November 30: 1 Corinthians 5-8

November 30, 1 Corinthians 5-8

1 Corinthians continued… for the intro on Corinthians, click here… Remember, Paul is writing to the Corinthian church about a bunch of things that he has heard about them, from the report from Chloe’s house… and is setting them straight. 

1 Corinthians 5 Sexual Immorality Defiles the Church. “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife.” Unbelievable to Paul that there would be sexual immorality with Christians and even that of incest. To the Christian, this is deplorable. Even the world doesn't support incest - and if the world doesn't support it, it must be bad. Paul rebukes them for being so arrogant in their passivity. Rather, they should mourn over this and kick out the guy that did this. This man needed to be kicked out and delivered to Satan (the world) so that someday he may come back to Christ before judgement day. A little leaven, or sin, affects the whole batch, or church. They must remove the sin before it infects them all. Paul then makes it very clear where he stands with a ‘brother’ who is sexually immoral. “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.” For those that claim Christ as their Savior, they are not to be living like a pagan. We are not to even have a meal with them or be associated with them. We are to purge the evil among us so that the whole church isn't infected. Paul is not talking about not hanging out with non-Christians… How will they be saved if we don't spend time with them? Rather, he is saying to not have anything to do with those that bear the name of Christ and live like a non-Christians. We are to judge those inside the church and God judges those outside the church.

1 Corinthians 6 Lawsuits Against Believers. The Corinthian christians were taking their brothers to court and suing them over what seems to be petty items. Paul calls them out for doing this and not having anybody wise enough among them to settle it or work through it. Ultimately, the saints (christ followers) will judge the world and even angels, so should we not at least be able to help settle some matters here on earth with the wisdom that God gives us? Then Paul ties that in with righteousness and eternity… “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” Basically, if you live like you don't need God and are pursuing your fleshful desires, then you will receive your desires and not be with God. Sin & Jesus don't mix. Sexually immoral means anything sexual - the greek word is kind of a catch all for anything sexually wicked. From porn to implicit images to toys to everything in between - God says His kids are to have nothing to do with it or they wont be with Him - think about it. If you were truly devoted to Christ, you would not desire the things of this world, but rather your desires would be for Him. Paul also mentions sex offenders, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, greedy, drunkards, trouble-makers, or cheaters - these people will also not enter heaven. Now, that is of course, if they have not received Jesus Christ before their death or judgement day. Once you come to Christ, all of these sins are no longer to be a part of your life nor should your desires be for them. You come to Christ and you are free. Not to make it sound too easy, because it is a battle sometimes - but we are warriors for Christ and the battle is His. But, like the Corinthians, we are washed by the blood of Jesus and are cleaned once we have Jesus! Praise God for that, otherwise, we are capable of so much horror in our lives with our flesh.

Flee Sexual Immorality. “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.” Just because it is allowed, doesn't mean that it is right to do. Or, as I tell my kids… just because you can doesn't mean you should. Paul talks about “The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.” We are to have nothing to do with sexual immorality, is that getting made clear yet by Paul? I think so! We are not to have any sex outside of marriage - and yes, this includes prostitutes. You spiritually join with who you have sex with and therefor we are to to flee from sexual immorality - flee. Don’t play with fire or you will get burned. Don’t flirt or anything that resembles you not fleeing from immorality. Stand strong in the strength of the Lord and live a free life. Guilt free and glorious! Why is this such a big deal? “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Our bodies are literally God’s temples and sexual sins are against our real bodies, God’s temples. That is why we flee from sexual immorality - so that we are not defecating God’s temple. Instead, Glorify God with your body and be holy and pure. 

1 Corinthians 7  The Corinthians must have been lost on this topic too, because Paul has to re-teach them the basics. After studying this text this morning, I have decided to bring in Bakers Commentary to explain it because it is done so well… 

“Paul takes in hand the letter he has received from the Corinthians and quotes a particular line that advocates celibacy. He reacts by saying that because of immorality a man should have a wife and a wife a husband. In marriage, husbands and wives should not deprive each other by neglecting marital intimacy. Couples who wish to devote time to prayer may abstain from sexual activity, but after that period they should resume normal relations.

