Friends,
Well...better late than never...and it was almost "never." (Not really...but, if one procrastinates or is distracted long enough, it might seem like it :-). However, on to the concluding message from Paul's letter to the Galatians. Paul has spoken about the connection of living spiritually versus living according to the flesh in chapter 5. Paul continues with this theme in chapter 6...and instead of sounding combative, he has a much more conciliatory tone, as at the end of chapter 5. Apparently some have asked the question, "How do we deal those Judaizers (or Gentile Christians, for that matter) who repent of the attitudes and activities of the flesh?" Paul may be thinking about Jesus' message in the Sermon on the Mount, regarding approaching all matters of discerning judgment with humility and love. He offers an interesting expression, "you who are spiritual should restore him gently." But, for those of the Spirit, this must be done with humility...and I believe that he is speaking with regard to the contrast between pride and humility. If those who are "spiritual" are not careful, they will be tempted to be unspiritual, that is prideful, concerning how they go about their business. Once again, Paul appeals to love...as in "the law of Christ," and this, as it is in this letter, runs opposed to the Law of Moses. We must not be prideful or arrogant as it relates to helping others who are in need, or else, we may do more harm than good.
We must not overvalue ourselves, neither should we undervalue ourselves, in relationship to principle of living the Christian walk and serving others. We cannot fool the Lord who is able to evaluate matters accurately with regard to our spiritual walk (vv.7-8). Living according to the flesh will keep us distracted and hinder us from being the servants that God not only wants, but requires for us to be. God has gifted each of His children in a unique way to serve Him...and all believers need to fulfill their service to Him...and especially to those who belong to the body of Christ. I believe this is the principle behind Paul's unusual statement in v.6. regarding instructing and instruction -- if we have been blessed, we need to be a blessing. If we can maintain our spiritual walk as we should...taking time to rest, recuperate as we need...we will not only be a blessing, but we will receive blessings.
In the final eight verses of this letter, Paul apparently takes control of the steering wheel, so to speak. He writes with his own hand, rather than have his amanuensis (secretary) compose for him, as has been the case throughout the letter. Paul claims no professional ability as it relates to his writing, and indeed, seems to be poking fun at himself (v.11). Basically, this section is a recapitulation of everything he has shared up to this point. He does not want the free believers in the Galatian churches...primarliy Gentiles...to be influenced by those who would claim that circumcision (as well as the rest of the principles of the Law) is essential in order to be acceptable to God. The key, once again, is not concerning matters that bind us humans...the Law, the flesh...but it is concerning the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, where all of these other matters find their place and are laid to rest. The Law was not sufficient, but being a "new creation" in Jesus is. The Galatian believers must come back to investigating and appropriating the spiritual matters that they once believed...and not allow themselves to be held captive by doctrines and other matters that are going to take them away from spirituality, and ultimately, eternity. And finally, if anyone would be of a mind to question Paul's credibility (as did some "believers" in Corinth) in writing these matters, he reminds them that he bears scars...physical and emotional...on Jesus' behalf. These marks for Jesus are of a far greater benefit in proving Paul's conviction for truth, perhaps, than anything he could say. Nonetheless, the two walk hand in hand. Paul concludes by appealing to the grace of Jesus Christ for their spirits, a wonderful expression of peace and hope.
Once again, nothing is gained for us today in making the same mistakes as a significant portion of the early believers. Although, I believe that we could concur with the wise sage, Solomon, who shared that "there is nothing new under the sun" in this regard. We must learn and understand that Laws and regulations are not going to produce spirituality in us, but indeed, they take away from it. They hinder our ability to walk as free persons in Christ in much the same way as the flesh also hinders the spiritual walk (and Paul has connected the two). This does not mean that we must not be people of principle...we should be so. But, we must appeal to the same law that Paul appeals to in this letter...the law of love...the law that Jesus Himself commended during His last few days on earth (John 13:34-35, 15:12, etc.). Then, in turn, all other principles gain their proper perspective and place in relationship to the whole of the Christian walk. And as Paul says, early on in the letter, it is this perspective that will make the difference...then and now...as to whether churches grow and prosper or decay and decline.
I hope this series has been a blessing to you...have a great day.
Blessings, Don
Showing posts with label Judaizers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Judaizers. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Walking with the Spirit (Considering Galatians), Pt. 5
Friends,
Paul segues from talking about the freedom that the Galatian believers should have because they are (supposed to be) spiritual children of Isaac to the fact that all believers in the Galatian churches...regardless of race, social status, age or gender (3:26-28, once again)...are free in Christ. Chapter 5, verse 1 could be a one line definition for the entire letter, "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." This is Paul's appeal...to come back to the freedom they all should be enjoying. But, some have allowed themselves to be burdened by those (Judaizers) who would keep the regulations and traditions (particularly circumcision, here) associated with the Law, as these principles have been forced upon the Gentile believers in the Galatian churches. These "weighty" matters of law are like a yoke on their necks. Paul may be reflectively considering a principle dear to Jesus' heart, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). Paul once again uses some strong words in order to make his point, saying that those who seek to be justified by Law have "become alienated from Christ" and have "fallen away from grace." In fact, he declares for the Galatians and the whole world, that the only principle that truly has any weight is "faith expressing itself through love" (5:6). I will come back to this in a bit.
Paul uses a track and field metaphor to describe how the Galatians have allowed the Judaizers to rob them of Biblical and spiritual truth. It is language describing one who changes lanes in a race and "cuts off" and opponent, and is, therefore, disqualified. Paul does not want the Galatian believers to get cut off in the Christian race and, therefore, miss the prize. He uses a baking expression (because baking and athletics have so much in common :-) in order to solidify his case. All it takes is a little bit of leaven to go through the whole lump of dough...and in the same a way, all it takes is a little bit of infection to begin to affect the whole body. This can take place not only physically, but spiritually, as well...and so the reason for the illustration. An entire church can be undone because a little sin...in attitude or in practice... is left unchecked (see the Corinthian church for an example of this, 1 Corinthians 5:1ff). The Galatian churches are going to experience the same thing if they do not deal with the infection in "their body." Paul expresses his confidence in them that they are going to make the right decisions (5:10).
Paul has one final interjection for the false ones among the believers in those places...and it is not intended to be humorous. It is the strongest thing he has to say in any letter, "As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!" (5:12) It is important to understand the context concerning why Paul appears to be saying that they should go and make themselves eunuchs. It is true that some cultures at that time would have eunuchs who would serve kings and queens, but such barbaric practices were not to be practiced by God's people. Yet, what Paul is doing is giving the Judaizers' arguments concerning the necessity of circumcision their proper perspective. Although, it may have been an important "ritual marking" at one time, circumcision has no meaning whatsoever now that Christ has come...but only as it is figuratively related to the "heart" (Romans 2:29). When a person accepts Christ, neither circumcision or uncircumcision are any good. So, for the Judaizers to enforce this regulation makes no spiritual difference for those whom they are persecuting. God's Holy Spirit is now the mark for believers, as we have discussed (and will pursue further in the next posting).
In vv.13-15, Paul is creating a bridge to his next discussion, beginning in verse 16. Just as he does not want the Galatian believers to give up their freedom in Christ for the sake of law, neither does he want them to give it up for the flesh. It is probable that many of them had come from pagan religious backgrounds where giving themsleves to immorality was the norm. He descibes how dangerous such practices are for those who seek to "be spiritual." He offers a contrast that is going to be given much more detail in the verses to come, but he wants them to understand -- Spirit-filled and led people are going to behave in ways that do not give any advantage to the Law or to the flesh. Freedom is the goal for the spiritual person...freedom to love as God has commanded and shown us to love. Failure to practice the love of God and live according to the Spirit is going to lead discord, dissension and division. They, and we, were called to this much higher calling...the way of love.
This brings me back around to the thought in verse 6. I have heard Christians in my life say (and practice) -- it can't be just about love, we have to be obedient to the commandments (and even traditions). What is usually indicated by this is similar to the matters that the Judaizers were struggling with...and it is this -- we have to be "right thinking" and "right believing" in all of our Christian practices, or else we are in error. If this self-sufficient belief system is the case, then we are always going to be lacking, spiritually. Paul says just the opposite here -- if we are right loving and living according to "the only thing that counts," then we will come to and be able to maintain the proper perspective concerning all of the other matters pertaining to life and godliness. If not, then we will struggle just as the Judaizers were practicing and influencing other believers to be "biting and devouring one another" over things that really do not matter. So, when it all comes down to it...if verse 6 is good enough for Paul, it is good enough for me. :-)
Blessings, Don
Paul segues from talking about the freedom that the Galatian believers should have because they are (supposed to be) spiritual children of Isaac to the fact that all believers in the Galatian churches...regardless of race, social status, age or gender (3:26-28, once again)...are free in Christ. Chapter 5, verse 1 could be a one line definition for the entire letter, "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." This is Paul's appeal...to come back to the freedom they all should be enjoying. But, some have allowed themselves to be burdened by those (Judaizers) who would keep the regulations and traditions (particularly circumcision, here) associated with the Law, as these principles have been forced upon the Gentile believers in the Galatian churches. These "weighty" matters of law are like a yoke on their necks. Paul may be reflectively considering a principle dear to Jesus' heart, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). Paul once again uses some strong words in order to make his point, saying that those who seek to be justified by Law have "become alienated from Christ" and have "fallen away from grace." In fact, he declares for the Galatians and the whole world, that the only principle that truly has any weight is "faith expressing itself through love" (5:6). I will come back to this in a bit.
