Galatians 4:21-31

                                               The Battle Rages

            The exclusive status sought by the Galatians had a much bigger price than they seem to have really understood.  Here Paul tries to clarify the point using historical events[1] as analogies. 

Bond Woman  - Hagar                        Free Woman     - Sarah

At the normal age and range               Beyond normal possibilities,   possibility                                            supernaturally

                                   

Conceives, gives birth to a son           Conceives, gives birth to a son

èa child of human efforts                 è a child of God’s promise  

            èflesh                                                èspirit                                               

Representing human achievement       Representing belief by grace

 --the religious                                     ---true Christians

Just as these two women did not cohabitate in peace, neither do the flesh and the spirit cohabitate in peace.  One wins over the other.  One flees.  Those of the bondwoman, the flesh, the Law, may appear, on the surface, more “holy” or deserving.  Yet people and their message, are known by their fruit.  And in which scenario do we find the greatest glorification of God who achieves the impossible? 

In your own life, is your hope set upon God, for whom nothing is impossible, or is your hope in your own abilities?  Are all welcome in your sphere of existence, or only those who are like yourself?  Take a long hard look at how you operate in your life.  I am not saying we cannot (and should not), work hard and diligently, aiming for excellence.  But I do want to emphasize what Paul says about finding our hope, our freedom, and our identity in the wonderful, supernatural power and grace of Jesus Christ. 

Where is your confidence and hope?  Are you living as a child of the flesh [as of the bondwoman] or as a child of the spirit [free woman]

Read and Pray:   John 8:31-36, Romans 6:15-23

---

[1] See Genesis 21 for the original account

Galatians 4:16-20

                                                     “Exclusive!!!”

            The relationship and trust which exist as a result of the gospel being preached and received will undergo tests.  Here, the test comes in the form of temptation toward religiosity versus truth.  The Judiazers are emphasizing a “need” for Jewish rites in order to be “complete” in the faith of Jesus.  Apparently Judiazers were setting themselves apart by appearing and presenting themselves as “holier”.  They were making compliance with Old Testament cultural rites a prerequisite for fellowship.  The tactic seemed to be working with the Galatians. These religious guys were looking like they had a ‘special connection’ with God.

            We may see this as remote from ourselves, or silly of the Galatians to be taken in by the sham.  But think about how you feel when a group of people seem to have, or be, what you have longed for. 

            In the case of the Galatians, it probably began with a good, pure desire to grow in maturity of faith and relationship with God.  These teachers probably seemed to be the experts.  Surely they wouldn’t be wrong!  And their technique of being just a bit out of reach made their exclusive status all the more desirable.

            This technique can be seen in use all the time.  Think of commercials:  both ‘Christian’ and secular promotions love to use the word “exclusive” referring to something positive and desirable.  It is only for certain people, so you better jump to it if you don’t want to be left out!  On an emotional level, each person wants to be special and that exclusivity becomes desirable.  Once that status is achieved, rarely does one want to give it up.

            But Truth comes along and crashes that old “exclusive” party.  Truth seems to shout, “Yes, be zealous!  Be radical!  Be counter-culture! But be it all for the sake of the pure gospel!  And remember—not all will receive it, but ALL are welcome!”  There is absolutely nothing that we have that we did not receive from God, so why not extend that wonderful grace without being exclusive?  List some practical ways you can—without being exclusive--extend God’s love by extending the invitation to a deeper walk with Him,:

In friendship ____________________________________________________

In fellowship ____________________________________________________

In knowledge ___________________________________________________

In ____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

Read and Pray:    Malachi 2:10, Luke 10:16, James 1:17, Colossians 2:6-10

Galatians 4:12-15

                                      empathy of gospel love

            Paul states, “Become like me”—that is, free from constraints of Jewish law and tradition which is foreign to you.  “I became like you”, that is, free from Jewish law and tradition.  Even so, by faith in the grace of God, I am accepted by God.  No injury or damage was suffered as a result of this freedom.

