no longer a slave to sin. But sin is not gone from my life. And it does not always *seem* to me that I have power over sin in my life. No, but BY FAITH I know that I have power over sin. And BY FAITH I have received "the promise of the Spirit" (v14). And BY FAITH I can choose to walk with the Spirit every day, relying on Him rather than "trying to attain [my] goal through human effort" (v3). Father God, increase my faith and allow me to live by faith.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Gal 2:11-21
Peter's actions of being hypocritical not only affected himself but also allowed others to embrace the spirit of hypocrisy. So much so that even Barnabas was pulled in. Many times I feel my sin only affects me, but in reality someone is usually watching and possibly determining their actions based on mine. Sometimes situations like this creep up on us and sometimes we know we are "skirting" the issue, but for me there is always the voice of God, Spirit of God prompting me...sadly I only listen sometimes. Paul also sees this hypocrisy and addresses it directly. Sometimes I am prompted to "call people out" but I feel, who am I to judge....the problem is that this feeling is being applied wrongly. When the TRUTH of the gospel is at stake, it IS our job to judge, or better termed, to set the record straight and ensure that the true gospel remains intact. Paul caught a subtle issue in Peter's life, am I as sensitive to how I present the gospel through my life, am I sensitive to how my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ represent the gospel. I should be, I'm called to be.
v15-21) Paul reminds us that we are justified through faith and faith alone, never by works. v18-21) are difficult for me to totally parse. I've concluded that Paul's point here is that if he(Paul) rebuilds, through works of the Law, that which he destroys,through sin, he has proven himself a sinner. v20) crucified with Christ; we no longer live, but Christ living in us; now Paul lives his fleshy life by faith in Christ, who loved him. v21) I think Paul is pointing out that his actions, unlike those of Peter's do not nullify God's grace.
Father God, Today help me to hear your voice calling out my hypocrisy, to hear your voice calling me to question peoples motives, to simply hear your voice throughout my day and to respond.
v15-21) Paul reminds us that we are justified through faith and faith alone, never by works. v18-21) are difficult for me to totally parse. I've concluded that Paul's point here is that if he(Paul) rebuilds, through works of the Law, that which he destroys,through sin, he has proven himself a sinner. v20) crucified with Christ; we no longer live, but Christ living in us; now Paul lives his fleshy life by faith in Christ, who loved him. v21) I think Paul is pointing out that his actions, unlike those of Peter's do not nullify God's grace.
Father God, Today help me to hear your voice calling out my hypocrisy, to hear your voice calling me to question peoples motives, to simply hear your voice throughout my day and to respond.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Gal 2:1-10
Paul continues to stress that the gospel that he preached to the Galatians was from God and was *complete*. It was not missing anything, such as the need for circumcision or the need to convert to Judaism. No, the salvation in Jesus does not require these things, and Paul has already condemned this teaching strongly (1:8, 1:9).
As part of his argument, Paul says that he made a trip to Jerusalem with Titus, a Greek, and the leaders of the Jerusalem church did not compel him to be circumcised (v3) and they did not try to change the gospel that Paul was taking to the gentiles (v10). Why is this matter so important? See verse 5: the teaching of the false brothers is a challenge to the freedom that the believer has in Christ. This is the difference between being free in Christ, to live for him, to serve him, to be filled with his joy and peace, to be sanctified in him, and being a slave to the law, which cannot save and cannot bring joy, peace, and sanctification.
In this context, I am struck by the message in verse 10, "All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do". It strikes me that God wants his people, whether Jew or Gentile, to be identified with this activity. Whoever we are in Christ, God desires that we remember the poor.
As part of his argument, Paul says that he made a trip to Jerusalem with Titus, a Greek, and the leaders of the Jerusalem church did not compel him to be circumcised (v3) and they did not try to change the gospel that Paul was taking to the gentiles (v10). Why is this matter so important? See verse 5: the teaching of the false brothers is a challenge to the freedom that the believer has in Christ. This is the difference between being free in Christ, to live for him, to serve him, to be filled with his joy and peace, to be sanctified in him, and being a slave to the law, which cannot save and cannot bring joy, peace, and sanctification.