Those who are unmarried and are widows should remain in their present state, provided they have the gift of continence. If this is not the case, they should marry. With a command of the Lord, Paul speaks against divorce. Even in families where one of the spouses is a believer and the other an unbeliever, the couples should stay together and not contemplate separation. If the unbeliever leaves on his own accord, the wife is no longer bound to her marriage vows but is advised to live in peace.

Everyone should be content with the place in life to which God has called him. Paul makes this a rule for all the churches. He gives the illustrations of circumcision and uncircumcision, slavery and freedom.

Another segment of Paul’s discussion on marriage concerns the virgins. He relates singleness and marriage to the present crisis and states that entering marriage is not sinful. He counsels those who marry to expect many troubles because the time in which they live is shortened. He observes that the world in the form in which they know it is passing away.

Paul notes that unmarried people have more time to devote to the Lord’s service than those who are married and have to provide for the needs of their families. He urges everyone to live for the Lord without distraction. If a man is unable to control himself with regard to his virgin, Paul advises that he marry and declares that the man is not sinning. If a man can control his desire and decides not to marry, he is doing the right thing. Paul concludes his discourse on marriage by referring to marriage vows that are for life and are ended by the death of one of the spouses. He affirms that the widow is free to remarry in the Lord but advises her to stay unmarried and enjoy happiness.”

1 Corinthians 8  Food Offered to Idols. The Corinthians had an elementary understanding of many things, but seemed to lack some deeper knowledge. For instance, “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” We are to bow to the one true God and nothing else. We are surrounded by many fake gods and they are not to take our time, talents, or energies. We are to be wholly devoted to Christ. Paul goes into a great explanation of what it means to eat food sacrificed to idols. Bakers commentary sums it up this way, “The letter Paul had received from the Corinthians contained many questions. He answers the query concerning food offered to idols and discloses the insufficiency of declaring that an idol is nothing. The Corinthians know that there is but one God, the Father, who created all things; and they know there is one Lord Jesus Christ. Although God and Jesus Christ are known, the fact that idols are nothing is not fully known. Some people are still burdened by idolatry, idols, and foods offered to them. These people have weak consciences that become defiled. Yet food by itself has no religious value.

The freedom which some Corinthians exercise, however, may be a stumbling block to the weak. Paul warns them not to lead a brother astray when they eat food in the temple of an idol. If they crush the conscience of a weak brother, they sin against their brothers and against Christ. Paul himself is willing to abstain from eating meat to keep a weak brother from falling into sin.”

My wife did a great break down on this on her own blog, and you can access it right here and it is well worth the read... 

To sum it all up: 

• The sexually immoral who claim Christ. You cannot have both sin and Jesus. If you are truly devoted to Christ, you will not be devoted to sin. 
• Live the life that God has called you to live. Be faithful in everything and pursue Christ always. If you keep in minds the things of God, you will be less likely to pursue sin. If you are pursuing the things of this world, you will be easily swayed and tossed around like a wave. 
• Dont use your freedoms to cause another to stumble, rather, be thoughtful of their needs and were they are at in their walk with Christ. 

November 29: 1 Corinthians 1-4

November 29, 1 Corinthians 1-4

Paul writes Corinthians while he was in Ephesus. To paint a picture for you about this letter, I lean on Bakers Commentary for a few very interesting points:

• A little history: “The city of Corinth appears in Homer’s Iliad and thus dates back to the second millennium before Christ. It influenced the entire peninsula, the isthmus, and parts of central Greece. In the seventh century b.c., Corinth reached the height of its power because of its commercial appeal. Periander boosted Corinth’s commercial influence by providing the needed equipment to roll smaller ships across the isthmus. But during the next two centuries, Corinth had to face the rival power of Athens.”
• Religion & Culture: “Greek and Roman authors in the centuries before the rise of Christianity often referred to Corinth as the city of fornication and prostitution. The Greeks had coined the term corinthiazesthai (literally, “to live a Corinthian life”) to describe the city’s immorality. Corinth had a dozen or more temples, of which the one dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite, was known in antiquity for its immorality…”
• The Message: “The epistle was occasioned by a report brought to Paul by members of Chloe’s household (1:11), by a letter from the Corinthians (7:1), and by the arrival of a delegation from the church in Corinth (16:17). The report from Chloe’s household concerned the factions that had sprung up in Corinth and were undermining the unity of the church. Paul also had heard about incest (5:1), lawsuits (6:1–8), and immorality (6:9–20). The letter he received from Corinth asked questions about marriage (7:1), virgins (7:25), food sacrificed to idols (8:1), spiritual gifts (12:1), the collection for the saints in Jerusalem (16:1), and Apollos (16:12). The three-man delegation from the Corinthian church filled in a number of details (16:17).”
• Purpose: “Summarizing the content of the epistle, we can be brief in stating the purpose of I Corinthians. First, Paul sought to develop and promote a spirit of unity in the local church and at the same time to show the readers that they were part of the universal church. Next, the apostle tried to correct a number of erroneous tendencies in the Corinthian community. One of them was the apathy toward exercising discipline with respect to the incestuous man. Third, Paul answered questions that were submitted to him by letter (7:1) and delegation (16:17). And finally, Paul’s epistle instructs the believers in Corinth to collect funds to aid the needy saints in Jerusalem.”

