Life's Journey

Good day! Today we are reading Galatians 5:7-15. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes please share your insights or thoughts. Here are today’s verses for you to read.

“7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. 11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! 12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.” Gal.5:7-15

Paul reminded believers that they had been set free, but they needed to be careful not to use their freedom to serve their flesh. Their freedom was not freedom to sin – but rather freedom from sin. The grace of God was meant to lead them to serve one another in love. One of the greatest fears of a legalist is that if they give people freedom, they will take advantage of it and sin. So, rules are made – that aren’t in the Bible – to keep people in check. While this is a danger to the freedom Christ has given us – there is also a danger, when we feed the flesh what it selfishly wants, without loving others.

My Reflection for the day: I often say, “Don’t let your freedom become your bondage.” Freedom is a wonderful gift but easily abused. Never abuse the freedom that we have along with the grace of God in our lives. Even walking with God, no matter what you sow, good or bad, you will still reap. There is always a consequence to choice. Freedom carries a huge responsibility. Loving others rightly not only fulfill Jesus’s command but brings us benefit as well. Sometimes with our good seed sowing, we are impatient in waiting to see the fruit or growth but be encouraged that God is the one who brings about the results in His timing. “And don’t allow yourselves to be weary in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you’ve planted is coming! Take advantage of every opportunity to be a blessing to others, especially to our brothers and sisters in the family of faith!“

Reflection Questions: Which do you struggle with more – being too legalistic or being so free you fall into sin? How does remembering to love and serve others bring balance to your freedom?”

Hello to you all. Good Morning! Today we are reading Galatians 5:1-6. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes please share your insights or thoughts. Here are today’s verses for you to read.

“5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. 2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:1-6

“It is for freedom Christ has set us free.” Galations 5:1

Christ had set them free from the law, the power of sin, and the power of death, and yet the Galatians were wanting to return to the yoke of slavery. They were relying on their circumcision to earn favor with God but it truly counted for nothing with God. God was only looking for their faith. A free person should not want to return to slavery, yet we see some people reject the grace of Christ and try to earn favor with God either through their good works or through following legalistic man-made rules. Friends, if you are in the habit of adding too many rules to your life, you will grow weary in your walk with the Lord. A good work becomes a sin if it is for the purpose of earning favor with God. Instead, we should do good out of a heart of faith and love.

My reflection for the day: Paul emphasizes that grace, faith, and love are to be our lifestyle; we must not submit ourselves to religious rules, traditions, that other people have adopted then try and place them on us! At this time during Pauls’s ministry, the people who had found grace were now being pressured to add the Jewish law to their walk with God, like circumcision. Unfortunately, many succumbed to that and Paul is warning them, and us, don’t do it, it will not add anything to your salvation. The Bible says Christ set us free that’s the whole point of our salvation. We need to instead live by the 2 most important commandments that Jesus gave us which are to love the Lord our God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. I wanted to share a teaching from a very good friend of mine, Fiona DesFontein, who really does a good job with teaching on freedom of the law ~ if you have a chance to watch this, let me know what you think. https://youtu.be/TfwmcQmji8k

Reflection Question: In what ways or areas have you fallen away from grace and freedom in your life?

Good day! Today we are reading Galatians 4:21-31. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes and please share your insights.

“21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the freewoman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 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.”28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 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. 30 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.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.” Gal. 4:21-31

Paul shifts his method of explaining to the Galatians that they are not saved by the law, by using the allegory of Hagar and Sarah and their two sons. One was a son of the flesh – born to a slave woman and the other was a son of promise – born to a free woman. They represent two covenants –the old covenant and the new covenant. Under the old covenant, they were slaves to the law and their man-made attempts to earn their salvation. Under the new covenant, they are free. Paul wants them to live free! Sarah and Hagar did not get along and God told Abraham to send Hagar and her son away. Paul says to cast out the slave woman and her son. Law and grace do not get along. We will spend our entire lives trying to earn favor with the Lord if we do not kick legalism out of our lives.

