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

Galatians 3:21-4:7 – Children of God

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”

Galatians 3:1-20 – Law vs. Faith

Read Galatians 3:1-20

What a lesson Paul is teaching us here! The age-old issue of how obeying the law and faith in Jesus co-exist is explained plainly. First, were you also surprised at how direct Paul was with his audience? He did not sugarcoat his message for fear of hurting anyone’s feelings and called the Galatians out as “foolish.” Paul’s observations of the people’s response to their faith troubled him greatly.

We can benefit from their foolishness. Paul’s explanation clears up a lot about the law and our faith. How often have you ventured out on your own, trusting your human effort alone to get something done, particularly kingdom work? I’m guilty. There is no way for us to be perfect or achieve perfection, so that shouldn’t be our goal. Becoming more like Jesus will move us toward being more perfect, for Jesus was the only perfect one. Continue reading “Galatians 3:1-20 – Law vs. Faith”

Galatians 2:1-21 – Live for God

Read Galatians 2:1-21

Paul’s “voice” is different than Luke’s in the Book of Acts. When we read the letters of Paul alongside the account of his life as told by Luke, it’s powerful. I was a bit astounded when Paul admits it was fourteen years between his visits to Jerusalem. That puts his ministry into perspective from a timeline perspective. Do you remember what you were doing fourteen years ago?

I appreciated how Paul also shared his heart with his audience in Galatia. Even though Paul is seen as a great faith leader, he wanted the affirmation that what he was doing was okay with the “authorities.” Have you ever sought such approval with a leader you respect to make sure you’re “on the same page,” or doing things “right”? Continue reading “Galatians 2:1-21 – Live for God”

Galatians 1:1-24 – The True Gospel

Read Galatians 1:1-24

We’re taking a short detour from the Book of Acts to pick up one of Paul’s letters to the people in Galatia. Paul used letters as a way of communicating with believers to encourage them and keep them on track. He was well acquainted with how the world offered little support to Christians. Paul also knew how fragile the faith of new believers could be if challenged. Since Paul couldn’t stay in one place for long, he hoped his letters would fill in the gaps.

Paul’s letter starts with a blessing and a reminder of who Jesus is. The tone then shifts to astonishment and correction about the Good News these people have started following. Paul was “shocked.” Was it because of how quickly they turned away or that they didn’t know any better to ignore a contrary message? Continue reading “Galatians 1:1-24 – The True Gospel”

Acts 15:1-35 – Spread the Word

Read Acts 15:1-35

What did you learn from today’s passage? Was it realizing what the “sticking points” were for accepting Gentiles? Was it seeing how the new believers navigated difficult discussions and decisions? Was it wanting to follow Paul’s example of faith and acceptance?

The whole notion of circumcision, while I understand its significance, still seems a bit odd to be such an important “requirement.” It was this issue that ended the first missionary journey abruptly, sending Paul and Barnabas back to Jerusalem, back to the “headquarters” of the new believers to meet with the elders and apostles. Already we have a good example of problem solving. Continue reading “Acts 15:1-35 – Spread the Word”

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