Today, we are going to do things a little different. I am going to ask you to share your word. Before you read, say a short prayer and ask God to reveal to you the one word (thought) that he wants you to “hear” as you read.
As you read, remember these two things …
- Paul’s main issue, throughout this letter, has been that you didn’t have to become a Jew (specifically be circumcised) to be considered a Jesus follower. You become a Jesus follower (a child of God) by simply believing in Jesus.
- Paul was also concerned about new Jesus followers being more concerned about keeping the law than expressing grace. He wasn’t trying to ignore the law. He wanted them to follow the law; but as a response to grace (out of gratitude and respect and trust), not in search of grace (as if somehow obeying enough laws would earn them the grace they had already freely received). It is a completely different mindset. People who live by grace become more humble and are more concerned about expressing love and kindness. People who live by the law become more prideful and are more concerned about making sure everyone following the rules.
Galatians 4
1 Think of it this way. If a father dies and leaves an inheritance for his young children, those children are not much better off than slaves until they grow up, even though they actually own everything their father had. 2 They have to obey their guardians until they reach whatever age their father set. 3 And that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world. 4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. 6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
8 Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. 9 So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world? 10 You are trying to earn favor with God by observing certain days or months or seasons or years. 11 I fear for you. Perhaps all my hard work with you was for nothing. 12 Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to live as I do in freedom from these things, for I have become like you Gentiles - free from those laws. You did not mistreat me when I first preached to you. 13 Surely you remember that I was sick when I first brought you the Good News. 14 But even though my condition tempted you to reject me, you did not despise me or turn me away. No, you took me in and cared for me as though I were an angel from God or even Christ Jesus himself. 15 Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then? I am sure you would have taken out your own eyes and given them to me if it had been possible. 16 Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth? 17 Those false teachers are so eager to win your favor, but their intentions are not good. They are trying to shut you off from me so that you will pay attention only to them. 18 If someone is eager to do good things for you, that’s all right; but let them do it all the time, not just when I’m with you. 19 Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives. 20 I wish I were with you right now so I could change my tone. But at this distance I don’t know how else to help you.
Send me your word (and why it stood out to you if you are willing). Click on “things” below. I know it is a little awkward and a little intimidating; but I know you can do it. Take a step toward letting Jesus be more fully developed in your life.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Belong
Today, in his letter to Jesus followers in Galatia, Paul talks about who we really are.
Galatians 3
23 Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. 24 Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. 25 And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian. 26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
Belong. Have you ever felt unwanted or out of place or insignificant? Me too. That is what I love about this part of the story. It is a reminder of who we really are ... a description that is interwoven throughout God’s story. Because of Jesus, we know we are wanted and loved by God ... “you are all children of God” (check out John 3:16). Because of Jesus, we know we are accepted just the way we are, no matter who we are ... “you are all one in Christ Jesus” (check out 1 Timothy 1:12-16). Because of Jesus, we know we are heirs to the most invaluable inheritance ever ... “you are his heirs” (check out Revelation 21:1-7). So the next time you begin to doubt your worth or your significance, reread this part of the story and let God remind you that you are wanted and accepted and invaluable. Because of Jesus, you belong.
Galatians 3
23 Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. 24 Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. 25 And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian. 26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
Belong. Have you ever felt unwanted or out of place or insignificant? Me too. That is what I love about this part of the story. It is a reminder of who we really are ... a description that is interwoven throughout God’s story. Because of Jesus, we know we are wanted and loved by God ... “you are all children of God” (check out John 3:16). Because of Jesus, we know we are accepted just the way we are, no matter who we are ... “you are all one in Christ Jesus” (check out 1 Timothy 1:12-16). Because of Jesus, we know we are heirs to the most invaluable inheritance ever ... “you are his heirs” (check out Revelation 21:1-7). So the next time you begin to doubt your worth or your significance, reread this part of the story and let God remind you that you are wanted and accepted and invaluable. Because of Jesus, you belong.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Promise
Today, in Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he continues his argument of faith (believing in the message of Jesus) over law (holding to the Mosaic Law) when it comes to the issue of salvation.
