Days, Months, Times and Years Galatians 4:10 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle has wondered how the church members in Galatia could return to regimented ways of the traditions and laws of God once they tasted the grace of God. He knows that Judaizers have come in with pernicious doctrine that has thwarted some from their simple faith in Jesus' substitutionary work on the cross, however, Paul cannot believe that they would follow these teachers. Paul referred to these former works as the “weak and beggarly elements” and in chapter four and verse ten he specifies what some of these elements are. He wrote:

You observe days, and months, and times, and years.

In the Jewish law, there were certain holy days, holy months, holy times and holy years. God Himself appointed these days as special to the tribe of Israel during Moses' day. The people of Israel were to follow the tradition of passover, the Sabbath day, the new moons, the feast of the passover, the feast of tabernacles, and other feast times. If they did not keep them, according to the law, they were to be ostracized and rejected in the form of damnation. Today we might deem Christmas and Easter as those kind of days.

Paul's contention was that they were observing these days only because these law promoters were telling them to observe them. Remember, the Galatians were gentiles, and they were not used to keeping these holy days. Jesus was the fulfillment of the holy days, months, times and years as they all pointed to Him. Once Jesus arrived on the scene, kept the law of God perfectly, and died on the cross as a fulfillment of the punishment of sin, there was no need for these days to be kept. Jesus is our Sabbath, and Jesus is our passover. Jesus is the reason for the new moons and other feasts, and when we align ourselves with Him by trusting in, relying upon and clinging to Him, we have all the times and observances completed in full.

Paul's idea here is not that holy days are not important. They are, however, we are not to worship the holy days and times, but rather worship Jesus who fulfilled all these days, months, times and years. When we think about it long enough, we will realize the blessedness we have when simply have faith in Jesus Christ. By His grace, all these other things are accomplished.

Next time Paul will show his concern over working in vain, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Known of God Galatians 4:9 - Equipped for Battle

As Paul the apostle continues his persuasive words to the church members in Galatia, he referred to the time when they did not know God. In fact, they were worshiping gods that were not gods at all. He continues his thoughts in this area in chapter four and verse nine where we read:

But now, after that you have known God, or rather are known of God, how do you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto you desire again to be in bondage?

Once again, as we have seen many times in this book, Paul uses the word, “But” to begin his next phrase. He wrote, “But now, after that you have know God, or rather are known of God,...” It has been established that the church members in Galatia have become Christians, and they have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They had some comprehension of the gospel of grace and believed in Jesus' substitutionary sacrifice for them. At this point they began to know God or rather were known of God. This wasn't in the sense that God really didn't know who they were before this time but rather that they began an intimate relationship with Him. Redemption of man is God's business, and once we receive Jesus' gift, we are known of God.

Paul adds this question, “How do you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements,...?” Paul knew the wonderful benefits and joyous experience of living in the grace of God versus trying to live under the law of God. The law of God was not bad. It was people who could not keep it. The rules and methods within the law were not superior to the grace of God, and for someone to return to these as the Judaizers were promoting was really a step toward weaker and more basic ideas.

Paul continues with this phrase, “whereunto you desire again to be in bondage?” or rather, “Do you desire again to be in bondage?” There is liberty in the grace of God, and Paul wonders why anyone would want to be under the rules and regulations that are put forth within the law of God. Legalism binds, and the grace of God frees. Jesus fulfilled the law of God and took the penalty for failure to keep the law for everyone who will believe in Him. Why would anyone desire to be under the bondage of the law of God when it has already been fulfilled? Judaizers were promoting this way of living, and Paul is making sure the Galatians no longer go down that path.

Are we “known of God?” Have we received His wonderful gift of grace and yet returned to the rules, regulations and traditions of a former legalistic life? Perhaps as we ponder these words today we will examine our own lives and search our hearts to discover ways about us that are straying from the enjoyment and freedom of the grace of God. May we all come to know more fully just what it means to be known of God and enjoying fellowship with Him every day.

Next time Paul will concern himself with the observation of times, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Service to No Gods Galatians 4:8 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle has declared all who believe in Jesus Christ to be no longer servants, but children and heirs of God Almighty. Because of this relationship, we now may enjoy the promise of the grace of God. In chapter four and verse nine Paul turns his attention once again toward those who are returning to the law of God after having experienced the grace of God. He wrote:

Howbeit then, when you knew not God, you did service unto them which by nature are no gods.

Paul first declares their previous state - “Howbeit then, when you knew not God,...” There was a time when the church members in Galatia did not know the Almighty and True God. Because the gospel of Jesus Christ was preached among them and they accepted it, they now knew God and they knew Him as a Heavenly Father.

Paul adds, “you did service unto them which by nature are not gods.” Notice Paul's emphasis on the small letter “g” which denotes that they were not actually gods at all. People around the world worship all kinds of gods, and no matter which culture is chosen, the people group there usually have something with which they have a spiritual relationship. Paul understood why the Galatians at one time had spiritual practices toward these empty gods, and his implication is that it is almost hard to believe that they would desire to have a different relationship than the one they enjoy with God Almighty.