My reflection for the day: The Message: “The son of the slave woman was born by human plotting; the son of the free woman was born by God’s promise.” The two births represent two ways of being in a relationship with God. There are those who relate to God by human plotting, planning, and rules (i.e., slaves). Others (the free) relate to God according to His promises. Every choice has consequences. We have the choice to be free in Christ or to be slaves to our sin. When we choose to be free in Christ we have to put away our sin. You can’t continue to be free in Christ if we are living in the world and behaving as the world does. Yes, we love those in the world because Jesus loves the world but we can’t live like them.

Reflection Questions: In what area do you struggle with legalism or trying to earn favor with the Lord? What do you need to let go of so you can experience the freedom of grace?

 

Here we are, week 3 in Galatians! Here’s this week’s Reading Plan and reading for the day. Today we are reading Galatians 4:8-20. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes and please share your insights.

“8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 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? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain. 12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 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. 15 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. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. Galatians 4:8-20

“But now that you have come to know God how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world.” Galatians 4:9

The Galatians were being tempted over and over to abandon their faith-based salvation and instead return to elementary principles of working for their salvation through following the law. They were observing days, months, seasons, and years commanded in the Old Testament but in Christ, they were freed from this legalistic obligation. It was not earning favor with God and greatly upset Paul. He had invested his time teaching them the gospel and they were departing from it and turning his hard work into vanity. Many like to attend church on Christmas and Easter so that they will feel like a good Christian – but God looks at the heart. He wants our heart 365 days a year. All the world religions require good works. That is the weak and worthless principle this world offers to right our wrongs. This is not God’s way. We are not saved by our good works. Paul loved the Galatians so much he did not want to give up on them. Instead, he continued to preach with fervor to correct their errors.

My reflection for the day: These verses really encourage me as I read how Paul never gives up, even when feeling sick, discouraged, or frustrated. I know you and I have never felt this way, right! Paul is challenging us here not to go back and practice old rituals and superstitions because…well, that’s the way we always did it in the past. We are sometimes tempted to go back to our old ways, and sometimes believe the lies of the world even when we know the truth. The Bible says you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. Don’t let yourselves be put back into bondage over untruths. Paul says that any basic “thing”- money, relationships, religious practices, must not be worshiped, treated as a god, and become the basis of one’s truth. We must make sure that Jesus is the focus of everything we do. If not, then whatever is, will enslave us! We must be on guard and not allow old ways and false beliefs to speak louder than the truth of God. You can’t mix the new with the old and still remain free because the old will taint and destroy the new. We don’t want to end up in worse bondage than before, and you no longer display the freedom of God’s grace through Christ.

Reflection Questions: Are you ever tempted to trust in your good works, or turn back to old habits, old lifestyle, or practices?

Is there someone in your life you are tempted to give up on? Do not give up. Keep praying for them and follow up with them this week to see how they are doing.

It’s Friday already which means we are halfway through our bible study already!

Today we are reading Galatians 4:1-7. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes, please share your insights. Here are today’s verses for you to read…I love studying with you!

“4 Now what I mean [when I talk about children and their guardians] is this: as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave even though he is the [future owner and] master of all [the estate]; 2 but he is under [the authority of] guardians and household administrators or managers until the date set by his father [when he is of legal age]. 3 So also we [whether Jews or Gentiles], when we were children (spiritually immature), were kept like slaves under the elementary [man-made religious or philosophical] teachings of the world. 4 But when [in God’s plan] the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the [regulations of the] Law, 5 so that He might redeem and liberate those who were under the Law, that we [who believe] might be adopted as sons [as God’s children with all rights as fully grown members of a family]. 6 And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, [a]“Abba! Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave (bond-servant), but a son; and if a son, then also an heir through [the gracious act of] God [through Christ].” Galatians 4:1-7

“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!” Galatians 4:5,6

God had a precise plan for our salvation. When the fulness of time came, he sent his son to redeem those under the law, by fulfilling the law. His plan was accomplished when we became sons of God. He has adopted us into his family as his children and heirs—not based on our works but based on our faith in him. As God’s children, we have a special relationship with God. The word “Abba” in Aramaic means “Daddy”. We have been adopted by him and we are meant to have a close bond with him, like a good father with his daughter. Typically, a king does not allow anyone access to him without permission, but you know who has access to a king? His children. We have access to the King of kings because we are his child. Isn’t this an amazing gift?