Paul uses a track and field metaphor to describe how the Galatians have allowed the Judaizers to rob them of Biblical and spiritual truth. It is language describing one who changes lanes in a race and "cuts off" and opponent, and is, therefore, disqualified. Paul does not want the Galatian believers to get cut off in the Christian race and, therefore, miss the prize. He uses a baking expression (because baking and athletics have so much in common :-) in order to solidify his case. All it takes is a little bit of leaven to go through the whole lump of dough...and in the same a way, all it takes is a little bit of infection to begin to affect the whole body. This can take place not only physically, but spiritually, as well...and so the reason for the illustration. An entire church can be undone because a little sin...in attitude or in practice... is left unchecked (see the Corinthian church for an example of this, 1 Corinthians 5:1ff). The Galatian churches are going to experience the same thing if they do not deal with the infection in "their body." Paul expresses his confidence in them that they are going to make the right decisions (5:10).
Paul has one final interjection for the false ones among the believers in those places...and it is not intended to be humorous. It is the strongest thing he has to say in any letter, "As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!" (5:12) It is important to understand the context concerning why Paul appears to be saying that they should go and make themselves eunuchs. It is true that some cultures at that time would have eunuchs who would serve kings and queens, but such barbaric practices were not to be practiced by God's people. Yet, what Paul is doing is giving the Judaizers' arguments concerning the necessity of circumcision their proper perspective. Although, it may have been an important "ritual marking" at one time, circumcision has no meaning whatsoever now that Christ has come...but only as it is figuratively related to the "heart" (Romans 2:29). When a person accepts Christ, neither circumcision or uncircumcision are any good. So, for the Judaizers to enforce this regulation makes no spiritual difference for those whom they are persecuting. God's Holy Spirit is now the mark for believers, as we have discussed (and will pursue further in the next posting).
In vv.13-15, Paul is creating a bridge to his next discussion, beginning in verse 16. Just as he does not want the Galatian believers to give up their freedom in Christ for the sake of law, neither does he want them to give it up for the flesh. It is probable that many of them had come from pagan religious backgrounds where giving themsleves to immorality was the norm. He descibes how dangerous such practices are for those who seek to "be spiritual." He offers a contrast that is going to be given much more detail in the verses to come, but he wants them to understand -- Spirit-filled and led people are going to behave in ways that do not give any advantage to the Law or to the flesh. Freedom is the goal for the spiritual person...freedom to love as God has commanded and shown us to love. Failure to practice the love of God and live according to the Spirit is going to lead discord, dissension and division. They, and we, were called to this much higher calling...the way of love.
This brings me back around to the thought in verse 6. I have heard Christians in my life say (and practice) -- it can't be just about love, we have to be obedient to the commandments (and even traditions). What is usually indicated by this is similar to the matters that the Judaizers were struggling with...and it is this -- we have to be "right thinking" and "right believing" in all of our Christian practices, or else we are in error. If this self-sufficient belief system is the case, then we are always going to be lacking, spiritually. Paul says just the opposite here -- if we are right loving and living according to "the only thing that counts," then we will come to and be able to maintain the proper perspective concerning all of the other matters pertaining to life and godliness. If not, then we will struggle just as the Judaizers were practicing and influencing other believers to be "biting and devouring one another" over things that really do not matter. So, when it all comes down to it...if verse 6 is good enough for Paul, it is good enough for me. :-)
Blessings, Don
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Walking with the Spirit (Considering Galatians), Pt. 4
Friends,
I took a midway break throught the Galatians study, but it is time to get back to business. :-) Chapter 4 really begins with the end of chapter 3. 3:26-29 is a transitional passage of certain importance. Paul brings about another climax in thought for the Judaizers, as well as the Gentile believers, here. In context, he provides the ultimate definition as to what a genuine believer looks like (contrary to the Judaizers' concept)...and it is this definition that all of the Galatian believers need to internalize. "You are all sons through faith in Christ Jesus" (3:26 ). Jesus is the unifier, not regulations or traditions. Paul spells it out clearly -- everyone who has been baptized into, converted to Christ...regardless of race, gender or social status...is a son or daughter of God. This effectively ties together the whole of chapter 3...there can indeed be unity even though there is some significant diversity in these churches. Paul, once again, invokes Abraham to make his case, as all of these believers are not only children of God, but children of the promise to Abraham (as he revealed earlier in chapter 3). Kingdom living triumphs over all other philosophies, attitudes and practices.
He continues this thought process into chapter 4, by saying that even though Judaizers and Gentiles might have literally or figuratively been children of Ishmael at one point, they are no longer so...now they are all children of Isaac or children of the seed of Abraham. (He will come back to this point at the end of the chapter). They were once slaves, but now they all are sons...and it is because of this, that they are all heirs of the kingdom. Some of the Gentiles may have followed the elementary principles of their day with regard to philosophies, traditions, cultic practices (see Paul at Athens in Acts 17), but now relationship with Jesus puts all of those concepts in their proper perspective -- they are worthless in comparison to a relationship with God in Christ (vv.8-11). Just a side note regarding vv.10-11...I have heard these verses taken out of context in order to describe why Christians should not keep holy days (such as Christmas, Easter) today. It is important to note that in the Roman letter, Paul says that people can keep special holy days if they so choose to do so, and not do so if they choose not to practice such (Romans 14:1ff). The issue, once again, is not holidays or circumcision, but living with respect for each other in love. Paul's point is that he does not want the Judiazers over-emphasis concerning keeping holy days to be a dividing line for the church. The Gentile believers have allowed themselves to be easily influenced by the Judaizers in this respect. The Judaizers should not enforce their holidays and other practices on the Gentile believers as a litmus test to determine whether or not they are genuine Christians. Paul recognizes the severity of the problem for the Galatian churches (vv.17-20), and his tone reflects the critical nature of his concern.
As Paul introduced Him in chapter 3, the key to the discussion, once again, is the presence of the Holy Spirit. If these believers have the Holy Spirit present and at work in their lives, then they are going to learn and grow in their understanding of spiritual concerns. Paul is building his case regarding the importance of the Holy Spirit in the spiritual battle for the soul. He will continue to make this case throughout the remainder of the letter. (I will address the presence of the Holy Spirit and the modern day believer shortly). He says that the Galatian believers no longer experience "joy", one of the fruit of the Spirit (v.15). This is due to the fact that they have traded "spiritual" living, as they learned it in Christ through Paul's example, for "legal" living according to the regulations of old. It matters not what age, era, or what have you, that people live...folks will never come to spiritual thinking, living through regulations and traditions. Keeping the law, regulations only serves to quench the Spirit, rob people of their joy. If these matters are not kept in proper perspective, they can and will only serve to hinder spiritual growth.
Paul concludes his argument by returning to an illustration regarding Hagar and Sarah, wives of patriarch Abraham. He builds quite a case over several verses (21-31), but his point is this -- those who were supposed to be children of Isaac have behaved like children of Ishmael, being persecutors, hateful toward their brethren...just as Ishmael persecuted Isaac, the child of the promise. Indeed Paul's point, once again, is that all who live by faith are children of Isaac, whether they are Jewish or Gentile in their origin. This had to be radically difficult concept for the Judaizers to grasp, but one that they needed to understand if the church was going to function and prosper. At the same time, the Gentile believers had to find Paul's message liberating and refreshing. Jewish and Gentile Christians are going to have to submit to figuring out a way to work through their challenges and grow together.
As I mentioned when I taught this in class -- in our fellowship, we have often made baptism the litmus test as to whether one is a believer or not. This is interesting and ironic, given the fact that Paul makes whether or not a believer has the Holy Spirit the litmus test as to whether one is in Christ (3:14, 4:6,7, as well as Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:16 even Acts 2:38 and 39, et. al.). The point is this...not everyone who has been baptized lives like a spiritual person, filled with the Holy Spirit. There are a host of people who have had a baptism...religious and otherwise...who do not practice or experience kingdom living. This is precisely what Paul is saying regarding the Judaizers. They may have put on Christ in baptism, but they do not in any way behave like people who have a relationship with Christ. This can be just as great a challenge for people today as it was for believers then. We must be careful that we do not allow our traditions, practices to take away our love for the brethren, and thus, we look like the Judaizers of old in spirit and practice. However, in relationship to the discussion, no one can experience kingdom living without the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. And, as Paul (Romans 6:1ff, etc.), Luke (Acts 2:38-39, 8:1ff, 16:29ff, etc.) and other NT writers point out, no one can have the Holy Spirit present and working without some conversion involving baptism. What does this mean? This may look different to different people. I do know that I have a lot of Christian friends in my life who may not look like me, act like me, practice their faith exactly the same way that I do, but who have the Holy Spirit and are a vibrant part of the kingdom of God. This is the proof of discipleship to the greatest degree.
