Galatians 6:11-18
"Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are tying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ" (vs 12).
From the inside out. This is the process by which God, through Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, transforms us into the image of Christ! We who are saved, we who say, "yes, I believe in Jesus, I am a follower of Christ, I am a Christian" are all going through this transformation. And will be so until the day of Jesus - He either coming for us here on earth, or we going to Him!
So Paul continues to teach and exhort the believers in Galatia to NOT continue in the Jewish law as a way of looking good on the outside...for outward appearance. I'm reminded of the Scripture that speaks to a people who "honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me." Some Jewish religious leaders and others were commanding that the new non-Jewish believers - Gentiles - should follow the Jewish law in addition to believing.
Paul exposed those who commanded this as those who were not only trying to 'look good on the outside' but in fact, trying to avoid being persecuted by the religious Jews all around them - leaders who did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Also, perhaps those who did believe Jesus was the Messiah but wrongly thought that they needed to continue with the Law as a way to righteousness.
You and I could fill in a different word(s) in verse 12 above to substitute for "circumcision." There are those, perhaps we ourselves, who say or think that going to church every Sunday, Bible Study during the week, praying 3 times a day, giving a certain amount or percentage of money, and not doing a whole list of certain activities, are the ways that we either prove we are saved, or even are necessary as part of our salvation.
However, this line of thinking is backwards...putting the 'cart before the horse." Such things actually can help position us to grow in Christ! Especially as new believers, it can be really helpful to practice many of the things (they can be called 'spiritual disciplines") in order to help us start living new lives in Christ - to help us grow in relationship with the Lord! I remember as a new believer, back in the 1980's...these things were really helpful for me!
BUT the danger is in thinking that this is what earns us a relationship with Jesus; thinking that these things translate into salvation and that we can judge our own walk with the Lord and judge OTHERS in their walk with the Lord.
The truth is: going to church, studying and meditating on the Bible, praying, not engaging in harmful/potentially destructive activities for my body, mind and soul, acts of service - even writing this meditation - these are the FRUIT or the OUTCOME of my relationship with Christ. These (type) things help grow and strengthen my relationship with the Lord and are (to be) an indication of my desire to know Christ more and more. And so, for you as well.
"Lord please forgive me, please forgive us, when we judge ourselves and others by what we do instead of seeking You in our hearts. Help us to grow from the inside out. Help us Lord to recognize when we are thinking and acting in ways that cause us to look one way on the outside but really on the inside, we are far from You. Lord, you know we struggle because we are in this world. But the struggle isn't the issue - how we relate to You is the issue.. really, You are 'the issue." I pray God that each one of us would more and more reflect who You are - from the inside out. Thanks for Loving us Lord. Help us to love You more.."
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
You Who Are Spiritual
Galatians 6:1-10
Sometimes Scripture is just so direct and clear that writing a devotional thought or exposition seems less than necessary or helpful! Such is the case with today's reading.
Just a few points to highlight - "you who are spiritual" in verse one is specifically speaking of those who are born again by the Holy Spirit, because of Christ's work of grace and mercy (forgiveness) on the Cross as ordained by God the Father - Christians who are walking in the Spirit. I highlight this because in today's world the word "spiritual" often defines spiritual as one's own definition or opinion.
The second highlight is "Let us not become weary in doing good" in verse nine. The reason you and I can be encouraged when we are tired of 'doing the right thing' - in the face of ingratitude, rejection, slap in the face, and even negative consequence and unreward - is because the reward that awaits us in eternity, for eternity is a reward that we cannot even comprehend or grasp it is so awesome!!!
Thirdly, "anyone who thinks he is something" verse three. Paul recognizes that it is easy for us to think we are above a certain sin that we are helping someone else with...he reminds us that we all are vulnerable to any sin the world, flesh, or devil offers - so we need to be careful of forgetting this, as forgetting sets us up to actually carry out that sin!
Fourthly, verse six, "share all good things" reminds us not to take for granted those who preach, teach, and show us the way of the Lord.
Here is today's reading - let's munch, mull, meditate, and marvel:
"Brothers [and sisters], if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him [her] gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he [she] is something when he [she] is nothing, he [she]deceives himself [herself]. Each one should test his [her] own actions. Then he [she] can take pride in himself [herself], without comparing himself [herself] to somebody else, for each one should carry his [her] own load.
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good thing with his [her] instructor.
Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man [woman] reaps what he [she] sows. The one who sows to please his [her] sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction, the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:1-10).
Sometimes Scripture is just so direct and clear that writing a devotional thought or exposition seems less than necessary or helpful! Such is the case with today's reading.
Just a few points to highlight - "you who are spiritual" in verse one is specifically speaking of those who are born again by the Holy Spirit, because of Christ's work of grace and mercy (forgiveness) on the Cross as ordained by God the Father - Christians who are walking in the Spirit. I highlight this because in today's world the word "spiritual" often defines spiritual as one's own definition or opinion.
The second highlight is "Let us not become weary in doing good" in verse nine. The reason you and I can be encouraged when we are tired of 'doing the right thing' - in the face of ingratitude, rejection, slap in the face, and even negative consequence and unreward - is because the reward that awaits us in eternity, for eternity is a reward that we cannot even comprehend or grasp it is so awesome!!!
Thirdly, "anyone who thinks he is something" verse three. Paul recognizes that it is easy for us to think we are above a certain sin that we are helping someone else with...he reminds us that we all are vulnerable to any sin the world, flesh, or devil offers - so we need to be careful of forgetting this, as forgetting sets us up to actually carry out that sin!
Fourthly, verse six, "share all good things" reminds us not to take for granted those who preach, teach, and show us the way of the Lord.
Here is today's reading - let's munch, mull, meditate, and marvel:
"Brothers [and sisters], if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him [her] gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he [she] is something when he [she] is nothing, he [she]deceives himself [herself]. Each one should test his [her] own actions. Then he [she] can take pride in himself [herself], without comparing himself [herself] to somebody else, for each one should carry his [her] own load.
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good thing with his [her] instructor.
Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man [woman] reaps what he [she] sows. The one who sows to please his [her] sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction, the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:1-10).
Friday, March 4, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit
Food for Life:
Galatians 5:16-25
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (vs 22,23).
This Scripture verse highlighting the Fruit of the Spirit is a familiar one...as it describes how we might distinguish whether or not the Holy Spirit is evident in our lives! Notice a couple of important realities. This is one fruit. It isn't like we would exhibit one or the other - as if the Holy Spirit would reveal Himself through you in kindness and in me joy. The Holy Spirit is all of these virtues. Now if you are like me, you may see (usually others see) one or more that seem to be less obvious through you. Patience comes immediately to my mind.
I do not think that I exhibit near as much patience as is becoming. Even if I may appear on the outside to be patient - some of those times I am feeling very impatient! I ask the Holy Spirit to bring about His patience, that it would well up within me; that my thoughts would be those that would bring about patience instead of an impatient critical spirit. This leads to another important reality. I can't produce the Fruit of the Spirit any more than I can produce the fruit of an apple tree... no matter how hard I try, I can not produce an apple!
So, how about you? Are there aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit that you see through your life and others that you would like to see more of? I imagine yes. If so, how will this happen?
Paul tells us..."live by the Spirit." First, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit! This filling only comes through salvation, and then prayerfully, continually committing ourselves - praying, "Lord, fill me with Your Spirit, now!" In the moment (when it is clear that I need patience!). "Lord, continually abide in and through me. Please Lord, convict me of what is not like You, please forgive me, work through me Your love!" "Oh, God, produce within me Your Joy, in the midst of this storm!"
Reading God's Word and meditating on God in the Word! "Lord, how do I not walk in this "envy" (vs.21)? "Lord, forgive me for this "fit of rage" or "for this drunkenness" (vs.21). Help me Lord to desire to be "filled with Your Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) instead of wine (beer, whiskey...whatever one's drug of choice might be)! We can ask the Lord to show us what steps to take and then ask for God's power to do so, with any temptation that causes us to walk in sin instead of the Spirit. The Lord is pleased to help us!
"Lord, thank You that You are the One who works in and through us to be able to walk in the Holy Spirit and not in ourselves, in our flesh, in sin. Thank You that You are ever-ready to be our aide and helper. Thanks for loving us. We love You."
Galatians 5:16-25
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (vs 22,23).
This Scripture verse highlighting the Fruit of the Spirit is a familiar one...as it describes how we might distinguish whether or not the Holy Spirit is evident in our lives! Notice a couple of important realities. This is one fruit. It isn't like we would exhibit one or the other - as if the Holy Spirit would reveal Himself through you in kindness and in me joy. The Holy Spirit is all of these virtues. Now if you are like me, you may see (usually others see) one or more that seem to be less obvious through you. Patience comes immediately to my mind.
