Posts that reference the book of Galatians

Into the Wilderness: Instruction

Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge. Proverbs 23:12

We continue our study of the wilderness in Scripture. We’ve seen it is a place of wandering. But it is also a place of transition. Last week through Jacob’s story we saw that the restoration of relationships can happen in the wilderness. This week we’ll consider the apostle Paul and his time in the wilderness, a time of personal instruction.

Paul was a rising young star among the Pharisees. He had studied with the most respected rabbi of his day, Gamaliel. He was born a Roman citizen, affording him all the political advantages in his society. Of course all of that changed when he met Jesus. We can read about this encounter in Acts chapter 9 (and Paul retells the story in chapters 22 an 26).

From Acts and Galatians 1, we can piece together what happened next. After preaching the gospel for a short time in Damascus, Paul left for the Arabian desert for three years before he returned to Damascus then headed to Jerusalem. Because neither Luke nor Paul gives us details, that opens the door for a lot of speculation. Some have parsed the original words translated “Arabian desert” and determined that they actually referred to the area of Sinai. That leads them to conclude Paul spent the time in prayer, study and meditation reevaluating his understanding of the Law in light of the gospel. From Paul’s writing in Romans and Galatians, it is clear he had a good handle on that, so that’s a possibility.

Others believe Paul spent the time in the same three-year training program the other apostles got, receiving personal instruction from Jesus Christ Himself. In Galatians 1:16, Paul says he did not consult or confer with any man, any “flesh and blood.” They point to 1 Corinthians 15:8 as corroborating evidence. This is also a possibility.

No matter how exactly that wilderness instruction time came together or worked itself out, Paul benefited from it and we are still benefiting from it. Besides the deep theological truths Paul explained for us, we can learn from his example.

We need instruction – If the great apostle needed to learn and grow, how much more do we need it? For Paul, it was urgent and compelling enough that he set everything else aside while he learned. We need to be humble enough to receive instruction

Further instruction equips us for our calling – In Acts 9:15, Jesus tells us that Paul was called specially to carry the gospel to Gentiles and kings. But he didn’t embark on that mission until after his time in the wilderness.

The Holy Spirit makes the best teacher – This is not to say that we can’t learn from brothers and sisters who are farther along in their walk than we are. I mean, there wouldn’t be much point in these posts if that were the case. But the very best teacher is the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised He would explain things, guide us into all the truth (John 16:13). Sometimes, we need to get rid of the distractions in our lives and get away to the wilderness where we can listen.

If Jesus personally instructed Paul in Arabia, it wasn’t His first time in the wilderness. Next week, we’ll look at Jesus’s own wilderness experience.

What Is Our Salvation Doing For Us?

By Paula

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

When each of the kids was very young, we set up a special account for them at the bank. In exchange for a better interest rate on their deposits– almost double the regular rate–they can’t get any money out until they turn eighteen. Especially starting out, it was hard for them to see the bank account as much more than a black hole.

Sometimes I think we treat our salvation that way, as if it were some glorious thing held in reserve for us until we die. Which it is, but it is so much more. Jesus intended for us to benefit from our relationship with Him now, in the course of our normal everyday lives.

So what is our salvation doing for us?

It gives us unlimited access to the King of the Universe. There is no limit to the prayers we can offer, the requests we can make, the time we can spend in His presence. (Hebrews 4:16)

It gives us the indwelling Holy Spirit. The mind-blowing reality is that God Himself comes to live inside us, taking over the reins of our lives, directing us in ways that never would appeal to us before we became believers. Those acts of kindness we do, those brilliant flashes of insight, those times we step out on faith, the Holy Spirit is behind all those. (John 14:16-17)

It gives us the ability to overcome temptation. Oh, we fall for it plenty of times, but there are so many temptations we resist every single day because our salvation is at work. (Romans 6:16-19)

It gives us a purpose and the power to accomplish it. No more floating along wondering what in the world is going on and why we’re here in the middle of it. God has a unique kingdom work for every one of us, and He promises to provide all the resources we need to carry out that mission. (John 15:16)

It gives us freedom from performance. No more trying to earn God’s favor. We have it. Forever. Pressure is replaced by peace. (Ephesians 1:3-6)

It gives us the status of beloved child. We are immediately adopted into God’s own family. Not servants. Not guests. Family. Beloved family. (Romans 8:15-17)

And on and on… Here’s the thing– when we treat salvation only as a past event or even as a future hope, we miss the great work going on in our lives each and every day. Let’s make the most of it. Like Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:19-20

Redeemed from the Curse

By Paula

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”) Galatians 3:13

Redeemed.

It means to buy back a slave’s freedom.
Only we were the slaves.
I was the slave.

Curse.

It’s not just a run of bad luck. It is anathema.
Set apart for destruction by God.
I was set apart for destruction by God.

Become.

Jesus didn’t just pay the price. He didn’t just lift the curse.
He BECAME the curse.
God’s wrath and judgment against sin were poured out on Christ.

For us.
For me.

Redeemed from the curse.

Isn’t there someone I can show the kindness of God to?

By Paula

And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” 2 Samuel 9:3

This was a risky, even ill-advised move on David’s part.
He had replaced Saul’s dynasty and it wasn’t a completely smooth transition.
In fact, it took seven years for David’s rule to be solidified.

But kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
It is the mark of a follower of Christ. (Colossians 3:12)
It is an act of grace.
It is an imitation of God Himself.
And it is extremely rare these days.