Blessings, Don
I took a midway break throught the Galatians study, but it is time to get back to business. :-) Chapter 4 really begins with the end of chapter 3. 3:26-29 is a transitional passage of certain importance. Paul brings about another climax in thought for the Judaizers, as well as the Gentile believers, here. In context, he provides the ultimate definition as to what a genuine believer looks like (contrary to the Judaizers' concept)...and it is this definition that all of the Galatian believers need to internalize. "You are all sons through faith in Christ Jesus" (3:26 ). Jesus is the unifier, not regulations or traditions. Paul spells it out clearly -- everyone who has been baptized into, converted to Christ...regardless of race, gender or social status...is a son or daughter of God. This effectively ties together the whole of chapter 3...there can indeed be unity even though there is some significant diversity in these churches. Paul, once again, invokes Abraham to make his case, as all of these believers are not only children of God, but children of the promise to Abraham (as he revealed earlier in chapter 3). Kingdom living triumphs over all other philosophies, attitudes and practices.
He continues this thought process into chapter 4, by saying that even though Judaizers and Gentiles might have literally or figuratively been children of Ishmael at one point, they are no longer so...now they are all children of Isaac or children of the seed of Abraham. (He will come back to this point at the end of the chapter). They were once slaves, but now they all are sons...and it is because of this, that they are all heirs of the kingdom. Some of the Gentiles may have followed the elementary principles of their day with regard to philosophies, traditions, cultic practices (see Paul at Athens in Acts 17), but now relationship with Jesus puts all of those concepts in their proper perspective -- they are worthless in comparison to a relationship with God in Christ (vv.8-11). Just a side note regarding vv.10-11...I have heard these verses taken out of context in order to describe why Christians should not keep holy days (such as Christmas, Easter) today. It is important to note that in the Roman letter, Paul says that people can keep special holy days if they so choose to do so, and not do so if they choose not to practice such (Romans 14:1ff). The issue, once again, is not holidays or circumcision, but living with respect for each other in love. Paul's point is that he does not want the Judiazers over-emphasis concerning keeping holy days to be a dividing line for the church. The Gentile believers have allowed themselves to be easily influenced by the Judaizers in this respect. The Judaizers should not enforce their holidays and other practices on the Gentile believers as a litmus test to determine whether or not they are genuine Christians. Paul recognizes the severity of the problem for the Galatian churches (vv.17-20), and his tone reflects the critical nature of his concern.
As Paul introduced Him in chapter 3, the key to the discussion, once again, is the presence of the Holy Spirit. If these believers have the Holy Spirit present and at work in their lives, then they are going to learn and grow in their understanding of spiritual concerns. Paul is building his case regarding the importance of the Holy Spirit in the spiritual battle for the soul. He will continue to make this case throughout the remainder of the letter. (I will address the presence of the Holy Spirit and the modern day believer shortly). He says that the Galatian believers no longer experience "joy", one of the fruit of the Spirit (v.15). This is due to the fact that they have traded "spiritual" living, as they learned it in Christ through Paul's example, for "legal" living according to the regulations of old. It matters not what age, era, or what have you, that people live...folks will never come to spiritual thinking, living through regulations and traditions. Keeping the law, regulations only serves to quench the Spirit, rob people of their joy. If these matters are not kept in proper perspective, they can and will only serve to hinder spiritual growth.
Paul concludes his argument by returning to an illustration regarding Hagar and Sarah, wives of patriarch Abraham. He builds quite a case over several verses (21-31), but his point is this -- those who were supposed to be children of Isaac have behaved like children of Ishmael, being persecutors, hateful toward their brethren...just as Ishmael persecuted Isaac, the child of the promise. Indeed Paul's point, once again, is that all who live by faith are children of Isaac, whether they are Jewish or Gentile in their origin. This had to be radically difficult concept for the Judaizers to grasp, but one that they needed to understand if the church was going to function and prosper. At the same time, the Gentile believers had to find Paul's message liberating and refreshing. Jewish and Gentile Christians are going to have to submit to figuring out a way to work through their challenges and grow together.
As I mentioned when I taught this in class -- in our fellowship, we have often made baptism the litmus test as to whether one is a believer or not. This is interesting and ironic, given the fact that Paul makes whether or not a believer has the Holy Spirit the litmus test as to whether one is in Christ (3:14, 4:6,7, as well as Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:16 even Acts 2:38 and 39, et. al.). The point is this...not everyone who has been baptized lives like a spiritual person, filled with the Holy Spirit. There are a host of people who have had a baptism...religious and otherwise...who do not practice or experience kingdom living. This is precisely what Paul is saying regarding the Judaizers. They may have put on Christ in baptism, but they do not in any way behave like people who have a relationship with Christ. This can be just as great a challenge for people today as it was for believers then. We must be careful that we do not allow our traditions, practices to take away our love for the brethren, and thus, we look like the Judaizers of old in spirit and practice. However, in relationship to the discussion, no one can experience kingdom living without the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. And, as Paul (Romans 6:1ff, etc.), Luke (Acts 2:38-39, 8:1ff, 16:29ff, etc.) and other NT writers point out, no one can have the Holy Spirit present and working without some conversion involving baptism. What does this mean? This may look different to different people. I do know that I have a lot of Christian friends in my life who may not look like me, act like me, practice their faith exactly the same way that I do, but who have the Holy Spirit and are a vibrant part of the kingdom of God. This is the proof of discipleship to the greatest degree.
Blessings, Don
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Walking with the Spirit (Considering Galatians), Pt. 3
Friends,
As I shared at the end of the last message, the letter to the Galatians could have been concluded at the end of chapter two, such is the grand climax there. Yet, Paul is not done...in fact, he is really just getting started in his message to them. Paul begins this chapter in a shocking way, continuing with some strong words, (as we have seen earlier) -- "You foolish Galatians. Who has bewitched you?" Why does Paul say this at this point? It is because there is so much at stake, and Paul realizes just how important it is that he not only make his case, but that he win it, for the sake of the Galatian Christians. He has to garner their attention. He must, by the power of the Holy Spirit, convince the Galatians of the false nature of the Judaizers' teaching. He must also convince them of the true spiritual nature of the Christian walk.
He begins his introduction concerning what should be the genuine spiritual reality for the Galatian Christians...as well as for all Christians. It has to do with the Holy Spirit sent to them when they believed and were converted to Christ. The reality is that it is the Holy Spirit who helps them to understand spiritual life and living...it is not the law, and it is not their own human reasoning or understanding, either. In fact, as we will see in the next chapter, the law hinders, squelches believers' understanding of the Spirit...and the leadership of the Spirit Himself. This runs contrary to the message that the Judaizers have been giving to the Galatians. They have been proclaiming that true spirituality comes from understanding Christ and the law, but this is not the case, as Paul has already shared. The regulations that the Judaizers are enforcing are hindering their spiritual walk and the Galatians' walk, as well. Once again, it is how the Spirit helps to develop our relationship with the Son and the fruit that is born in our lives as the result that is going to make the genuine spiritual difference in our lives (which we will discuss further in chapter five). Believers are made alive according to what the Spirit is doing in their lives, which is a prominent theme seen in the letter to the Romans, the Corinthian correspondence, and in other places, as well.
The irony that Paul is making "a legal argument" in order to prove the critical importance of spiritual freedom in Christ is not lost on me :-)...and I am certain that it was not lost on him either. But it is important...and he appeals to Abraham in order to make his case. Paul stresses that Abraham was justified by his faith, and not law. Why is this? It is because Abraham was living according to faith in God before the law even existed. Paul says that the Gentiles are justified by faith, just as Abraham was justified by faith. It is a message that never changed...justification was never intended to be through the law, all it could do was be a teacher and a revealer of who people truly were -- sinful people in need of forgiving God (v.19). The law did not replace the covenant that God made with Abraham...the covenant of promise through Isaac, that all mankind would ultimately be saved through Abraham's Seed. It pointed toward the Seed, Jesus Christ. Indeed, justification has been, and is according to faith, and this thought is captured in v.14, "He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit." As if this was not enough information to win the argument, Paul goes to their own Scriptures to pull the trump card for his argument. He appeals to their own law in order to show that justification is by faith and not the law. Paul quotes from Deuteronomy, Leviticus, as well as Habakkuk in order to make his case. (Once again, it is important to understand that Paul knew the law better than most, if not all, of these Judaizers. Some of them probably had even sat at Paul's feet to learn about the law at one time. He likely knew the subject that he was discussing better than anyone, which would have been impressive in its own way).