With that, we will get started… Obviously, Corinth was a thriving place, but thriving on the things of the world and not of God.

1 Corinthians 1  Paul starts the letter by letting us know that he wrote this letter for the people of Corinth by God’s will as an apostle of Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving. Paul is grateful to God for them and the grace that God gave to them. Jesus was working in their lives in many ways and giving them many spiritual gifts.

Divisions in the Church. Paul firmly challenged the church of Corinth to stop with their divisions and to be united in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. They are to agree with each other not divide over differences. There was a report given to Paul from Chloe’s household. We don't know much about Chloe, except that the report came from her and her household. Some of the Corinthians are arguing over who they follow… whether that be Paul, Apollos, Peter or Christ. Paul’s point is that they are all to follow Christ. Paul didn't save them, Jesus did. Paul only baptized a couple of them, which was not his calling - he was called to preach the gospel of Jesus by the power of the Spirit and not himself. 

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God. “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”” This is so true. Many people argue over the semantics of Christianity but it is nothing but hog wash to those that do not believe… it is folly to them because they don't see it for what it is. Bakers Commentary puts it this way, “In a discourse on the folly of the cross, Paul contrasts the wisdom of the world with the power of God. He asserts that God saves his people through the folly of preaching the gospel, which is a stumbling-block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. He observes that God’s foolishness surpasses human wisdom and God’s weakness excels human strength.” 

The Corinthians needed to remember their calling - God called them. Not because they were strong, or wise, or high and mighty. Paul said it best, “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” God is the one who Redeems. He is all powerful and all knowing and He does what is best for all. I like that a lot about God. He doesn't go for the prominent and powerful, but the sick and the weak - and in that, shows His mighty power.

1 Corinthians 2  Bakers Commentary for the summary and then my thoughts: “Paul reminds the Corinthians that he had not come to them as an eloquent speaker or as a philosopher. Instead he proclaimed the testimony of God, that is, the gospel of Christ which he brought not with human insight but in the power of God’s Spirit. Paul declares that he preaches a message of wisdom that originates with God but which the rulers of this age had been unable to understand. He proves his teaching by quoting from a passage in the prophecy of Isaiah.

In a segment on the Spirit of God, Paul reveals that believers have received not the spirit of the world but the Spirit who comes from God. With the wisdom which the Spirit has given the believers, spiritual persons are able to judge all things spiritually.”

Paul came with humility to show the power of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit - not because Paul was so great, but because God is so great!

1 Corinthians 3  Divisions in the Church. The Corinthians have become worldly and they have not matured in their faith and they are acting like babies and still arguing over who they follow (Paul or Apollos). Check this out, “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.” We are all God’s workers and we should not be doing things to get earthly credit for it. This just happened to me 2 weeks ago. I had the opportunity to meet with a friend of mine who was at a low point in his life and I brought out the Scriptures and talked with him about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We talked for quite a while and he was not ready to accept Christ as his Savior. The spiritual battle was fierce when we were talking and I knew that Jesus would save him. The next night, he went to a local church and gave his life to Christ! I was part of the planting and the pastor was part of the watering, but it was Jesus who saved my buddy, not either me or the pastor. We are all God’s workers. We all build God’s Kingdom and we all have our parts - the foundation is that of Jesus Christ and we build on that, what an incredible opportunity for us to be a part of!

