Galations 3 - 2.18.26

Scripture

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 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? (Galatians 3:1-3)

Observation

Generally Paul uses a gentle fatherly tone in his epistles, lovingly correcting the church. Galatians is an exception, where Paul uses a harsh tone, calling the Galatians “foolish” and asking them, who “bewitched” them. We might wonder what was the big sin that Galatians committed to deserve such treatment. The Galatian Christians were trying to “earn” salvation by adopting Jewish legalistic rituals like circumcision, observing special days (Sabbaths, months, seasons), and following dietary restrictions.

Paul reminds them that salvation is obtained only by faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness (Gal 3:6).

Application

The Bible must be studied in context and as a whole. The reference to faith for salvation and righteousness does not take away our individual responsibility to live a holy life, or to have the right works after salvation. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26). If the faith in our hearts is not reflected in the way we live, it is not a true faith. 

James quotes the same verse about Abraham quoted in Galatians 3:6 and says Abraham’s faith was demonstrated in his obedience. Abraham was considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar, and his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did (James 2:21,22). James continues to say that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone (James 2:24).

Let us check our hearts to see if our trust in our salvation is because of our faith in being washed by the blood of Jesus alone. Our good works are not going to save us. Only faith in Jesus can save us. Let us check our lives to see if we are living a holy life, as He has commanded us “be holy as I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).  When we stray in sin, by thought, word or deed, let us be quick to repent and come back to the Lord. 

Prayer

Dear Father, thank you for sending Jesus to die in my place for my sins. Thank you Jesus, for washing me with your blood,, and making me your child. My confidence is in you alone (Prov 3:26). Help me to live a life that pleases you. If there is sin in my life, please help me to hear the gentle convicting voice of your Spirit, so that I can repent and get right with You. May my life be a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to You (Rom 12:1). In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Asha Chacko George

Hosea 1 - 2.17.26

SCRIPTURE:  Hosea 1:2,3 “When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.”  So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.” NIV

OBSERVATION:  Hosea was a prophet in Israel near the end of the kingdom.  God certainly picked a man He knew would obey Him because what He was telling Hosea to do certainly didn’t sound like a God thing. ONLY because Hosea was in tune with God’s voice did he know it was really the Lord speaking!

Hosea’s marriage was a model of God’s love, and Israel’s unfaithfulness.  This true-life story of grace and redemption illustrated what God did for the children of Israel.  He took them as His spouse when, in spite of their idolatry and immorality, He delivered them from slavery in Egypt. However, disregarding God’s gracious love, they again became unfaithful by forsaking the Lord, worshipping idols, and engaging in immorality.  Yet in spite of their horrible sins, God in His love was attempting to woo them back to a faithful relationship with Him.  (Gene Getz).

Hosea married Gomer, who some believe had already been sexually promiscuous.  In their marriage, she was unfaithful to him, but despite her promiscuity, Hosea was to redeem her from a life of sexual slavery to once again become his wife.  Hosea obeyed God’s command, EVEN THOUGH he didn’t fully understand God’s message to Israel through this difficult period in his life.  This story of Israel’s idolatry and God’s future plan for His chosen people was written for us.  It’s a picture of what God has done for ALL who have responded to the Gospel. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). 

APPLICATION:  When we were born again and accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we became His future bride who will someday be presented to Him in heaven without spot or wrinkle.  (Ephesians 5:27). We have been chosen by God, and we have been redeemed by Jesus, all so we can become more and more like Jesus until we are presented to Him at the marriage of the Lamb. 

PRAYER:  Thank You dear God for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for this sinner. Thank You for redeeming my life from the sinful lifestyle I was living before I met You. I pray as Your blood-bought daughter that I will live wholeheartedly for You.  I pray I will be so in tune with Your voice that I will obey You even when I don’t understand the full meaning behind it.  I desire to know You more, hear You more, and obey You more! 

- Robin Orefice

Galations 1 - 2.16.26

S - Galations 1:3 - “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

O - This verse gives us a reminder that we are not saved by our works and deeds.  We are saved by grace and peace offered through Jesus Christ.  How many of us Christians get caught up in performing works for the wrong reasons.  Being busy all the time hinders our ability to spend quiet time becoming closer to the one that holds the answers.  (Our Father).

A - First and foremost, we need to be more intentional in prayer over these situations.  I plan on praying over the area of needs versus our own understanding and ask our Father to direct my decisions to say yes to what he wants.

P - Lord I pray that we use our time as you see fit, not for our own reasons.  And I pray for the words and actions you desire versus my own worldly motivations.  I pray that the world sees that through you alone, grace and peace are offered and we are not defined by what we do, but what we do through you.  Amen

- Brian Moen