Paul concludes his argument by saying that if the law was able to bring life, then justification could have come by means of it. But, instead, he says that that the law made men prisoners -- there could be no spiritual justification. And it is no different today. Christians cannot be justified by keeping law, regulations any more than the Galatian believers. Our justification is in the same Seed, Jesus Christ, as it was for the early believers. In fact, holding on to traditions, regulations too tightly makes believers into prisoners just the same as it did them. The Judaizers were putting the Galatians into a "spiritual prison," and there are church leaders, teachers today that do the very same thing. Spiritual freedom is a powerful principle...and it is frightening to those who have tasted it, but have not grasped it. It leads to what I call "spiritual recidivism." Often when a prisoner leaves prison, he will commit a crime that lands him right back in prison. This is his comfort zone, or his "law" if you will. When believers begin to experience...to get a whiff of..."spiritual freedom in Christ," Satan attackes with a mighty, negative spiritual version of "the fear factor," which causes said believers to retreat. This makes it very difficult for genuine spiritual seekers to get any real understanding in relationship to spiritual freedom. In fact, many of these people go to other places, that is churches, in order to find it. It doesn't help that there is usually a tremendous peer pressure that comes from people who are like-minded in their "recidivism," that is if they have ever tasted freedom in the first place. The fear factor is very strong, as anyone who might "think or do something outside of the accepted uniformity standard" is reprimanded for such thinking or behavior. In short, they are brought right back into prison. As Paul says, someone has to break the cycle...the model must be broken and thrown away. We must be able to taste of freedom, or our spiritual growth will be stunted, if it even is able to exist at all. The Spirit of God sets us free, but we must be willing to trust by faith to live according to His guidance in order to break out of the prison of self-righteousness, regulation.
Blessings, Don
As I shared at the end of the last message, the letter to the Galatians could have been concluded at the end of chapter two, such is the grand climax there. Yet, Paul is not done...in fact, he is really just getting started in his message to them. Paul begins this chapter in a shocking way, continuing with some strong words, (as we have seen earlier) -- "You foolish Galatians. Who has bewitched you?" Why does Paul say this at this point? It is because there is so much at stake, and Paul realizes just how important it is that he not only make his case, but that he win it, for the sake of the Galatian Christians. He has to garner their attention. He must, by the power of the Holy Spirit, convince the Galatians of the false nature of the Judaizers' teaching. He must also convince them of the true spiritual nature of the Christian walk.
He begins his introduction concerning what should be the genuine spiritual reality for the Galatian Christians...as well as for all Christians. It has to do with the Holy Spirit sent to them when they believed and were converted to Christ. The reality is that it is the Holy Spirit who helps them to understand spiritual life and living...it is not the law, and it is not their own human reasoning or understanding, either. In fact, as we will see in the next chapter, the law hinders, squelches believers' understanding of the Spirit...and the leadership of the Spirit Himself. This runs contrary to the message that the Judaizers have been giving to the Galatians. They have been proclaiming that true spirituality comes from understanding Christ and the law, but this is not the case, as Paul has already shared. The regulations that the Judaizers are enforcing are hindering their spiritual walk and the Galatians' walk, as well. Once again, it is how the Spirit helps to develop our relationship with the Son and the fruit that is born in our lives as the result that is going to make the genuine spiritual difference in our lives (which we will discuss further in chapter five). Believers are made alive according to what the Spirit is doing in their lives, which is a prominent theme seen in the letter to the Romans, the Corinthian correspondence, and in other places, as well.
The irony that Paul is making "a legal argument" in order to prove the critical importance of spiritual freedom in Christ is not lost on me :-)...and I am certain that it was not lost on him either. But it is important...and he appeals to Abraham in order to make his case. Paul stresses that Abraham was justified by his faith, and not law. Why is this? It is because Abraham was living according to faith in God before the law even existed. Paul says that the Gentiles are justified by faith, just as Abraham was justified by faith. It is a message that never changed...justification was never intended to be through the law, all it could do was be a teacher and a revealer of who people truly were -- sinful people in need of forgiving God (v.19). The law did not replace the covenant that God made with Abraham...the covenant of promise through Isaac, that all mankind would ultimately be saved through Abraham's Seed. It pointed toward the Seed, Jesus Christ. Indeed, justification has been, and is according to faith, and this thought is captured in v.14, "He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit." As if this was not enough information to win the argument, Paul goes to their own Scriptures to pull the trump card for his argument. He appeals to their own law in order to show that justification is by faith and not the law. Paul quotes from Deuteronomy, Leviticus, as well as Habakkuk in order to make his case. (Once again, it is important to understand that Paul knew the law better than most, if not all, of these Judaizers. Some of them probably had even sat at Paul's feet to learn about the law at one time. He likely knew the subject that he was discussing better than anyone, which would have been impressive in its own way).
Paul concludes his argument by saying that if the law was able to bring life, then justification could have come by means of it. But, instead, he says that that the law made men prisoners -- there could be no spiritual justification. And it is no different today. Christians cannot be justified by keeping law, regulations any more than the Galatian believers. Our justification is in the same Seed, Jesus Christ, as it was for the early believers. In fact, holding on to traditions, regulations too tightly makes believers into prisoners just the same as it did them. The Judaizers were putting the Galatians into a "spiritual prison," and there are church leaders, teachers today that do the very same thing. Spiritual freedom is a powerful principle...and it is frightening to those who have tasted it, but have not grasped it. It leads to what I call "spiritual recidivism." Often when a prisoner leaves prison, he will commit a crime that lands him right back in prison. This is his comfort zone, or his "law" if you will. When believers begin to experience...to get a whiff of..."spiritual freedom in Christ," Satan attackes with a mighty, negative spiritual version of "the fear factor," which causes said believers to retreat. This makes it very difficult for genuine spiritual seekers to get any real understanding in relationship to spiritual freedom. In fact, many of these people go to other places, that is churches, in order to find it. It doesn't help that there is usually a tremendous peer pressure that comes from people who are like-minded in their "recidivism," that is if they have ever tasted freedom in the first place. The fear factor is very strong, as anyone who might "think or do something outside of the accepted uniformity standard" is reprimanded for such thinking or behavior. In short, they are brought right back into prison. As Paul says, someone has to break the cycle...the model must be broken and thrown away. We must be able to taste of freedom, or our spiritual growth will be stunted, if it even is able to exist at all. The Spirit of God sets us free, but we must be willing to trust by faith to live according to His guidance in order to break out of the prison of self-righteousness, regulation.
Blessings, Don
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Walking with the Spirit (Considering Galatians), Pt. 2
Friends,
When we come to chapter 2, Paul continues with his theme concerning dealing with false brethren. Paul is sensitive to the issues of the day, having gone to Jerusalem some years before in order to minister to, visit with the Jewish Christians. So, even though he has a mission to the Gentiles, he continues to establish that he was not ignoring the Jewish brethren. He is fully invested in the cause of Christ to all peoples, races, and religions. It is interesting that Paul insists that Titus not be circumcised at this time (v.3), because as we know, in Acts 16:3, Paul has Timothy circumcised, because it was important in relationship to his ministry to the Jews. Here, Paul is not going to give in to the Judaizers who are insisting that circumcision is necessary in order to be a "true Christian" as they saw it. Paul understands what is at stake, and if Titus is circumcised, it will give weight to the Judaizers' argument. They could say, "see, Paul is giving in to us."
Paul continues with his strong speech, using a military expression in reference to the activities of the Judaizers. He says that they had "inflitrated our ranks and were spying on us." It is apparent that some of these Judaizers had been following Paul around and were making his life difficult. At this point, the battle is on...and Paul is not going to lose. What are the Judaizers spying on? Paul says "their freedom in Christ." This is very significant. The Judaizers are trying to rob them and others of their spiritual freedom, their opportunity to grow in relationship with Christ Jesus...and this, by insisting that all believers keep the Jewish regulations (see last chapter). Paul understands just how critical it is that he win the battle against the Judaizers, because there is much at stake...the souls of believers. Paul talks about this subject of "spiritual freedom" throughout this letter, and particularly 5:1, because he knows that being in bondage is a bad place to be...whether physically or spiritually (and he would know).
Paul is blessed to work with a number of fellow-workers who helped him in his ministry efforts, and some of them are mentioned in this middle section of this chapter. Some of the ministry that they are undertaking is of great importance. Many New Testament writers talk about how critical it is to take care of the poor. Paul makes certain that this ministry is taking place. He even may have had conversations with James, the brother of Jesus, concerning the issue, as James prominently mentions the subject in his letter (James 1:27). One of those who worked with Paul was the apostle Peter. It is shocking to see what happens as Paul says that he opposed Peter to his face, because of his hypocrisy. It is apparent that Peter had given in to some "peer pressure" and went along with some of the Judaizers in their condemnation of the Gentile Christians for not adhering to the Jewish religious system. We can understand the powerful impact of such pressure, as Paul even mentions that Barnabas, "the Son of Encouragement," is led astray. This is certainly a good lesson for people to pay attention to today. This is all the more remarkable considering that in Acts 11:1-8, Peter shares an important message with the Jewish Christians concerning how the unhindered gospel needs to be taken to the Gentile Christians. This experience has to be an important life lesson for Peter, as well as for Paul.
