Be Still… – Relevant Reflections to Let God's Word Back Into Your Hands and Heart

Acts 15:36-16:15 – Are You Listening?

Luke, our author, stayed with Paul. We see a parting of ways now for Paul and Barnabas. They had had such a good run on the first missionary journey. But their vision for what was next or who would be included did not align. We’ve probably seen rifts between ministry leaders before, but this was a complete change of direction for these traveling companions. Paul thought highly of Silas, his new partner, and now they begin a new adventure together.

Early on, Paul meets Timothy, who will have an important role in Paul’s ministry of spreading the gospel. I was a little surprised after all the talk about circumcision we read in Galatians that Paul would put Timothy through that. But Timothy was considered a Jew, even if he was only half Jewish. The towns mentioned here, Lystra and Derbe, are both found in southern Galatia. Paul is now meeting the people for whom he writes the book of Galatians. Continue reading “Acts 15:36-16:15 – Are You Listening?”

Galatians 6:1-18 – Don’t Give Up!

Read Galatians 6:1-18

These are Paul’s final words to the believers in Galatia, and they pack a punch. He reaffirms all that he has taught them, nearly beating them over the head with the truth. Here we feel like Paul is affirming us and sending us on our way equipped to face the evils of this world better than before.

Paul empowers his readers to live their faith out loud and help other believers who may be struggling. There is no question in Paul’s mind that brothers and sisters in Christ are going to stumble. That’s a given. But for each fallen soul, there needs to be a stronger believer standing by to help Jesus rescue them. But there is danger of falling in the pit right along with them, so beware! Continue reading “Galatians 6:1-18 – Don’t Give Up!”

Galatians 5:1-26 – Living by the Spirit

Read Galatians 5:1-26

Paul makes it sound easy to live by the Spirit, doesn’t he? We’re given a lot of wisdom in this passage; we could reflect for days. Especially if you’re finding it harder to fight off the messages you hear from friends that are contrary to the teachings of the Bible. These verses can really convict you to stand firm and not lose heart. Choosing the Holy Spirit is always the correct choice.

Again, Paul makes strong arguments for faith in Jesus. He gives concrete examples to his readers of what going down the wrong path looks like. His list of ways our sinful nature can trip us up got my attention. We’re all guilty. It’s way too easy to give in to our sinful nature because that’s what “feels” right. Clearly, our feelings often deceive us. The Holy Spirit never will. Continue reading “Galatians 5:1-26 – Living by the Spirit”

Galatians 4:8-31 – Correction or Consolation?

Read Galatians 4:8-31

Paul illustrates in this letter how easy it is to fall back into old habits and ways, despite having once chosen to follow Jesus. While temptations will come, Paul wants to stress the importance of not falling away. It seems like he’s taking responsibility because it is happening to someone he introduced to Jesus in the first place.

Paul didn’t want all his hard work to be for nothing, but beyond that, he didn’t want those people to become “slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world.” Weak and useless is a great way to describe what many people rely on for their “spirituality,” or belief system. We see all kinds of those temptations around us even today when people rely on the moon, the universe, or other “new age” trappings. Continue reading “Galatians 4:8-31 – Correction or Consolation?”

Galatians 3:21-4:7 – Children of God

Read Galatians 3:21-4:7

I like how Paul explains the law in familial terms, being in God’s family. If you’re a parent, or know some parents, you know their kids’ safety is always a primary concern and often a prayer request. When we think of the law as God’s protectiveness over his people while they waited for Jesus’ redemptive love, that’s a powerful mind shift for many.

I’ve never thought of God’s law as a “guardian” before. But what a great image! Just like an overprotective parent has rules that seem impossible to follow, so does the law. Just like children misbehave and test the boundaries, people through the ages have shown their disobedience to God. The Bible is full of examples where God’s children rebelled, followed false gods, and ignored and forgot the law. Does that sound familiar? Continue reading “Galatians 3:21-4:7 – Children of God”

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