            Paul’s initial contact and relationship with the Galatians may have been, but was not necessarily, planned.  It may have flowed from Paul’s physical need and the Galatians’ response to the Good News of Jesus Christ.  The early expressions of their faith in Jesus flowed as extensions of God’s Spirit through their Galatian culture.  They apparently served and helped Paul generously with great compassion and empathy.

            Do compassion and empathy flow from you as a result of your experience with the Gospel?  Do you, in practical ways, seek to serve and help others?  Why and how do you do this?

            It is the service springing from compassion and empathy that builds relationship and trust.  Suffering can help build relational bridges when people respond in love and unity.  For in these times, we have special opportunity to communicate the gracious love and empathy of Jesus.

Read and Pray:  Matthew 10:40, Luke 10:16, Acts 20:35, Romans 15:1-7

Galatians 4:8-11

                                                   the one(s) you really serve          

            What or who do you serve?  If you are serving yourself, you probably have clearly devised ways of finding pleasure, satisfaction and approval.  A life apart from God involves serving things which by nature are not gods, but we’ve given them the status of “god” by our priorities and behavior.  These things may include material success, popularity, beauty, health, fun, or even religion or religious appearance. 

            A tragedy occurs when one has received the freedom of life with God through Jesus, and then turns back to seeking fulfillment, guidance, and spiritual nourishment in the “weak and beggarly elements”. In search of wisdom, direction, or help in decision making, one may consult the “Dear Ann” columns, the horoscope, the latest popular reviews and articles, the “experts”…  Yet to place confidence in these partial truths and not in God is to in essence say, “Jesus is not enough”.  And we end up feeding our flesh, starving our spirit.

            Reflect on the following questions so that you can get an accurate picture of yourself: 

Where do you most often look for affirmation?  _________________ _________________________________________________________

Where do you most often seek comfort? _______________________ ________________________________________________________ 

Where do you go for wisdom and help with decisions? ___________ ________________________________________________________

Where do you place your hope?  ______________________________ _________________________________________________________

Your answers may indicate what ‘gods’ or God you are serving.  Are you trying to secure your salvation through your own performance?  Are you placing your hope in other people or things?  Place your hope in Jesus, let your salvation rest upon God’s Truth, and fortify your soul with the Truth of God’s Word. 

Read and Pray:  Romans 1:17-25, Colossians 1:19-23, Colossians 2:20-3:4

Galatians 4:1-7

                                                                  “Abba”

            On a large, universal scale, Paul address the role of law, to bring people to the realization of their need for God, and the role of His Son, to provide for humanity the actual way to God.  On a smaller, individual scale, we are each given opportunity to make the transition from “child”, one who obeys only the prohibitive rules laid out, to “mature”, one who responds out of love.  Either way, the Father, the Papa, is the same.  What changes is how we engage Him. 

We can live according to rules and standards, clear and defined (as children do), but in which we inevitably fail—at least in some respects.  If we  choose this route, we have little reason to call out “Abba, Father” for we already have the written restrictions by which we operate.  If, on the other hand, we are seeking to be led by His Spirit, we will certainly encounter times of needing His clarity, His leading, and His confirmation.  We can place our faith and hope in Jesus, and use our heart and mind to seek God’s heart and mind, (as those mature in faith do).   In this place, we obey not because we are slaves who fear punishment, but because we are children who want to please and delight their heavenly Papa.  These are the ones who inherit the blessings of God through Christ.

And what are we inheriting?  Think about it.  Freedom from corruption.  Freedom from insecurity.  Freedom from hopelessness.  We are inheriting the promise of the Spirit of God:  the life and power of Jesus operating in and through us, the sons and daughters of the King of the Universe.

