Current Status

Hello all, I'd like to inform you that due to some recent developments (my harddrive crashed--like, seriously crashed; it's old), I will be unable to post for a while. I will start posting again as soon as I am able to do so. Until then, feel free to catch up on my other great posts. Grace and peace from God the Father in our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Galatians 5:11 Preach the Gospel, For It Pleases God

Galatians 5:11 But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.

If people are circumcised, does persecution stop? Is the gospel offensive because we are not preaching one point of the Law? Most certainly not. The issue that Paul is raising is not circumcision in and of itself. The issue is that the gospel is offensive because it strikes down self-righteousness. The gospel is offensive, it is a stumbling block because it proclaims all men to be under the power of sin—not morally good. It offends people and causes them to become outraged because it tells them that they are in need of a righteousness that is alien to themselves; it tells them that they need pure grace, and that they are helpless.

Brothers and sisters, this is a major issue in America today. Many churches, having become dead under liberalism, have adopted the secular view that all men are equal and all are generally good. Sin has become little more than a few mistakes a person makes—it is most certainly not taught that people are ruled by evil and that all their inclinations are constantly toward evil (cf. Genesis 6:5). Thus, since a person must strive in his/her own power, the cross is not the only way to God. Jesus is thrown in the mix with all the other religions. Pluralism ensues. Even more than this, those who preach the gospel of Jesus Christ as it is laid out in Scripture are harassed and mocked as living in the Stone Ages.

If we would merely turn and preach that circumcision is an acceptable way to God, this light affliction would cease (though perhaps it is not as light as some claim it is). If we would stop preaching the cross, i.e. the wretchedness of sin to the Holy God and the need for One who is perfect to take our place in both obedience and propitiation, then their would not be such a stumbling block to people. We would see an influx of people who desire the mere self-help version of the Bible. People would not be offended that we tell them of their sin and their need of turning from their style of life. If the cross is abolished, the path will be wide and the gates will be swung wide open for all to waltz through. However, is this the way of God?

Is not what we preach, “The gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God”? (2 Corinthians 4:4). The gospel is foolishness to the liberal churches and to the secular world because it is foolishness to them (1 Corinthians 1:18). And why not, for if men are inherently good then the cross is absolutely unnecessary. However, to us, the gospel is the power of God. God has destroyed the boasting of the wise of this world. God has elected us, and has put within us the His gospel, which makes us appear foolish to the world. Thus, God gets the glory, not those who are wise in their own eyes.

We must continue to preach this offensive message. Only the gospel “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Only through the gospel does the Spirit come in power to change people’s hearts. Only the gospel can change their lives and turn them back to ways that are pleasing to God. Only the gospel can overcome homosexuality, abortion, addictions, laziness, arrogance, and all the out-springs of sin. Only the gospel can put people in a right relationship with God, and save them from His wrath. May we preach Christ crucified, the stumbling block that it is, in all its power (1 Corinthians 1:23). If we preach it, we will offend men, but we will please God.

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Good Deeds, Self-Righteousness, and the Glory of God

Is Scripture contradictory? The answer to that is ‘no’! The Bible is both inerrant and infallible. It is inspired by God and it is absolutely coherent. However, there are some teachings that seem contradictory. Let me expound upon what may seem to be one of the most blatant examples of this in the teaching of Jesus. In fact, both of these occur in the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew.

Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:1-6).

Jesus also said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Now, whether Jesus said these two sayings at the same time is open to interpretation and debate. However, it is clear that Matthew saw fit to put both of these teachings together into the same discourse of Jesus. These two sayings must be able to coincide; otherwise we must conclude that Matthew was merely a moron—some unlearned fool. However, Matthew must have had at least some education; after all, he was a tax collector. So I think it is safe to assume that Matthew knew what he was doing in putting these two teachings of self-conduct in the same narrative.

Both of these teachings are concerned with practicing good deeds before others. One commands you to do your good deeds so that others may see them, the other commands you not to do your good deeds before others. One is saying that you will be rewarded for doing your good deeds for people to see them (though not explicitly) while the other says that you already have your reward, and it is a foolish, perishing reward if you do you deeds for people to see them. This is the essential problem that we have here.

In the first (Matthew 6:1-6), notice what the “hypocrites” do. They blow the trumpet when doing good deeds and they pray in open places for others to see them. This is an attitude of self-piety. They are seeking for men to see them doing what appear to be righteous deeds so that they might be honored. When they give, they desire to be praised for being generous givers. They desire to be noticed and applauded, they desire to receive the glory when they pray. They are like the self-righteous Pharisee who saw himself as better than others (Luke 18:10-12). These are those who believe they are better and more righteous than others—and this is in some way inherent in them.

The latter (Matthew 5:14-16) seek attention to be given to their deeds not so that they may receive the praise of men, but so that those who see them may glorify God. They have been extended grace and so want others to see what God has done. They, being the light of the world, are seeking to bear witness to the true Light who lives inside of them (John 1:1-18). By showing their deeds, they are saying, “Look beyond me to the One who has changed me; the One who has given me this new heart” (cf. Ezekiel 11:19).

The essential difference here is not the deeds that are done nor the where they are done; rather, it is the reason for which they are done and the attitude that motivates them. As Christians, we must seek to do good deeds for the world to see—that we may be witnesses of the Light. However, we must have the same attitude within us that was in the first witness to the True Light: “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven” (John 3:27). The good deeds, as well as the heart of faith that does them are both the gifts of God (Ephesians 2:8-10). We are not the Christ; we do not deserve any glory—all is do to Him (John 3:28). So we must say along with the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

However, such an attitude will overflow only when we have killed the sin that dwells in our flesh. This will occur when we give in secret and when we pray in secret. When we seek the reward that is ours from God, and not the praise of men. Recognize that you will be rewarded for your faithfulness—your reward is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-4, 1 Peter 1:3-5). Seek to give with an attitude that does not seek to draw attention to yourself. Make it so hidden that not even your right hand will know that your left hand is given (this does not mean not to put your name on the offering envelope, but rather not to drop handfuls of change in the offering plate so as to make a big commotion) (the right hand, left hand teaching is obviously hyperbole—you can never actually make it so that parts of your body do not know that they other part is giving or doing something—this is merely given to serve to show how secretive your intentions ought to be).

