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”?
Even amidst Paul’s search for approval, his confidence remained intact. He didn’t want his audience to think his authority was in any way compromised. In fact, the story about the leaders in Jerusalem only supported Paul and his message.
Paul refers to a time when circumcision was still a big deal and sticking point for some Jews. We recently read about how that was handled in Luke’s account of the situation. It’s helpful to understand context between Bible passages, isn’t it?
For his current audience in Galatia, it would seem from Paul’s focus on circumcision that they, too, needed to hear this story. Even if it was a circumcision issue, there were likely to be squabbles about the law and how it applies to life and salvation. Paul’s counsel in verse 16 hits the target and is summed up as follows: “For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
That doesn’t mean we don’t respect the law; we simply need to understand the law doesn’t save us. Jesus saves us. Because of this, we no longer have to break our backs trying to keep up with 613 laws. We would certainly always fail or come up short. Paul suggests what worked for him. “I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God.” Live for God. What does that look like for you?
Most of the time, living for God means we have to give up some familiar things. I have to say that if things are keeping me from becoming who God designed me to be or from deepening my relationship with Him, then I want to set that aside. Paul states: “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
When I read this verse, I can’t help but think of the song from Phillips, Craig & Dean from 1995, called “Crucified With Christ.” Listen here. For it is not about my strength, but His, indeed!
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, thank you for the life you lived, for the example you set, and for your desire for me to draw closer to you. I want to throw off my own sinful nature and do a better job of being more like you. Help me to ignore the distractions of the world so I can live my life for you. You are my guiding light and the way to salvation. Thank you for all you have done for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