Read and Pray:  Mark 14:36, Isaiah 49:14:16a, Romans 8:18-30

Note:  For those who have a hard time with the concept of a father who is good, warm, loving and gracious, it is well worthwhile to spend time getting to know and meditate upon the character of God.  Consider committing to daily reading of the Psalms and Proverbs.  A great way to do this is to read according to date, and add every 30^th Psalm.  You will end up reading 5 Psalms each day and will have read all of them by the end of the month.  Add to that the Proverb chapter corresponding to the date, and you will discover much about God’s heart.  For example, if today is the 12^th, I would read Psalm 12, Psalm 42, Psalm 72, Psalm 102, Psalm 132 and Proverbs 12.

Galatians 3:23-25

                                           to mature or not to mature…

                As children, we are governed by the rules of our household.  Parents set guidelines and standards in order to keep their children safe and to lead them in a good direction.  The rules are good, but they are also a reminder of the child’s lack of maturity and ability to choose wisely.  When these children reach maturity, they are able to free choose how they will live, no longer governed by parental constraints.

                Similarly, the laws set forth in scripture are good and wholesome for setting a positive direction, but if we come to have faith in Jesus, we do not act on the dictates of rules, laws and regulations.  Rather, having received the Spirit of God by faith in Jesus, we can now operate in the spirit of the law, not merely the letter of the law.

                The revelation of the Law to the Jews was not about personal favoritism, but about imparting to a people some understanding of God’s character and will, so that they would declare to all people the great kindness , mercy and love of God toward mankind.  In this sense, it was actually a burden of responsibility as well as a guide for living, because they were entrusted with "privileged information".  The Law gives us a window to God’s heart, and as such, should always receive a Christian’s respect.

                Realistically, obeying the letter of the law is often, in a sense, easier.  You don’t have to think about purpose—you simply act according to rule.  To obey the spirit of the law, you must look deeper, at the purpose behind the law.  (See for example, the notes of Galatians 3:15-22).  However, there is also greater freedom of expression and deeper experience of fellowship with God when we aim to align our heart, soul, and strength with His purposes.  For at this point, we are seeking His heart.  The beauty of diversity is set free in obedience to God’s purposes, because we each have unique expressions of love and obedience.

                True faith obeys not merely set guidelines, but core purposes.  True faith leads to obedience, not merely to avoid punishment, but to love well.  And that is maturity!

Read and Pray:  Acts 13:38-41, Hebrews 5:14, I Corinthians 13, 14:20

                

Galatians 3:15-22

                                    what is the purpose?

                Do the purposes of God ever change?  Paul gives a resounding “no” to this question.  In the beginning God designed and created interdependent functions of created things.  Relationship is a key aspect of all that is, and it seems to be God’s purpose for people.  The promise of His Spirit to Abraham came hundreds of years before His giving of the law to Moses.  The Law (or “being a good Christian”), points to our need for a help and a promise beyond our selves.  It was never intended to be the vehicle of our salvation and restoration to right relationship with God.

                Though few non-Jews would try to carry out Old Testament Law in their lives, most of us still embrace the Ten Commandments.  I wonder if we sometimes get lulled into thinking we are “righteous” because we can review how we have not murdered or stolen, or made any carved idols.  However, now that the Promise has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the law is also fulfilled in its completeness, and it seems we are once again caught by our own failure to keep it.  If you doubt this, consider applying the Ten Commandments according to Jesus:

1. Have no other gods before me è nothing, no priorities, more important than God and His purposes and priorities.
2. Have no man made idols è no tangible priorities or earthly goals which supersede relationship with God.
3. Do not take the name of the Lord in vain è fulfilling ALL promises and vows
4. Keep the Sabbath day holy è consistently, without fail, set aside time for reflection and appreciation of the beauty of God and His creation.
5. Honor your parents è ALWAYS be honoring in both attitude and action
6. Do not murder è do not bring death upon another person in any way, directly or indirectly, literally or figuratively, to their whole person, or to any aspect of their personality
7. Do no commit adultery è have no sexual experiences, physically or mentally, outside of marriage 
8. Do not steal è directly or indirectly (think fair trade practices, slave labor, etc), literally or figuratively (think of taking someone’s joy, freedom, reputation,…)
9. Do not bear false witness è including lies, gossip, slander, exaggerations, and understatements
10. Do not covet èbe completely content with what you have in comparison to others, and be completely glad for any and all of their good experiences and good things

