Children of the Promise (Galatians 4:21-31)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 4:21-31
Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written,
“Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;
break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!
For the children of the desolate one will be more
than those of the one who has a husband.”
Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.

COMMENT

So to those who think that salvation comes from Jesus and some other obligations, are you aware that if you are under one bit of law you are obligated to the entire law? He gives the example from the Old Testament. One child corresponds to the slavery of the law, the other to the freedom based on the promise. I'll take the promise. Christ has promised us freedom, not slavery.

This does not mean that there is not a cross to bear. Remember, Jesus bore His cross for the joy that was set before him. Unless we do the same for the same reason, I believe we are acting in vain. Jesus's joy came from His service and obedience to the Father out of His love for the Father. It was not an act of obedience for the sake of obedience. Had that been the case, I believe Satan's temptations might actually have worked.

Surrendering the Blessing (Galatians 4:15-20)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 4:15-20
What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

COMMENT

What is the blessedness that they had lost? I believe it is the gospel, the idea that Jesus died for our sins and that is sufficient for us. When we surrender our freedom and go back to trying to live up to an impossible standard (a law of any kind), we have given up a freedom for a burden that at least eventually will crush us. To give up on the freedom we have in Christ is to give up on liberty and the standard  by which our love for Christ determines our actions and to take up  to a standard that says we must do certain things to be acceptable and the failure to do so means that not only is our love for Him insufficient, but His love for us is as well.

Prior to surrendering their blessedness, how were they living? I propose that they were living a life of sacrificial surrender to Christ. Look at how they treated Paul. For the sake of the gospel, they would have torn out their own eyes and given them to him. Now, because of the caustic influence of others, they resent him and his words. Paul is perplexed by their behavior. Why the change? Why surrender grace for law?

I think the answer for that is simple: as humans we tend to want to take the path of least resistance. Grace is better, its burden is lighter, but it is also harder in some ways. Law is comfortable. I don't have to think or commit to follow a prescribed path. I don't have to think. Just go on autopilot and crash right into the mountain. Don't smoke, drink, cuss, or whatever your belief system says. Then you don't have to think about what it means to love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself. I sure hope that the GPS has been updated.

Be Like Me (Galatians 4:12-14)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 4:12-14
Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.
What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

COMMENT

Paul starts this section off with an interesting request, that the Galatians be like him. Knowing Paul, I do not believe that this is stated in a proud or authoritarian way, but rather humbly. Be a follower of Christ and not the law, be saved, be confident in Christ. Then he also states that he has become like them. Perhaps he means that he has tried to put himself in their shoes? Perhaps he is talking about the fact that he also was once a follower of the law, and is now a follower of Christ?

The Galatians are near and dear to Paul. He has genuine affection and connection with them. When he first preached to them, he was ill, yet they did not see his illness as a burden, but praised God for his teaching. They exhibited a true spirit of Jesus. But things seem to be changing. Why? Because of the ones who would enslave them under the law again.

I think this shows how the gospel message is not just a means justification, but also a means of sanctification. In other words, it is not just something we need to hear once to get saved, but it is something we need to hear constantly to grow in our faith. Paul was somewhat unique in that he had this physical ailment that always reminded him of his dependence on Christ, perhaps even of the day and means of his salvation on the road to Damascus. The gospel and grace of God were with him in his affliction. He knew it slowed him down, but God knew he needed it. God knew His grace was sufficient for Paul. And so did Paul. 

To Know and Be Known (Galatians 4:8-11)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 4:8-11
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.

COMMENT

Formerly, prior to hearing the gospel, whether you were a pagan sinner worshiping at the temple or a really nice guy who did not drink or cuss, you did not know God and were enslaved by things that are not gods. That could be a temple prostitute, drugs, or material possessions. Now you know God, so things should be different. Rather, you are known by God. Interesting distinction. I think Paul states it this way because he wants to make it clear that God is the doer in salvation, not you or me.So if God has revealed Himself to you, and you have seen His glory, and know of His love, how can you go back to serving things that are not gods, things that will separate you from the one true God?

The Galatians appear to have gone back to trying to observe the laws. They were observing the rituals of the calendar, and enforcing those rituals on others. Paul again does not understand why they would change their thinking, going back to things other than grace. But don't we all tend to do exactly that? I cannot tell you how many times I have read something in Scripture that I have read before, only to think, "How could I have forgotten this?" or "Why didn't I remember this all along?" Silly human.