I do not think that I exhibit near as much patience as is becoming. Even if I may appear on the outside to be patient - some of those times I am feeling very impatient! I ask the Holy Spirit to bring about His patience, that it would well up within me; that my thoughts would be those that would bring about patience instead of an impatient critical spirit. This leads to another important reality. I can't produce the Fruit of the Spirit any more than I can produce the fruit of an apple tree... no matter how hard I try, I can not produce an apple!
So, how about you? Are there aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit that you see through your life and others that you would like to see more of? I imagine yes. If so, how will this happen?
Paul tells us..."live by the Spirit." First, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit! This filling only comes through salvation, and then prayerfully, continually committing ourselves - praying, "Lord, fill me with Your Spirit, now!" In the moment (when it is clear that I need patience!). "Lord, continually abide in and through me. Please Lord, convict me of what is not like You, please forgive me, work through me Your love!" "Oh, God, produce within me Your Joy, in the midst of this storm!"
Reading God's Word and meditating on God in the Word! "Lord, how do I not walk in this "envy" (vs.21)? "Lord, forgive me for this "fit of rage" or "for this drunkenness" (vs.21). Help me Lord to desire to be "filled with Your Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) instead of wine (beer, whiskey...whatever one's drug of choice might be)! We can ask the Lord to show us what steps to take and then ask for God's power to do so, with any temptation that causes us to walk in sin instead of the Spirit. The Lord is pleased to help us!
"Lord, thank You that You are the One who works in and through us to be able to walk in the Holy Spirit and not in ourselves, in our flesh, in sin. Thank You that You are ever-ready to be our aide and helper. Thanks for loving us. We love You."
Food for Life:
Galatians 5:16-25
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (vs 22,23).
This Scripture verse highlighting the Fruit of the Spirit is a familiar one...as it describes how we might distinguish whether or not the Holy Spirit is evident in our lives! Notice a couple of important realities. This is one fruit. It isn't like we would exhibit one or the other - as if the Holy Spirit would reveal Himself through you in kindness and in me joy. The Holy Spirit is all of these virtues. Now if you are like me, you may see (usually others see) one or more that seem to be less obvious through you. Patience comes immediately to my mind.
I do not think that I exhibit near as much patience as is becoming. Even if I may appear on the outside to be patient - some of those times I am feeling very impatient! I ask the Holy Spirit to bring about His patience, that it would well up within me; that my thoughts would be those that would bring about patience instead of an impatient critical spirit. This leads to another important reality. I can't produce the Fruit of the Spirit any more than I can produce the fruit of an apple tree... no matter how hard I try, I can not produce an apple!
So, how about you? Are there aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit that you see through your life and others that you would like to see more of? I imagine yes. If so, how will this happen?
Paul tells us..."live by the Spirit." First, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit! This filling only comes through salvation, and then prayerfully, continually committing ourselves - praying, "Lord, fill me with Your Spirit, now!" In the moment (when it is clear that I need patience!). "Lord, continually abide in and through me. Please Lord, convict me of what is not like You, please forgive me, work through me Your love!" "Oh, God, produce within me Your Joy, in the midst of this storm!"
Reading God's Word and meditating on God in the Word! "Lord, how do I not walk in this "envy" (vs.21)? "Lord, forgive me for this "fit of rage" or "for this drunkenness" (vs.21). Help me Lord to desire to be "filled with Your Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) instead of wine (beer, whiskey...whatever one's drug of choice might be)! We can ask the Lord to show us what steps to take and then ask for God's power to do so, with any temptation that causes us to walk in sin instead of the Spirit. The Lord is pleased to help us!
"Lord, thank You that You are the One who works in and through us to be able to walk in the Holy Spirit and not in ourselves, in our flesh, in sin. Thank You that You are ever-ready to be our aide and helper. Thanks for loving us. We love You."
Galatians 5:16-25
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (vs 22,23).
This Scripture verse highlighting the Fruit of the Spirit is a familiar one...as it describes how we might distinguish whether or not the Holy Spirit is evident in our lives! Notice a couple of important realities. This is one fruit. It isn't like we would exhibit one or the other - as if the Holy Spirit would reveal Himself through you in kindness and in me joy. The Holy Spirit is all of these virtues. Now if you are like me, you may see (usually others see) one or more that seem to be less obvious through you. Patience comes immediately to my mind.