The whole letter could very easily have been concluded with the climax at the end of the chapter, where Paul shares the popular and meaningful statement, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" (Galatians 2:20-21, NIV) The point he makes is critical and poignant -- we have our spiritual and eternal justification by faith, not according to law or regulations. The Galatian believers have to come back to this understanding. It is not Jesus plus something...it is Jesus period, exclamation point! Life and godliness is about living according to faith in and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Everything spiritually necessary is appropriated from this.
Once again there are alot of "well-meaning" Christians today that believe that we can be justified in Christ as long as we also keep certain "tightly observed" regulations. And once again, what we come to understand is...as with the believers in the first century...it is not going to help people to be more righteous, rather it can hinder, perhaps even destroy, their walk with the Lord. But, it is more complicated than that, because there are also some believers today who are just as militant as the Judaizers in the early church who "seek to take away the freedoms" of spiritual brethren. These brethren do "spy on" and otherwise create havok for Christians, particularly of the younger set....and do not exhibit the Spirit of Christ in their attitudes or behaviors. They often will write about certain popular speakers, preachers in their newsletters, publications, because they do not believe that these people are "staying true to the (their) cause," that is, keeping what they believe are the "understood" brotherhood norms or regulations. In actuality, such popular preachers are truly living according to the Spirit and to their faith-full calling. They share messages that help bring light and life into the spirit of believers. What is grievous, though, is that many times, truly spiritual seekers become discouraged and leave our fellowship, or leave the body altogether. This is often because they have dared to disagree with some "regulation(s)" or have promoted some good thought or work that "isn't it line with some particular group's list of do's and don'ts" (and there are usually many more don'ts than do's). I have seen it happen all to often.
We cannot do good enough or be good enough in order to gain salvation in any respect. It is only because of the blood of Jesus and our connection with it through conversion that we are able to experience salvation. Then rest of the other religious matters sorts themselves out. If we have or keep the proper perspective, and recognize principle #1, "Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself" then we are not going to allow rules and regulations to be masters, but servants...which is where they need to be.
Blessings, Don
When we come to chapter 2, Paul continues with his theme concerning dealing with false brethren. Paul is sensitive to the issues of the day, having gone to Jerusalem some years before in order to minister to, visit with the Jewish Christians. So, even though he has a mission to the Gentiles, he continues to establish that he was not ignoring the Jewish brethren. He is fully invested in the cause of Christ to all peoples, races, and religions. It is interesting that Paul insists that Titus not be circumcised at this time (v.3), because as we know, in Acts 16:3, Paul has Timothy circumcised, because it was important in relationship to his ministry to the Jews. Here, Paul is not going to give in to the Judaizers who are insisting that circumcision is necessary in order to be a "true Christian" as they saw it. Paul understands what is at stake, and if Titus is circumcised, it will give weight to the Judaizers' argument. They could say, "see, Paul is giving in to us."
Paul continues with his strong speech, using a military expression in reference to the activities of the Judaizers. He says that they had "inflitrated our ranks and were spying on us." It is apparent that some of these Judaizers had been following Paul around and were making his life difficult. At this point, the battle is on...and Paul is not going to lose. What are the Judaizers spying on? Paul says "their freedom in Christ." This is very significant. The Judaizers are trying to rob them and others of their spiritual freedom, their opportunity to grow in relationship with Christ Jesus...and this, by insisting that all believers keep the Jewish regulations (see last chapter). Paul understands just how critical it is that he win the battle against the Judaizers, because there is much at stake...the souls of believers. Paul talks about this subject of "spiritual freedom" throughout this letter, and particularly 5:1, because he knows that being in bondage is a bad place to be...whether physically or spiritually (and he would know).
Paul is blessed to work with a number of fellow-workers who helped him in his ministry efforts, and some of them are mentioned in this middle section of this chapter. Some of the ministry that they are undertaking is of great importance. Many New Testament writers talk about how critical it is to take care of the poor. Paul makes certain that this ministry is taking place. He even may have had conversations with James, the brother of Jesus, concerning the issue, as James prominently mentions the subject in his letter (James 1:27). One of those who worked with Paul was the apostle Peter. It is shocking to see what happens as Paul says that he opposed Peter to his face, because of his hypocrisy. It is apparent that Peter had given in to some "peer pressure" and went along with some of the Judaizers in their condemnation of the Gentile Christians for not adhering to the Jewish religious system. We can understand the powerful impact of such pressure, as Paul even mentions that Barnabas, "the Son of Encouragement," is led astray. This is certainly a good lesson for people to pay attention to today. This is all the more remarkable considering that in Acts 11:1-8, Peter shares an important message with the Jewish Christians concerning how the unhindered gospel needs to be taken to the Gentile Christians. This experience has to be an important life lesson for Peter, as well as for Paul.
The whole letter could very easily have been concluded with the climax at the end of the chapter, where Paul shares the popular and meaningful statement, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" (Galatians 2:20-21, NIV) The point he makes is critical and poignant -- we have our spiritual and eternal justification by faith, not according to law or regulations. The Galatian believers have to come back to this understanding. It is not Jesus plus something...it is Jesus period, exclamation point! Life and godliness is about living according to faith in and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Everything spiritually necessary is appropriated from this.
Once again there are alot of "well-meaning" Christians today that believe that we can be justified in Christ as long as we also keep certain "tightly observed" regulations. And once again, what we come to understand is...as with the believers in the first century...it is not going to help people to be more righteous, rather it can hinder, perhaps even destroy, their walk with the Lord. But, it is more complicated than that, because there are also some believers today who are just as militant as the Judaizers in the early church who "seek to take away the freedoms" of spiritual brethren. These brethren do "spy on" and otherwise create havok for Christians, particularly of the younger set....and do not exhibit the Spirit of Christ in their attitudes or behaviors. They often will write about certain popular speakers, preachers in their newsletters, publications, because they do not believe that these people are "staying true to the (their) cause," that is, keeping what they believe are the "understood" brotherhood norms or regulations. In actuality, such popular preachers are truly living according to the Spirit and to their faith-full calling. They share messages that help bring light and life into the spirit of believers. What is grievous, though, is that many times, truly spiritual seekers become discouraged and leave our fellowship, or leave the body altogether. This is often because they have dared to disagree with some "regulation(s)" or have promoted some good thought or work that "isn't it line with some particular group's list of do's and don'ts" (and there are usually many more don'ts than do's). I have seen it happen all to often.
We cannot do good enough or be good enough in order to gain salvation in any respect. It is only because of the blood of Jesus and our connection with it through conversion that we are able to experience salvation. Then rest of the other religious matters sorts themselves out. If we have or keep the proper perspective, and recognize principle #1, "Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself" then we are not going to allow rules and regulations to be masters, but servants...which is where they need to be.
Blessings, Don
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Walking with the Spirit (Considering Galatians), Pt. 1.
Friends,
Ther first chapter of this letter sorts out like many of Paul's letters...there is an introduction, generally followed by encouragements and other information. While Paul starts off introducing himself, his first order of business is to admonish those in the Galatian churches. The third section of the first chapter supports his statement in verse 1...that he was "sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father." As I shared in the introduction, Paul and other missionaries are "being followed" by Judiazers who for their own reasons, religious and otherwise, are coming into the churches established by Paul in the Galatian area and teaching a "different gospel." The Judaizers are vying for the allegiance of the Galatian Christians, and they are seeking to discredit Paul as a valid witness for Christ in order to do so. This is why Paul shares what he does in verse one. He is not going to back down from these "false believers." Why? There is simply too much at stake in relationship to the gospel of Christ and for the churches themselves. The Judaizers are interested in making certain that the Gentile Christians will become like them in keeping the regulations of the Jewish religious system, particularly circumcision, but also including many of the other traditions, feasts, etc. (Much of the central portion of the book of Acts...chapters 13-15, particularly...deals with this problem in the early church. Ultimately, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the decision is made that all people, regardless of background...Jew or Gentile...are able to come to Jesus as they are, culturally, and religiously...whatever that may be). Paul defends himself and his ministry in the latter part of chapter 1 (vv. 11-24). I am not going to focus on this portion of the chapter so much as I am the mid-section, because of what I believe is its importance to those living for Christ, not only then, but for those who are believers today.
Paul tells the Galatian Christians that he is amazed that they are "deserting the one who called them" and "turning to a different gospel" (v.6). This is a striking statement in many respects, because the Judaizers are "believers in Jesus Christ." They have given their lives to Christ and have been baptized, converted to Him. They may indeed have their salvation in Him, but they have added regulations to it, therefore, they have demeaned it. They would say, "we can have Jesus, but we must also have the law, the regulations." Paul says, "no, Jesus is sufficient." But, this still isn't enough for me to understand that they have a belief system in something that is "no gospel at all" (v.6). There has to be something more...and there is. It has more to do with the heart of the matter, which is usually the matter that has Paul's focus. Jesus tells the Ephesian Christians in the Revelation to John that "they have lost their first love." (Revelation 2:4). The believers there had "cast out love" for one another for the sake of their traditions, opinions, arguments. They had violated principle number one of Jesus' life and ministry, "love God, love one another." This is the same thing that Paul shares with the Corinthian church, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1). So, it is not just the addition of the regulations that has Paul hopping mad, it is the lack of love that these Judaizers display toward their fellow-believers that has him so troubled. The attitude of the Judaizers couldn't very well be loving if they are behaving in an arrogant, condescending manner. They would say concerning the Gentile believers, "you are second-rate Christians, but if you want to be first-rate, then you must keep the laws and traditions." This attitude of heart violates Jesus' rule number one. This is why the decision at Jerusalem in Acts 15 had to go the way that it did. We can't live in a loving relationship with other believers if we believe that we are superior (or inferior) to them. We are then exercising pity or resentment, depending upon the situation, rather than the love of God. It is this fleshly and destructive mindset that could easily destroy the churches in the Galatian area. If Paul isn't able to win the battle for the minds and hearts of the believers, the cause of Christ is going to suffer a serious setback in that area.