I do not believe that those God has granted salvation to can lose it. I also believe that not everyone who thinks they have been granted salvation have been. Regardless, those who have will want to stay vigilant. Those who have will want to honor and love God. Those who have will take words like these from Paul, and not be offended, but will humbly correct their behavior and honor the God they love.

Heirs (Galatians 4:1-7)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 4:1-7

I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

COMMENT

When were we children? When we were under the law. When our only means of knowing and pleasing God was a list of rules and other to dos. At that point, while yet heirs, we were for all practical purposes the same as slaves. The guardians, managers, and source of protection were the rules. What freed us? Christ. He redeemed those under the law that we might be sons. How? By more law? No, through faith in Christ we receive adoption and therefore the Spirit of God, that now we live to please God. No more mere obedience, but now obedience through faith. 

I Find This Amazing! (Galatians 3:21-29)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 3:21-29
Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

COMMENT

A few thoughts: First, what an interesting comment to say that Scripture imprisoned everything under sin. Paul does not blame us, but that does not make us innocent. It is the law that accuses, and the law is found in Scripture. We are guilty because there is a law, without a law we could not be convicted. But that leads to the second thought, the law was put in place so that the promise could be fulfilled. One of God's characteristics is love, and for some that is all they want to talk about. But another is holiness, and holiness demands a standard. Just like we need law to be guilty, God needs law to show us that He holy and perfect. So the law reveals our guilt, and it reveals His holiness.

Who is above the law? Heirs of the King. The king, by virtue of relationship, declares them innocent. So the only way we can be declared a blood relative of the King is through the blood of Jesus. Where the law once declared us guilty, it now reveals our innocence. We are Abraham's offspring through faith, and as such, heirs to the promise given to him.

Why the Law Fails (Galatians 3:15-20)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 3:15-20
To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.
Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.

COMMENT

Here Paul is seeking to clarify by using a human example. When someone makes an agreement, once you ratify it (shake hands?) there is no going back and changing it. Everyone knows that, although those who end up on the short end often want to change things. God has made a promise. Paul is clarifying that the promise was not to us (offsprings), but to Christ (offspring). When Abraham was justified, it was by faith and it was before the law was given. The law, an after-the-fact event, did not nullify the promise which was by faith. If it had, then the law would have taken over and it would be the standard by which we obtain salvation.

Why then add the law? It was added because of transgressions. But how could there be transgressions if there was no law? There were transgressions since the time of Adam and Eve in the garden. Since Cain and Abel. The law was given to aid in relationship, both to God and fellow man. It would provide stability and consistency until it was replaced.

What was it replaced by? Faith. A faith that is written on the hearts of men. The problem with law is, it can never be all-inclusive. Here's what I mean, when a teacher sets classroom rules, they can never have a rule for every infraction. It would be silly to have a rule that states, "Students may not stand on their chairs and cluck like a chicken." Two reasons, first, you then have the student who will ask, "What if I stand on my desk and bark like a dog?" Okay, now we need another rule. Second, whatever rules you have, students will always invent new ways to circumvent them. Instead, many teachers have a limited set of rules that encompass many behaviors, such as "You should not disrupt the teacher or classroom at any time." Now, standing on anything and making any kind of noise is out of place. But the point is, we need structure and rules or we will seek our own interests and desires, and not Gods. So the law was given because inside our hearts are far from God. (Romans 3:11) It is the law that points us to God. It is through repentance (turning to God) because of faith that we, like Abraham, can be declared righteous.

Righteousness Through Faith (Galatians 3:7-14)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 3:7-14

Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

COMMENT

Abraham was righteous because of his faith, not his works. So his children would also be righteous by faith. That is the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham. (Gen 15:5) His heirs would come through Isaac, and not the son of the servant girl. They would be children of faith.

God knew this, that is why the Scriptures foresaw it. Scripture states that all nations will blessed through Abram, not just the Jewish nation. The blessing is found through faith. For those who are not of faith, for those who seek to obtain favor through law and obedience, a curse, the exact opposite of what they are seeking. You see, the problem with the law is that in order to fulfill it, you have to fulfill it all. Even the things that you do that unknowingly violate the law make you guilty.