I do not think that I exhibit near as much patience as is becoming. Even if I may appear on the outside to be patient - some of those times I am feeling very impatient! I ask the Holy Spirit to bring about His patience, that it would well up within me; that my thoughts would be those that would bring about patience instead of an impatient critical spirit. This leads to another important reality. I can't produce the Fruit of the Spirit any more than I can produce the fruit of an apple tree... no matter how hard I try, I can not produce an apple!
So, how about you? Are there aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit that you see through your life and others that you would like to see more of? I imagine yes. If so, how will this happen?
Paul tells us..."live by the Spirit." First, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit! This filling only comes through salvation, and then prayerfully, continually committing ourselves - praying, "Lord, fill me with Your Spirit, now!" In the moment (when it is clear that I need patience!). "Lord, continually abide in and through me. Please Lord, convict me of what is not like You, please forgive me, work through me Your love!" "Oh, God, produce within me Your Joy, in the midst of this storm!"
Reading God's Word and meditating on God in the Word! "Lord, how do I not walk in this "envy" (vs.21)? "Lord, forgive me for this "fit of rage" or "for this drunkenness" (vs.21). Help me Lord to desire to be "filled with Your Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) instead of wine (beer, whiskey...whatever one's drug of choice might be)! We can ask the Lord to show us what steps to take and then ask for God's power to do so, with any temptation that causes us to walk in sin instead of the Spirit. The Lord is pleased to help us!
"Lord, thank You that You are the One who works in and through us to be able to walk in the Holy Spirit and not in ourselves, in our flesh, in sin. Thank You that You are ever-ready to be our aide and helper. Thanks for loving us. We love You."
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Freedom to Love not Indulge
Dear Ones,
It has been a few weeks since I've written to you via Food for Life! I apologize and ask your forgiveness for not alerting you first that I wouldn't be writing for a bit - as I usually do when I can't write. I have been away and working on transitioning into some new ministry/work responsibilities - prayers are welcomed and appreciated :) In this, there was a wonderful surprise gift...my dear friends gave birth (early) to their 5th child...I was able to be there to welcome Tessa Spring into this world!!! What a delight!
I pray that you all experience the everyday blessings and joy of Jesus that we often overlook or take for granted.
You are a joy to me!,
Robin
Food for Life:
Galatians 5:1-15
"You, brothers [and sisters], were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' IF you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other" (vs 13-15).
It always amazes me how relevant Paul's (and the other Biblical writers) instructions/admonitions/exhortations are for me, for you, today! Sometimes I think that today's culture as a whole, and the culture of Christ Followers (that is you and me) is so different. Often I think that today's society is far more ungodly than in Biblical times. Not so. In the interest of keeping these Food for Life readings short, I encourage you to do some historical readings (or in reading the Bible, stop and think about the state of the culture as described) and you will see the ungodly nature of their day!
Paul tells the Galatians, as God speaks through him to us - you are free in Christ, so don't put rules and regulations on yourselves and others as a way to be saved or to keep your salvation! You can't add anything to the grace through faith which you have received from Christ on the cross!
At the same time, use your freedom for good, Godly benefit; not for giving in to temptation, sin, and ungodly practices - as it relates to yourself or others! Paul restates Jesus' Words that pointedly tell his followers, "love your neighbor/one another as yourself" and that fulfills, completes, is more than anyone could ever do in trying to keep the law of the Old Testament!
He emphasizes this reality by highlighting to them that if they continue to NOT love one another (biting and devouring each other!!) they will surely destroy one another... in what ways do you see this happening today? How is NOT loving one another, destroying us within the Body of Christ? And as a result, deterring others from becoming part of the Body of Christ?
"Lord, forgive me, forgive us for the ways we do not show love for one another - through our thoughts, words, and actions or inactions. Show each of us individually ways that we are not loving and could love better. Show us God ways that we can contribute to our brothers and sisters, one another, as a whole to love our neighbor as ourselves. Even as we love You with all of our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. Thank You Lord."
