Galatians 6:1-5
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.
What if you see someone sinning, what do you do? This is such a loaded question, because it does not define sin (transgression). For some, it would mean taking a drink of alcohol, or going to an "R" rated movie, or wearing a shirt that shows to much cleavage or smoking a cigarette, or questioning something that the preacher has said. I am not so sure that is the kind of transgressions this is speaking of. It is not about being the "Spiritual police." In fact, it goes on to say that "you who are spiritual should restore him." Wow! Talk about a passage that is open for abuse! Didn't the Pharisees consider themselves spiritual? What does it mean, "you who are spiritual? And notice that even the spiritual are open to temptation.
What I think this means is that if we see someone who is doing something that goes against the fruit of the Spirit, someone who is abusive or thinks that their freedom in Christ gives them the right to behave in any manner, then one who understands the truth of the gospel should take them under their wing and seek to bring them back to the truth of the gospel in a loving and caring manner. The caution here is a valid one, because in doing this, you might be tempted and pulled away by their sin, by their lifestyle. This is Christianity, that we are not just concerned about our own salvation, but that we care for our brothers as well. We bear their burdens as our own, we place ourselves in their shoes, because that is what Christ did for us. We fulfill the law of Christ in doing this because it shows that we love one another.
But don't get the big head. Wearing the title "spiritual" (or deacon, elder, pastor, etc.) does not make you anything special in the eyes of God. We are all of Christ, all a part of the body, and no one part can function or exist on its own, so don't think of yourself as so important. If you do, you are only fooling yourself.
So test your work, evaluate your purpose, and remember that when you will answer to God it will be for your choices, and not what your brother has done or how they have responded to you.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
A little advice...
Galatians 5:25-26
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Last post talked about living by the Spirit. These two verses offer some interesting thoughts.
First, is that if we live by the Spirit, we will keep in step with the Spirit. At first, I think, "Well, duh!, isn't that obvious?" But then I think again. I am a child, and God is the Father. Can my children keep up with me if I don't sometimes slow down and wait? And that is a beautiful thought, that God my Father patiently watches me, and waits for me was I try to keep pace with Him.
Another thought over this same idea is that of a runner training for a race. If I want to be successful, I have to push myself. Keeping in step with the Spirit is not always an easy task.
The second idea is found in verse 26. We are so human, and as such, we tend to take pride in our successes, even when we are not completely responsible for them. Don't believe me? Think of your favorite sports team, the one you have on your t-shirts and wall of you den and etc. Was was the last time you scored a basket (or field goal, or home run, depending on the sport) for them? Yet how do you feel when they are successful? So to combat our crazy pride in that which God has done for us, Paul offers the reminder to not become conceited. Conceit provokes. And don't envy. It's not about you.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Last post talked about living by the Spirit. These two verses offer some interesting thoughts.
First, is that if we live by the Spirit, we will keep in step with the Spirit. At first, I think, "Well, duh!, isn't that obvious?" But then I think again. I am a child, and God is the Father. Can my children keep up with me if I don't sometimes slow down and wait? And that is a beautiful thought, that God my Father patiently watches me, and waits for me was I try to keep pace with Him.
Another thought over this same idea is that of a runner training for a race. If I want to be successful, I have to push myself. Keeping in step with the Spirit is not always an easy task.
The second idea is found in verse 26. We are so human, and as such, we tend to take pride in our successes, even when we are not completely responsible for them. Don't believe me? Think of your favorite sports team, the one you have on your t-shirts and wall of you den and etc. Was was the last time you scored a basket (or field goal, or home run, depending on the sport) for them? Yet how do you feel when they are successful? So to combat our crazy pride in that which God has done for us, Paul offers the reminder to not become conceited. Conceit provokes. And don't envy. It's not about you.
Monday Music
I have been a fan of Third Day for quite a while now. This song has always been a favorite. But I had not seen this video before. At first, I thought it was a bit strange. Then I thought about the concept, singing a praise song in the midst of what is probably an ordinary day, in the midst of people who have no clue. Its not about evangelism, it is just about worship. That's what I took from it.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
I need a really big hammer...
Galatians 5:16-24
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions,divisions, 21 envy,[d] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit?" I guess in part, that depends on your theology, and how much of a choice you have in the matter. I believe that we do possess certain choices, while God orchestrates the big picture. So walking by the Spirit is a choice that the Christian must make, and the goal is for the Christian to experience a greater joy and closer relationship with God by intentionally seeking Him. And the closer that relationship, the lesser our desire to do those things that would lessen that joy.