As a matter of meditation upon this verse, do we have spiritual practices today that lean more toward empty gods? Are there ways about us that if we were to really examine them we might find ourselves in traditions and rules that align themselves with pagan practices rather than worship of the True and Almighty God? Lest we be filled with pride as we think about the Galatian church members and their ways, let us examine our own and see if there is any wayward way about us as well.

Next time Paul will ask the question as to why anyone would regress back into the law, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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No More Servant, But Son and Heir Galatians 4:7 - Equipped for Battle

As Paul the apostle continues his persuasion toward the promise of the grace of God, he has used the example of an immature heir who must be in training before he is allowed to control the inheritance. In the same way the law of God is used to provide boundaries for those who have not received Jesus Christ as Savior yet, however they will find a relationship with Him necessary through failure to keep this very law. We have learned that when a person receives God's gift of grace he or she moves to the position of adopted child, and now there is a closeness to God that allows them to call him “Daddy.” In chapter four and verse seven Paul shows us the progression for the person who relies upon, trusts in and clings to Jesus Christ. He wrote:

Wherefore you are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

First, Paul says, “Wherefore you are no more a servant, but a son;” Because God Almighty has adopted those who believe in the substitutionary sacrifice of His Son Jesus, the position of “servant” is no longer applicable. The believer is family now, and though there used to be a distance between the Heavenly Father and the non-believer, all that has change. God is the adopting Heavenly Father who by His grace has promoted those who were once servants to His children.

Next Paul adds, “and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” As though it were not enough to be known as a child of God, Paul adds that those who believe in Jesus are now “heirs of God.” In other words there is inheritance available. God so loved people that through Jesus He did not desire they remain in their “servant” role, but rather that they be His child and heir. Oh the grace of God! Oh the abundant grace of God! That the King of Kings and Lord of Lords would desire to have a family of adopted children is almost too much to comprehend, but then to add that He desires that they have inheritance with Him...well, what can we say to the marvelous grace of God.

As Paul encourages the believers in Galatia concerning their position and standing with God, can we not imagine that the binding laws and traditions of the Judaizers are having less and less impact upon their thinking? What about us? Have we rules and traditions in place that are beginning to wane because we are understanding more clearly our standing with God by His grace? If we are really understanding Paul's words, we realize that if we are believers in Jesus Christ, we are now...Princes and Princesses of the Almighty King of Kings! Oh what a status we enjoy! Oh what grace of God! Oh the mighty and wonderful love of God toward us! May all who read these words understand.

Next time we will look at what the church members and we were like before we knew Jesus Christ, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Abba Father Galatians 4:6 - Equipped for Battle

In the fourth chapter of the book of Galatians, Paul has been using the example of an heir to demonstrate the importance of the law of God before the promise of God came. Once the promise of God arrived in Jesus, the law was fulfilled and now all who believe in Jesus' substitutionary sacrifice will not only be redeemed, but also become the very adopted sons or children of God. There are benefits to being God's adopted kids, and in chapter four and verse six we learn just how close to the Almighty God we may become. Paul wrote:

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Paul begins, “And because you are sons...” Now that Jesus Christ has made the way for us to be adopted, there is a special relationship with God. We are not “sons” as Jesus because he was the “only begotten” Son of God, however, we are adopted sons, (and daughters of course.) It was by the grace of God that we now have this relationship with Him, and this was the reason Jesus came.

Paul continues, “God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” Since we now are God's children, God has added the special benefit of sending the “Spirit of his Son” into our hearts. Think about this for a moment. God Almighty, the Creator of the universe, the All-powerful, All-knowing, and everywhere present God, has sent Jesus' Spirit into our hearts. This did not have to be, and yet it is. This gift is beyond what we might ever imagine, and yet God believed it necessary to supply for one special reason - That we might call Him, “Abba Father.” The word “Abba” is the Hebrew word for Father, and the word “Pater”is the Greek word for “Father”. Paul the apostle employed both words to show the unity of Jews and Greeks when in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The endearing term “Abba” is like our English word, “Daddy”, and since we have been given the Spirit of Jesus by the grace of God, we too may have such an intimate relationship with God that we may call Him “Daddy.”

All through the Bible we read of God working in various ways to bring people into a relationship with Him. Redemption is the overriding theme of the Bible because God desires to have a family. We who believe in Him and His Son Jesus are now adopted into His family, and we have such close fellowship with Him that we may call Him our Heavenly Dad. Perhaps there are some people reading these words today did not have a great relationship with their dads, and because of this is it difficult to relate to God as being “Dad”. If this is the case, just know that the relationship God has in mind is one that is meant to be so intimate that we may now call Him “Daddy”, not in any manner of disrespect, but in such a closeness to Him that every thought we have may be shared with our loving Heavenly Father.