So, what could this possibly mean for us today? We are much like the Galatians today in that there are believers in Christ today who come from various cultural and philosophical backgrounds. Some are like "Gentiles" when they come to Christ, not only ignorant of the teachings of Christ, but innocent as it relates to understanding traditions, regulations, etc. involved with religion. Others have been "raised in churches" and often have been immersed in the traditions, regulations of those churches. As Paul points out in his first letter to Corinth (chapters 10-14) and in his letter to the Romans (the whole work, really, but particularly chapter 14 as it relates to this discussion), we are able to be free in Christ, free from regulations of law which bind us and keep us from loving one another. As I first heard Romans 14 shared with me, it was those who "kept the regulations" that were the "strong brethren." Yet, upon further review and deeper study, I found just the opposite to be true...those who have few regulations are the "strong." I have heard the same thought a number of times in relationship to this text from Galatians...that the "false teachers" were those who would not be "doctrinally sound" or "correct," which in most cases meant, those "who did not hold to the regulations or traditions of the church." Once again, such a correlation couldn't be further from the truth. Indeed, it was those who were insisting upon adding regulations, binding traditions that Paul is speaking against here.
The bottom line is this: What has happened with Christians over the past century is that those who have been steeped in regulations, traditions in their churches often display the same attitude toward other, particularly younger, believers as that seen in the Judaizers in the early church. They behave in a condescending, or even disdainful, manner toward those who do not agree with "their' or "their church's" or what they perceive is "the brotherhood's" view of any number of subjects. In short, they choose to regulate these matters in the places where they reside, work...often to the detriment of the church. This is not to say that we cannot have or keep certain traditions, principles that guide concerning how we go about our business collectively, but they cannot be held in such high esteem that they violate the gospel of Christ, as was happening in the early church in the places mentioned. As I shared in relationship to a message on the Lord's Supper recently, people can become so bound as to "what form" the Supper is supposed to take, or even "who can take it," that they truly miss the intended meaning for the Lord's Supper itself. I believe Paul would be just as angry today with the "lack of love" or "loss of love" on the part of many believers who claim Jesus Christ, but whose attitude of heart is so very different from what He displayed and in relationship to His calling in general. We may be able to discern all of the mysteries of the Bible, know all of the stories, have great contributions, potlucks, activities, etc, and yet, if principle number one is not present, then it is all for nought. It is a critical message for the Galatians...and it also is for us.
Blessings, Don
Ther first chapter of this letter sorts out like many of Paul's letters...there is an introduction, generally followed by encouragements and other information. While Paul starts off introducing himself, his first order of business is to admonish those in the Galatian churches. The third section of the first chapter supports his statement in verse 1...that he was "sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father." As I shared in the introduction, Paul and other missionaries are "being followed" by Judiazers who for their own reasons, religious and otherwise, are coming into the churches established by Paul in the Galatian area and teaching a "different gospel." The Judaizers are vying for the allegiance of the Galatian Christians, and they are seeking to discredit Paul as a valid witness for Christ in order to do so. This is why Paul shares what he does in verse one. He is not going to back down from these "false believers." Why? There is simply too much at stake in relationship to the gospel of Christ and for the churches themselves. The Judaizers are interested in making certain that the Gentile Christians will become like them in keeping the regulations of the Jewish religious system, particularly circumcision, but also including many of the other traditions, feasts, etc. (Much of the central portion of the book of Acts...chapters 13-15, particularly...deals with this problem in the early church. Ultimately, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the decision is made that all people, regardless of background...Jew or Gentile...are able to come to Jesus as they are, culturally, and religiously...whatever that may be). Paul defends himself and his ministry in the latter part of chapter 1 (vv. 11-24). I am not going to focus on this portion of the chapter so much as I am the mid-section, because of what I believe is its importance to those living for Christ, not only then, but for those who are believers today.
Paul tells the Galatian Christians that he is amazed that they are "deserting the one who called them" and "turning to a different gospel" (v.6). This is a striking statement in many respects, because the Judaizers are "believers in Jesus Christ." They have given their lives to Christ and have been baptized, converted to Him. They may indeed have their salvation in Him, but they have added regulations to it, therefore, they have demeaned it. They would say, "we can have Jesus, but we must also have the law, the regulations." Paul says, "no, Jesus is sufficient." But, this still isn't enough for me to understand that they have a belief system in something that is "no gospel at all" (v.6). There has to be something more...and there is. It has more to do with the heart of the matter, which is usually the matter that has Paul's focus. Jesus tells the Ephesian Christians in the Revelation to John that "they have lost their first love." (Revelation 2:4). The believers there had "cast out love" for one another for the sake of their traditions, opinions, arguments. They had violated principle number one of Jesus' life and ministry, "love God, love one another." This is the same thing that Paul shares with the Corinthian church, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1). So, it is not just the addition of the regulations that has Paul hopping mad, it is the lack of love that these Judaizers display toward their fellow-believers that has him so troubled. The attitude of the Judaizers couldn't very well be loving if they are behaving in an arrogant, condescending manner. They would say concerning the Gentile believers, "you are second-rate Christians, but if you want to be first-rate, then you must keep the laws and traditions." This attitude of heart violates Jesus' rule number one. This is why the decision at Jerusalem in Acts 15 had to go the way that it did. We can't live in a loving relationship with other believers if we believe that we are superior (or inferior) to them. We are then exercising pity or resentment, depending upon the situation, rather than the love of God. It is this fleshly and destructive mindset that could easily destroy the churches in the Galatian area. If Paul isn't able to win the battle for the minds and hearts of the believers, the cause of Christ is going to suffer a serious setback in that area.
So, what could this possibly mean for us today? We are much like the Galatians today in that there are believers in Christ today who come from various cultural and philosophical backgrounds. Some are like "Gentiles" when they come to Christ, not only ignorant of the teachings of Christ, but innocent as it relates to understanding traditions, regulations, etc. involved with religion. Others have been "raised in churches" and often have been immersed in the traditions, regulations of those churches. As Paul points out in his first letter to Corinth (chapters 10-14) and in his letter to the Romans (the whole work, really, but particularly chapter 14 as it relates to this discussion), we are able to be free in Christ, free from regulations of law which bind us and keep us from loving one another. As I first heard Romans 14 shared with me, it was those who "kept the regulations" that were the "strong brethren." Yet, upon further review and deeper study, I found just the opposite to be true...those who have few regulations are the "strong." I have heard the same thought a number of times in relationship to this text from Galatians...that the "false teachers" were those who would not be "doctrinally sound" or "correct," which in most cases meant, those "who did not hold to the regulations or traditions of the church." Once again, such a correlation couldn't be further from the truth. Indeed, it was those who were insisting upon adding regulations, binding traditions that Paul is speaking against here.
The bottom line is this: What has happened with Christians over the past century is that those who have been steeped in regulations, traditions in their churches often display the same attitude toward other, particularly younger, believers as that seen in the Judaizers in the early church. They behave in a condescending, or even disdainful, manner toward those who do not agree with "their' or "their church's" or what they perceive is "the brotherhood's" view of any number of subjects. In short, they choose to regulate these matters in the places where they reside, work...often to the detriment of the church. This is not to say that we cannot have or keep certain traditions, principles that guide concerning how we go about our business collectively, but they cannot be held in such high esteem that they violate the gospel of Christ, as was happening in the early church in the places mentioned. As I shared in relationship to a message on the Lord's Supper recently, people can become so bound as to "what form" the Supper is supposed to take, or even "who can take it," that they truly miss the intended meaning for the Lord's Supper itself. I believe Paul would be just as angry today with the "lack of love" or "loss of love" on the part of many believers who claim Jesus Christ, but whose attitude of heart is so very different from what He displayed and in relationship to His calling in general. We may be able to discern all of the mysteries of the Bible, know all of the stories, have great contributions, potlucks, activities, etc, and yet, if principle number one is not present, then it is all for nought. It is a critical message for the Galatians...and it also is for us.