It has been a few weeks since I've written to you via Food for Life! I apologize and ask your forgiveness for not alerting you first that I wouldn't be writing for a bit - as I usually do when I can't write. I have been away and working on transitioning into some new ministry/work responsibilities - prayers are welcomed and appreciated :) In this, there was a wonderful surprise gift...my dear friends gave birth (early) to their 5th child...I was able to be there to welcome Tessa Spring into this world!!! What a delight!
I pray that you all experience the everyday blessings and joy of Jesus that we often overlook or take for granted.
You are a joy to me!,
Robin
Food for Life:
Galatians 5:1-15
"You, brothers [and sisters], were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' IF you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other" (vs 13-15).
It always amazes me how relevant Paul's (and the other Biblical writers) instructions/admonitions/exhortations are for me, for you, today! Sometimes I think that today's culture as a whole, and the culture of Christ Followers (that is you and me) is so different. Often I think that today's society is far more ungodly than in Biblical times. Not so. In the interest of keeping these Food for Life readings short, I encourage you to do some historical readings (or in reading the Bible, stop and think about the state of the culture as described) and you will see the ungodly nature of their day!
Paul tells the Galatians, as God speaks through him to us - you are free in Christ, so don't put rules and regulations on yourselves and others as a way to be saved or to keep your salvation! You can't add anything to the grace through faith which you have received from Christ on the cross!
At the same time, use your freedom for good, Godly benefit; not for giving in to temptation, sin, and ungodly practices - as it relates to yourself or others! Paul restates Jesus' Words that pointedly tell his followers, "love your neighbor/one another as yourself" and that fulfills, completes, is more than anyone could ever do in trying to keep the law of the Old Testament!
He emphasizes this reality by highlighting to them that if they continue to NOT love one another (biting and devouring each other!!) they will surely destroy one another... in what ways do you see this happening today? How is NOT loving one another, destroying us within the Body of Christ? And as a result, deterring others from becoming part of the Body of Christ?
"Lord, forgive me, forgive us for the ways we do not show love for one another - through our thoughts, words, and actions or inactions. Show each of us individually ways that we are not loving and could love better. Show us God ways that we can contribute to our brothers and sisters, one another, as a whole to love our neighbor as ourselves. Even as we love You with all of our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. Thank You Lord."
Friday, February 18, 2011
Christ Formed in You
Galatians 4
"My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you..." (vs 19).
Paul continues to speak in this writing so personally to the believers at Galatia! His love, commitment, and hope for them is not only seen through the words he speaks/writes, but his actions. The goal of his love, commitment, and hope is that "Christ be formed" within them! That was the heart of God for the Galatians...that is God's heart toward you and me!
It struck me in a new way this morning of how personal, how close, Paul's heart and manner was toward the Galatians. How much more intimate can one be than when a woman is in childbirth and experiencing the pain of the birthing process! Mothers who have given birth, can you say AMEN! Paul seemed to use this illustration - comparing how he felt toward the Galatians and his desire to see "Christ formed in them" and childbirth - because it most portrayed his experience in pastoring the Galatians!
All of us can think of situations and experiences that were so grueling that they could be likened to childbirth. Parents with children, raising them in ways that your hope is for them to be Godly, healthy, content - making positive and life-giving choices for themselves! Perhaps starting a project or developing an idea or having a dream and seeking to see them through to the desired end! Perhaps there is a personal issue - a health issue, a personality issue, some (perceived or real deficit) that you experience - You've been seeking to overcome, compensate or change. You find it is extremely painful and difficult.
Paul is equating his work on behalf of the Galatians to see Christ formed in them, to see them walking in the freedom to which they have been called in Christ, to see them walking in the Truth - to childbirth pains.
What is amazing is that as much as Paul experienced this pain, he did so for the joy! There is a correlation between pain and joy. To the degree we experience pain for Christ's sake, for the things of Christ's heart, we will also experience Joy! And so, that is like childbirth isn't it? Childbirth is not gone through with the expectation of - it's just pain for the sake of pain. It is pain for the sake of seeing a new life, a gift from God, come into this world!
And that was Paul's expectation. As Christ was formed in the Galatians, they would live out their calling as sons and daughters of God! "Because you are sons [and daughters], God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father" (vs 4:6). Abba means 'daddy', how personal is that! I have heard it said and have seen the reaction when father's hear their children call out "daddy!" with joy, expectation, seeking safety, seeking comfort, guidance and direction. No greater thrill for a father! No greater thrill for God, our perfect parent!