Also, seek to pray in private. This does not mean not to pray over your meal in public, but do not seek to draw attention to how pious you are because you are praying. We must have secret lives of prayer to give us strength and total reliance upon God for our daily lives. However, it may be more of a temptation not to pray in public today, in our secularized society, because people may think of you as some kind of superstitious bimbo. However, let it be known that you unashamedly believe in God and that you personally know Him. This will be a witness to them so that God may receive the glory.

Soli Deo Gloria!

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Galatians 5:9-10 Watch Doctrine Carefully, For a Little Bad Doctrine Can Corrupt Completely

Galatians 5:9-10 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.

Brothers and sisters, this is a clear warning even for our day. As Jesus warned His disciples that the leaven (yeast) of the hypocritical, self-righteous teaching of the Pharisees would corrupt all who heed their doctrines, and so to be wary of what they teach (Matthew 16:5-12), so Paul now reminds the Galatians that the seductive message of the Judaizers would usurp more and more power in the community and in the lives of those who listen to them. Bad doctrine itches people’s ears (cf. 2 Timothy 4:3-4). It often tells them what their sinful nature wants to hear; and in the case of unwary Christians, it scratches the lusts of the sin that still dwells within their flesh. Such bad doctrine is like yeast; if you put a little yeast into a batch of bread dough, mix it up and let it sit, the yeast will ferment and leaven the whole loaf of bread. It may take a long time or it may take a short amount of time, but bad doctrine will infect and corrupt extensively those who give heed to it.

This is why, fellow heirs, we must not tolerate bad doctrine. When we know of it in ourselves, we must seek to root it out and be filled with good doctrine. We must also seek to help others root out their bad doctrines; with extreme gentleness and patience, however (cf. 2 Timothy 2:24-26). If they are not corrected, they will bear the judgment of God upon them.

We must be especially sensitive when we are dealing with matters of the gospel. Many churches today pride themselves in the diversity of their teachers (in Sunday School classes, for instance). They are not taking seriously this clear and crucial teaching of Scripture. We should not be allowing Open-Theists to teach in our Sunday Schools; nor should we be allowing those who adhere to the “New Perspective” (the teaching that there is no positive imputation of Christ’s righteousness to believers) be leaders in our small groups. These are dangerous heresies (though I will not pass judgment hastily upon them to call these people unbelievers). Such heresies easily distract and confuse especially younger believers and can become extremely divisive. Not only this, but one bad theology will usually, if not always, lead to other bad theologies; as humans, we cannot live with a system that is not coherent (at least not consciously). We will of necessity, it is our nature, construct systematic theologies which will have massive effects upon our lives. Thus, Paul warns us to be very careful when it comes to our life and our doctrine. How we live will affect what we believe and what we believe will affect how we live (1 Timothy 4:16).

As Paul had confidence in the Galatians that they would return to the gospel that they had received, so remain hopeful, especially those of you in positions of leadership, that those who have strayed will return to good doctrine. Keep on praying and pursuing peaceful discussions. Throwing up the heresy flag in their face is rarely ever the solution. Rather, approach them with gentleness. Show them from Scripture why you will not allow them to teach or lead ministries. Be humble. Though offense may come, do not grow hostile; “perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

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Galatians 5:7-8 Watch Your Doctrine Carefully, Lest You Be Hindered

Galatians 5:7-8 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.

The Galatians had started out strong in the faith, or so it appeared. They were running the race well. They were well on their way to attaining the prize. However, they got sidetracked. Someone had hindered them. It was not that they were hindered by sin in their life (as Hebrews 12:1 speaks of), but by bad doctrine. They had failed to watch their life and their doctrine carefully. Because they were not watching these areas closely, as is necessary, they were being deceived and were probably also deceiving each other and all those with whom they spoke. This was leading them off the straight and narrow path to salvation (1 Timothy 4:16, cf. Matthew 7:13-14). If they would have been more careful, they would have discerned that these doctrines by which they were being persuaded to abandon faith in Christ were not from God, but were the doctrines of demons.

Brothers and sister in Christ, let this serve as a warning to you. If you do not seek good doctrine and you do not watch your doctrine (or theology) carefully, you too may be hindered from obeying the truth that has been given you in the gospel. And we know that “he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36). Watch out for the false teachers. They come in disguised as sheep, but they are wolves in disguise (Matthew 7:15). No matter if you appear to be running the race of faith well now, if you succumb to these deceptive doctrines you will be hindered from finishing the race. You must forsake sin and hold to Christ and the gospel to attain to salvation (future salvation, that is) (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12:1-3). Those who persevere to the end prove themselves to have been kept by the power of God for salvation—good fruit is the evidence that perseverance will occur (cf. 1 Peter 1:5).

Anything that does not coincide with the gospel is not from God. Thus, forsake whatever it is that does not line up with the teaching of God, the One who set you apart and thus has the sovereign right to define the terms and conditions of salvation. Let anything that is not in accord with this gospel be accursed to you. Let it be damned! Call heresy, ‘heresy’. Do not give in to the doctrines, as slippery as they can be, of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Mormons, Christian Science, etc. Though their teachings may seem true at first glance, when you look at them more closely and in light of true Biblical exegesis (considering the language and meaning used) you will find them to fail to measure up. Be careful, brothers and sisters, lest someone hinder you.

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A Look into the Life of Lenny

I figured since few of my postings have anything to do with what is actually going on in my life (outside of my theological thought life--which probably is about 70% of my life), I thought I'd let you all know what has been going on. I'll refrain from talking about what is going on in my thoughtlife; because that could get long and ugly. But this should help you to get to know me as a person, and not just some faceless blogger.

So Monday was Valentines day. As you all know, I'm quite the ladies the man (seriously, it's not that funny, you can stop laughing). So, since I didn't find a date (I actually didn't even ask anyone to do anything because I don't even know who I'd ask) I spent the afternoon at the Presbyterian Seminary reading Fox's Book of the Martyrs; I mean, The Anabaptist Story (I don't know that there was a single Anabaptist during the 16th century who wasn't martyred). So, anyway, after studying, Uche, Mike, and I went on a triple date to Ci-Ci's Pizza (oh yea! Tyler found one here in Louisville, $4 all you can eat pizza!) Well, apparently our dates didn't get the message, so it was just the three of us. But Mike ate 23 pieces, whereas Uche and I might have knocked off 20 together. But we scarfed the cinnemon rolls; but not as much as this old lady who took half the tray.