The flesh and the Spirit are at war. The Bible makes that clear. And I am flesh, so my desires are at war with the Spirit. As a being of flesh, I am out to please myself. But as a being of flesh, I am also blind to the things of the Spirit, and the joy that can be found in surrender and obedience.
I don't want the word obedience to be misinterpreted. It is not about following an external set of rules. If we are in submission to the Spirit, we are not under the law. But because of our relationship, our love, our joy, we will not do things that go against the Spirit.
The fruits of the flesh are obvious. Or at least they would be if we weren't so blind. So Paul lists them for us in case there was any doubt. The fruit of the Spirit should be obvious too. But again, just in case there is any doubt, Paul lists them. These are not a law, but rather a fulfillment of a relationship with God.
He closes with this statement: "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." That doesn't sound optional. But then I read about the struggle with the flesh in Romans. We are not yet perfect, but we cannot take our walk with the Spirit lightly.
If we are struggling with this, I am reminded of a mechanic's saying that somewhat applies here. "If at first you don't succeed, a bigger hammer is what you need." Excuse me, while I run to the hardware store.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions,divisions, 21 envy,[d] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit?" I guess in part, that depends on your theology, and how much of a choice you have in the matter. I believe that we do possess certain choices, while God orchestrates the big picture. So walking by the Spirit is a choice that the Christian must make, and the goal is for the Christian to experience a greater joy and closer relationship with God by intentionally seeking Him. And the closer that relationship, the lesser our desire to do those things that would lessen that joy.
The flesh and the Spirit are at war. The Bible makes that clear. And I am flesh, so my desires are at war with the Spirit. As a being of flesh, I am out to please myself. But as a being of flesh, I am also blind to the things of the Spirit, and the joy that can be found in surrender and obedience.
I don't want the word obedience to be misinterpreted. It is not about following an external set of rules. If we are in submission to the Spirit, we are not under the law. But because of our relationship, our love, our joy, we will not do things that go against the Spirit.
The fruits of the flesh are obvious. Or at least they would be if we weren't so blind. So Paul lists them for us in case there was any doubt. The fruit of the Spirit should be obvious too. But again, just in case there is any doubt, Paul lists them. These are not a law, but rather a fulfillment of a relationship with God.
He closes with this statement: "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." That doesn't sound optional. But then I read about the struggle with the flesh in Romans. We are not yet perfect, but we cannot take our walk with the Spirit lightly.
If we are struggling with this, I am reminded of a mechanic's saying that somewhat applies here. "If at first you don't succeed, a bigger hammer is what you need." Excuse me, while I run to the hardware store.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Where is freedom found?
Galatians 5:13-15
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
Freedom, it's not just a pipe dream, it's a calling. Thinking about that statement, that we were called to freedom. It means that when we live in some kind of bondage, we are not fulfilling our calling. Again, Paul issues a disclaimer, the freedom he speaks of is not a freedom of the flesh. It is not an absolute freedom to live as we please, do as we please. That is so opposed to the gospel message of surrender, sacrifice, and carrying our own cross. No, it is the freedom to live out what is innate in all of us, being created in God's image. It is the ability to not be under the control of some compulsion or sin. It is the freedom to honestly seek and obtain our heart's desires.
So where is this freedom found? It is found in submission, of all the ironical places. Submission to God and to one another. It is found in love. Not ooey gooey love, but Godly love that lays down its life for the sake of others.
It is not the kind of freedom that some want. But it is the only true freedom some will ever know.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
Freedom, it's not just a pipe dream, it's a calling. Thinking about that statement, that we were called to freedom. It means that when we live in some kind of bondage, we are not fulfilling our calling. Again, Paul issues a disclaimer, the freedom he speaks of is not a freedom of the flesh. It is not an absolute freedom to live as we please, do as we please. That is so opposed to the gospel message of surrender, sacrifice, and carrying our own cross. No, it is the freedom to live out what is innate in all of us, being created in God's image. It is the ability to not be under the control of some compulsion or sin. It is the freedom to honestly seek and obtain our heart's desires.
So where is this freedom found? It is found in submission, of all the ironical places. Submission to God and to one another. It is found in love. Not ooey gooey love, but Godly love that lays down its life for the sake of others.
It is not the kind of freedom that some want. But it is the only true freedom some will ever know.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Can you hear that whispering voice?