In this context, I am struck by the message in verse 10, "All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do". It strikes me that God wants his people, whether Jew or Gentile, to be identified with this activity. Whoever we are in Christ, God desires that we remember the poor.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Gal 1:11-24
V11-12) As Paul describes his ministry, he highlights the importance of it not being initiated or sustained by humans. It is not Paul's interpretation of the gospel. It's the gospel revealed by God, received by Paul from God. This is what makes it that much more important that nothing be added or taken away from it.
v15-17) Our God is an action God. God _set_ Paul apart early in life, God _called_ Paul through His grace. In this single little verse we see an important concept of God.... He is the initiator, the doer, the action person and we are the receiver.
We also see Paul is immediately obedient to God's revelation. v16) tells us he did not "run" it by his friends to hear their thoughts? Nor did he ask the believers of the day, in Jerusalem. Paul immediately set out to do what God had commanded him. I like to think that there are times when we "think" we hear from God and we go ask either our Christian peers or pastors (really still our peers in Christ) what they think.... in reality scripture is consistent about people KNOWING when they hear form God. The experience is so transforming/convicting/unsettling that decisions are made at that instant, obedience or disobedience.
v24) Why does all of what Paul has been describing matter, why is it important.... because in the end, it leads to God's people glorifying God.
v15-17) Our God is an action God. God _set_ Paul apart early in life, God _called_ Paul through His grace. In this single little verse we see an important concept of God.... He is the initiator, the doer, the action person and we are the receiver.
We also see Paul is immediately obedient to God's revelation. v16) tells us he did not "run" it by his friends to hear their thoughts? Nor did he ask the believers of the day, in Jerusalem. Paul immediately set out to do what God had commanded him. I like to think that there are times when we "think" we hear from God and we go ask either our Christian peers or pastors (really still our peers in Christ) what they think.... in reality scripture is consistent about people KNOWING when they hear form God. The experience is so transforming/convicting/unsettling that decisions are made at that instant, obedience or disobedience.
v24) Why does all of what Paul has been describing matter, why is it important.... because in the end, it leads to God's people glorifying God.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Gal 1:1-10
Paul starts out the letter with a statement of his authority as an apostle. He is not speaking for himself. He was not sent by other men. He is speaking on behalf of Jesus Christ and God the Father, who appointed him for this work. From this opening, you get a hint that a rebuke is coming.
But Paul also expresses his desire for the churches in Galatia: he wishes them grace and peace from God. And he reminds them that the Lord Jesus "gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age". This desire that the saints know the grace and peace of God and live in the shadow of the cross goes hand in hand with the coming rebuke. Paul does not rebuke them because they are simpletons who have been "thrown into confusion". He does not rebuke them for "turning to a different gospel" as a form of arguing details. He does not rebuke them for "deserting the one who called you" because he worked hard in those churches and doesn't want to see his work go for naught. No, he rebukes them because the *only way* to live in the grace and peace of God is to accept the truth of the gospel, the gospel that he preached to them, and to live out our lives as servants of the Lord Jesus.
How often I need this rebuke myself. How often I turn to something other than my Lord Jesus to seek fulfillment. How often I desert the gospel of grace for the gospel of works. How often I try to please men instead of being a servant of Christ. Lord Jesus, thank you for giving yourself to rescue me from my sins. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for walking each day with me. Please renew me and draw me closer. And show me the work that you have for me today.
But Paul also expresses his desire for the churches in Galatia: he wishes them grace and peace from God. And he reminds them that the Lord Jesus "gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age". This desire that the saints know the grace and peace of God and live in the shadow of the cross goes hand in hand with the coming rebuke. Paul does not rebuke them because they are simpletons who have been "thrown into confusion". He does not rebuke them for "turning to a different gospel" as a form of arguing details. He does not rebuke them for "deserting the one who called you" because he worked hard in those churches and doesn't want to see his work go for naught. No, he rebukes them because the *only way* to live in the grace and peace of God is to accept the truth of the gospel, the gospel that he preached to them, and to live out our lives as servants of the Lord Jesus.
How often I need this rebuke myself. How often I turn to something other than my Lord Jesus to seek fulfillment. How often I desert the gospel of grace for the gospel of works. How often I try to please men instead of being a servant of Christ. Lord Jesus, thank you for giving yourself to rescue me from my sins. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for walking each day with me. Please renew me and draw me closer. And show me the work that you have for me today.
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