Yesterday, because it was so nice, Mike, Uche, myself, and a couple other guys played some football. I threw a pass for Uche that ended up hitting Mike in the back of the head (Mike was defending Uche). If it hadn't hit Mike, it certainly would have been a touchdown. But Mike and Uche (and Arvind too) all went to California for the rest of the week (for free--like everything is free, including meals!) to some thing where they are to give their opinions on stuff. They said they'd bring me back a souveneir.

I had small group Sunday night and also played some risk with Jared and Becca. Besides those married women (3 of the them), the only other person with a double X who I've associated with (to my knowledge) is Lindsay. Praise God for Lindsay! Otherwise, I've only hung out with people who have a Y.

But I have hung out with Brother James (Jimmy Laquey for all you French speakers). His West Virginian humor has kept me going. The other night I showed him the Baby Got Book video. He (of all people) found it offensive. (I'd tell you more about interaction with Brother James but it would probably be inappropriate for this medium).

And in other news, I found out that in 20 years 'nanobots' will make people immortal. I mean, c'mon, 'nanobots'? That seriously sounds like something out of the '80s. And besides, robots haven't been cool since the '80s. I think Ray, with his MIT diploma, might be taking enough supplements to affect his brain.

And finally, I saw some dogs chasing a rabbit around Fuller hall. After watching Napoleen Dynamite, this seemed rather pointless to the plot of my life.

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Human Immortality and the Fear of Death: Seriously, What's Up with That?

Ray Kurzweil, a 56 year old computer scientist who has received all sorts of medical related awards, believes that in twenty years mankind will overcome death and achieve immortality. He has written a book to help people to live healthy enough to live the next twenty years and benefit from this. According to CNN, “Kurzweil writes of millions of blood cell-sized robots, which he calls "nanobots," that will keep us forever young by swarming through the body, repairing bones, muscles, arteries and brain cells. Improvements to our genetic coding will be downloaded via the Internet. We won't even need a heart.” And Kurzweil is serious about this, as he does not even tailgate when driving and he drinks ridiculous amounts of water and green tea.

Such a view and a desire stems from an atheistic worldview—one in which mankind can do not but remain a slave to death and fear it. Since in an atheistic/agnostic worldview we cannot have any idea as to what lies beyond the grave, and there may actually be nothing, death has its clutches upon our throats. Death has an incomparable sting. It is only right to hope for immortality in this life. What other possible hope is there? Everything is meaningless. Survival of the fittest ensues—morality should probably be dropped like a bad habit—its all about ‘me’ in this worldview.

Let’s consider this a little further, however. Let’s say for a moment that Kurzweil is correct, and that in twenty years mankind will have created a way that we will not die of ‘natural’ causes. Let’s consider the ‘unnatural’ causes. Car accidents will still exist, so will tornadoes, earthquakes, fires, gunshot wounds, drownings, animal attacks, terrorist attacks (take September 11, 2001 for instance, in case you have forgotten), and countless more forms of death. Nothing science can invent can stop these from occurring; and nothing can be invented to stop their effects. We are slaves to nature—currently.

Kurzweil says, “In my view, we are not another animal, subject to nature's whim.” He is correct in saying this. Humans are not just any other animal. Humans are not even merely evolved animals. Humans can think logically, ethically, and have control over the natural realm. We are the crown of God’s creation (Genesis 1:26-27). As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, God pays special attention to mankind. In fact, God has “made him for a little while lower than the angels;” He has “crowned him with glory and honor, and have appointed Him over the works of” His hands. In fact, God has “put all things in subjection under His feet. For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him” (Hebrews 2:6-8). Though man was created to be the sovereign over all living things upon the earth (Genesis 1:28), because of mankind’s disobedience in Adam in the fall, all of nature is cursed and is in a state rebellion to the proper order (Genesis 3:17-19). Thus mankind is subject to earthquakes, tornadoes, snakebites, diseases, and yes, old age.

The greatest statistic of all time is that one out of every one person dies. There has not existed a man who did not die. That is the point of Genesis chapter five. That is Paul’s point in Romans 5:14. There is not a single man who has ever lived who has not died (save Elijah and Enoch, but they ceased to exist upon the earth, nonetheless—they would have died if God had not taken them). This pattern will continue. Mr. Kurzweil, you are wrong. In twenty years (if mankind lasts that long) we will look back and laugh at the thought of us being able to attain to immortality. This will go the way of the idea that we will have flying cars by the year 2000 or that the Terminators will take over the world by 1996 (the former was actually a conceived idea, the latter was merely a movie plot). The Lord scoffs and makes clear,

Even those who trust in their wealth and boast in the abundance of their riches[,] no man can by any means redeem his brother or give to God a ransom for him—for the redemption of his soul is costly, and he should cease trying forever—that he should live on eternally, that he should not undergo decay. For he sees that even wise men die; the stupid and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others. Their inner thought is that their houses are forever and their dwelling places to all generations; they have called their lands after their own names. But man in his pomp will not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the way of those who are foolish, and of those after them who approve their words. As sheep they are appointed for [death]; death shall be their shepherd” (Psalm 49:6-14).

“Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless. All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return” (Ecclesiastes 3:19-20). “As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone and its place remembers it no more” (Psalm 103:15-16).

However, hope does exist. Everyone of those Bible passages, in the verses after what I have quoted speak of those whom the Lord loves and those whom trust in the Lord. To those who trust the Lord (AKA Christians), death no longer has its power. The early Christians were absolutely certain that Christ was raised from the dead physically. In fact, as Paul records, 500 people saw Christ risen at one time (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Paul does not speak of himself as merely believing or hoping that Christ was risen from the dead, but that He knew absolutely that Christ was risen from the dead (in Romans 6:9 the word Paul uses is ‘oida’; he knew for a fact that Jesus was risen from the dead). Paul’s hope and trust was that “we shall also live with Him,” those of us who trust in Christ (Romans 6:8). Today Christians are to believe, upon the witness of the Scriptures and Christ’s reigning in our hearts, that He truly did physically raise from the dead (despite what John Dominic Crossan says).