Paul finishes off the chapter by reminding them to not be deceived in their own wisdom. “For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,”  and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” So let no one boast in men.” Don’t bother trying to think you are smarter than the God of the universe… as my 5 year old niece would say, that is just silly!

1 Corinthians 4  The Ministry of Apostles. How were people to regard the apostles of Jesus Christ? “…As servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” They had their roles and they would be judged by God, just as you have your roles and will be judged by God. We are all workers in this together. God judges our works and our lives… 

Paul urged the Corinthians to walk in humility. Bakers Commentary puts it this way, “Paul admonishes the Corinthians not to go beyond what is written and not to be arrogant toward one another. He tells them that all their possessions have been given to them, so that they cannot boast as if they always owned them. To bring the Corinthians to their senses, Paul uses irony by asking whether they are rich and are ruling like kings. Then he reveals how apostles live in the interest of Christ and his gospel. They are weak, yet strong; they are hungry and thirsty; they lack clothing and shelter; they perform manual labor for their own support. They are abused physically and verbally, but show endurance and kindness.” Everything we have is from God and I find it ironic that we brag about what we have and what we have done - it is ALL a gift from God. We are not that good… This is truth.

just to give you an idea of the locations and times... helpful map

To sum it all up: 

• We are saved by Christ, not a pastor or friend or family member. God may have used them or you to bring people to Himself, but, ultimately - it is Jesus who saves. 
• God is all powerful and all knowing and He does what is best for all. I like that a lot about God. He doesn't go for the prominent and powerful, but the sick and the weak - and in that, shows His mighty power. 
• We are all God’s workers. We all build God’s Kingdom and we all have our parts - the foundation is that of Jesus Christ and we build on that, what an incredible opportunity for us to be a part of! Get building:)
• Everything that we have is literally a gift from God - everything. We are to be stewards of everything that He has given us. From our spouses, kids, jobs, money, time, energy and everything in between - they are gifts from God

November 28: Acts 18:19 - 19:41

November 28, Acts 18:19 - 19:41

Acts Continued…!

Acts 18:19-28 Paul is continuing on his missionary journeys. His companions are now in Ephesus and wanted Paul to stay. His desire was to follow the will of God. If God wanted him to come to Ephesus, then he would. Paul headed to Caesarea and strengthened the people in the name of Jesus. 

Apollos Speaks Boldly in Ephesus. Here we learn about Apollos. He was an eloquent man and competent in the Scriptures. “He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.” When Priscilla & Aquila heard him teaching, they lovingly took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. Game changer for him! “…for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.” Incredible. They loved him enough to correct him and he was humble enough to accept it. 

Acts 19  Paul in Ephesus. Paul finally made it to Ephesus and he met up with some disciples that were there. Paul asked if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed. They had not, they only had John’s baptism (a water baptism of repentance). In and of itself, that is a great start, but they had not received the Holy Spirit yet. So Paul baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit fell upon them and they began prophesying and speaking in tongues! That is the power of the Spirit… The fullness of God… Gotta have the whole package deal…

After this, he entered the synagogue and preached for 3 months - reasoning with the Jews and persuading them about the validity of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God’s Word! Check this out… “But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.” Not all people will be fans, but they still deserve an opportunity to hear about Jesus Christ. Never miss an opportunity to be there for people and share with them Truth. 

The Sons of Sceva & some crazy stuff. Let’s take a look!

“God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,  so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.”

Not always the case, but when the Spirit wants to accomplish things, He can even use a sweat rag to heal people… Never underestimate God’s power!

“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” 

Seriously… They were pretending and they got called on the carpet… Demons know Jesus and aren't fooled. Demons knew who Paul was. They didn't know these fakes and they were literally taken down by them. After this, great fear fell upon many people & Jesus was glorified. People ditched their witchcraft ways and the stuff that was not honoring to God. 

A Riot at Ephesus. After this, Paul desired to go to Rome but stayed in Asia for a while longer. About that same time, people were getting ticked at the followers of Jesus. There was craftsman who were losing a bunch of money because people were not buying their idols as much - people were ditching the idols for the real God. So, they were getting people so worked up about it that there was much confusion and battles going on. A wise leader came in and basically said that they couldn't be doing this anymore since there was no legal grounds for it and that this commotion would lead to a riot… they all went their ways. 