Next time we will see how we move from servant, to son, to heir, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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Redeemed and Adopted Galatians 4:5 - Equipped for Battle

As Paul the apostle is using the example of an immature heir in training to liken the timing for the law to be in place, he has transitioned to how God used the law until the perfect timing for Jesus to fulfill the law in every point. There was a purpose for Jesus doing so, and in chapter four and verse five Paul gives us the reason why. He wrote:

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Paul first says, “To redeem them that were under the law,...”. The reason why Jesus fulfilled the law of God was to redeem everyone who was living under the curse of the law. The law itself was not cursed, but because we could not keep the law of God, we fell under the punishment of it. We were in effect, sold unto sin, and were in need of being “bought back” which is what “redeemed” means. Because Jesus Christ fulfilled the law in every point, He was able to “buy us back” from the curse of the law, and now because we believe in, trust in, rely upon, and cling to Him, we are redeemed.

Paul continues, “that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Not only are we “redeemed” by Jesus, but positionally we are adopted as His sons and daughters. In other words, we are part of the family. Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law and adopted us into His family. At just the right time, and during the perfect situation, Jesus Christ came into the world to not only fulfill the law of God in every point, but also to die in our place which fulfilled the curse of the law associated with disobedience. Jesus paid the price for our redemption, and in doing so adopted us into the family of God.

By now the church members in Galatia should be shouting for joy at the wonderful gift of grace by Jesus Christ as these words are read. But, what about us? Have we considered just what Jesus did for us when He fulfilled the law for our redemption and died in our place that we might be adopted into His family? If we haven't received Him by now, surely this point will convince everyone everywhere that God was actively at work in Jesus so that people could be in a relationship and fellowship with Him. May we ever appreciate and give glory to God for the great things He has done!

Next time we will discover the wonder of calling God Daddy, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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The Fullness of Time Galatians 4:4 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle has been sharing a wonderful lesson about the importance of the law of God and how it relates to the promise of God. Because false teachers called Judaizers had infiltrated the church in Galatia, Paul felt it necessary to explain to them what that relationship was. He employed the example of a youthful heir who needed tutors and governors to train him before an inheritance would be left to his trust. The heir is like us who were under the elements of the world when we were children. In chapter four and verse four Paul speaks to the time limit for such actions. He wrote:

But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Just as there comes a time when a child becomes responsible and adult activities are entrusted to him, Paul says, “But when the fullness of the time was come...” In other words, “at just the right time, when the completion of one time was fulfilled, or in this case when the time of the law was in place.” The law and the penalty for disobedience to it was over people until that law could be fulfilled. Since no one ever kept the law of God until Jesus, the penalty of the law, death, was the impending judgment for all. However, at just the right time, there was a change.

Paul continues, “God sent forth His Son...” When Jesus came, at just the right time, there was an alteration to the way things were. No one kept the law before Jesus, and this put all men and women under judgment, but now that “God sent forth His Son”,everything has changed.

This Son was no ordinary son, for he was “made of a woman, made under the law.” Jesus needed to be born from a woman,(Mary), and under the law to identify with mankind. He lived as a man, and yet was fully God. He knew the difficulties we have as people, and Hebrews chapter four and verse fifteen says “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.” Until Jesus came, the law was not kept, however after Jesus came, he fulfilled all the law under which he was made. For Jesus to save not only His own people of Israel but also the people of the world, He needed to come to the Earth and keep the law perfectly. God was the one who sent Him, and God did so at just the right time to open the way for a relationship and fellowship with mankind.

Now that Jesus has come at just the right time, we are no longer under the curse of the law as long as we rely upon, trust in, and believe the saving work of Jesus Christ. Our Heavenly Father knows what it takes to save us, and He controlled the timing of all things so that we might relate to Him. As we meditate upon God's timing today, perhaps we will realize to what lengths the Almighty God of the Universe has gone to simply have fellowship with us. May He receive all the glory for great things He has done.

Next time we will see the reason for God sending His Son, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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In Bondage Under the Elements Galatians 4:3 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle has been employing the example of an immature heir to demonstrate the timing for the law of God and the promise of God. Since the church members in Galatia have been infiltrated by Judaizers who were promoting the keeping of the law of God in addition to having faith in God, Paul felt it necessary to be sure the Galatians knew the relationship between them both. In our previous verse Paul explained how an heir was under tutors and governors until maturity was accomplished, and today in chapter four and verse three he likens us to the heirs in training. He said,

Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

Just as the heir is under tutors, Paul begins, “Even so we, when we were children,...”. First let us see how Paul identifies himself along with the group of believers in Galatia. He doesn't elevate himself as being superior, but recognizes his own state being common to theirs. All of them were “children” or young at one time, and there were rules that were necessary to follow. Heirs and children must follow guidelines to keep alive and function in immaturity.