What are your thoughts on this paraphrase of Jesus’ standards for the Ten Commandments?  Obviously, the law is not against the purposes of God—it details them!  But the law itself does not empower us to live by it.  Are you able to stand, righteous before Him?  Or are you, (like me), ready to bow before Him full of thankfulness for His mercy, delighted and surprised at His gracious willingness to live and work in and through us?   The promise of God’s Spirit by faith in Jesus is seen in its glory it brings vibrant hope and life, set against the backdrop of the law.  Does your life reflect the glory of God and His purposes?

Read and Pray:  Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 32, 1 John 1:8-2:2

Galatians 3:10-14

                                                  Finding Acceptance

Where and how do you look for, and find, acceptance with God?  For me, there is a tension between being a “good Christian” (because I believe that is what will make me acceptable to God), and doing good works because I am motivated by God’s current of love for me and for others.  Most of us who are of evangelical/protestant backgrounds will not embrace the Old Testament Jewish laws as a current requirement.  But we seem to come up with a fine substitute…  As a little exercise, reread today’s passage, and plug in the term “being a good Christian” in place of “the law”. 

I realize that the idea of “being a good Christian” may vary from one person to another, but more often than not, it involves a set of ideas that we have accumulated about how things are supposed to be.  “Being a good Christian” may mean working at a soup kitchen, or not using questionable language, or not going to movies, or always helping when volunteers are needed.  The crux is not in the details, the crux of the matter is in the motivation.  If we feel justified before God because, (at least most of the time), we are “being a good Christian”, then we are deceived.  If “being a good Christian” is the criteria by which we will stand or fall, we are bound to fail unless we ALWAYS choose to “be the good Christian”.  Who among us can do that?

Grace gives birth to grace and results in hope.  Judgment gives birth to division and results in despair.  The law, or the requirement of “being a good Christian”, brings condemnation and separation from God when it is not fulfilled.  God knows our frame and our weaknesses and He has made provision for us if we will only accept it:

èJesus fulfills the law, yet forgives those who don’t. 

èJesus was innocent, yet received the punishment, (separation from God), of those who aren’t.

The alternative to accepting God’s provision, is to be our own provision and somehow become good, pure, clean, holy enough for acceptance and fellowship with God.  Who can do this?  It is faith in Jesus, and what He has done, and is doing, that brings consolation and restoration to our relationship with God.  This blessed relationship is manifest in our receiving of the Spirit of God through faith.  It is this Spirit which then produces in and through us, the fruits of righteousness which display our status of "accepted" by the King of the Universe.

Read and Pray:  Genesis 15:6, Isaiah 49:13, Romans 8:1-4, John 15:7-11

Galatians 3:6-9

                                                 Family Resemblance

                Whose family likeness do you bear?  Do I come across as more like one who lives by faith in God’s great kindness, goodness and mercy, or do I resemble more one who thinks that everything stands or falls on my own actions and accomplishments?  Unfortunately, I think the latter is often more descriptive of my thoughts and behaviors.

Abraham, who trusted and believed before he really accomplished anything that we know of, bears God’s graciousness (Genesis 11-25).  Saul, whose natural and acquired abilities gave him a sense of control and self-sufficiency, bears man’s independence (1 Samuel 9-31).  Here is the paradox of faith:  by ceasing to try to do things all for ourselves, and throwing ourselves on the mercy of God, we are counted as “justified in our humility, while efforts to present ourselves “justified” condemn us in our pride and self-righteousness.  These men each suffered hardships and enjoyed blessings, but it is Abraham whose blessings resulted in great blessings for others.