Gospel (Galatians 3:1-6)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 3:1-6
O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?

LANGUAGE

Vs 1  Foolish - not understanding, unwise, foolish
Vs 1  bewitched - to charm, to bewitch

COMMENT

So it appears that at least some (many?) of the Galatians just did not understand the gospel. I think this is true in the church today as well. We think we know it all. We think we have to do certain good things (while totally ignoring other things) to be saved. But this is not the gospel that was preached to them by Paul! Not only Paul, but many had seen the gospel lived out in the crucifixion of Jesus. And then there is the gift of the Spirit. They received the Holy Spirit, not by following a set of laws, but they received Him through faith. Did they think that would change over time? Here is this wonderful gift of faith, which you get to keep if you obey? No! Here is this wonderful gift of faith, and as you grow in it, you will grow in your obedience. It's called sanctification, and it comes through growing in faith and not through obedience.They had witnessed miracles. Did they think those miracles came because of their obedience? That quote about Abraham, it comes from the Old Testament. (Gen 15:6) It was Abraham's faith that earned his righteousness.

Yet this is what we want to believe, that somehow me and my obedience play a part in the process. I sometimes wonder way we think this way. I think it is just part of our human nature to think that we have to be a part of the process. It is why prosperity preachers are so popular. They even couch their version of works based Christianity into a version that turns faith into a work. "If you are not getting what you want from God, it is because you do not have enough faith!" As if mustard seed faith was not enough. As if we could believe, but not believe good enough. As if a woman could be a little bit pregnant.

This goes to be thoughts on repentance. We are told to repent of our sins and turn to Jesus. No. The repenting is to turn to Jesus, the sins then go away because we love Him and want to please Him. If we are going to say it at all, it should be that we turn (repent) to Jesus, then turn away from our sins. We turn not out of effort, but because they no longer appeal to us.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

The Meat of the Issue (Galatians 2:15-21)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 2:15-21
We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

LANGUAGE

Vs 15  Gentile - a non-Jewish race
Vs 15  Sinner - devoted to sin, not free from sin, wicked, tax-collectors, heathen
Vs 16  Justified - rendered innocent (Same word used in Vs 17)

COMMENTS

So now we start to get to the meat of the issue Paul is addressing in Galatians. The Jews were God's chosen people, and the Gentiles were outside of a relationship with God, outside of His favor. By saying that a person is not justified by works of the law, I believe Paul is showing that the favor of God is not a matter of who you are or what you do, but in who do you trust. Paul has in many of his writings, stated this premise that it is faith that saves, and nothing else.

Faith in works is faith in self. Faith in the Jewish birthright is again, faith in self. But Christ's death overcame the law. It did not abolish it, but it rendered its power finished for those of faith. Even many Christians do not understand this, and would put us under a burden of having to obey some type of moral code. If that were the case, then why overcome one set of laws only to replace them with another?

Note that Paul uses the same word for sinner in verses 16 and 17. In speaking to those who would take the position that they need both, Paul calls them sinners too! So he calls the Jewish Christians heathen. They are in the same position as the Gentiles! Then verse 18, where Paul talks about us trying to fix ourselves becomes key. Me trying to save myself through any kind of work only goes to prove myself a sinner. My redemption from the law comes not in the form of more law, but in dying to the law and living to God. I think of the wise and foolish builders. Both houses look the same, but one has a foundation of sand, self, law, works. The other a foundation of faith in Jesus.

Verse 21 I believe speaks clearly for itself. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. Sola Fide.

Smiley Face Jesus (Galatians 2:11-14)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 2:11-14
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

LANGUAGE

Vs 11 Condemned - to find fault with, blame, condemn

COMMENT

Peter lost a bit of his focus, and was acting differently certain Jews. He withdrew from eating with Gentiles, most likely in order not to offend those of the circumcision party (those who insisted that Christians must still follow the laws of the Jews). Apparently Paul had no problem offending someone, even Peter, if he thought they were doing wrong. Rightfully so, as Peter's actions were affecting others as well.

Confrontation can be tough. Some, like Peter, shy away from confrontation. Others, like Paul (and my wife would see me too) don't have problem with confrontation. I think this extends to churches too. Some want to preach the nice, loving, smiley face god rather than the God who also requires justice. I think this section goes right along with the theme of the entire book of Galatians.