My prayer for all of you, is to see "Christ formed in you, the Hope of Glory!" While I am by no means equating myself to the Apostle Paul - I can say that the reason I write these devotionals, that partly reflect how God is working in and through my life, I do so for the sole reason of seeing Christ formed in you - in any that would read!
How about you? Do you seek to see Christ formed not only in yourself, but in others with whom you come in to contact? Your children? Your sisters and brothers? Your husbands and wives? Your family members and friends? Your church family and neighbors?
"Lord thank You that You are at work through Your Spirit to see Christ formed in each one of us. Thank You that Your heart is for us to be saved and then continually transformed into the image of Christ, starting from the inside and working to the outside. Thank You for examples like our brother, the Apostle Paul! For his tirelessness, as recorded in Scripture, his love and commitment to those You put in his path. I pray God that each one of us would seek to take Paul's example and ask You Lord to show us how to 'go and do likewise' in our time and Your ways. Thanks for loving us Lord. "Christ in us, the Hope of Glory!"
"My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you..." (vs 19).
Paul continues to speak in this writing so personally to the believers at Galatia! His love, commitment, and hope for them is not only seen through the words he speaks/writes, but his actions. The goal of his love, commitment, and hope is that "Christ be formed" within them! That was the heart of God for the Galatians...that is God's heart toward you and me!
It struck me in a new way this morning of how personal, how close, Paul's heart and manner was toward the Galatians. How much more intimate can one be than when a woman is in childbirth and experiencing the pain of the birthing process! Mothers who have given birth, can you say AMEN! Paul seemed to use this illustration - comparing how he felt toward the Galatians and his desire to see "Christ formed in them" and childbirth - because it most portrayed his experience in pastoring the Galatians!
All of us can think of situations and experiences that were so grueling that they could be likened to childbirth. Parents with children, raising them in ways that your hope is for them to be Godly, healthy, content - making positive and life-giving choices for themselves! Perhaps starting a project or developing an idea or having a dream and seeking to see them through to the desired end! Perhaps there is a personal issue - a health issue, a personality issue, some (perceived or real deficit) that you experience - You've been seeking to overcome, compensate or change. You find it is extremely painful and difficult.
Paul is equating his work on behalf of the Galatians to see Christ formed in them, to see them walking in the freedom to which they have been called in Christ, to see them walking in the Truth - to childbirth pains.
What is amazing is that as much as Paul experienced this pain, he did so for the joy! There is a correlation between pain and joy. To the degree we experience pain for Christ's sake, for the things of Christ's heart, we will also experience Joy! And so, that is like childbirth isn't it? Childbirth is not gone through with the expectation of - it's just pain for the sake of pain. It is pain for the sake of seeing a new life, a gift from God, come into this world!
And that was Paul's expectation. As Christ was formed in the Galatians, they would live out their calling as sons and daughters of God! "Because you are sons [and daughters], God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father" (vs 4:6). Abba means 'daddy', how personal is that! I have heard it said and have seen the reaction when father's hear their children call out "daddy!" with joy, expectation, seeking safety, seeking comfort, guidance and direction. No greater thrill for a father! No greater thrill for God, our perfect parent!
My prayer for all of you, is to see "Christ formed in you, the Hope of Glory!" While I am by no means equating myself to the Apostle Paul - I can say that the reason I write these devotionals, that partly reflect how God is working in and through my life, I do so for the sole reason of seeing Christ formed in you - in any that would read!
How about you? Do you seek to see Christ formed not only in yourself, but in others with whom you come in to contact? Your children? Your sisters and brothers? Your husbands and wives? Your family members and friends? Your church family and neighbors?
"Lord thank You that You are at work through Your Spirit to see Christ formed in each one of us. Thank You that Your heart is for us to be saved and then continually transformed into the image of Christ, starting from the inside and working to the outside. Thank You for examples like our brother, the Apostle Paul! For his tirelessness, as recorded in Scripture, his love and commitment to those You put in his path. I pray God that each one of us would seek to take Paul's example and ask You Lord to show us how to 'go and do likewise' in our time and Your ways. Thanks for loving us Lord. "Christ in us, the Hope of Glory!"
Thursday, February 17, 2011
One in Christ
Galatians 3
"You are all sons [daughters] of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26-28). This is the foundational equality reality. Level ground at the Cross.