Galatians 5:7-12
You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!
The Galatians started out on the right track. They were doing well in believing and following the Gospel of Christ. They were living in the freedom that Christ's sacrifice provides. But then things took a wrong turn. Not that they were hindered. Who (or what) hindered them? Was it the same voice that whispered to Eve in the garden? Or was it more like the voice that spoke to Adam? (I am not referring to the fact that Eve was a woman here, but rather that she was a victim of the lies of Satan, and as such was a human voice to a lie.)
A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Regardless of where the voice started, it works its way through the entire batch of dough, infecting the good dough. That is what happened in Galatia, they were following the gospel that Paul had laid before them, when some whispering voices came in, appealing to their "reason," and said things that lead them from grace to legalism. Voices that whispered, "God doesn't love you enough, you have to try harder," or "grace alone will not suffice, how does that make sense," and other such nonsense.
Paul was convinced that with a little guidance, they would return to the truth of the gospel message. He even asks why he was being persecuted if he still preached circumcision? If Paul preached circumcision, or any other type of legalism, the Jews would not be persecuting him, because his preaching would not offend them. No bloody cross of Christ, no offense!
I will leave you to your own thoughts about verse 12. All I can say is that I like Paul, a real straight shooter with an awesome sense of humor.
You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!
The Galatians started out on the right track. They were doing well in believing and following the Gospel of Christ. They were living in the freedom that Christ's sacrifice provides. But then things took a wrong turn. Not that they were hindered. Who (or what) hindered them? Was it the same voice that whispered to Eve in the garden? Or was it more like the voice that spoke to Adam? (I am not referring to the fact that Eve was a woman here, but rather that she was a victim of the lies of Satan, and as such was a human voice to a lie.)
A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Regardless of where the voice started, it works its way through the entire batch of dough, infecting the good dough. That is what happened in Galatia, they were following the gospel that Paul had laid before them, when some whispering voices came in, appealing to their "reason," and said things that lead them from grace to legalism. Voices that whispered, "God doesn't love you enough, you have to try harder," or "grace alone will not suffice, how does that make sense," and other such nonsense.
Paul was convinced that with a little guidance, they would return to the truth of the gospel message. He even asks why he was being persecuted if he still preached circumcision? If Paul preached circumcision, or any other type of legalism, the Jews would not be persecuting him, because his preaching would not offend them. No bloody cross of Christ, no offense!
I will leave you to your own thoughts about verse 12. All I can say is that I like Paul, a real straight shooter with an awesome sense of humor.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
To circumcise or not to circumcise, that is the question?
Galatians 5:2-6
Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
Here's is what Paul is not saying, he is not saying that if you were circumcised when you were a child, or at any prior time for that matter, you are going to hell. What he is saying is that if you think that God owes you a place in heaven based on your circumcision, then you have no need of Christ's sacrifice. But here's the catch, if you rely on one part of the law to save you, you must rely on every part of the law, and therefore keep every part.
Here's what I find amazing, if you seek to be a law keeper on the merits of the ability of the law to save you, then you separate yourself from Christ. And I don't think that is something we want to do. If you seek justification from the law, you surrender your justification through grace! So what is the basis for our actions? Faith working through love.
We wait for the hope of righteousness. Actually, that word hope can be translated "anticipation." So we wait for the fulfillment of the promise of righteousness which is found through faith. See, that is one of the things about the good news of the gospel, it takes the pressure off of me to perform and creates in me a means to respond to God's love. And if you ain't doing it that way, you might just be doing it for nothing!
Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
Here's is what Paul is not saying, he is not saying that if you were circumcised when you were a child, or at any prior time for that matter, you are going to hell. What he is saying is that if you think that God owes you a place in heaven based on your circumcision, then you have no need of Christ's sacrifice. But here's the catch, if you rely on one part of the law to save you, you must rely on every part of the law, and therefore keep every part.
Here's what I find amazing, if you seek to be a law keeper on the merits of the ability of the law to save you, then you separate yourself from Christ. And I don't think that is something we want to do. If you seek justification from the law, you surrender your justification through grace! So what is the basis for our actions? Faith working through love.
We wait for the hope of righteousness. Actually, that word hope can be translated "anticipation." So we wait for the fulfillment of the promise of righteousness which is found through faith. See, that is one of the things about the good news of the gospel, it takes the pressure off of me to perform and creates in me a means to respond to God's love. And if you ain't doing it that way, you might just be doing it for nothing!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)