Blessings, Don
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Walking with the Spirit (Considering Galatians), Introduction
Friends,
I believe the title, "Walking with the Spirit," is appropriate for this message, although the apostle Paul certainly had to build his case in order to help the Christians in the Galatian region to understand this point. In fact, as he starts his letter, it does not sound very hopeful. Paul established churches in central Asia Minor, the Galatian region particulrly, on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:1ff). There has long been some question as to whether these churches were in the upper, less civilized area of Asia Minor or in the lower, more populated region. There are many arguments that can be used in support of either position, but for the purposes of this message, my simple response is that the cities mentioned in the book of Acts are in the lower region. I believe that it is in cities such as Lystra, Derbe, Iconium and Pisidian Antioch that he ministered on his first journey, so the letter would probably have an early composition (48-49 A.D.), and would likely be the first or second letter that Paul wrote.
Something happened in the few years of time from when he established those churches and when he writes the letter to the Galatians. Paul had been the Pharisee of Pharisees until his meeting with Jesus. He was faithful with regard to keeping the Law. He understood the complexities and difficulties associated with being a Jewish religious leader. Following his conversion, he zealously took up the cause of his Lord and went out to tell the world concerning salvation in Jesus Christ. Peter, John and other of the apostles were first sent to the Jews to share the message of Christ. We do not know the precise time-frame, but many Jews would come to know Christ from the time that the church was established in Acts 2 until the time of the events in the Galatian letter. Some of these Jewish Christians were still enamored with elements of the law...so much so that it would become a stumbling block to them and for others, as they would seek to impose Jewish traditions and regulations upon Gentile converts. Acts 13-15 deals with much of the controversy concerning whether or not Gentile Christians would have to become Jews in order to be considered "genuine" Christians. The answer, as revealed by the Holy Spirit in Acts 15 is plainly "no." Gentile believers were able to come to Christ as they were and did not have to conform to any list of Jewish traditions or regulations. Just a brief aside...can you imagine if the decision would have gone the other direction? It would have led to utter chaos in the early church and likely would have led to the church's undoing. Everyone would have had to abide by a consistent set of regulations in order to be considered "proper" Christians. Then what would have been the purpose of Christ's death, burial and resurrection, if not to set us free, not only from sin, but from the Law which was binding? (I will expand on this later). This is the point of the Galatian letter, as well as the letter to the Romans -- we have been set free to live for Christ. It is this principle that we are going to explore.
Paul had enemies who apparently were following him from place to place and were causing trouble for him and for those he was teaching (Galatians 2:4). These enemies were some of these cultural and religious Jewish Christians or "Judaizers," as they were known. These brethren should have been Paul's allies, but many of them were still trusting in the law more so than in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, they were binding many of the regulations of the Jewish religion upon the new Gentile converts in the Galatian region. The Judaizers' primary concern was circumcision, but there were also other traditional elements of the ritual law involved as well, such as holy days, feast, etc. It is these Judaizers and those they have influenced that Paul is going to address quickly. We will examine this next -- stay tuned. :-)
Blessings, Don
I believe the title, "Walking with the Spirit," is appropriate for this message, although the apostle Paul certainly had to build his case in order to help the Christians in the Galatian region to understand this point. In fact, as he starts his letter, it does not sound very hopeful. Paul established churches in central Asia Minor, the Galatian region particulrly, on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:1ff). There has long been some question as to whether these churches were in the upper, less civilized area of Asia Minor or in the lower, more populated region. There are many arguments that can be used in support of either position, but for the purposes of this message, my simple response is that the cities mentioned in the book of Acts are in the lower region. I believe that it is in cities such as Lystra, Derbe, Iconium and Pisidian Antioch that he ministered on his first journey, so the letter would probably have an early composition (48-49 A.D.), and would likely be the first or second letter that Paul wrote.
Something happened in the few years of time from when he established those churches and when he writes the letter to the Galatians. Paul had been the Pharisee of Pharisees until his meeting with Jesus. He was faithful with regard to keeping the Law. He understood the complexities and difficulties associated with being a Jewish religious leader. Following his conversion, he zealously took up the cause of his Lord and went out to tell the world concerning salvation in Jesus Christ. Peter, John and other of the apostles were first sent to the Jews to share the message of Christ. We do not know the precise time-frame, but many Jews would come to know Christ from the time that the church was established in Acts 2 until the time of the events in the Galatian letter. Some of these Jewish Christians were still enamored with elements of the law...so much so that it would become a stumbling block to them and for others, as they would seek to impose Jewish traditions and regulations upon Gentile converts. Acts 13-15 deals with much of the controversy concerning whether or not Gentile Christians would have to become Jews in order to be considered "genuine" Christians. The answer, as revealed by the Holy Spirit in Acts 15 is plainly "no." Gentile believers were able to come to Christ as they were and did not have to conform to any list of Jewish traditions or regulations. Just a brief aside...can you imagine if the decision would have gone the other direction? It would have led to utter chaos in the early church and likely would have led to the church's undoing. Everyone would have had to abide by a consistent set of regulations in order to be considered "proper" Christians. Then what would have been the purpose of Christ's death, burial and resurrection, if not to set us free, not only from sin, but from the Law which was binding? (I will expand on this later). This is the point of the Galatian letter, as well as the letter to the Romans -- we have been set free to live for Christ. It is this principle that we are going to explore.
Paul had enemies who apparently were following him from place to place and were causing trouble for him and for those he was teaching (Galatians 2:4). These enemies were some of these cultural and religious Jewish Christians or "Judaizers," as they were known. These brethren should have been Paul's allies, but many of them were still trusting in the law more so than in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, they were binding many of the regulations of the Jewish religion upon the new Gentile converts in the Galatian region. The Judaizers' primary concern was circumcision, but there were also other traditional elements of the ritual law involved as well, such as holy days, feast, etc. It is these Judaizers and those they have influenced that Paul is going to address quickly. We will examine this next -- stay tuned. :-)
Blessings, Don
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Truth or Consequences concerning the Lord’s Supper
Friends,
From the beginning of the church, the custom was for Christians to eat together (Acts 2:42, 46). This was an opportunity for fellowship and for sharing with those who were less privileged. At the end of the meal, they would partake of the Lord’s Supper. They would call this meal, “the agape feast,” which comes from one of the Greek words for “love,” since the purpose was to show love for one another. The “agape feast” was an important part of the worship service in the church at Corinth, but some significant abuses had crept in (1 Corinthians 11:17-34). One of the difficulties was that some of the members there were getting preferential treatment over others in relationship to the Lord’s Supper. The communal meals there were doing more harm than good for the church, because selfishness was at work – the rich people were bringing large amounts of food for themselves, while the poorer members were going hungry. The “agape feast” was the only good meal that some of the poorer members were going to get, so to be mistreated hurts not only their stomachs, but their pride as well. It should have been edifying, instead it was embarrassing. Some of the difficulties also just might have to do with the fact that some of the members were coming to the feast drunk...thus the clouding of judgment. The divisions at dinner were evidence of much deeper problems in the church. They were indeed prideful themselves, thinking that they were "advanced believers"…when they were actually "little children." Paul does not suggest that they abandon the feast, but that they restore its proper meaning. He says, “Let the rich eat at home if they are hungry"...but, everything should be shared when all come together.
How important is it that Christians prepare their hearts before we come to the Lord’s Table? According to Paul, it is a serious matter to come to the table with an unprepared heart. Because the Corinthians had been sinning in their observing of the Lord’s Supper, God disciplines them. “That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep (that is, have died)” (11:30, NIV). The partaking of the Lord’s Supper is to be a valuable experience, but whether it is a good or bad experience depends upon the hearts of those who participate. Paul indicates that we should “look back” when partaking of the supper. The broken bread reminds us of Christ’s body given for us…the cup reminds us of His blood that was shed. This may not be popular for some people…remembering Jesus' “death;” it is not simply a recalling of historical facts, but a participation in spiritual realities. We have fellowship with a living Savior as our hearts reach out to Him in faith. We also “look ahead,” as we observe it “until He comes again.” This is the blessed hope for every believer and for the church as a whole. We are to “look within.” We must partake “in a worthy manner," that is, we need to examine ourselves to see whether or not our hearts are in the right place. We need to come to the Lord blameless…having our sins confessed and forgiven. Finally, we are to “look around,” which has been the primary thrust of this message. We must be critical or condemning of one another in out attitudes or actions…remembering that what we are doing is a partaking together of the Lord’s Supper. This is also why we call it “communion” or our “common union.” The Lord’s Supper provides for us an opportunity for spiritual growth and blessings if we approach it with the right heart.
What we see taking place in Corinth is unique with respect to the culture of the time…but nothing new under the sun with regard to the spiritual heart of man. Understand this…the Lord’s Supper is not about one cup or many...whether we dip the morsel of bread in the cup or not...whether we do it one day a week or many days...whether we do it Sunday morning and Sunday evening or just Sunday morning...whether we eat it with a potluck meal (our “agape feast”) or not...whether we take it in our seats or go forward to do it...or whether women serve it or men (as happens in some cultures). It also is not about whether the servants and the emblems are in the front or the back...whether the grape juice is purple, white or wine...Seneca, Welch’s or Great Value...whether the bread is Matzos or homemade…or whether someone adds a little honey to the homemade bread. It is not even about whether we have a kitchen in our church buildings or not (as some have pulled this text out of context in order to make that argument). It is a spiritual concern…it is about the heart. The Lord’s Supper is about the “spiritual” function, not the form or package that it comes in. It is easy to get so tied up in the “form” or the package, that we truly miss the meaning concerning the “function.” It is as much about freedom as any other spiritual matter that we observe. We do not need to allow ourselves to become hidebound or “rigid” with it or with any other issue for that matter.