Paul goes on to say, “were in bondage under the elements of the world:” When the law was given by Moses, there were many rules, regulations, and rituals that needed to be observed by the people of God. Often there was no reason given for keeping these rules, it was simply understood that all should obey them. There was a “bondage” under the law of God. Paul notes that we were under that “bondage” as we were under the “elements of the world” or the law. The law of God served its purpose in leading us to the knowledge of our own propensity to break it, and it kept society from totally obliterating itself.

In other words, there was an appropriate time for the law to be in place. The law of God is not forsaken, but it rather functioned in the timing of God while we were as children. Paul's idea is to allow the Galatian church members to know the significance of the law of God and the timing of it. There is more to add to his words, but we shall have to wait until our next verse to gain more clarity from Paul's thoughts.

Next time we will look at God's timing for sending His Son, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Under Tutors and Governors Galatians 4:2 - Equipped for Battle

Where did we learn everything that we have learned? Who or what was the source of it, and has it made a difference in our lives? Many of us can think of a special teacher or two who impacted our lives tremendously, and we all should appreciate someone for simply the ability to read these words. Paul the apostle shares about the importance of instructors as he continues his illustration about an heir in chapter four and verse two of Galatians where he wrote:

But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

Once again Paul employs the word “But” to show the statement he is about to make takes priority over what was previously stated. Paul has told us how an immature heir is treated much like a servant while he or she is in that state. There are laws and rules that must be obeyed by the child heir if he or she is ever going to mature enough to enjoy that which he or she is heir over. Paul says, “But is under tutors and governors...” which means they have a manager of their affairs, a steward, superintendent, or an overseer. Some would understand this to mean “a nanny” or “child's nurse.” The ideas is that someone is continually watching over the child.

Paul then adds a time limit for this overseer, “until the time appointed of the father.” When maturity sets in, a father of a child may deem the child responsible and able to handle inherited things. We understand why a small child is not allowed to drive an automobile. He or she is not mature enough to handle such responsibility. However, as a child grows, he or she may acquire the skills and ability to manage a vehicle. This is the same for the heir. As soon as the father sees maturity in the heir, he or she may enjoy the fruits of his or her inheritance.

Now let us remember that Paul the apostle is using this illustration to demonstrate the timing for the law of God and the promise of God. The relationship between the law of God and His promise is much like the maturing process of an heir. The law was and is important to mankind because it tutors and governs over behavior and demonstrates the rebellion that lies within. Once a maturing takes place, the law has fulfilled its purpose, and the person now lives under the promise of God. Once the appointed time of the father arrives, the law is not as necessary. This timing does not nullify the law, but it rather fulfills it. Our Heavenly Father has designed such a wonderful plan for the salvation of people. He introduced the law to bring us to an understanding that we are lawbreakers, then He leads us to faith and trust in Jesus Christ His Son who paid the price for our sins upon the cross. When this time comes, we become His children and now enjoy the beauty and benefits of being His heirs. There is so much more to say about these things, however, we will wait for our next occasion to share about them.

Next time we will discover how we as children were under the elements of the world, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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The Heir as Servant and Lord Galatians 4:1 - Equipped for Battle

In dealing with the onslaught of ideas being promoted by Judaizers among the church member of Galatia, Paul the apostle has given discourse after discourse about the relationship between the law of God and the promise of God. Paul has shown how the law served the purpose of exposing sin in people, and the promise of God is the grace of God for those who believe in Jesus and His substitutionary sacrifice for their sins. In chapter four and verse one, Paul employs an example to further demonstrate the relationship of the law of God to His promise where he wrote:

Now I say, [That] the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

In chapter three we learned that those who believe in, rely upon, trust in and cling to Jesus in faith, are the children of God and therefore His heirs. Paul begins chapter four by stating, “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child...” which infers immaturity and adolescence. There are rules put in place for a child's safety and protection that may not later be necessary. Because the child's judgment is not as clear as most adults, laws and enforcement of them is needed even if there is no reason given for them. Explanation for the rules comes later perhaps, but in the mean time for the protection of the child, rules are in place. So it is with the law of God. The law of God is meant for the time of immaturity, and until the promise of God was fulfilled in Jesus, the law of God was and is in place.

Paul goes on to say, “...differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;” Even though the heir to a massive fortune, for example, has the right to full inheritance, until the time he or she is mature enough to manage the assets, they will not be able to spend any of the funds. Therefore the child is treated in a similar way to the servants of the household. He or she may have the title of heir, but that is the only rights they enjoy while they are children. The law of God was such. Until the fullness of time, Jesus did not appear to satisfy the requirements of the law, and therefore people lived by the law of God. But, when Jesus appeared, kept the law, and carried out its every requirement, maturity appeared, and the promise of God went into affect. The law was in place until the promise of God was released.