Galatians 3
15 Dear brothers and sisters, here’s an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or amend an irrevocable agreement, so it is in this case. 16 God gave the promises to Abraham and his child. And notice that the Scripture doesn’t say “to his children,” as if it meant many descendants. Rather, it says “to his child” - and that, of course, means Christ. 17 This is what I am trying to say: The agreement God made with Abraham could not be canceled 430 years later when God gave the law to Moses. God would be breaking his promise. 18 For if the inheritance could be received by keeping the law, then it would not be the result of accepting God’s promise. But God graciously gave it to Abraham as a promise. 19 Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people. 20 Now a mediator is helpful if more than one party must reach an agreement. But God, who is one, did not use a mediator when he gave his promise to Abraham. 21 Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. 22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.
Promise. As Paul continues to find new ways to explain why you can’t obtain salvation by trying to follow the law, I was drawn to the example he used ... a promise. A promise that was found in Jesus ... which reminded me of some of the promises Jesus made. Jesus promised us a new home with God when this life is over (check out John 14:1-3). Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit to provide guidance and instruction in this life (check out John 14:16-18 and John 14:26). Jesus promised us peace that would defy the logic of this world (check out John 14:27). Jesus promised that he would return (check out John 14:28). As you go through the rest of your day, be reminded of these two things: one, God keeps his promises’ and two, Jesus promises to provide everything we would need in this life and the life to come. That is pretty promising.
Galatians 3
15 Dear brothers and sisters, here’s an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or amend an irrevocable agreement, so it is in this case. 16 God gave the promises to Abraham and his child. And notice that the Scripture doesn’t say “to his children,” as if it meant many descendants. Rather, it says “to his child” - and that, of course, means Christ. 17 This is what I am trying to say: The agreement God made with Abraham could not be canceled 430 years later when God gave the law to Moses. God would be breaking his promise. 18 For if the inheritance could be received by keeping the law, then it would not be the result of accepting God’s promise. But God graciously gave it to Abraham as a promise. 19 Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people. 20 Now a mediator is helpful if more than one party must reach an agreement. But God, who is one, did not use a mediator when he gave his promise to Abraham. 21 Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. 22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.
Promise. As Paul continues to find new ways to explain why you can’t obtain salvation by trying to follow the law, I was drawn to the example he used ... a promise. A promise that was found in Jesus ... which reminded me of some of the promises Jesus made. Jesus promised us a new home with God when this life is over (check out John 14:1-3). Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit to provide guidance and instruction in this life (check out John 14:16-18 and John 14:26). Jesus promised us peace that would defy the logic of this world (check out John 14:27). Jesus promised that he would return (check out John 14:28). As you go through the rest of your day, be reminded of these two things: one, God keeps his promises’ and two, Jesus promises to provide everything we would need in this life and the life to come. That is pretty promising.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Rescued
Yesterday, in Paul’s letter to Jesus followers in Galatia, we experienced Paul’s passion for continuing to express the grace we received and Paul’s passion against allowing our faith to become “checklist maintenance”. Today, he is going to spell relief ... r-e-s-c-u-e-d.
Galatians 3
8 What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would declare the Gentiles to be righteous because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith. 10 But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.” 11 So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” 12 This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.” 13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.