If Christ was not physically risen from the dead, Paul and the other apostles, who claimed to have witnessed physically the risen Christ, were imbeciles. They were a bunch of half-witted morons who deserved to die for their own stupidity (and they did die for the hope to which they clung). They, as well as all the Christians who unwittingly believed them through the ages, “are of all men most to be pitied,” “if we have hoped in Christ in this life only”; or in other words, if Christ is not risen from the dead (see 1 Corinthians 15:12-19). “But now Christ has been risen from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Christ is the guarantee of the physical resurrection of the dead for all who trust Him. This same denial of the resurrection of the dead was occurring among the “intellectual” of the first century just as it does among the intellectuals today; such as by the secularists and the Jesus Seminar. “Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer” (Acts 17:32). This is because “the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). In their ‘wisdom’, the wise of this age have written off both the need for redemption through the cross and the resurrection of the dead.

Brothers and sisters, the fear of death still plagues mankind, as Ray Kurzweil’s life testifies. Men fear death. No man will ever attain immortality in this life, for “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This is the Word of God and it will stand without contention. However, we, brothers and sisters, have the hope. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). And just as death comes to man, “so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who early await Him” (Hebrews 9:28). This is our hope. Study up on your apologetics of the resurrection of Christ, and go teach this world of their sin and their need for redemption in Christ, “always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15). I leave you with the words of Derek Webb:

“go in peace to love and to serve
let your ears ring long with what you’ve heard
and may the bread on your tongue
leave a trail of crumbs
to lead the hungry back to the place that you are from
and take to the world this love, hope and faith
take to the world this rare, relentless grace
and like the three in one
know you must become what you want to save
‘cause that’s still the way
He takes to the world
go, and go far
take light deep in the dark
believe what’s true
He uses all, even you” (Take to the World, off of She Must and Shall Go Free)

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Galatians 5:4-6 Hope in Christ Lest You Fall from Grace

Galatians 5:4-6 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, if you seek to be justified before God on the basis of obedience to the Law, seeking to obtain a righteous standing before God upon your own merit, you are “severed from Christ”—Christ does not benefit you. This is Paul’s argument against the Galatians, who were trying to be justified before God upon their adherence to the Law (specifically their keeping of circumcision). It is the same way with you, Christian. Even if you “prayed the prayer,” as many call it, or if you have even seemed to have been walking for a while, your true end is shown by your lack of endurance—you have proven that you yourself are not one who has abided in Christ (John 15:4-6). If you do not abide in Christ (in the case at hand, this abiding means trusting in Christ as your righteousness, not in your own merit), you will be cut off from Christ, you will spiritually dry up, and you will be cast into the fire to be burned (John 15:6).

This is what Paul means by telling the Galatians that they have “fallen from grace.” This is a warning to them (which Paul states as though it has already definitely happened). Because they have sought to be justified by keeping the Law rather than by abiding in Christ, they have lost their position in God’s grace—i.e. proven themselves to have never truly been saved. If they would have remained in Christ, they would have remained in God’s grace. However, their lack of perseverance proves that they were not the recipients of God’s saving grace (Scripture is sufficiently clear that God’s saving grace cannot be annulled—they had come short of God’s grace (Hebrews 12:15)). They were holding God’s grace in Christ Jesus to lack sufficiency, and so were cut off from it. This warning remains against us today, fellow Christians. Make sure you abide in Christ and continue in God’s grace.

Why can you not hope in being justified by the Law and continue in God’s grace? Because by the power of the Spirit, holding on to Christ by faith, Christians are waiting in hope, trusting in God to justify them by the imputed (credited, in a legal sense) righteousness of Christ. We do not hope to attain to any righteousness on our own through keeping the Law, but we trust God’s promise, hoping in Christ (with a sure hope) that God will count on to be righteous and so allow us enter His presence. We are hoping in the promise that God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Those who seek to be justified by their own merit by keeping the Law do not have this hope. Rather, they hope in their own ability to keep the Law; thus they dishonor Christ.

Brothers and sisters, when we speak of being “in Christ,” it does not matter that a person has been circumcised or has not received circumcision. Both Jew and Gentile are welcome. It does not matter whether a person worships in corporate fellowship on Saturday or Sunday, or even on Tuesday at 4:17 PM for that matter. “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). What matters is that we have hope that is evidenced by love. “For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men” (Romans 14:18). This love means that we are seeking to build up the Body of Christ: the Church (Romans 14:19). It means that we bear with one another’s weaknesses. It means that we seek to put others first. It means that we realize and seek to live out the principle: “It is so not about me.” And that is the truth, dear Christian, “It is so not about you.” The principles of “do” and “don’t” of legalism do not matter; what matters is that you have love (cf. John 13:35, 1 John 3:11). Love is the evidence of faith in Christ.

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Galatians 5:2-3 Do not Seek to be Under Law or else Christ Will not Benefit You

Galatians 5:2-3 Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.

If a person receives physical circumcision after “receiving” Christ, is he/she then cut-off from Christ? If this is the case, then Paul, to his own knowledge condemned Timothy, his own child in the faith (Acts 16:1-3). So Paul most certainly is not talking about merely physically receiving circumcision. Rather, Paul is addressing the situation of the heart. The one who seeks to be justified by keeping the outward Law, of which circumcision is the sign, is claiming that Christ is not a sufficient atonement. Christ has no benefit for this person because this person does not trust in Christ but rather in his/her own meritorious efforts. All those who receive circumcision, because they are seeking in whole or in part to be justified the Law (not for the reason of becoming all things to all men to be an effective witness—the reason Timothy was circumcised), are obligated to keep the whole Law perfectly and to establish their own righteousness. If they fail in a single point they will be condemned—because Christ is not their Lord, He does them no good.

Brothers and sisters, do not think that you can attempt to keep a part of the Law; you are completely free from it if you are in Christ. If you seek to keep one part of the Law, seeking to be justified by tithing for instance, you are obligated to keep every point of the Law. If you mess up in one single point, however, you have “become guilty of all” (James 2:10). This is because “He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘do not murder.’ Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law” (James 2:11). Do not seek to be judged by your keeping of the Mosaic Law. Rather “speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:12-13). Live as one who is to be judged by the law of liberty; showing mercy to others as you have received mercy. For “blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7). For the law of liberty consists of loving God and loving your neighbor, not keeping the Mosaic Law.