This example employed by Paul the apostle is shown to be just as effective today. Until people understand the law of God, they will not know their violation of it. When a person hears, “You shall not steal” if they have stolen, sin is recognized and guilt and shame for violation appears. When a person hears, “You shall not bear false witness” if they have lied, once again sin is recognized and guilt and shame for violation appears. The idea is that the law is in place to bring about a mature reception of the promise of God's grace, but before we go on with this thought much longer, perhaps we should meditate upon it and learn more in the next verse at another time.

Next time we will find the heir under tutors, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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Abraham's Seed and Heirs to the Promise Galatians 3:29 - Equipped for Battle

In Paul the apostle's explanation to the church members in Galatia about the relationship between the promise of God and the law of God, he has declared those who have recognized their own disobedience to the law to be children of God once they believe in the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Once we receive the grace and unmerited favor of God, we become His children and not just His creation. Paul continues his thought in chapter three and verse twenty-nine as he shows the believer's status and benefit when Jesus Christ is received as Savior. He wrote:

And if you are Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Paul told his readers, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ”,and now there are no barriers of partition between people, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Today he declares, “If you are Christ's”, and this allows for the possibility that a person is not “Christ's”. “If” a person receives the gift of promise through Jesus Christ. “If” we believe that He fulfilled the law perfectly and took our place of death on the cross, and “If” we rely upon, trust in, and cling to Him, we are “Christ's” and according to Paul there are two benefits to us.

First, “then are you Abraham's seed.” The promise to Abraham was “And in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because you have obeyed my voice.” It was Abraham who “believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness”, and now those who believe in Jesus Christ have become as Abraham's seed. Everyone, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, race, station or gender may come to Jesus Christ freely and become as the seed of Abraham. Jesus Christ made the way for this to occur, and those who believe in and are baptized into Him have become Abraham's seed.

Secondly, Paul adds, “and heirs according to the promise.” Those who believe in Jesus are now “heirs”, and not just any heir, but an heir of God. Paul spoke of being heirs of God in Romans chapter eight and verse seventeen where he wrote, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.” When we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior, we become God's kids and not simply His creation. We become His heirs, and royalty is placed upon us, not because of what we have done, but because of His great promise of grace. We become a family of princes and princesses under the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We are His heirs when we are Christ's.

When we think about the benefits to believing in Jesus Christ we may wonder why anyone would refuse to become His child and heir. Jesus gave us a hint as to why some people do not come to Christ when He said in Luke in chapter eighteen and verse seventeen, “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” Humility as a child is required, and those who forsake their pride and simply receive the grace of God know not only what it means to be Abraham's seed, but also a child of the living God.

Next time we will begin a new chapter and discover the benefits of being an heir, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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All One in Christ Jesus Galatians 3:28 - Equipped for Battle

Many may wonder why Paul the apostle is going to such lengths to convince the Galatian church members about the grace of God given through His promise and its relationship to the law of God. Since Judaizers had infiltrated and divided the church with incorrect doctrine which stated that people must obey the traditions of the law as well as the law itself to be saved, Paul felt it necessary to be thorough in his explanations. Paul has just shared the uniqueness of being one in Christ Jesus through baptism, and he shares the benefit of that oneness in chapter three and verse twenty-eight where he wrote:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Now that the Galatians were baptized into Christ, their old lives were done away, and they were unified under the name of Jesus Christ. There are no more divisions nationally or ethnically among them, “There is neither Jew nor Greek,...” for they are all in Christ Jesus. “There is neither bond nor free...” which declares their station in life is dissolved by being one in Christ Jesus, and “there is neither male nor female...” which renders gender inequality void as well. Nationality, ethnicity, station, and gender no longer divide those who are baptized into Jesus Christ. What may see natural in society becomes a bygone era, because those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ are now all equal.

But why is this so? Paul says, “for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” When a person receives Jesus Christ as his or her personal savior, they relinquish all other divisions that were previously in their lives. It isn't that there are not differences in nationalities, stations, or gender, but rather that there are none that are superior to others. We are one in Christ Jesus when we receive His wonderful promise of grace.

Paul said in the book of Romans in chapter two and verse eleven:

For there is no respect of persons with God.

In other words, there is no preferential treatment from God based upon one's nationality, station in life or gender. God desires to have a relationship with every person. Uniqueness of individuals are celebrated in the unity of a faith in Jesus Christ. We are all one in Him, and rather than cause divisions as the Judaizers were to the Galatians, Paul lets us all know that equality is found in one place, “in Christ Jesus.” When we rely upon, trust in, and cling to Him, we find ourselves in unity with people from every tribe, nation, people group, ethnicity, gender and race. All barriers fall, and we are one. May we evermore be so in Jesus Christ.