Which makes it all the more remarkable
When we follow David’s lead.
So today, every day, ask yourself

Isn’t there someone I can show the kindness of God to?

No Quid Pro Quo Gospel

By Paula

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel. Galatians 1:6

Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase that means “this for that.” It implies an exchange of things of roughly equivalent value, a trade-off. In politics, it leads to an expectation of influence or benefits. In business, it means special perks. Unfortunately, it can also lead people to expect favors in return for a nice night out. Recently at a local high school, kids were given an early dismissal in exchange for having no tardies or discipline issues. Time off for good behavior, I suppose.

Because the notion of quid pro quo is so pervasive, it can influence our theology. A couple of weeks ago, someone remarked to me, “If we lead a godly life, He does things for us, doesn’t He?” She meant that God would intervene, that He would provide, that He would give us what we asked for, if and when we did our best to be good. I was supposed to answer yes. I didn’t. Let me address some of the reasons why.

1. We don’t obey God or lead a godly life because of what we get out of it. We do it out of love. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15). Love, genuine love at least, is not selfishly motivated by what it gets. Satan’s whole premise in Job was that Job only served God because he was prosperous. Take away the prosperity and the devotion would disappear. Job destroyed that argument.

2. We are in Christ. Paul explains that it was God’s plan. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God–and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30). Being in Christ means He became our wisdom, our righteousness, our sanctification and our redemption. It has all been accomplished. The things we do, even if they are completely godly and righteous, cannot add to the complete righteousness of Christ which has already been credited to us.

3. We enjoy the manifold blessings of God. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3) We have been given every blessing. Already. Because we are in Christ.

4. “Circumstantial” blessings, the “doing things for us” kind, are contrary to the real-life experience of many, many believers. Again, see Job. Check Hebrews 11:35b-38. Consider the situations of our brothers and sisters in nations hostile to Christianity. How cold and insensitive would it be to suggest that the reason God wasn’t doing things for them was due to their ungodliness. The way God chooses to act and the moment in which He does is governed by His sovereign will. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. (Ephesians 1:11).

5. A quid pro quo gospel diminishes Christ’s work and God’s grace. If there is something we do, or something we contribute, then it’s not the grace of God at work. The very definition of grace is that it is neither deserved nor earned. The beauty and wonder of the gospel is that God supplies that grace without hesitation, reservation, qualification or limits. Quid pro quo buries that underneath complications and conditions. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Paul used very strong words when he warned the Galatians about other gospels. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8). A quid pro quo gospel is one of those “other” gospels. Take Paul’s warning seriously. Live confidently in Christ in possession of the grace of God and His manifold blessings.

The Mission

By Paula

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

I read a survey recently that found over half of American workers are unhappy with their jobs. Not just low-wage jobs either. Almost 60% of workers earning in the $50,000 to $75,000 range were unhappy. The reasons for this are pure speculation at this point. Some suggest that economic pressures compel people to stay in a job they don’t like for fear of not finding another one. However, one analyst believes that the root of dissatisfaction is when workers feel disconnected from their mission.

I suspect it’s not much different in our Christian life. We are part of a vibrant body of believers, lavishly blessed by Almighty God, and yet, in our quietest moments, I’d conjecture many of us, maybe most of us, feel a level of dissatisfaction, and I wonder if it’s not because we’ve become disconnected from our mission.

Jesus stated our mission succinctly in Matthew 28:18-20. It boils down to two things – evangelism and discipleship. We bring people to Jesus and we help them learn and grow. You may have already guessed, a satisfying mission is not the same thing as an easy one. In fact, evangelism and discipleship are anything but easy. They require investing in the lives of others. They call for energy and prayerfulness. They require grace and perseverance.

Relationships
I understand the hesitation. I really do. I am a 100% introvert (Seriously. I took a test. 100%) and the thoughts of knocking on doors or striking up conversations with strangers are honestly terrifying. But asking people about their lives and letting them talk isn’t so bad. You learn their needs, their hopes, and fears. You learn how to serve with love and compassion. Building relationships with people is the first step to know how to pray for them.

Prayer
Praying for people, specifically, softens our heart toward them. It deepens our compassion and we see more of God’s heart for them. It makes us more attuned to the areas where God is already at work as well. Prayer reminds us not go in our own strength or brilliance or persuasiveness, but to follow God’s lead. And be aware, that in many cases, one quick prayer isn’t enough.

Patience
If you remember, Jesus talked about how spreading the gospel was like planting a crop. You over-plant to make sure something comes up. There are long periods of time when it looks like nothing is happening. You can do a lot of work, but the results are largely out of your hands. But Paul reminds us that the only surefire way not to see results is to give up. (Galatians 6:9)

Granted, evangelism and discipleship take on many different forms and are accomplished through a host of methods, but when we lose sight of them, we falter and flounder as the body of Christ and as individual believers. Seeing people discover the overwhelming love of God in Jesus Christ, and then continue to be blown away by that reality, is the most satisfying, amazing experience apart from our own salvation. But if it is no longer our focus, our passion, our very reason for being, it is time for some re-evaluation. It is time to re-embrace our mission.

Into the Wilderness: Instruction

What Is Our Salvation Doing For Us?

Redeemed from the Curse

Isn’t there someone I can show the kindness of God to?

No Quid Pro Quo Gospel

The Mission

Encounters Series

Covenant of Trust Series

Foundations Series