As Paul discussed earlier, faith and law cannot coincide; they are in opposition (cf. Galatians 3:2, 6-7, 12). If you live by faith, you are trusting in Christ to be your righteousness before God. Thus Christ is of great benefit to you. He is both the atonement for your sins and you are imputed with His righteousness. If you seek to be justified before God by the Law, and you seek to be righteous before God by the Law, you claim that “Christ died needlessly” and so He is of no benefit to you (Galatians 2:21); you will stand on your own before the judgment throne of God. Friend, stand firm in Christ—trusting Him alone and following Him faithfully. This is the only way to eternal life, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and so you have not kept the whole Law—you will either be guilty of all because you seek to establish your own righteousness or you will be innocent of all because you are in Christ.

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Sweet Christian Rap

Whoever did this was pretty clever. Who doesn't want a lady with a big Bible?
http://www.ayouthpastor.com/baby_got_book.wmv

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Servant of Servants

(Luke 17:10, Galatians 5:13, Philippians 2:3-4)

What have I done that I should deserve
Even the One of whom I unworthily serve?
Why should I bemoan when I am the least
Of those who will be at the great wedding feast?
What privilege that is mine to wash the feet
Of saints who I have been honored to meet?
To serve those who willingly spread the good news
To the lost nations of sheep who need renewed?
Men and women of whom the world is not worthy,
Who do not live life as one who is earthly.
The elect of God from all nations and races,
Who have received faith and grace upon graces.
That I should be granted fellowship with them
When I am not worthy to even touch their hem.
The smallest service I give should be my delight,
For I am not worthy to partake of the Light.
For a sinner am I and the worst who is known,
Yet grace and mercy even to me have been shown.
It is truly my honor to serve those who are fervent,
For I am merely a servant of servants.

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Galatians 5:1 Stand Firm in Christ, For You Have Been Set Free

Galatians 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Christ set you free from the condemnation and demands of the Law so that you would be fee to live for him, not so that you would return again to the bondage of the Law. You are a child of the free woman (4:31) so that you can live as one who is free. While this is freedom from the Law, it also includes freedom from sin; since “when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness” (Romans 6:16). Paul will cover this in more depth later, so it will suffice for now just to mention it. However, this does show that the only way of freedom is to walk by faith in Christ seeking to put to death the deeds of the flesh—for if you submit yourself once again to either sin or the Law, you become enslaved. (More on this later, as Paul gets to it).

What must you do to remain free? Paul makes it clear: one, keep standing firm; and two, do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Standing firm means being “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). God is going to reward you; so standing firm means you hope and trust in the eternal reward in Christ, not being “tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14), and by legalists and those who seek to enslave you to false hopes (either in promises of freedom under sin—such as those who say that homosexuality is freeing to the one who practices it, or to those who claim freedom comes when you release your mind—such as in Easter religions and mystical experiences). You must stand firm in the whole counsel of the Word of God (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15).

Stand firm encouraging one another in the same spirit (Philippians 1:27). Seek to edify one another by “speaking the truth in love…[so that you may] grow up in all aspects into… Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). This means you must rebuke, reprove, exhort, and encourage one another, seeking the purity of doctrine and lifestyle. You must also stand firm in the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) against the schemes of the enemy and against sin. You must both flee temptation and resist sinning when you are tempted. Finally, to stand firm, recognize that it is God “who establishes [or makes you stand firm]… you in Christ and anointed us… who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). Trust in God to keep you and pray that He might grant you to stand firm in the faith and to endure to the end.

You must also reject turning again to the yoke of slavery. The yoke of Christ is light and is not burdensome, for His Spirit, through patient-effort on our parts, gives us the necessary strength and desire to do the will of Christ (Matthew 11:28-30). This being filled with the Spirit takes time, as sin still dwells in our flesh; so do not be discouraged that Christ’s commands may seem burdensome for a while, for as you continue to practice them they will become an extension of who you are and will become natural. The yoke of slavery to the Law, on the other hand, is extremely burdensome, both to your conscience, as it condemns you, and to keep, as outward keeping of the Law does not affect the inward man, and so is not and will not become natural.

Resisting the yoke of slavery will piggyback standing firm in the hope you have in Christ and in the teaching of the Word that you received. These two must be held onto together to keep you in the faith that you will endure to the end. If you do not stand firm in the faith but turn again to slavery to the Law, Christ will not profit you, and you will stand before God in your own merits (Galatians 5:2).

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Galatians 4:31 You Are Children of the free woman, So Seek to Reconcile the Children of the Bondwoman

Galatians 4:31 So then, brethren, we are not children of a bondwoman, but of the free woman.

Christian, because you are an heir of the Kingdom of Christ, you are not a child of the bondwoman. Have you received the Spirit? Do you have faith in Christ? Are you persevering? Then you are not to turn back to the Law. You are not the heir of bondage. You are not receiving the reward of the earthly Jerusalem, which is destruction (as 70 A.D. bears witness). Those who are heirs of the bondwoman have her same fate. They will not enter the Kingdom of God.

Christian, “to you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted” (Matthew 13:11). The Pharisees and those of the legalistic system “will keep on hearing, but will not understand; [they] will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; for the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes, otherwise they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and [God] would heal them” (Matthew 13:14-15). If they would hear the way of the cross, if they would turn to Christ, they would be forgiven and would be heirs of the free woman. However, their hearts are dull; they are in need of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit to even hear the Gospel that we preach to them (and we are to preach so that they Holy Spirit might change their hearts and bring them to repentance).

To you who have, “more shall be given.” You are an heir of the Kingdom. You have the Spirit as your guarantee. You have eternal life now. When Christ returns, you shall be given more; you shall be given perfect everlasting life with God. However, those who do not have, such as those who remain slaves to the Law, even what they do have “shall be taken away” from them. The knowledge and the life which they possess will be taken away. Brothers and sisters, pray for them for they do not “accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to [them]; and [they] cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Pray that the Spirit might awaken them from their Spiritual death. Pray that they might come to Christ. And plead with them that they might repent and receive Christ. As children of the free woman, it is your duty and your true delight to seek for them to be reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

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Galatians 4:29-30 Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be an heir with the son of the free woman

Galatians 4:29-30 But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also. But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be an heir with the son of the free woman.”

