Galatians 2:11-21

Less of Me, More of Jesus

In this scripture Paul opposed Peter (who he sometimes called Cephas)  to his face because he saw him acting in a way that was hypocritical. How often do we see others saying one thing and doing another but do not call them on it? Are there times we talk the talk but don’t walk the walk and hope no one reveals us?

Peter, a proclaimed follower of Christ had been eating with the Gentiles, practicing what Jesus had taught him about nondiscrimination. As Jesus had dined with sinners and the lowly, he expected his apostles to do the same. Upon Paul’s arrival he observed Peter separating from the Gentiles. The other Jews joined him in observance of Jewish law.

Paul stated to Peter in Galatians 2:15-16; “We who are Jews by birth and not ‘Gentile sinners’ know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we too, have to put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.”

Bottom line I get from this is that religious groups have rules and practices they follow, as they did in the days of the old church. When Jesus came to earth, he offered us a new covenant, which gave us another way to look at our God. We found out that He is an all loving and forgiving God, not one who sits on a throne with a gavel in hand waiting to judge us. He cares for us deeply and wants to be eternally with us all when that time comes. This life we have is not ours but; “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Jesus came to earth to show us how to live the perfect life of love. Though we will not achieve the sinless status Jesus holds, we can continually strive for it by following the Word of God in our daily life. By holding ourselves accountable not so much for the rituals but our faith in the trinity that we demonstrate through our life journey, will we experience the spirit within us and be enabled to live a life that pleases God.

Lord, I need more of you in my life and less of me and the rituals that sometimes dictate my actions. Jesus,
please help me to live a Christ centered life each and every day with a focus on what you taught us is most important. God help me remember that I obey your word not to gain your approval, but because I have faith in you I am your precious child and already have your approval. Amen!

Read/Listen to Galatians 2:11-21

Galatians 5:1, 13-25

Knowing My Calling......Life By The Spirit

“Serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14

We have heard these lines many times before, but what about this next one?

“If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” Galatians 5:15

“The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” Galatians 5:22-23

Let’s be honest. It is not that difficult to serve those who welcome our service, and ooze with the fruit of the spirit themselves. It is also quite comfortable to love our neighbor when he is appreciative, and reciprocates gentleness, patience, self control, and love. It is not easy however, to love, serve, be patient with and kind to those who consistently make us feel sad and frustrated. That IS however, living life by the spirit.

It is much more natural to harbor bitterness and resentment, and far easier on the heart than to love and serve others we feel do not deserve it. The destruction that results however, is real. We tend to judge rather than love. We put down instead of building up. We take things personally and hold on tightly to those negative feelings, rather than forgiving. I’m sure glad God doesn't do that!

Our calling is to “live life by the spirit.” Not just when it’s convenient or comfortable, easy or satisfying. In fact, when it is most difficult, is when the true reward will follow.

Thank you Lord, for not giving up on us, even when we were turning away from you. During the times we were rude and indifferent Lord, you were patient and loving. When we did not deserve your time, you gave it to us anyway, and loved us, you just loved us!

Read/Listen to Galatians 5:1

Read/Listen to Galatians 5: 13-25