To sum it all up: 

• We need the whole Gospel, not just parts of it. I always get concerned when people hand out just the New Testament to people. You cant have the New Testament without the Old Testament! It is one book. It would be like handing out a copy of Romeo & Juliet, but only the last chapters. Sure, it would be a romantic tragedy, but it would make far more sense if the reader knew how they got to that point… Make sense?
• No faking. Either you know and serve Jesus or you don’t. That is all there is to it. I understand that life is a process, but it is not a game. 2 teams… Jesus and Satan. No middle ground… sorry to be so blunt, but it is true.

November 27: 1 Thessalonians & 2 Thessalonians

November 27, 1 Thessalonians & 2 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians overview from the ESV Bible, “Paul wrote this letter to encourage new believers in their faith, to exhort them to godly living, to give them assurance about the eternal state of believers who had died, and to defend the integrity of his ministry as an apostle. Thessalonica (present-day Thessaloniki, Greece) was the capital of Roman Macedonia. It was on important trade routes. Paul, twice identified as the author (1:1; 2:18), visited Thessalonica on his second missionary journey but was forced to flee because of Jewish opposition. He sent Timothy to work with the largely Gentile church there, and Timothy brought him good news of their faith (3:6). This is one of Paul’s first letters, probably written about a.d. 50–51.”

1 Thessalonians 1  The Thessalonians’ Faith and Example. Paul authored the letter, and Silvanus & Timothy were co-senders of it — they were a part of it. 

Paul writes to them and lets them know that Paul and his companions have been praying for the Thessalonians, who have become an example to other churches and believers. “For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” They have turned from their idolatrous ways when they met Jesus. Jesus is coming back and Jesus is the one who will keep us from the wrath of God on that day. Praise God we have Jesus!

1 Thessalonians 2  Paul’s Ministry to the Thessalonians. Paul & his companions were being treated very poorly in Philippi as they were declaring God’s greatness and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Even with that, they did not back down or fear what man thought - it was all about glorifying God and making Him truly known through Jesus Christ. “For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others…” They could have made demands of the people, as they were apostles of Jesus, rather their approach was very gently and loving - with affection. The response of the Thessalonians was positive. Paul and his companions worked for a living so that they didn't have to burden the Thessalonians with having to pay their way. He didn't want them to forget “we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” They were living this out, not because of Paul’s words, but because it was the Words of God in their lives. 

Paul’s Longing to See Them Again. Paul was obviously not with them when he wrote to them, and he lets them know how much he wants to come and see them. However, “because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” The Holy Spirit kept Paul from going places, and per Paul’s own writing, Satan also hindered them from going places. What does that mean? It means that the spiritual ‘battle’ is very real. If Satan could have kept them away, their faith could have wavered. Since Paul could not physically get there, he did the next best thing by writing to them and keeping them on the right path…

1 Thessalonians 3  Timothy as the pinch hitter and reporter. Paul sent Timothy to them because he couldn't make it. Timothy had a job to do, “and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.” He was to go and encourage them and be with them.

Timothy came back to Paul and reported his findings and Paul was greatly encouraged by it. The Thessalonians were living out their faith and Paul writes them a beautiful blessing. “Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” Love one another so that we may be presented holy and our hearts blameless when Jesus comes back.

1 Thessalonians 4  A Life Pleasing to God. They (and we) are to take the Words of God and live them out every day. God’s will is to sanctify (a lifelong process of us becoming more like Jesus and getting rid of any filth or sin in our lives) us and that we “abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” We are to embrace these commands and live them out. If we love Jesus, this shouldn't be that hard. If we love Christ, we will not want to be sexually immoral or lacking control. We will want to stay the course and be obedient to the Savior of the world. 

The Coming of the Lord. Apparently, someone from their church had died and Paul takes some time to encourage and teach them. When Jesus returns, those that loved Jesus will be taken up to be with Him forever, and then those that are alive will be taken up to Heaven. What will it actually look like? Pretty epic… “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 5  The Day of the Lord. Paul warns them and us to be prepared for the return of Jesus Christ. God knows when it will be and we are to live our lives in expectancy of His return. “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” For those who believe in Jesus, we are destined to Salvation through Jesus Christ.

