There were those among the
church members in Galatia who were convinced they needed to return to
following not only the keeping of the law of God but also the rituals
within it to be righteous. The false teaching Judaizers convinced
them that if they practiced these ways in addition to faith in Jesus
Christ, they would be saved. Paul the apostle has been dismantling
their teachings by calling out those who deemed circumcision as one
of those acts of righteousness. He told them that if there was a need
to return to following the law of God and the act of circumcision
then there was no need for Jesus, however, they, nor we, can keep the
law of God perfectly, so now we hope for righteousness that will be
appropriated to us when we see Jesus one day. Paul goes on to say in
chapter five and verse six:
For in Jesus Christ
neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith
which works by love.
Before
Paul the apostle leaves the subject of circumcision he desires that
his words are clearly understood on the subject. He begins, “For
in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor
uncircumcision:...” It is not by the outward appearance that
anyone is made righteous. Those among the Galatians who thought
themselves more saved because of a cutting away of the outward flesh
were deceived. The word employed by Paul is “avails” which
means – to be strong, to have power as shown by extraordinary
deeds; to be a force, serviceable; to be able. The idea is that
neither circumcision nor uncircumcision puts a person in a better
position with God. No, rather, the position in Jesus Christ is what
is most important.
Paul
continues, “...but faith which works by love.” The work
that is done has been completed by Jesus, and now faith works by
means of love. It is the love of God which is poured out upon those
who trust in, rely upon, and cling to Jesus Christ. It no longer is
the outward observance of the law of God which justifies a person,
but rather the love of God working by faith in that individual. The
key component to begin to understand the doctrine of grace is that
the work is all God's. God gave everyone a way by which they may
become righteous before Him – that way is through Jesus Christ, and
having a relationship with Him is the only way to become righteous.
Lest
we be too harsh on these misled Galatian believers, perhaps we should
examine our own lives and determine whether we are relying upon any
outward expression within our lives for our salvation. Do we observe
certain rituals, traditions, rules or patterns that make us feel more
holy than others, or are we dependent upon the “faith
which works by love” that is
offered by God the Father? May we all meditate upon our practices and
realize that our true “hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus'
love and righteousness.”
Next time Paul will ask the Galatians who it was that hindered them,
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
No comments:
Post a Comment