                From the very first recorded covenant between God and man, to the present day, God bids us to come, and he counts us as righteous based upon our faith in the grace offered through His program.  Abraham believed God and it was counted as righteousness.  He was blessed.  And he was blessed so that he would be a blessing. 

Its funny how often do I try to “earn” blessings from God.   Sometimes I even do it thinking that I will achieve some state of blessing and be a blessing to others.  This is true and possible on some levels I suppose, but the reality is that when I have “achieved”, I try to impose this same “achievement” on others.  Obviously this is neither grace nor faith.  My “high standards”, my being “together”, my “knowledge”, do not invite people into the unmerited grace of God, but they often invite people into a mindset of earning status in the Christian community, protecting oneself, and trying to achieve God’s approval by our own works.  Do I resemble Saul? 

The beautiful thing about Abraham’s experience is that ALL are invited in—not just the high achievers, the self-starters, the socially acceptable.  Anyone who chooses to come, trusting in God’s mercy and goodness is not only invited, but enabled to enter into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.  Time and again I need to return to the reality of what the invitation is:  grace to fall at God’s feet, imperfect, sinful, needy, and broken, ready to receive and walk in the healing and restoration He has for my soul.  In this way, I am blessed right alongside Abraham who believed. How about you?  Who do you most resemble?

Read and Pray:  Genesis 12:1-3, Psalm 33, John 8

Galatians 3:1-5

                                     fickle or faithful?

            Do you consider yourself fickle?  Though some people might have a greater tendency toward this than others, it does seem to be part of human nature.  We sometimes grasp a wonderful truth, enjoy the peace and rest of it, and then move on to some other new exciting thing, even if it is not true.  It was the same with the Galatians.  The context of the terminology in verse 1 Paul uses here relates to a Greek expression denoting a curse placed on someone, rendering them “stupid” or “foolish”—unable to think clearly.

However, Paul is not blaming demonic influences, nor permitting blame shifting.  He is demanding personal responsibility of each person.  A lack of logical reasoning has led them into their error.[1]In the case of the Galatians, the consequence was that the simple truth was being abandoned.   Not at all unique to the Galatians, this trend can be seen here and now as well.  We would do well to attempt to answer the same questions Paul posed in this letter:

1.      How did you receive the Spirit in the beginning?  Was it by things you did, or by what you heard and then received in faith? _______________

2.      Do you think you can complete the spiritual life God has supernaturally begun in you by adopting naturalistic standards to fulfill?  __________  How do you hope to make progress and come to final salvation?  _____ __________________________________________________________

3.      How do you explain God’s manifest presence and power in your midst?  __________________________________________________________ On what basis has God performed signs and miracles? (Faith or works?) __________________________________________________________

When we come to God through the grace of Jesus by faith, there is an exchange that occurs.  It may include some opposition as others resist your change, and it does include some dying to self.  Jesus crucified was a one-time event with ongoing effects to be availed by us over time.  But if after we experience some initial supernatural exchange of our strife for His peace, we then take up a flesh-driven mindset, it is as if the initial experience was for nothing.  And if we have done this, then we have reduced the experience to a ‘religion’ like any other.  We must be clear minded about our need, and continue to rely on God’s grace as we come to Him for our transformation.

Read and Pray:  Jeremiah 32:17-27, Daniel 3:14-18, 6:25-27, Hebrews 2:1-4

---

[1] Cole, R. Alan, TNCT, (IVPress, Downers Grove, IL) 1989, p.130

Galatians 2:19-21

                                                    die  to live

            In its historical Old Testament context, the law gave humanitarian  guidelines to people whose world was immersed violence and immorality.  Though we may now view them as harsh and archaic, they were the beginning of a trajectory which would speak to all people, in all places, at all times.  They introduced compassion, mercy, love and personal responsibility in a way that was revolutionary to the surrounding cultures of the time.  Then along comes Jesus, who draws the trajectory out further by not only addressing physical actions and spoken words, but calling for compassion, mercy, love and personal responsibility even in thoughts.  Old Testament laws may prove difficult to keep, but Jesus’ law of love proves impossible.