But if you want to be popular, preach smiley face Jesus.

False Brothers (Galatians 2:4-10)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 2:4-10

Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

LANGUAGE

Vs 4 False brother - pretend associate

Vs 4 Secretly - to come alongside stealthily

COMMENT

False brothers. That is a tough term. Those who come in and act as your friends, but have an agenda. The agenda in this case was to spy on their freedom. Humans tend to be a jealous lot. When someone has something, we think we should too. Just look at the socialist agenda that so many are chasing. It is not fair that the rich have more than us, they should be made to not only pay their share, but more so since they have more. The rich on the other hand, do all they can to hold on to what they have, looking for loopholes in tax laws or other ways to take advantage of the system. So when these Jews saw that the followers of Jesus were no longer being bound by the Jewish laws, they were jealous. Since they had to follow the laws, so should everyone. Since everyone who seeks to follow the law is slave to the law, they wanted to "bring us into slavery" (Vs 4) with them. 

The law enslaves. It tells us what to do.Grace sets us free. Free to do what we want to do. Which for the Christian, looks insanely different than it does for the rest of the world. The rest of the world sees freedom as an invitation to do whatever it wants, whatever feels good. And the world wants joy, power, security. It finds those things in sex, alcohol, possessions, control. The Christian wants joy, power, and security too, those truly converted just find it in a different place, they find it in Jesus. Our joy is now found in serving Him. Our power is not the power of controlling others but in following Jesus and seeking to serve Him by how we treat others. Our security is found in His love for us, starting with how he loved us while we were sinners and continuing in our childlike efforts to love Him still. 

John Piper has a term he calls "Christian Hedonism." I am sure a lot of Christians don't like that term because they see hedonism as the selfish pursuit of pleasure. But isn't hedonism the pursuit of joy at all costs? Isn't that what the lover of God is pursuing when no matter the circumstance, they can praise God because through it all, God's love is greater than our circumstance? Why did Paul and Silas sing praises while in chains? It was not because they loved torture. It was because they had been counted worthy of suffering for the sake of Christ. Joy like that does not disappear when the money runs out.

Still Making Sure (Galatians 2:1-3)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 2:1-3
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek.

COMMENT

Paul was a confident and bold speaker, so these words come as a bit of a surprise to me. After 14 years of preaching, after a sudden and amazing turn around on the road to Damascus, after all of the hardships Paul had endured for the cross, did he really feel the need to make sure that he was on the right path? It appears so. And I love that about Paul.

In my adventures, I have met many who were convinced of their rightness and righteousness. So much so that they felt no need to even defend their belief. Not only that, but when Scripture was brought up, they were confident to state that such did not apply to them. But here is the Apostle Paul, still checking, still wanting to make sure that his path was the correct path. Humility, a rare quality. I think Paul deeply understood human nature, and that it applied to him just like it did to everyone else. No free pass because he was an Apostle. Fourteen years in, and he still feels the need to check his life and his doctrine. So he goes to get checked. He presents himself to, I can only assume, the leaders in Jerusalem including Peter. It goes well. They deem that even Titus, who is working closely with Paul, need not be circumcised.

That is a servant leader. One who is willing to put himself to the same tests that he would hold others to. Hard to find that today.

Behavior Change (Galatians 1:11-24)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 1:11-24

COMMENT

Paul claims that the gospel that he was preaching came directly from Jesus himself. But why believe him? I find at least two credible reasons. The first being, what did Paul have to gain in his conversion? Prior to the Damascus Road experience, Paul was on top of the world. A Jewish leader, perhaps in line to become High Priest someday. Educated, a Roman citizen, probably very well off. Conversion meant all of that would be gone, and that he would be shunned by the Jewish leaders as well as any family he had, a castoff, surrendering all possessions as well. (see Philippians 3:4-11)

The second reason is kind of mind blowing. Paul was a murderer of men, women, and children simply because they were Christians. He would now face that same fate from his former peers. I heard one preacher say it would be like seeing the conversion of Osama bin Ladin. Not only would his opponents mistrust him, but he would have to live in constant fear of retribution from his own peers. In fact, read verses 22-24. "And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me."  I have never met Osama, but I know of his deeds. Had he suddenly turned a 180, I think it would be cause for consideration of why.