Next time we will see how we become heirs because of our relationship with Jesus Christ, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Baptized into Christ Galatians 3:27 - Equipped for Battle

As Paul the apostle continues to persuade the church members in Galatia concerning the grace and promise of God, he shows them the significance of their being children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. In chapter three and verse twenty-seven he turns their attention toward baptism in Christ and the significance of doing so. He wrote:

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

A meaningful change occurs in the person who submits him or herself to Jesus Christ by faith. Not only do they become the children of God, they “put on Christ.” Paul said, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ” , which seems to allow for some who have not, but for those who have been baptized into Christ there is this denotation they have “put on Christ.” The word used for baptized here is “baptizo” which means “to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)”; to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one's self, bathe; to overwhelm.”

They who have been totally submerged and overwhelmed into Jesus Christ have been wrapped in His marvelous grace.

When a person is baptized, they go down into the water like unto the death and they are raise into new life that is like being robed in Jesus Christ. Paul gave even clearer insight to what happens in baptism in the book of Romans chapter six and verses three through nine where he wrote:

Do you not know, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that from here forward we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dies no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

When baptism occurs, the old person is put to death, and the new person has “put on Christ.” Like those who were robed with regal robes in the Roman society, the person who accepts God free gift of grace by faith in Jesus Christ has been robed in Him. The idea is that a person is now governed by the will of Jesus Christ, and submission and conformity unto His way is the new way of life.

The disciples baptized people who professed Jesus Christ as their Savior as they were instructed by Jesus in Matthew chapter twenty-eight and verse nineteen:

Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Throughout the book of Acts there is incident after incident where people were baptized into Jesus Christ, and when they were they “put on Christ.” This act of submission continues to be available today. May all who read these words have ears to hear.

Next time we will see how the walls and barriers between people groups fall when we are in Christ, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Children of God by Faith in Jesus Galatians 3:26 - Equipped for Battle

The question is often asked, “Are we not all the children of God?” The easy answer is “no”, but we are the creation of God. To be a “child of God” we must have a relationship and fellowship with God. These are obtained by having faith in Jesus Christ, and His substitutionary death upon the cross and His subsequent resurrection from the dead. As Paul has shown in previous verses, we do not obtain this relationship by works of the law, but rather by faith in Jesus. In chapter three and verse twenty-six Paul provides a specific manner for how we become the “children of God” where he wrote:

For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

First we notice the word, “For”. With the word “For” Paul begins a new paragraph where in a conclusive way Paul tells why he has given the previous discourse. He told us, “the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster”, and now because we have faith in Jesus Christ, “you are all the children of God.” The only part that is left is whether a person will receive this gift of grace from God by believing in His Son Jesus.

What Paul does not say in this verse is “you are all the children of God” by any way you choose. It is “by faith in Christ Jesus.” Though it may seem narrow, and it is, there are no other options given. Therein lie the exclusivity of Christianity in that a person must come through Jesus Christ to have access to being a “child of God.” Any other way is works oriented and relies upon the individual to somehow measure up, be good enough, and be righteous enough to gain access to God. According to the Bible, this is impossible. There is only one person who ever fulfilled the law perfectly, Jesus Christ, and He has made the way for anyone who will trust in, rely upon and cling to Him to be a child of God.

As we consider these things, let us remember that Christ Jesus was God's effort to reach, redeem, and have a Father God relationship with mankind. All other attempts are man's effort to reach God, and they all fall short. This is the marking point of the Christian walk, and only “by faith in Christ Jesus” we may all be “the children of God.”

Next time we will discover the benefit of being children of God , so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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No Longer Under a Schoolmaster Galatians 3:25 - Equipped for Battle

What is the significance of the law of God as it relates to people? What are the implications if a person does not keep the law of God? Why does it seem that there are so many lawbreakers, and since this is so, why should there be a law of God in the first place? On any given day we may hear questions such as these from people who do not understand the purpose of the law of God. Of course the law of God is wonderful for social order, health benefits, and limiting ciaos, however we have learned from Paul the apostle that it serves another purpose, “the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” The law brings us to an understanding that we are lawbreakers and in need of a Savior. That Savior is Jesus, and the law was and is our teacher that directs us to Him. Paul continues to show the benefit of coming to Jesus in chapter three and verse twenty-five where he wrote:

But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster

Once again we encounter the word, “But”, and now know that it means that what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was previously shared. Paul says, “But after faith is come” which in other words means, when Jesus came now anyone can be saved who accepts His salvation, and relies upon Him as Lord. The idea is that when Jesus fulfilled the law by faith, the usefulness for the law bringing man into a relationship with God was substituted. The law was and is fulfilled by Jesus Christ, and the penalty for disobedience to the law has been paid by His death on the cross.

Paul continues, “we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” What was needed has been shared, and the fulfillment of the requirement to have a relationship with God has been met. We no longer have to rely upon the law to have fellowship with God. We need only to have faith in Jesus Christ. His substitutionary work led us to a path whereby we all may come to God and be His children. The faithful work of Jesus has come, and we no longer have to worry over keeping this rule or that which the schoolmaster, the law, presented.