            Faced with the impossibility of meeting the criteria, you may: 

1.        Run from God as fast and hard as you can—this may include denying His existence and indulging your desires while you strive for peace and freedom.  But Truth will still be Truth, and you will still be stuck with yourself.

2.       Run toward God by getting to know Jesus (who is the express image of God), and receive the love and grace that God has for you even in your current imperfect, sinful state.  Truth will still be Truth, and in Jesus Christ, it will set you free and bring transformation in love.

Part of what Paul is addressing in Galatians 2 is the reality that the Jewish believers had chosen to run to God, ask for his mercy and grace in Jesus and even walked in that freedom for a time.  Yet they now seem to be setting certain standards and requirements that are not an improvement or advancing of the gospel, but are opposed to the gospel since they rely on human merit. 

At times, I too find myself in this folly.  I begin thinking that I must earn God’s favor by my own right choices.  The result is I get very stressed about decisions—I must make the right one.  I become critical of others who are not trying hard enough—real Christians want to do, and be, the best.  I torment myself for any failures—my role is of grand proportions.  I have rebuilt the very thing I destroyed—my own self-righteousness—and there is certainly some bad fruit that shows!  If you have done the same, then let us each die to self, and live by faith in the Son of God who loves us and gave Himself for us.

Read and Pray:  Romans 8:1-4, Habakkuk 2:4, 2 Timothy 2:10-12, Romans 1:17

Galatians 2:15-18

                                    ministering sin?

            Even the Jews who were avoiding immorality of their day, had recognized that no one is righteous before God and that right relationship with God could only come by faith in the Messiah.  Accepting this truth, many Jews put their faith and trust in Jesus.  But the scary part of grace is the unknown. What happens when the law (a rule) is no longer a requirement?  Will humans toss aside all restraint and just sin freely?  It seems this was a concern of some Jewish Christians in Paul’s day who may have thought reinstating certain laws would help people avoid sinning and offending God. 

Do you ever see this in today’s expression of Christianity?  Certain criteria we have for those who are “true” Christians?  One of the dangers of this kind of thinking is that we forget that our experience with God is not a one-time sinner’s prayer.  It is an ongoing process where wounded, damaged, disillusioned people have chosen to fall on the grace of Jesus for help.  Lives have been messed up and need some remodeling—and remodeling is messy!

If we are using a criteria that consists of anything beyond real faith in Jesus, then we are setting up a justification through works that will cast out anyone who is not as “far along” in the process as we ourselves.  And do you think there is ever a time to repent of “good works”?  What if they are being used as justification before God?  Good works should always issue from a transforming relationship with God through Jesus Christ, but they will never, ever, secure and bring us into that relationship.

Paul points out that the law never succeeded in making anyone righteous.  The law brought, and brings, a realization of the evil in our own hearts.  But the kindness of God leads us to repentance.  We are enabled to receive the grace and forgiveness of God and we can rejoice for His supply of grace is boundless.  I didn’t use it all up when I prayed the sinner’s prayer.  There is more for me tomorrow when I struggle against sin.  There will be grace to love and forgive others.  I enjoyed His grace in the past, but it is still there for me to enjoy in the present, and I can look forward to enjoying even more in the future.[1]

The reality is that when I am abiding in, and walking with Jesus, I am in a relationship that issues forth the fruits of God’s love and grace, not my sin.

Read and Pray:  Psalm 143:1-2, Romans 2:4, 3:9-20, Luke 15:7

---

[1] John Piper’s book, Future Grace, expounds beautifully on this.