My reflection for the day: Thank you Lord that I belong to you and that you send Holy Spirit to live in me. From slaves to salvation, now sons and daughters! Being adopted into the kingdom is amazing in that it makes me an heir to everything that my father has 🙂 God is so good, we will always belong and have a good Daddy.

Reflection Question: How does remembering this tight bond we have with God encourage you today? Thank God in prayer for this special relationship you have with him.

Today we are reading Galatians 3:15-29. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes and please share your insights. Here are today’s verses for you to read:

“15 Brothers and sisters, I speak in terms of human relations: even though a last will and testament is just a human covenant, yet when it has been signed and made legally binding, no one sets it aside or adds to it [modifying it in some way]. 16 Now the promises [in the covenants] were decreed to Abraham and to his seed. God does not say, “And to seeds (descendants, heirs),” as if [referring] to many [persons], but as to one, “And to your Seed,” who is [none other than] Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the Law, which came into existence four hundred and thirty years later [after the covenant concerning the coming Messiah], does not and cannot invalidate the covenant previously established by God, so as to abolish the promise. 18 For if the inheritance [of what was promised] is based on [observing] the Law [as these false teachers claim], it is no longer based on a promise; however, God granted it to Abraham [as a gift] by virtue of His promise. 19 Why, then, the Law [what was its purpose]? It was added [after the promise to Abraham, to reveal to people theirguilt] because of transgressions [that is, to make people conscious of the sinfulness of sin], and [the Law] was ordained through angels and delivered to Israel by the hand of a mediator [Moses, the mediator between God and Israel, to be in effect] until the Seed would come to whom the promise had been made. 20 Now the mediator or go-between [in a transaction] is not [needed] for just one party; whereas God is only one [and was the only One giving the promise to Abraham, but the Law was a contract between two, God and Israel; its validity depended on both]. 21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a system of law had been given which could impart life, then righteousness (right standing with God) would actually have been based on law. 22 But the Scripture has imprisoned [a]everyone [everything—the entire world] under sin, so that [the inheritance, the blessing of salvation] which was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe [in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s precious Son]. 23 Now before faith came, we were kept in custody under the Law, [perpetually] imprisoned [in preparation] for the faith that was destined to be revealed, 24 with the result that the Law has become our tutor and our disciplinarian to guide us to Christ, so that we may be [b]justified [that is, declared free of the guilt of sin and its penalty, and placed in right standing with God] by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under [the control and authority of] a tutor and disciplinarian. 26 For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union with the Christ, the Anointed] have clothed yourselves with Christ [that is, you have taken on His characteristics and values]. 28 There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority]. 29 And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham’s descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God’s] promise.” Galatians 3:15-29

The law held them captive and imprisoned them. It revealed all of their sins and flaws. But when Christ came, they were set free through their faith in him. They became sons of God with a unique unity between races, nations, economic levels, and gender. God erased the dividing lines and made them all sons of God. In the family of God, there is no room for discrimination based on our differences. We are to treat everyone equally. Jesus has united us all through our faith in Christ. Yet, we live in a day in age when we are easily divided by our race, our political differences, our economic differences, and our gender. Until Christ returns, we are called to strive for unity inside the church based on our faith alone.

My reflection for the day: During this time and era, there is such division amongst people. It seems to me that everywhere you go, you are expected to choose a group or side to belong to. Being a part of the body of Christ is where I find the peace that we are clothed in Christ and have unity in taking on the character and values of Christ. Remember that our thoughts, ideas, and opinions are just that, and we need to go to the word and measure it accordingly, whether it has anything to do with our salvation. I am challenged to not place myself under my own laws, that I create, and keep myself in right standing with the righteousness of Christ. He is the one who provides freedom from the law through the covenant of grace and salvation that He has provided for us.

Reflection Questions: Is there an area in your life where you are struggling with discrimination? What can you do to live more united with your brothers and sisters in Christ?

Galatians ~ Week 2 ~ Day 3

Hello to you all. Today we are reading Galatians 3:10-14. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes please share your insights, applications, or thoughts. Here are today’s verses for you to read.

“10 For all who depend on the Law [seeking justification and salvation by obedience to the Law and the observance of rituals] are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed (condemned to destruction) is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, so as to practice them.” 11 Now it is clear that no one is justified [that is, declared free of the guilt of sin and its penalty, and placed in right standing] before God by the Law, for “The righteous (the just, the upright) shall live by faith.” 12 But the Law does not rest on or require faith [it has nothing to do with faith], but [instead, the Law] says, “He who practices them [the things prescribed by the Law] shall live by them [instead of faith].” 13 Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs [crucified] on a tree (cross)”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might also come to the Gentiles so that we would all receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:10-14

Paul continues to explain how those who live under the law will fail to keep it and as a result, they will be cursed. But Christ has redeemed us from the curse, by becoming the curse for us. He bore our sins on the cross. And so, we rely on Jesus for our salvation rather than our works—because the righteous will live by faith. There are a lot of people who practice religious traditions, such as going to church on Sundays, praying before meals, giving to the poor, or even reading portions of scripture out loud. While all of these are good things, they do not save us. If they are not done out of sincere faith, then they are simply external good works. True faith is internal. God looks at the motives of our hearts.

My reflection for the day: Thank God that we live by faith in Christ and not under the law. The law cannot justify. It can only bring judgment. Therefore, grace is superior to the law. The works of the law and the faith of the gospel have radically different consequences. Christ paid the full price to set us free from the curse of the law. He absorbed the curse completely as he became a curse in our place.

Reflection Questions: Are there any spiritual practices you are doing right now that are done more out of habit than faith? Ask the Lord to change your heart and help you live more by faith

Galatians ~ Week 2 ~ Day 2

Hey there, I hope that you are enjoying this study as much as me. I hadn’t read the full book of Galatians for a while and I am liking the insight and reminder of some good stuff.

Today we are reading Galatians 3:1-9 and I have shared the Amplified version as it does a great job with the text. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes, please share your insights, applications, or thoughts. Here are today’s verses for you to read.

“3 O you foolish and thoughtless and superficial Galatians, who has bewitched you [that you would act like this], to whom—right before your very eyes—Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified [in the gospel message]? 2 This is all I want to ask of you: did you receive the [Holy] Spirit as the result of obeying [the requirements of] the Law, or was it the result of hearing [the message of salvation and] with faith [believing it]? 3 Are you so foolish and senseless? Having begun [your new life by faith] with the Spirit, are you now being perfected and reaching spiritual maturity by the flesh [that is, by your own works and efforts to keep the Law]? 4 Have you suffered so many things and experienced so much all for nothing—if indeed it was all for nothing? 5 So then, does He who supplies you with His [marvelous Holy] Spirit and works miracles among you, do it as a result of the works of the Law [which you perform], or because you [believe confidently in the message which you] heard with faith? 6 Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, [as conformity to God’s will and purpose—so it is with you also]. 7 So understand that it is the people who live by faith [with confidence in the power and goodness of God] who are [the true] sons of [a]Abraham. 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the good news [of the Savior] to Abraham in advance [with this promise], saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then those who are people of faith [whether Jew or Gentile] are blessed and favored by God [and declared free of the guilt of sin and its penalty, and placed in right standing with Him] along with Abraham, the believer.” Galatians 3:1-9

“Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Galatians 3:6

Paul used strong language when he questioned the Galatians as to why they were being so foolish as to lean on their works of the law rather than their faith in Jesus. He reminded them of their heritage and how it was Abraham’s faith that made him righteous. Abraham faithfully obeyed God by leaving his home and going where God led him. He was even willing to give up his own son and yet this was not what made him righteous. It was his faith. Abraham was not righteous—he was a sinner. But God counted him as righteous because of his faith. The law was given to reveal our sin. Salvation has always been by faith alone. But like Abraham, our faith is revealed by our obedience to God. Abraham was called to give up his home and land.

My reflection for the day: I understand Paul’s frustration here, knowing that a great revelation of the cross had been supernaturally given to them, but then they dilute the glorious work of the cross by adding to it the works of religion. I know that I am guilty of that at times, trying to work out my salvation by doing, saying, or copying someone else. I am so grateful for the grace of God in my life and that we have great men and women of God, like Abraham who was a great example, of how faith works. The substance of your faith is what releases God’s righteousness for you. Amen! Let me end with verse 2 “This is all I want to ask of you: did you receive the [Holy] Spirit as the result of obeying [the requirements of] the Law, or was it the result of hearing [the message of salvation and] with faith [believing it]?”

Reflection Questions: What have you had to give up, in order to follow the Lord? How has your faith been revealed through the way you have followed God?

Galatians ~ Week 2 ~ Day 1

Today we are reading Galatians 2:17-21. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes, please share your insights, applications, or thoughts. Here are today’s verses for you to read.

“17 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! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 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. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” Galatians 2:17-12

“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.” Galatians 2:20

Before Paul knew Jesus, he thought he was saved by following the law. Then he realized the law made him guilty because he could not keep it. It was Christ’s death on the cross that saved him from the law and his own sin. His new life was now lived in faith rather than by following the law. This faith was not in himself or his good works but in the son of God, who loved him and gave himself for him. Jesus demonstrated his love for us when he paid the penalty for our sin on the cross. Now we live under a new and better law—the law of grace! We have a special union with Christ—because He lives in us. Our love for the world and our fleshly desires have been crucified with him.

My reflection for the day: I am not saved by works nor by how righteous I am but by the Grace of God. As I walk through my life, I am also reminded to not take this special gift of salvation and grace lightly in how I live my life. I want to serve him every day in every word, action, and way I can. I may fall but thank God I have God’s grace to ask for forgiveness. When studying about being made righteous, I always think of this scripture, which I love: “I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has covered me with a robe of righteousness,” Isa.61:10 We can now boldly approach His throne, not because of our righteousness but because of His, which He has now covered us with. ~ “loved me and gave himself for me” How can I ever repay? Humbled by His love, I just want to love Him back and allow Him to love others through me. So Blessed to be His.

Reflection Questions: In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded of God’s love and grace? And in what areas of your life do you need to live more by faith?

Galatians ~ Week 1 ~ Day 5

Today we are reading Galatians 2:11-16. I have posted it below. I hope you are enjoying doing this study together. If you have a few extra minutes please share your insights, applications, or thoughts. Here are today’s verses for you to read.

“11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 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. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 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?” 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 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.” Galatians 2:11-16 “

We know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” Gal.2:16

The church in Antioch was the first church to bring Jewish and Gentile Christians together. But there was an influential group that Peter (Cephas) and Barnabas feared, and it was causing them to separate from the Gentiles. Paul boldly confronted them for not staying in step with the gospel. Then he clarified that a person is not justified by their works but through faith in Jesus alone. The word justified is a legal term. God, as our judge, has declared us justified and righteous simply based on our faith in Christ alone. But there are still people in the church who try to make us feel like we need to be doing something more to be considered a true Christian. Like this group in Galatians 2, they may be influential and cause us to separate from other believers out of fear that things other Christians do or don’t do make them unbelievers.

My reflection for the day: I truly believe that the law produces death in us but faith in Christ produces life. Living in grace doesn’t mean that we can do whatever we want in life but follow the commands and promises of God in the word. Boundaries are good and safe in the Kingdom of God. As I look at this scripture I am definitely reminded that “good works will not get you into the kingdom of God”. However, I do believe that if I truly have a relationship with Christ our actions will show that. To have a true relationship with Christ to me portrays Jesus. You are saved by faith and the good works will follow to show others, Christ, in us. Pauls’s boldness in confronting Peter is strong but yet he does it in love and challenges them when he sees that they were not acting in line with the truth. He told them that man is not justified by following the law but by faith in Jesus Christ.

Reflection Questions: Are you more like Peter and Barnabas or Paul? Do you tend to try to please certain groups of Christians and their rules or do you find yourself trying to focus on the heart and faith of other believers? The Christian church has hundreds of denominations and has separated over many different side issues. How can you bring more unity into the body of Christ by focusing on the main thing—the gospel?