The law of God has fulfilled its purpose. It has led us to Jesus. This does not mean that we despise the law of God or completely ignore its significance in our lives. No, rather, we understand the importance of the law and the guardian affect that it has upon our lives. We will see more about this in future verses, however those will have to wait until a later time.

Next time we will how we become the children of God, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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The Law Our Schoolmaster Galatians 3:24 - Equipped for Battle

As Paul the apostle has been explaining the relationship between the law of God and the promise of God to the church members at Galatia, we have been learning that God has a perfect design for people to have fellowship with Him. Because we have a sin problem that keeps us separated from God, we must know that we have a sin problem, and the law let's us know it. Once we realize our problem of sin, we can acknowledge it, ask God to forgive it, and He by His promise extends grace to us that was paid for in full by Jesus Christ's substitutionary work on the cross. In chapter three and verse twenty-four Paul gives us the conclusion to his reasoning where he wrote:

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

As we have learned before, whenever there is a “wherefore” or a “therefore” in the Bible, we should always look in the verses preceding them to know what the “wherefore” is “there for”. In this case Paul has asked the question, “Is the law then against the promises of God?” To which he answered an emphatic, “God forbid!” or “Perish the thought!” He showed his readers that the “scriptures concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”

And Paul let us know that “before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.” Now he adds, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.”

Paul likens the law to a “schoolmaster” or a “teacher, tutor, instructor or guardian”. In other words, the law watched over us until such time as revelation and maturity arrived, and the reason and purpose of the law was “to bring us unto Christ.” The law governed over us until we realized that we were in need of a Savior. Those who dare read the law and the spirit of it will soon find themselves lacking and coming up short for fulfilling its every word. The law shows us our need for Jesus, and those who are exposed to the law find themselves guilty and ashamed before God when they consider its full implications.

This brings about the rest of Paul's conclusion concerning the law when he states, “that we might be justified by faith.” Now that we have experienced the effect of the law and known its tutoring us toward Jesus Christ, we may be justified (just as if I'd never sinned) by faith in Him. This is the promise of God. They who trust in Jesus Christ's finished work on the cross, which took away our sin and paid the price for it, are now just as if they had never sinned before God. The law serves its great purpose in showing us our need for Jesus, and when we believe in, trust in, rely upon and cling to Him, we receive the promise of the grace of God and are justified in His site.

Once again this verse should make anyone who thinks about it very long desire to shout, “Glory to God! Glory to God! Great works He has done!” It was God's plan all along to bring people into a relationship with Him. Sin was the problem, and sin had to be realized and recognized. The law of God exposed sin, and then when guilt and shame enter a person for failure to keep the law, by trusting in Jesus Christ's substitutionary sacrifice for sin on the cross, anyone who believes may be justified. Again, our response should be, “Glory be to God! Great works He has done!”

Next time we will see when we are not under the schoolmaster, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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Kept Under the Law Galatians 3:23 - Equipped for Battle

As we have continued to study the doctrine of grace as delivered by Paul the apostle to the Galatians, we have noticed that Paul meticulously defines step by step the reasons that the promise of God and the law of God work hand in hand. In Divine providence, the Almighty God constructed a plan that incorporated usefulness of the law for demonstrating the lostness of mankind. As the law was perfect, and no person is because they cannot keep the law perfectly, the law shows our need for a perfect Savior, and that perfect Savior is Jesus. Paul continues his explanation in chapter three and verse twenty three where he wrote:

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Paul begins once again with a “But” which means that what he is about to declare takes precedence over what was previously stated which was the question as to whether the law was against the promise of God. Instead of being in opposition against the promise of God, the law had its purpose and usefulness, “before faith came, we were kept under the law”. In other words there was a time for the effectiveness of the law to be in place. People were governed by the law of God until such time that someone could obey every aspect of the law. As stated in verse twenty-two “by the faith of Jesus Christ” the promise of God was released.

Paul continues, “shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.” As though hidden from the promise until Jesus Christ was revealed, the law governed over the lives of all who lived within it. Let it be known that the law was and is perfect. The difficulty lie in the fact that people are not, and the revelation of the imperfection of mankind was a primary purpose of the law of God. Until the faith Jesus Christ was revealed we were kept under the law and doomed for our lack in ability to keep it. The law of God was not in opposition to the promise of God, but it rather preceded it for the purpose of showing the unrighteousness of people and the righteousness of Jesus Christ. God Almighty revealed this perfection in His Son, and now through Jesus' faith, the promise of the grace of God is released to all who will believe.