Galatians 2:11-14

                                             peer pressure

It seems that peer pressure has been around a pretty long time, and it is often the agent of change which draws people away from that which is good, right, and true.  Have you ever been in a situation where the pure, simple gospel is “socially unacceptable”?  How about any of these scenarios:  in the midst of gossiping friends; in the company of “cool” people; in a group of “intellectuals”; with very conservative or very liberal Christians. Though pressure is high in these settings (among many others as well), if we want to be faithful and true to God, we should ask ourselves whether we are preaching “Culture” or Christ.

Peter knew and preached the simple gospel of Christ Jesus.  He lived it, yet here he acts against his past tradition in Antioch, against the clear revelation  he had received (Acts 10), and against gospel truth.  We could make guesses as to his reasons, but the bottom line from Paul’s perspective is the impact Peter’s action had on the faith and understanding of other believers.  The choice to separate out with the Jewish Christians gave a loud non-verbal message:  “Gentile believers are not quite as pure as Jewish believers”.  Peter’s public actions were affirming this falsehood and misleading others.  Paul loved Peter, the other believers, and the gospel so much that he put his own ‘good standing’ at risk, for the sake of Truth.

This is not about exposing Peter’s weaknesses, but it is about risking all for the uncompromised gospel of grace.  It is not about sparing or destroying reputations of people, it is about restoring the integrity of Christian living.  There are at least two different angles which cause us to cave in to this pressure:

1.      We think we are being kind and loving by not opposing a believer whose actions are contrary to the gospel è our “kindness confirms a falsehood and defies truth è  hypocrisy

2.      We don’t want to risk rejection and ridicule by being gracious and loving to those who does not meet a current group’s “criteria”. è what we are saying about gracious love is contrary to what we do about it è hypocrisy

We may be fooled—by peer pressure—into thinking our reputation is on the line.  But it isn’t about that.  It isn’t about us and our reputation.  It is about learning to live the real integrity of the Gospel.  Will we risk it?

Read and Pray:  Proverbs 11:3, 2 Corinthians 4:8, Psalm 26

Galatians 2:7-10

                                      see and perceive

Closely linked with rejecting bondage is accepting the trustworthy effectiveness of God and His provision for our salvation.  Sometimes I might be shocked by what I perceive as someone else’s carefree attitude in things that relate to how I live out my faith.  But the question is not, “Do they live and express the Christian life the way that I do?”  The question is better stated, “Are the fruits of the Spirit increasing month by month and year by year?  Is the calm assurance of God’s love increasing?”  True spiritual knowledge is a miracle that will yield true transformation and conformance with the will and purposes of God.

Transformation will not always look the same:  God has imparted to humanity a variety of personalities, cultures, ethnicities, languages, time periods,…  It seems pretty pompous to have formulated criteria matching my own narrow expression of Christianity.  Instead, we can look for the good fruits of the gospel message in those who receive it.  We can look for the good fruits of the Holy Spirit in those who have received Jesus as Lord and Ruler of their earthly life as well as Savior of their eternal soul. 

And please remember that Paul is describing how the other apostles and leaders saw and perceived the effective working of the gospel over time.  Transformation is not instantaneous and I suspect if Paul had to make a case immediately after preaching a message, he would be hard pressed for evidence beyond verbal assents.  In the same way, we may not see immediate results of the gospel in the lives of others, or in our own life.  But as we remain committed to Truth, as others remain committed to truth, the evidence will been seen, and the efficacy of the gospel will be perceived.

The one “criteria” added in verse 10 is “remember the poor”.   The first part of Paul’s argument, that it is by grace through faith alone, relates well with the first and greatest commandment: love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  What is added now corresponds well with the second which is like it:  love your neighbor as yourself.

May the effective working of the gospel in your life be seen and perceived by those near you, and may you see and perceive the grace of God that is at work in the live of those around you.

Read and Pray:  Proverbs 11:30, Matthew 7:20, John 15:9-12

Galatians 2:3-6

"Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.  And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.  But from those who seemed to be something--whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man--for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me."