Rescued. The word that really stood out to me was the word “rescued”. At times, I felt like I needed to be rescued from the chaos of all those ideas ... the extremes (blessings and curses) ... the overlaps (faith provides life, obedience provides life) ... the impossibilities (you must obey all commands, you can’t obey all commands). I was so glad to finally reach the word “rescued” ... I actually breathed a sigh of relief. We all face a lot of chaos in our lives ... relational, vocational, emotional, political, financial. Isn’t it good to know that Jesus has already dealt with the most important chaos we will ever face ... the spiritual chaos Paul was writing about?! He explains that Jesus dealt with the curse on the cross. That is why John 19:30 is my favorite verse in the Bible where Jesus, at the end of his time on the cross, says, “It is finished.” Repeat that phrase a couple times to yourself. Let the hope and peace and the beauty of those words sink in. Then, take a deep breath and breathe a sigh of relief because you have been rescued.
Galatians 3
8 What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would declare the Gentiles to be righteous because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith. 10 But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.” 11 So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” 12 This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.” 13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.
Rescued. The word that really stood out to me was the word “rescued”. At times, I felt like I needed to be rescued from the chaos of all those ideas ... the extremes (blessings and curses) ... the overlaps (faith provides life, obedience provides life) ... the impossibilities (you must obey all commands, you can’t obey all commands). I was so glad to finally reach the word “rescued” ... I actually breathed a sigh of relief. We all face a lot of chaos in our lives ... relational, vocational, emotional, political, financial. Isn’t it good to know that Jesus has already dealt with the most important chaos we will ever face ... the spiritual chaos Paul was writing about?! He explains that Jesus dealt with the curse on the cross. That is why John 19:30 is my favorite verse in the Bible where Jesus, at the end of his time on the cross, says, “It is finished.” Repeat that phrase a couple times to yourself. Let the hope and peace and the beauty of those words sink in. Then, take a deep breath and breathe a sigh of relief because you have been rescued.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Righteous
We are in the middle of a letter written by Paul to Jesus followers in what was the Roman province of Galatia. Late last week, we read how Paul addressed the issue of hypocrisy. Today, he talks about the heart of the matter when it comes to faith.
Galatians 3
1 Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. 2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. 3 How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 4 Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it? 5 I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ. 6 In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” 7 The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.
Righteous. I don’t think Paul had anything against obeying the law. I know Jesus didn’t (check out Matthew 5:17-20). Whenever Jesus discussed an issue of law, he said it was really a matter of the heart (check out Matthew 5:21-48). That’s why I think Paul was so passionate about this issue. He knew, first hand, what could happen if an individual made the focus of their faith a matter of the head (rules and regulations) instead of a matter of the heart (grace and compassion). He knew that the farther you got away from expressing your faith (expressing grace) ... and the more focused you were on maintaining your faith (maintaining a checklist of “do”s and “don’t”s) ... the harder your heart becomes (check out Acts 26:4-11). So did Jesus (check out Mark 3:1-6). Grace, the fact that we can be counted as righteous by God by simply believing in Jesus, was designed to set us free ... not from obeying the law; but from maintaining a checklist. It is freely offered to us so that we can freely express it to others (check out what Paul experienced in the post entitled Reveal). So what are you waiting for?
Galatians 3
1 Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. 2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. 3 How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 4 Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it? 5 I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ. 6 In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” 7 The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.
Righteous. I don’t think Paul had anything against obeying the law. I know Jesus didn’t (check out Matthew 5:17-20). Whenever Jesus discussed an issue of law, he said it was really a matter of the heart (check out Matthew 5:21-48). That’s why I think Paul was so passionate about this issue. He knew, first hand, what could happen if an individual made the focus of their faith a matter of the head (rules and regulations) instead of a matter of the heart (grace and compassion). He knew that the farther you got away from expressing your faith (expressing grace) ... and the more focused you were on maintaining your faith (maintaining a checklist of “do”s and “don’t”s) ... the harder your heart becomes (check out Acts 26:4-11). So did Jesus (check out Mark 3:1-6). Grace, the fact that we can be counted as righteous by God by simply believing in Jesus, was designed to set us free ... not from obeying the law; but from maintaining a checklist. It is freely offered to us so that we can freely express it to others (check out what Paul experienced in the post entitled Reveal). So what are you waiting for?
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