The Judaizers, just like Ishmael, who were natural Jews and so tried to live by the letter, not the Spirit of the Law, persecuted and harassed the fledgling Church. This persecution was both physical, with beatings, imprisonments, and murders, as well as in reference to their religion. The Church was not under the legalistic system of keeping holidays and circumcision, but were living by faith in Christ. They were to live by faith, not by sight.(2 Corinthians 5:7). Their hope was to be in the Kingdom to come, not the present condition.

This harassment on religious issues was confusing and deceiving many of the Galatians, and thus they turned back to the system of the Law. This was not to be the case, however. The whole system of the Judaizers was to be done away with. They were to “cast out the bondwoman and her son.” Both the system and those who adhered to it were to be distinguished from and removed from the Church. The Church is new wine and thus is to be put in new wineskins. The old wineskins of Judaism were to be done away with so that both the Church and its gospel will be preserved (Matthew 9:17). The Judaizers were not to be listened to and were not to have fellowship with the Christians. They are not heirs of the Kingdom; only Christians are.

Legalists today are just as relentless to get you to follow their systems, dear Christians. They will seek to make you slaves once again right along with them. They are those who seek to merit the favor of God and seek to cleanse themselves of sin on their own power, not by the power of Christ to break the bonds of sin. They will harass you for your adherence to the gospel and will seek to deceive you out of your hope.

Today, brothers and sisters, many are calling for us to be pluralistic: accepting all religions as equal. We are told to accept the Jew, the Muslim, and the Hindu (and all other religions) as our brothers and as equal, or at least sufficient ways to God. We are told to accept them as coheirs in the Kingdom of God. We are told to treat them just the same as we would a believer. This, however, is not the case. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Such lies are from Satan, seeking to deceive both Christians and those of the other religions. For if Christians believe this, they will see no need to evangelize the other religions and bring them into the family of God in Christ; and further, those who are of the other religions believe this, they will not see their need of coming to Christ.

Brothers and sisters, “cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall be an heir with the son of the free woman.” Do not kick them out of the pews on Sunday morning. Rather, do not fellowship with them as you would other believers. Do not offer them the sacraments and do not seek them for ministry partners or for accountability. Further, do not allow them membership in the local church. They are not to have a say in the ordeals of the church. They are not heirs, so do not treat them as if they are. Treat them with love as you should any unbeliever, and seek to proselytize them.

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Galatians Applicational Commentary

This is an applicational commentary, similar to a sermonette. These short, daily expositions of Galatians are aimed at helping you to know how to practically apply the Word of God to your own life. They are also geared toward helping you to grow in your knowledge of God and your understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ, or justification by grace alone through faith alone.

I hope that each one of these "sermonettes" is understandable and applicable to Christians of all levels of spiritual maturity, and to those who are still searching on their spiritual pilgrimage (nonbelievers). I have in no way covered everything that could be said about each passage covered, as that would far exceed what is a short, daily meditation/devotional. Neither have I examined every way these verses can be applied to every life. It is up to you, by walking in the Spirit and trusting His guidance, to examine your own life and discover what implications God's Word has for you. I hope that this will be of some assistance to you in your walk with Christ and your study of Scripture. To God alone be the glory. May God multiply His grace and peace to you through Christ Jesus the Lord.

Galatians

• Chapter 1
• 1-5
• 6-9
• 10-12
• 13-17
• 15-21
• 22-24
  

• Chapter 2
• 1-2
• 3-5
• 6-9
• 10
• 11-13
• 14-15
• 16
• 17-18
• 19
• 20
• 21
• Chapter 3
• 1-2
• 3-5
• 6-7
• 8-9
• 10
• 11-12
• 13-14
• 15-17
• 18-19
• 20-21
• 22
• 23-25
• 26-29
• Chapter 4
• 1-3
• 4-5
• 6-7
• 8-9
• 10-11
• 12-14
• 15-16
• 17-18
• 19-20
• 21-26
• 27-28
• 29-30
• 31
  
• Chapter 5
• 1
• 2-3
• 4-6
• 7-8
• 9-10
• 11
• 12
• 13
• 14-15
• 16-17
• 18
• 19-21
• 22-23
• 24
• 25-26
  
• Chapter 6
• 1-2
• 3-5
• 6, 10
• 7-9
• 11-13
• 14
• 15-16
• 17-18
  

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Galatians 4:27-28 Rejoice, For the Gentile Children of the Promise Are Numerous

Galatians 4:27-28 For it is written, “Rejoice, barren woman who does not bear; break forth and shout, you who are not in labor; for more numerous are the children of the desolate than of the one who has a husband.” And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise.

Paul continues to show that a return to submission to the Law is unwise. The Church has a hope that those under the Old Covenant did not possess. This promise from Isaiah shows the futility in attempting to return to the Law. While this promise was probably not associated with Sarah and Hagar, it fits the situation perfectly. The Gentiles, who lived under a barren system and could only hope that God would be gracious toward them, will be more numerous and receive the greater blessing than physical Israel, who before the Babylonian captivity prospered in God’s grace, but now are slaves to the very system that was supposed to push them toward God.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us “break forth and shout” in this grace. Though our ancient ancestors were cut-off from God, we are now the people and priests of God (1 Peter 2:9-10). God has overlooked “the times of ignorance” of the Gentiles and “is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent” because He is going to judge all men through Christ Jesus. (Acts17:30-31). He is currently bringing in the full number of the Gentiles. Let this be the cause of great rejoicing. We are no longer left to our own ways and God has not held our ancestors’ idolatrous lifestyles against us as a people. We are the heirs of the promise like Isaac.

Let this also stir you to missions. The Gentiles in the peoples of God are more numerous than the ancient Jews. There are people groups who have never heard who must hear that this promise might be fulfilled. Be one who goes and/or one who gives generously to evangelize the other peoples. These people are your brothers and sisters in Christ. Are you not concerned about your own family? If people do not go and money is not given, these people will not hear and will not enter the family. They are a numerous and diverse people who wait to hear the good news that they may join our family. Consider, brothers and sisters, what role you are to play in bringing in the rest of the children of promise.