                               rejecting bad bondage

                Titus was like a “test case” as he arrived with Paul among the Jewish Christians.  How would the other apostles perceive Titus’ faith in God?  Was his status before God to be made contingent upon certain actions such as circumcision and Old Testament law, or would there be confirmation that his standing before God is indeed, by grace and faith alone?  Since this grace through faith is the crux of Paul’s message, we can see why this plays so intimately on Paul’s concern about running in vain.  The gospel is at stake.

                There will always be those who will seek to bring us into bondage, and there are all sorts of bondages.  The real question is, are we confident enough in what Jesus has done that we can stand before God and before other people, justified by our faith in the Righteous One?  Paul’s example to us is this:  not even for one minute should we give into thinking that we must, (or even can), secure our salvation by something other than, or in addition to, our relationship with Jesus.  Being a good student, a great parent, an amazing ‘worship’ musician, an accomplished teacher, a skilled doctor or missionary or preacher—none of that could ever be adequate!  Only Jesus binds us to God.  It is only to Jesus that we are to be bound.  And this is the only bondage, which promotes life. [Paul labeled himself ‘bondservant’!]

                In addition, if we seek to control and manipulate other people, we are usually participating in a process of bringing them into some sort of bondage to our own “requirements”.  Though none of us would want to bear the title “false brethren”, if this is what we are doing, then this is how we are behaving—as false brethren!   Have you set in your mind certain things that others must do or say before you will accept them? 

                Have you been on the receiving end of someone else’s “requirements” for acceptance?  Have you been bringing others into bondage by your own additional “requirements” ?

                Spend time today meditating on the Gospel of Jesus:  there is no partiality or favoritism, there is nothing you or anyone else can do to add to or improve upon it.  It is good.  Jesus is good.  And when you are with Him, you are enveloped in His goodness, and you can invite others to join you. 

Read and Pray:  2 Corinthians 6:1-2, James 2:1, John 15:4-5  

Galatians 2:1-2

"Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me.  And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel  which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain."

                                  moving by revelation

Paul says he went up to Jerusalem because of revelation.  We can’t know for certain what form that took.  It could have been a personal revelation like what Peter experienced (Acts 10), or it could have been one that came to the  group of believers (Acts 13:2), or one that came by a prophet (Acts 11:27-30).  What we do know, is that Paul responded to the revelation.

In the parable of the talents, Jesus illustrates how being faithful in the little things positions one to become faithful in much greater things. (Luke 19:17)  In this part of Galatians, the word ‘revelation’ has the connotation of an unveiling of supernatural origin.  Have you ever experienced an “unveiling of supernatural origin”? The Bible is the communication of the will of God, so wouldn’t it fit in this category?  I believe so.

The question now is, am I faithful to the revelation I have received thus far?  Am I seeking more, above and beyond, when I haven’t been faithful with the bits I already hold?  It seems that when Paul received the revelation, he packed his bags and went, using the opportunity for the gospel of Jesus.  We need to do the same, whether physically, or figuratively, we need to act on the revelation we have.

I have struggled off and on with worry.  Has God given revelation about that?  Of course He has!  I need to pack in the Truth on this, and travel to a place of trust.  I have also struggled with insecurity.  It is time to grab hold of His Truth—His amazing grace, and move over to confidence in His love for me in spite of my many failures and imperfections.  How about you?  Where are you currently residing?  Based on the fruits in your life, and on the truth revealed in Scripture, are you where God wants you?  If not, are you willing to act on that revelation, pack in the Truth, and make the journey?

When I have been willing to act on it, there has always been good fruit and reward, even if at times it has been very hard.  Paul encountered some great challenges that put his faithfulness and his trust in a gospel of grace right on the line.  He stood firm, not in his own ability or accomplishments, but in the completeness of the loving work of Jesus.  I pray God will empower me, and each of you, to do the same.

Read and Pray:  Proverbs 29:18, Matthew 16:15-17,Acts 17:24-31, Ephesians 1:15-21