Paul says in verse 15 that he was set apart before he was born. I don't think God had a plan B. I don't believe that God had someone else waiting in the wings if Paul had refused. You can debate whether or not Paul had a choice in the matter, but Paul was God's man, and he would get the job done. There was no understudy. Called by God's grace, it says that God was pleased to reveal his Son to Paul. Think about that for a moment. A murderous sinner who violently pursued those who loved God, and God was pleased to reveal Jesus to him. It brought God joy. How can you not love a God whose grace is so abundant?

Challies - 5 Worst Christian Best Sellers

Here is the video...



COMMENT
I plan to use a portion of this in a lesson I am preparing. I know that it might take some people by surprise, because I have heard the name Batterson in the class before. In fact, I believe that at one point when I was not there, they used some of his material for teaching.

One thought that has often struck me is this, if 20 to 40 years after Christ's resurrection, Paul had to spend time correcting doctrinal issues, how can we, 2,000 plus years later, think we have it right? But there is an inherent danger in being open minded. That danger is that maybe you were right in the first place, but now are wrong! But I think that is a risk that one must take, because being right by accident is more about being lucky than it is about being right, and if we are going to earnestly search the Scriptures to learn more, that is a risk we must take.

Or not, because I have met some who think they are right because that is the way their church believes, and they refuse to search any farther. Trust can be a dangerous thing.

Are You Sure? (Galatians 1:6-10)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 1:6-10
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

DEFINITION

Vs 7 Trouble - ταράσσω tarassō: to stir or agitate (roil water): — trouble.
to agitate, trouble (a thing, by the movement of its parts to and fro)to cause one inward commotion, take away his calmness of mind, to disquiet, make restless, to stir up, to trouble, to strike one's spirit with fear and dread, to render anxious or distressed, to perplex the mind of one by suggesting scruples or doubts

Vs 9 Accursed - ἀνάθεμα anathema: a (religious) ban or (concretely) excommunicated (thing or person)
a thing set up or laid by in order to be kept specifically, an offering resulting from a vow, which after being consecrated to a god was hung upon the walls or columns of the temple, or put in some other conspicuous place, a thing devoted to God without hope of being redeemed, and if an animal, to be slain; therefore a person or thing doomed to destruction, a curse, a man accursed, devoted to the direst of woes

COMMENT

One of the thoughts that has often occurred to me is this, If only 20 to 40 years after the death of Christ, there were already those who were needing to be corrected in their doctrine, why is it that so many people, with so many different thoughts, all think they are correct over 2,000 years later?

Paul starts this section by stating that those who have turned to this different gospel have deserted Christ. That is a powerful statement. As I understand what Paul is addressing here, it is the thought that in addition to the sacrifice that Jesus gave on our behalf, obedience to certain laws was also necessary. (1:15-21, so more on that later.) To hold to such a belief is to believe that the sacrifice of Christ alone was not sufficient for salvation. I believe that this, at least in part, preys upon the the feeling that there must be something we have to do in order to deserve salvation. It is hard to believe that God would freely give such a wonderful gift.  Paul says that those who think this way have deserted Christ. He goes on to give a reason why these men would teach such a thing: to trouble us and to distort the gospel. Let's take a look at the word trouble, because it carries a lot of meaning here. The word means "to stir or agitate. The picture given is calm water that is disturbed such as by throwing a rock in it. That rock removes the calmness of the entire body of water. It agitates it. Think about our spirit when it gets agitated. It fears, it gets short, it can cause doubt and a number of other issues. This goal is accomplished when we give in to the idea that in addition to what Jesus has done to save us, we also must do something to save our soul. That in addition to our faith, we must (fill in the blank with any number of things that could apply, not limited to drinking alcohol, Bible study, prayer, communion, baptism, cursing, etc. etc. etc.)

He then ups the consequence even more by saying that if anyone, including himself or even an angel, should preach a gospel contrary to the one they first received, they should be accursed. This word carries with it some dire meaning: Excommunication, no hope of redemption. So this is not just Paul acting like a witch, throwing out a spell on an individual, it is Paul saying that a person such as this stands condemned before God! Let me state that more clearly: If someone requires external obedience as a requirement for salvation other than faith, they stand condemned.