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Galatians 4:21-26 Live as a Free Child, For Your Mother is a Free Woman

Galatians 4:21-26 Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise. This is allegorically speaking, for these women are two covenants: one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar. Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.

Though the allegorical interpretation is not one that should often be sought (for example, parables usually only have one central meaning and are teaching one thing, the details should not be pressed), Paul shows an allegory from the Old Testament to clarify his point to the Galatians. If they desired to live under the Law so badly, then what they really were desiring to do is live as slaves. To live under the Sinai Covenant, one essentially desires to be a child and an heir of Hagar through Ishmael. Ishmael, however, was not the child of promise, but rather the child of the slave woman. He was born according to the fleshly desire of Abraham—out of his lack of trust in God to provide an heir. Ishmael does not inherit the promise of the blessing to Abraham, but rather is a slave—just as those who live as a children of the Sinai Covenant.

Currently, as it was in Paul’s day so it is in our day, a partial hardening of Israel persists (Romans 11:25). They are the present Jerusalem, and they stand veiled to the promises of God because the Sinai Covenant acts as a blinder to them, keeping them from perceiving the Covenant of the promise in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:14-16). “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes to see not and ears to hear not, down to this very day” (Romans 11:8). This has occurred until the fullness of the Gentiles, from every people group, comes in to Christ (Romans 11:12, 25-26). The Galatians, as all who seek to be justified by the Law and to live in subjection to it, were seeking to live in bondage. The present Jerusalem (the Jerusalem of the Law), with all who are her children, is a slave. So are you, friend, if you are seeking to be justified by the deeds of the Law.

On the other hand, those who are in the covenant of promise, the New Covenant in Christ’s blood, are free. We all are children of the heavenly Jerusalem. The Jerusalem above, represented by Sarah, is our mother. If the mother is free, then so are her children. We are the children of the promise. We have nothing to do with the present Jerusalem, for our inheritance is hidden in heaven with Christ. Store up treasures for yourself in hope! (Matthew 6:19-21). When Christ returns we shall receive our inheritance (Colossians 3:1-4). We are dead to the ways of this world and its principles (Colossians 2:20-3:11). Therefore, brothers and sisters, do not seek to live as bastard children of slavery, rather, live as adopted children of the promise of Abraham in Christ. You belong to Christ. To return to slavery would be foolishness and preposterous.

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Galatians 4:19-20 Labor as an Expectant Mother for the Flock, That Christ may be Fully Formed in Them

Galatians 4:19-20 My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you—but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Paul again shows that he is perplexed—unable to understand exactly what is going on in the mind of the Galatians; only this time Paul says it explicitly rather than just implying his bewilderment. The Galatians saw the freedom that was in Christ. They received the Spirit by faith in Christ (or so Paul assumed they had truly received the Spirit). It makes no logical sense to Paul why the Galatians would turn to be enslaved to the Law. He is “again in labor until Christ is formed in” them. It is if Paul again is giving birth to them as Christians; he is in birth-pangs until they come to Christ—again, in his eyes. He had already given birth to them, as their spiritual mother; yet it is as if he was going through this same process once again. Paul is absolutely concerned for them with pastoral care, with motherly care, desiring them to truly be Christians.

Brothers and sisters, especially my brothers who are in pastoral positions, have this same mind in you. Love your disciples (or your flocks, for those of you who are pastors) and, if need be, continue working with them even in the fundamentals until they fully grasp the things of Christ and are truly in Christ. If they continue to turn away, perhaps to be enslaved to the Law, even again and again, do not give up on them. Perhaps they originally did come to know Christ and receive the Spirit, perhaps they did not. Be in labor until their faith is evident. Since you can be with them (or at least I hope that you can be), ask them questions and seek to get to the heart of the issue. This is what Paul would have done. He would have been able to change his tone and he would not have been so perplexed, for he would know their reasoning, could he have talked to them.

Many may well remark (this is the doctrinal portion), “This understanding goes against the perseverance of the saints,” or the more Americanized rendering of that doctrine, “Once saved always saved.” However, I contend that it does not. We must understand that Paul, just like all humans, is not certain that the Galatians had ever truly received Christ (he saw momentary fruit and so perceived that it was good and lasting fruit, but they may have been thin soil). If they were saved then, then they still are saved, and so they will return to living under Christ. This is why Paul pleads with them as he does. Perhaps, however, they never had come to Christ. So Paul’s previous work did not result in their conversion, and so he hopes, as an expectant mother does, that this time the birth pangs will result in children. Paul knows that this is a state in which they cannot remain. Either they will follow Christ or they will turn from Him—proving one way or the other their state before God.

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Galatians 4:17-18 Seek to Bring Back Those Who Have Strayed, so that You may Present Them to Christ in Purity

Galatians 4:17-18 They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them. But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you.

As in Paul’s day, the spiritual war wages. The powers of darkness rage against the powers of God, seeking to hold men in bondage to sin. The Judaizers (the legalists) were seeking with great zeal for the Galatians to follow their teachings and be in their number. They did this, as Paul reveals, out of self-seeking motives. They were not proselytizing for the glory of God, but rather for their own glory (even though they thought they were doing so for the glory of God, no doubt). They, like the Pharisees and scribes, were willing to “travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte.” They had come all the way to Galatia. However, “when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves” (Matthew 23:15). They were the cause of stumbling blocks to “little ones who believe” (or seem to believe) in Christ (Matthew 18:6-7), and so as Christ pronounced “woe” upon them, so Paul pronounces that they are accursed (Galatians 1:6-9).

Their motives were to alienate the Galatians from the true Church. They desired the Galatians to follow their system, which would cut them off from the grace of God and the believing community. If the Judaizers could do this, the Galatians would surely follow them.

Paul’s motives, however, were pure. He desired with them, as he desired for all his churches, with a proper zeal for them. “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin” (2 Corinthians 11:2). He was afraid that they might be deceived and that they had left Christ (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:3). Paul would not have this. He was going to seek after them with great jealousy.