Thank the Lord for how He has made a way for each and every person; for each and every one of us! Contrary to the world's standards of equality: where you were born, what gender you are, what race you are, what economic state you are in, what you look like, who and what your parents were and did, what talents and abilities you possess or don't possess - God's standards and reality are not the same as the world's!
Even in Paul's day, there were some [Jewish men] who would awaken with a prayer like this: "Lord, I thank You that I am not a Gentile (non-Jew), a slave, or a woman" (NIV Study Bible p. 2121). Imagine that! There are many today, who have the same thought (if not prayer), "Lord thank You that I am not ____________________." Jesus - who was a Jewish man - literally broke the power of any such prayer, thought, or notion. He displayed not only in His speech, but His actions (as recorded in Scripture) that "all people were created equal" (not by their governmental constitution or declaration of independence, but by their Creator God!).
Paul continues to speak to the believer's in Galatia. They wanted to follow teachings of those who put the Law on the back of the Jew and non-Jew alike. Paul raises the reality of God's promise to Abraham...which is the promise of Christ, to all those who are in Christ - because, you see, Christ comes from Abraham's line, Abraham's "seed."
This was God's promise to Abraham: "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:2-3).
There are some earthly realities to this promise, in terms of what took place in Abraham's earthly life time and as some theologians agree in times to come. The focus of Paul in Galatia and what is on my heart has to do with the spiritual inheritance of this promise! Through the promise of God to Abraham, came Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ, in whom our faith resides, is our blessing, the blessing lives inside of us through the Holy Spirit, and causes us to be one in Christ! Co-heirs also to everything that Christ inherited!
Paul's point in this portion of Scripture? We are one in Christ through faith (by grace through faith you have been saved, not a work of your own that anyone should boast, Ephesians 2) alone. Period. No "Christ plus" program. He was reminding the Galatians of this promise of God's...and he reminds us, of God's promise through Abraham, through Christ, to us who believe by faith!
"Lord God, thank You for the promise to Abraham long ago, that is for us today through Christ our Savior! Lord, help each one of us to be convinced by faith of what we receive/ed in You. Let us go and do likewise - by Your grace and mercy. Thank You Lord!"
"You are all sons [daughters] of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26-28). This is the foundational equality reality. Level ground at the Cross.
Thank the Lord for how He has made a way for each and every person; for each and every one of us! Contrary to the world's standards of equality: where you were born, what gender you are, what race you are, what economic state you are in, what you look like, who and what your parents were and did, what talents and abilities you possess or don't possess - God's standards and reality are not the same as the world's!
Even in Paul's day, there were some [Jewish men] who would awaken with a prayer like this: "Lord, I thank You that I am not a Gentile (non-Jew), a slave, or a woman" (NIV Study Bible p. 2121). Imagine that! There are many today, who have the same thought (if not prayer), "Lord thank You that I am not ____________________." Jesus - who was a Jewish man - literally broke the power of any such prayer, thought, or notion. He displayed not only in His speech, but His actions (as recorded in Scripture) that "all people were created equal" (not by their governmental constitution or declaration of independence, but by their Creator God!).
Paul continues to speak to the believer's in Galatia. They wanted to follow teachings of those who put the Law on the back of the Jew and non-Jew alike. Paul raises the reality of God's promise to Abraham...which is the promise of Christ, to all those who are in Christ - because, you see, Christ comes from Abraham's line, Abraham's "seed."
This was God's promise to Abraham: "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:2-3).
There are some earthly realities to this promise, in terms of what took place in Abraham's earthly life time and as some theologians agree in times to come. The focus of Paul in Galatia and what is on my heart has to do with the spiritual inheritance of this promise! Through the promise of God to Abraham, came Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ, in whom our faith resides, is our blessing, the blessing lives inside of us through the Holy Spirit, and causes us to be one in Christ! Co-heirs also to everything that Christ inherited!
Paul's point in this portion of Scripture? We are one in Christ through faith (by grace through faith you have been saved, not a work of your own that anyone should boast, Ephesians 2) alone. Period. No "Christ plus" program. He was reminding the Galatians of this promise of God's...and he reminds us, of God's promise through Abraham, through Christ, to us who believe by faith!
"Lord God, thank You for the promise to Abraham long ago, that is for us today through Christ our Savior! Lord, help each one of us to be convinced by faith of what we receive/ed in You. Let us go and do likewise - by Your grace and mercy. Thank You Lord!"
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