Next time we will see how the law was our teacher, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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All Under Sin Galatians 3:2 - Equipped for Battle

As Paul the apostle is taking his readers of the book of Galatians step by step toward the importance of both the law and promise of God, he has clearly shown the value of both. The promise of God is by faith, and the knowledge of sin is by the law. Paul continues his words and thoughts in chapter three and verse twenty-two where he wrote:

But the scripture has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Paul wondered rhetorically in our last verse whether the law was against the promises of God. He concluded that the law rather worked with promise of God, and in this verse he tells us why, “But the scripture has concluded all under sin,”. When the law of God came, people could know they were sinners. The law was the standard of God by which to live. It is perfect, holy and true, however, it didn't take long after the law was given to show that man could not keep the law. In fact, even as Moses was bringing the two tablets upon which the ten commandments were written down from the mountain the first time, the Bible tells us the people were violating the law. In Exodus chapter thirty-two and verse one we read:

And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for [as for] this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what is become of him.

The scriptures show us that everyone in under sin. There are none exempt, and the only one who kept the law of God perfectly was Jesus which leads to the next part of this verse.

Paul continued, “that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” Now the promise comes into play. Now the promise of grace by faith of Jesus Christ is necessary. Without the promise, we could not be saved. Jesus kept the law, abode in the law, lived perfectly by the law, and though He was innocent, He took our place of death as a result of the law. Hereafter for those who believe in Jesus' substitutionary work there is the promise of salvation by grace, “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9

The law showed us our sinfulness, and the promise of God is that when we recognize it, and believe in Jesus' sacrifice for it, we receive his abundant grace. Oh the wonders of God! Oh the marvelous plan He has for us! Oh the promise of salvation and grace that awaits all who will simply believe! May the Lord Jesus be praised for His marvelous plan for both His promise and His law!

Next time we will look at our state before faith came, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Is the Law against the Promise of God? Galatians 3:21 - Equipped for Battle

With all his discussion about the promise of God and the law of God, Paul the apostle might seem to have exhausted all his persuasions toward the church members at Galatia. However, to be sure there was a clear understanding, Paul adds further discussion about the relationship between God's promise and God's law. In chapter three and verse twenty-one he wrote:

[Is] the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

Paul begins with a question, “Is the law then against the promises of God?” The easy answer is “no”, but Paul shares an emphatic “God forbid:” or perish the thought. No one should think that the law of God is somehow eliminated by God's promise. The value of the promise of God is important, and the value of the law is important.

Paul goes on to say, “for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.” In other words, if there could have been a law or laws that would have provided a righteous life, then people would have been able to live righteously by the law. However, we know that the law saves no one, not because the law isn't good, but because people are not able to keep it.

There is none righteous, no, not one. (Romans 3:10)

The law of God was added so that we could know that we are lawbreakers, and it is in our very nature to be breakers of the laws of God. The promise of God is shown to be extremely necessary by the law, and without God's promise, we would be doomed. There are no laws that provide righteous living. The law doesn't portend itself against the promise of God but rather shows us our need for a Savior. The Judaizers who had infiltrated the Galatian churches were promoting the importance of keeping the law as a form of righteousness, and Paul shows that the law cannot make anyone righteous. The promise of grace was given by God, and the law of God shows the need for God's promise. They both work hand in hand. Paul adds more to this line of thinking, but we will save that till next time.

Next time we will see how the law concludes everyone under sin and shows us our need for Jesus, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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The Mediator Galatians 3:20 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle has asked the question, “Wherefore serves the law?” or what purpose does the law serve? His answer was that the law was in service until the “seed” of promise should come which we discovered was Jesus. We also learned that in the giving of the law God used a mediator or a go between to distribute the law. Moses served as a mediator between God and people in the giving of the law, and today in Galatians chapter three and verse twenty we learn that Jesus as God was a mediator between Himself and people. Paul said,

Now a mediator is not [a mediator] of one, but God is one.

When a contract is drawn, there are usually two parties which must be involved. One commits to keeping certain obligations, and the other commits to keeping other obligations. In giving the promise to Abraham, God Himself bore the responsibility of keeping the contract. We read in Genesis chapter fifteen and verses twelve,thirteen, seventeen and eighteen:

And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that your seed shall be a stranger in a land [that is] not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;...And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto your seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Whenever a contract was made between two parties, they would divide and animal and walk through the pieces symbolizing their commitment to their obligations. When the promise was made to Abraham, it was God alone who passed between two pieces of animals that were divided, “a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him...behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces” God was the mediator of this covenant for Himself and His commitment to Abraham and those who would come through him.

In the book of First Timothy in chapter two and verse five Paul wrote:

For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

When the promise of grace entered the human race, only Jesus could stand as a mediator between man and God. According to Paul, there is no need for any other. There is only one. This is great news for those who believe in Jesus because the weight of the covenant of grace is upon Him as was the promise to Abraham. If the covenant of grace is to be kept, it will be kept by Jesus, and He never fails. We, as the church members in Galatia, have our mediator Jesus to cling to, rely upon and trust in. Therefore this covenant is sure, and the promise of the grace of God is satisfied. In other words, no matter what happens, we have the assurance of our mediator Jesus who will keep the covenant He has made.

Next time we will how the law is not against God's promise, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it

locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore