Galatians___3

Scripture  

Galatians 3:2-3 

I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?

Observation-What does it say?  

The book of Galatians was written to a number of churches in the region of Galatia, or present day Turkey.  Paul’s visits to this area are recorded in Acts 13 and 14.  Paul taught that repentance and faith lead us to receive God’s forgiveness and new life.  However, after he left the area, a group of Jewish-Christians came in and began preaching circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic law as a precursor to God’s grace.  Many of the believers in the area had begun following these rules in place of living by faith.

Understanding-What does it mean?

“You can’t smoke.  You can’t drink. And, you can’t drink.”  These “rules” were very important not to break as a “Christian.”  Or at least that is how I understood it as a kid.  Being a Christian meant a life of abstaining from the things that were deemed “A SIN.”  Those three things were at the top of the list, and we didn’t even think about talking about sex.  It was like I lived in some alternate form of the movie “Footloose.”  Which, ironically enough, I remember my mom watching a lot.

These rules had been passed down from my great grandfather, who was a very charismatic preacher in the South.  And, although at a young age I had a real moment where, through the Holy Spirit, I came to understand that I was a sinner and needed God’s grace, shortly after I knew that I couldn’t break these rules.  I never quite understood why these things were so bad, but I knew those were the things “Sinners” did and I was not supposed to act like that.  I also remember feeling quite burdened by the weight of having to follow the rules.

I think this is largely still present in how Christianity is viewed.  We are seen as a bunch of hypocritical “goody two shoes.”  Later in Galatians, Paul encourages them to do away with the mindless adherence to laws, in favor of a life led by the Spirit, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free (5:1).”  Even Jesus told us to do away with striving to attain all of the precepts of Mosaic law, stating that all the law is fulfilled in loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:36-40).  

As it turns out, what I perceived as a bunch of rule following can actually be attained when we let go of the rules.  It comes as a result of my love for Christ.  We learn about this in the book of James.  The brother of Christ points out that a life steeped in the Holy Spirit leads to good works (James 2:18-25).  And so as we lean on the Holy Spirit, we naturally begin to abstain from things that would only hinder a close relationship with him (1 Corinthians 10:23).

Life Application

Jesus, ultimately I want nothing else than to be with you.  So help me to get a little closer to you everyday.  I want to walk away from the things that distract me from you.    And I want to thank you for taking the burden of sin away from me by dying on the cross.

-Tyler Galloway

Psalm 84

Scripture

 

Psalm 84: 1-2; 10-121 How lovely is your dwelling place,    Lord Almighty!2 My soul yearns, even faints,    for the courts of the Lord;my heart and my flesh cry out    for the living God…….10 Better is one day in your courts    than a thousand elsewhere;I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God    than dwell in the tents of the wicked.11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;    the Lord bestows favor and honor;no good thing does he withhold    from those whose walk is blameless.12 Lord Almighty,    blessed is the one who trusts in you. Observation-What does it say?I love worship songs that are based in Scripture! The song” Better is One Day” is based on Psalm 84. The Psalmist is saying that there is no safer place to be than with the Lord God Almighty. Understanding-What does it mean?Nothing in life compares to being in His presence. Being safe in loving arms and care of our Heavenly Father is priceless. We have no better advocate and friend than Jesus and no better counselor than the Holy Spirit.  Life ApplicationSpend time with Jesus.Where and when do you spend uninterrupted time with the Lord?  Where is your secret place where you meet and communicate with Him? In a special prayer closet? In bed first thing in the morning or before you sleep at night? During your commute to work? Outside in your backyard surrounded by nature? I pray that we would always seek time with You 1st and may everything else be secondary. Better is one day in Your courts than a thousands elsewhere Lord. Amen. -Michelle Gaddi Better is One Day (worship)

https://youtu.be/jdE03zRJtxw

Galatians___1

Scripture

Galatians 1:10 NLT

“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.”

Observation-What does it say?

Paul is writing to the churches of Galatia. He reminds them that there is only one true gospel message... a message of grace and freedom found in Jesus Christ. Anyone who dares to pervert this message should be set aside for God’s destruction. However, Paul’s opposition accused him of preaching a gospel of grace and freedom from the law in order to please the Gentiles, so he could be more “popular” amongst the people. Paul insisted that his desire was to please God only. He reminds his opposition of the man he once was, and it is only through a direct experience he had with Jesus Christ, (on his way to Damascus), in which the true gospel of God was revealed to him. And now his one mission was to please God and share this revelation of the true gospel to everyone!

Understanding-What does it mean?

Please an audience of One.

More than often, I get caught up with what others may think of me. I struggled with this way too many times as a youth. I often fell into peer pressure just to try to fit in with a crowd. Some of the things I would do are things I’m not too proud of either. Fast forward to the present time. I still find myself struggling with these issues. Now like Paul, I too know my mission in life that God has given me, a mission of multiplying Christ Followers everywhere (Matthew 28:18-20). But I hate to admit, sometimes I cower in those situations. The Holy Spirit will tell me to pray for someone, or provide an opportunity for me to share the gospel, and instead of boldly following God, I am passive and get too concerned what others around may think or say. “What a weirdo!”, or “He’s one of those Jesus freaks!” they may say. But this verse reminds me who cares what others may think or say?! There is only One person I should really care about pleasing. Am I doing whatever it takes to make sure that happens?

Life Application

Here is verse to ponder on this morning:

“But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”-Matthew 10:33 

That verse may strike home really hard for some of us. But here is a verse that should encourage you:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”-2 Timothy 1:7

I pray that we can all walk out our faith in this world being courageous and bold like Paul did. That we use every opportunity given to us, whether it’s an ideal situation or not, to share the gospel of Christ to others. May our father in Heaven welcome us in by name, and tell us “Good job my good and faithful servant.” All glory and honor to our God in Heaven! Amen.  

-Moses Gaddi