As we have been studying the letter to the Galatians on Sunday morning, Paul strongly admonished the Galatians for allowing their freedom to be taken away by self-righteous Judaizers (cultural and religious Jewish Christians). Paul understood the issues of the day...as a Pharisee of Pharisees he had been there, done that, so to speak. As he shares with the Corinthians (chapters 8-10), he is keenly aware of causing a new Christian to stumble. At the same time, he will not allow anyone to rob him of his freedom (1 Corinthians 10:29-30, Galatians 5:1). The last time that I checked, we don’t have meat being offered to idols in our culture...during the potluck, Lord’s Supper or at any other time…this was a cultural concern for the early church. However, it does underlie the principle...we would not want to cause a young Christian who has come from a pagan background to stumble. What would this look like today? We would not purposely serve wine at the Lord’s Supper to a recently converted alcoholic, for example. At the same time, we should not allow our freedom concerning how we do the Lord’s Supper to be robbed by people. Remember, the problem with the Judaizers is that they were so hidebound by tradition that they were really of no spiritual value…and Paul admonishes them for causing others to stumble. This is the real issue.
Many of the problems that take place in our church culture today have to do with current "Judaizers" who steal our freedom. It has little if anything to do with causing “younger Christians” to stumble. In fact, what does cause young Christians to stumble today is the rigid in relationship to traditions church culture that has been cultivated in many churches over the past 100 years...it was unacceptable to Paul, to the Lord…and it should be to us, as well. Something is terribly wrong when people who have been church members for 20…30…40 years or more are the ones “being caused to stumble” and the baby or young Christians are the ones more so with “spiritual common sense.” This ought not be so. Thankfully, this has been gradually changing over the past couple of decades. We must remember “the big picture.” We need to be believers that are learning, growing and prospering spiritually. If the primary focus in coming together is to get upset because “things are not going precisely how I think they should go," whether it is concerning the Lord’s Supper or some other matter…then we are not learning, growing and prospering, spiritually. We need to be blessed by the heart or the true purpose of the Lord’s Supper and not be troubled by what form it should take. I want to close with a quote by a 19th century English minister, J.C. Ryle, “The benefit of the Lord’s Supper depends entirely on the spirit and frame of mind in which we receive it. The bread which we eat, and the wine which we drink, have no power to do good to our souls, as medicine does good to our bodies, without the co-operation of our hearts and wills.” From Day By Day with J.C. Ryle, “Lord’s Supper”, 168.
Blessings, Don
From the beginning of the church, the custom was for Christians to eat together (Acts 2:42, 46). This was an opportunity for fellowship and for sharing with those who were less privileged. At the end of the meal, they would partake of the Lord’s Supper. They would call this meal, “the agape feast,” which comes from one of the Greek words for “love,” since the purpose was to show love for one another. The “agape feast” was an important part of the worship service in the church at Corinth, but some significant abuses had crept in (1 Corinthians 11:17-34). One of the difficulties was that some of the members there were getting preferential treatment over others in relationship to the Lord’s Supper. The communal meals there were doing more harm than good for the church, because selfishness was at work – the rich people were bringing large amounts of food for themselves, while the poorer members were going hungry. The “agape feast” was the only good meal that some of the poorer members were going to get, so to be mistreated hurts not only their stomachs, but their pride as well. It should have been edifying, instead it was embarrassing. Some of the difficulties also just might have to do with the fact that some of the members were coming to the feast drunk...thus the clouding of judgment. The divisions at dinner were evidence of much deeper problems in the church. They were indeed prideful themselves, thinking that they were "advanced believers"…when they were actually "little children." Paul does not suggest that they abandon the feast, but that they restore its proper meaning. He says, “Let the rich eat at home if they are hungry"...but, everything should be shared when all come together.
How important is it that Christians prepare their hearts before we come to the Lord’s Table? According to Paul, it is a serious matter to come to the table with an unprepared heart. Because the Corinthians had been sinning in their observing of the Lord’s Supper, God disciplines them. “That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep (that is, have died)” (11:30, NIV). The partaking of the Lord’s Supper is to be a valuable experience, but whether it is a good or bad experience depends upon the hearts of those who participate. Paul indicates that we should “look back” when partaking of the supper. The broken bread reminds us of Christ’s body given for us…the cup reminds us of His blood that was shed. This may not be popular for some people…remembering Jesus' “death;” it is not simply a recalling of historical facts, but a participation in spiritual realities. We have fellowship with a living Savior as our hearts reach out to Him in faith. We also “look ahead,” as we observe it “until He comes again.” This is the blessed hope for every believer and for the church as a whole. We are to “look within.” We must partake “in a worthy manner," that is, we need to examine ourselves to see whether or not our hearts are in the right place. We need to come to the Lord blameless…having our sins confessed and forgiven. Finally, we are to “look around,” which has been the primary thrust of this message. We must be critical or condemning of one another in out attitudes or actions…remembering that what we are doing is a partaking together of the Lord’s Supper. This is also why we call it “communion” or our “common union.” The Lord’s Supper provides for us an opportunity for spiritual growth and blessings if we approach it with the right heart.
What we see taking place in Corinth is unique with respect to the culture of the time…but nothing new under the sun with regard to the spiritual heart of man. Understand this…the Lord’s Supper is not about one cup or many...whether we dip the morsel of bread in the cup or not...whether we do it one day a week or many days...whether we do it Sunday morning and Sunday evening or just Sunday morning...whether we eat it with a potluck meal (our “agape feast”) or not...whether we take it in our seats or go forward to do it...or whether women serve it or men (as happens in some cultures). It also is not about whether the servants and the emblems are in the front or the back...whether the grape juice is purple, white or wine...Seneca, Welch’s or Great Value...whether the bread is Matzos or homemade…or whether someone adds a little honey to the homemade bread. It is not even about whether we have a kitchen in our church buildings or not (as some have pulled this text out of context in order to make that argument). It is a spiritual concern…it is about the heart. The Lord’s Supper is about the “spiritual” function, not the form or package that it comes in. It is easy to get so tied up in the “form” or the package, that we truly miss the meaning concerning the “function.” It is as much about freedom as any other spiritual matter that we observe. We do not need to allow ourselves to become hidebound or “rigid” with it or with any other issue for that matter.
As we have been studying the letter to the Galatians on Sunday morning, Paul strongly admonished the Galatians for allowing their freedom to be taken away by self-righteous Judaizers (cultural and religious Jewish Christians). Paul understood the issues of the day...as a Pharisee of Pharisees he had been there, done that, so to speak. As he shares with the Corinthians (chapters 8-10), he is keenly aware of causing a new Christian to stumble. At the same time, he will not allow anyone to rob him of his freedom (1 Corinthians 10:29-30, Galatians 5:1). The last time that I checked, we don’t have meat being offered to idols in our culture...during the potluck, Lord’s Supper or at any other time…this was a cultural concern for the early church. However, it does underlie the principle...we would not want to cause a young Christian who has come from a pagan background to stumble. What would this look like today? We would not purposely serve wine at the Lord’s Supper to a recently converted alcoholic, for example. At the same time, we should not allow our freedom concerning how we do the Lord’s Supper to be robbed by people. Remember, the problem with the Judaizers is that they were so hidebound by tradition that they were really of no spiritual value…and Paul admonishes them for causing others to stumble. This is the real issue.
Many of the problems that take place in our church culture today have to do with current "Judaizers" who steal our freedom. It has little if anything to do with causing “younger Christians” to stumble. In fact, what does cause young Christians to stumble today is the rigid in relationship to traditions church culture that has been cultivated in many churches over the past 100 years...it was unacceptable to Paul, to the Lord…and it should be to us, as well. Something is terribly wrong when people who have been church members for 20…30…40 years or more are the ones “being caused to stumble” and the baby or young Christians are the ones more so with “spiritual common sense.” This ought not be so. Thankfully, this has been gradually changing over the past couple of decades. We must remember “the big picture.” We need to be believers that are learning, growing and prospering spiritually. If the primary focus in coming together is to get upset because “things are not going precisely how I think they should go," whether it is concerning the Lord’s Supper or some other matter…then we are not learning, growing and prospering, spiritually. We need to be blessed by the heart or the true purpose of the Lord’s Supper and not be troubled by what form it should take. I want to close with a quote by a 19th century English minister, J.C. Ryle, “The benefit of the Lord’s Supper depends entirely on the spirit and frame of mind in which we receive it. The bread which we eat, and the wine which we drink, have no power to do good to our souls, as medicine does good to our bodies, without the co-operation of our hearts and wills.” From Day By Day with J.C. Ryle, “Lord’s Supper”, 168.
Blessings, Don
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