Fellow Christians, there are many cults out there who believe they are doing the work of God. They prowl around, disguising themselves even as true disciples of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13-15), possibly even deceiving those whom are in your congregations or those whom you are mentoring in the faith. If such is the case, seek to reconcile them to the true Church and to the teachings of Christ. Be jealous with a godly jealousy. Pray that they may come back. Seek to woo them back with the truth of the gospel; for the glory of God. And do it with gentleness, for “perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape form the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

This next verse is quite unclear translators. The translation in the NASB is above. The ESV translates it similarly: “It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you.” The NIV translates it in a completely different fashion: “It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you.” The NLT translates it similarly: “Now it's wonderful if you are eager to do good, and especially when I am not with you.” I am uncertain of which is the correct interpretation—I would be more bound to go with the more literal reading of the NASB and the ESV, and that is from whence my comments above come. However, since the NIV and NLT both translate it in a manner that is consistent with the teaching of Scripture as well, I feel it beneficial to consider the implications that come from their rendering.

The zeal for doing what is good in the sight of God, which the Galatians possessed, is a good thing. In fact, it is a very good sign when Paul is not even with them that they want to do what is pleasing to God. Paul even reminded the Philippians, “My beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13). Their zeal was good. However, their zeal needed to be in accord with godliness. There zeal had to be from the effectual working of God through His grace; not an attempt to keep the Law. Thus, brothers and sisters, do not hold in contempt one with zeal for God. Rather, be zealous yourself and strive to do what is pleasing to God—but do it in His grace, not an attempt to keep the Law.

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Deceiving the naive just like their father: "Playing the Christmas Game with a Marked Deck"

If you are a Christian or someone who is seeking for the truth, this article is a must read for you!
I have kept it short so that you can read this quickly.
Jesus told those who were "of the world" in His day "you... do the things which you heard from your father." He explained this further to them that "you are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. " They did not receive Him 1) Because He speaks the truth (John 8:45) and 2) Because Jesus Himself had not set them free from their bondage to sin (John 8:36).
It is the same way with many postmodern scholars. Because they are of the devil, they will not accept the teachings of Jesus, because Jesus' teachings are light upon the darkness of their moral depravity (John 3:19-21). However, they're hiding the true results of their inquiries, even from themselves. In his article Playing the Christmas Game with a Marked Deck, Robert H. Stein exposes their fallcies and their deceptions. This article is a must read! It will only take you about 10 minutes (at most). They don't want the truth to be known, for it will expose them for their fraud. However, nothing is hidden to God, their eternal judge (Hebrews 4:17), and one day this will all come to be known (Matthew 11:26-27).
As Christians we must acknowledge that Jesus' words are true: "Woe to the world because of its stubling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!" Woe to them because the judgment of God awaits them. In fact, "whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble," Jesus says, "it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 19:6-7). Those who cause one who is young in the Christian faith (or I think this can be extended to one who is looking into spiritual things) to stumble so as to sin or to reject Christianity based upon the lies that that individual is spreading, it would have been better for them never to have been born. Let us pray for them, fellow Christians, that they will repent and turn to Christ. And let us also pray that God will put a stop to their lies.

For further reading by Dr. Robert H. Stein that would be extremely beneficial for all who are Christians or are considering the truth claims of Christianity, check out:
Jesus the Messiah (a good apologetic book), and
A Basic Guide to Interpreting the Bible (to learn about the improper methods used by many in interpretation and to learn the proper method).
I strongly recommend all to read both of these books, as they will prove extremely beneficial in your own life (being able to give an answer for what you believe--1 Peter 3:15) and in witnessing to others.

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Galatians 4:15-16 Correct Those Who Have Strayed from the Truth, Reminding Them of Their Former Walk if Possible

Galatians 4:15-16 Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?

Paul is bearing witness to the Galatians that their temperament has changed. Though they used to be a blessing to him, helping him in every way that they could, they now treat him as though he is their enemy. All that Paul did was told them the truth. They have lost their love for him because they have been walking in the darkness (seeking to be justified by the Law). They have ceased from acting like disciples of Christ (cf. John 13:35). By seeking to live by the Law they have become dried-up spiritually. So Paul must use this as evidence against them in hopes that they will see the error of their way and turn back to the “straight and narrow” path; before they prove that they were merely seed scattered on the rocky places or among the thorns (Matthew 13:5-7). In Christ they were loving, but now they have seemingly lost that sense of love.

Let us digress for a moment and consider the Galatians. They were so loving that, if necessary, they would have given their own eyes to Paul. Now, some take this to mean that Paul had poor eyesight. That is going far beyond what the text allows. But what this does mean is that the Galatians would have given up that which was most precious to them if they could have, if Paul had such a need. This is great love. In the first century the blind were poor beggars; unable to do the most menial tasks (and blind people today continue to have trouble getting around and cannot do many everyday tasks that you and I take for granted (like reading this weblog for instance)).

However, they now were in a state where they could prove that they were never good soil to begin with (Matthew 13:8). They sprouted quickly but were in danger of spiritual death. They had been spiritually “enlightened” and had “tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come” (a.k.a. the Holy Spirit) (Hebrews 6:4-5). If they were to fall away, back into slavery to the Law, they could not possibly return to faith in Christ (Hebrews 6:6). They were in danger of trampling under foot the Son of God and regarding His sacrifice as unclean—insulting the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29-30). They were not abiding in Christ and trusting in Him alone, and so were in danger of being cut from Him, with the only expectation being judgment (John 15:1-10, cf. Hebrews 10:26-27)Paul had to warn them and seek to persuade them to return, lest it be too late.

Dearly beloved brothers and sisters; consider this situation and Paul’s counsel wisely. If you yourself and not abiding in Christ (in fellowship with a local Church, living in obedience to Christ, spending time with God and Christ in prayer and meditation upon the Word, fulfilling the great commission, etc), do not continue in your ways. Repent and return to Christ. Those who belong to Christ will endure to the end and overcome. Those who do not persevere will finally prove that they never were Christ’s at all. Abide in Christ.

Also, if you see others who claim Christ who are not abiding, confront them. This is a serious issue. If they do not abide they will be cut off from Christ. Here is the exhortation of James: “My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20). Seek lovingly to turn your straying brother/sister back to Christ, lest it become too late. Though they may treat you with contempt, as Paul was treated by the Galatians, love them enough to reprove them with the Word of God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

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