Paul knew that these words would be offensive, and he did not care! (Think Ricky Gervaise at the last Golden Globes.) He could not care, for if he did he would not be preaching the truth and would himself be in danger of damnation. Verse 10 shows that he is not saying this with the goal of seeking to please men, for if that were his goal, he would not be a servant of Christ.

Watch the video below. Then look at the questions and comments that follow.

• She "grew up in the church," and believes that the people in the audience are getting frustrated with the speaker. But shouldn't this be the case? Doesn't 1 Cor 1:23 tell us that Christ crucified is a stumbling block? Phil 3:18, that many walk as enemies of the cross? Should the level of audience frustration determine our message?
• She states that "You're not portraying the kind of God that people need." Which is to say, it is not about God, but it is about a god that will be acceptable to these people, a god whom they will embrace because it satisfies them, and not because He is the holy God of the universe. Is she asking the preacher to tell them what they want to hear to gain their acceptance? (see 1 Timothy 4:3)
• She states that she thinks the speaker and her believe the same thing, but I don't think so. Do you?
• She states that she evangelizes the way that Jesus did it. But I wonder if this is not a matter of her own perception or desire rather than a matter of truth. If all Jesus ever did was live a good life and try not to offend people, why did they crucify him? 
• In response to his comment that we are commanded to preach the gospel, she adds, "And live it." Is this true? And if so, what does it look like? In light of what is taught in Galatians, is this not an addition to the gospel? 
• She wants to make his his conversion rate an issue. Should it be? (See 1 Cor 3:7,8)
• She states that "This doesn't make people want to accept the gospel." If this is correct, and I would agree that it often is, can we change the message in order to get people to accept it? If we do, what are some of the consequences?

This woman is sincere. So are a lot of other people. I appreciate her sincerity and passion. But is she right, is she dealing in truth? Emotions do not determine right. If they did, we wouldn't need Scripture, would we?

Getting Started (Galatians 1:1-5)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 1:1-5
Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers who are with me,

To the churches of Galatia: 

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

COMMENT

In writing the book of Galatians, Paul is tackling an issue of false teaching, specifically the idea that in addition to faith in Jesus, some external obedience to the Jewish law was also required (Judaizers). He begins this book by stating where the authority for this book comes from, which is Jesus Christ Himself. Of course, if you are a skeptic, that does not mean much to you as anyone could say their authority comes from Jesus (and many do), but those who knew Paul, who witnessed his ministry, suffering, dedication, etc. probably had little doubt as to his commitment and the truth of his message. Such was the original audience for this book, the church at Galatia.

Paul was an apostle. Not by the normal route, as he was not a disciple of Jesus while Jesus walked the earth. Yet Paul was "set apart from birth" to his role. (Galatians 1:15) So when Jesus was in His earthly ministry, Paul (then called Saul) was probably observing from the outside, despising every word that came from the Savior's mouth. Paul continued this after Jesus's death by persecuting Christians, until an encounter with Jesus Himself, where Jesus struck Saul blind on the road to Damascus, leading to his conversion experience.

In verse 4, Paul describes Jesus as he "who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age." I think this is an important statement in light of the teaching that Paul is combating in this book. Paul will confront the Judaizers, those who believed that in addition to Christ's sacrifice on the cross, we must still follow Jewish law to be saved. Paul is setting out that Jesus gave himself for our sins, and it is what He has done, and not what we do in addition to it that saves us. Even today, that is a tough concept for people to grasp.

Interesting Tidbit: There are those who believe that when Jesus encountered the Rich Young Ruler, that was a confrontation with the man then called Saul. Puts an interesting interpretation on the story.

When Confusion Reigns (Matthew 26:47-56)

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 26:47-56

COMMENT

The disciples thought they knew what was going on. They had seemingly resigned themselves to going with Jesus, even if it meant death. All except for Judas, of course. So after falling asleep while Jesus prayed, Jesus comes to wake them, telling them he is about to be betrayed. Enter Judas and a crowd with clubs and swords. Judas approaches Jesus and kisses him, a sign to the others who is the one they are after. They approach and seize Jesus. Here is where it gets awkward.

One of the men with Jesus pulls out a sword and cuts off the ear of the High Priest's servant. The battle is on, and it is a fight to the death. But wait, for Jesus tells him to put the sword away. What!?! Not only that, but according to Luke's version, he even healed the man's ear. How are you going to win a battle when Jesus keeps healing the enemy! How confused they must have been. So when the soldiers lead Jesus away, they flee.

Imagine the agonizing hours and then days of confusion that must have followed. We thought we were supposed to fight and even die with Him if necessary, but He stopped us and went willingly, talking about how this had to happen so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

Ever get confused like that? You think that God has one thing in mind in a situation, but it takes a whole different path. Does that mean that God is not in control? Of course not, it just means that our expectations were not in line with His. But that is hard to accept, because we were so sure of the path things would ultimately take. Reminds me of Garth Brooks song, "Unanswered Prayers."

I think it has a lot to do with expectations and faith. Not the prosperity gospel idea that God did not give us the answer we wanted because we did not have enough faith, but the idea that God is in control and we knows where He wants things to go. I recall a trip I made with my did many years ago. As we got in the car, I asked where we were going. He responded, "You'll find out when we get there." You know what? He was right.

What Is the Difference? (Matthew 25:31-46)

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 25:31-46

COMMENT

The question I want to tackle today is, what is the difference? What is it about the first group group that is so different than the second? On the surface, it is a issue of works. The first group gave food, drink, and time in visiting the sick and those in prison. So works is what get us into heaven, right? Well, if you have read this blog before, you know that I do not believe that. I thin there is a deeper difference, and it is in the first groups response to the Son of Man. In verse 37, the first group ask, "when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?" You see, they did not do these things to impress Jesus or gain salvation, they did them because that is who they are. They had repented, turned to Jesus, saw Him as being of great value, and appreciated what He has done for them. In return, they led a changed life that not only saw Jesus as being of great value, but also saw their fellow man of being of value. Their life of service was an outflowing of their love of Christ.

When Jesus says, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me," they were not thinking of themselves or how they had treated others, they were likely thinking of how they could have possibly done those things for Jesus Himself, when they did not see Him. But Jesus is speaking of how they did those things for Him by doing them for others.

The second group wonders the same. How did they miss doing all of those things for Jesus? They never even saw Him. But He was there. There in each opportunity they passed by because they were only thinking of themselves. 

I want to see Jesus.

Working for a Living (Matthew 25:14-30)

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 25:14-30

COMMENTS

Quick summary: Master gives 3 servants different amount of money to care for while he is gone. 2 double that money, one digs a hole and hides it there until the master returns. The first two are rewarded (with more responsibility), the third one is cast into outer darkness.

So what makes the difference? I think it would be too simple to say that the first two were rewarded based on the fact that the made a profit for the master. Is it profit the master was after? I don't think so, I think it was respect, or maybe appreciation. You see, the first 2 not only give the master what they were given, but they gave him what they had earned. They were proud of what they had done for their master. As a result, the master increases their responsibility. But the third servant saw things differently. He saw the master as a hard man. A man he felt was lazy and made his wealth off of the hard work of others. And here's the kicker, he was afraid of the master. Maybe he was afraid that if he failed or lost money, the master would have held him accountable, and made him pay back the full amount or more. So in his fear and anger and whatever else he may have been feeling, he took the money and buried it. At least that way, he would be able to give the master what was his.

We live in an age of perceived entitlement, were many think that someone having more than they have is unfair, no matter how they got more. Whole political campaigns are run with the idea of the wealthy sharing what they have with those who do not have as much. Not through charity, not through anything the poor have done, but just because they have more. In fact, those who have less are given no responsibility, other than to hold their hand out. Some realize that the wealthy are entitled to their wealth. Like the first two servants in the story, they appreciate the opportunity to serve their master. They give him the honor and respect he is due. But some feel entitled, like the third servant. Their response is a spit in the face to the master, taking the money and burying it. The words, "Here, you have what is yours." speak volumes about this man's contempt for the master.

And so it is with God. There are those who understand that God owes us nothing, and that we can serve him in any manner is a privilege. Then there are those who believe God owes us something. Not just in the realm of prosperity preachers, but also in the heart and attitude of many a believer. Prayers are nothing more than wish lists, the preaching that appeals tells us what God will do for us, and how He will make life easier and better. Compare that to the lives of the saints, and you will find a different story.