Final Instructions and Benediction. The letter is closed out with encouragement and teaching. “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” A quick breakdown:

• Get to work if you love Christ
• Encourage those who are weary and help the weak with patience
• Don’t seek revenge, instead serve and love each other
• Always be thankful and be in prayer with much thankfulness - that is God’s will
• Do not quench the Holy Spirit!
• Make sure that what leaders are saying lines up with what God has said
• Keep yourselves from any kind of evil. Literally - keep away from it

2 Thessalonians overview from the ESV Bible, “This letter from the apostle Paul was probably written shortly after his first letter to the church in Thessalonica. He had been boasting of them to other churches, telling of their faith and their love for each other in the face of persecution. Paul reminded them that God will repay their persecutors. He also addressed two recurring problems in this church. First, they were concerned that the Lord had already returned. Paul urged them not to become “shaken in mind or alarmed,” fearing that “the day of the Lord” (2:2) had already come. Second, he admonished them not to be idle, commanding them that, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (3:10).”

2 Thessalonians 1  Greeting & Thanksgiving. Same author and co-senders as 1 Thessalonians - Paul, Silvanus & Timothy. Paul has obviously been bragging about how awesome the faith of the Thessalonians was to the other churches. They were living out their faith. As a Pastor, Paul was proud of their conviction and faith, and encouraged them to keep it up.

The Judgment at Christ’s Coming. Their faith is evidence of God in their lives and also that they are going to be considered worthy of God’s kingdom that they were suffering for. The second coming will not be all roses for everybody, just for those that love Jesus Christ and live for Him. For the rest, “They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.” It may sound harsh, but it is reality. Apart from Christ, our destiny is destruction. For this reason, Paul & his companions prayed heartily for them. “To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” When life is hard, remember that God is working out our lives to get us ready to be with Him. 

That is one of my life verses, 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, which we just read above together. I want my life to fully reflect the love of Christ. 

2 Thessalonians 2  The Man of Lawlessness. Paul gives them some teachings on what is coming… Do not be deceived by any one who says something contrary to what the Bible says. The rebellion is coming and there will be a key player, the Man of Lawlessness, or the Antichrist. This will be an individual who is empowered by Satan. He will be a deceiver and a liar. When the antichrist comes, it is a sign that the end is near. Some will believe him and they will take pleasure in sin and unrighteousness - have nothing to do with it. 

Stand Firm. Instead of taking pleasure in unrighteousness, stand firm in your calling and hold fast to God and His Word. We have God’s love and grace - live in that! 

2 Thessalonians 3  Pray for Us (Paul & Companions). Paul asks for prayer to keep on with what God has called them to and that they would be delivered from all the evil men around them. As God guards the Thessalonians, Paul is asking for that for himself as well. 

Warning Against Idleness. Here is a strict warning and teaching about idleness - another word could be unruly or one who lives an undisciplined lift. Have nothing to do with them, but keep away from them. Rather, imitate Paul, who worked for his needs and didn't burden them. “For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” Laziness and unrighteous living is not to be encouraged or allowed - but like we learned earlier, get to work for Christ! If somebody isn't willing to work, they are not sharing the load and will typically be busy-bodies and up to no good! 

What are they to do now? “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” The reasons are clearly stated here as to how to treat them and why - let them feel bad for not  doing what God as called them to and love them back. Don't grow weary in doing good!

To sum it all up: 

• We cannot have both idolatry & Jesus. Either He is number 1 in our lives or He is not… 
• Your Christian walk must reflect God. Our lives must be lived out in a way that tells the world and those around us that we are followers of Christ… Does yours? 
• Love one another so that we may be presented holy and our hearts blameless when Jesus comes back.
• It is my hearts desire to have my life reflect Jesus Christ. Quick paraphrase “To this end… that my God may make us worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in us, and us in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

November 26: Acts 17-18:18

November 26, Acts 17-18:18

Acts continued… Happy Thanksgiving! Paul is on a mission and the Jews are still opposing him, but God is for him! 

Acts 17  Paul and Silas in Thessalonica. Paul went to the Synagogue, as was his custom, to go and reason with the Jews about Jesus being the Messiah. He explained that Christ had to suffer and then be resurrected from the dead. Some were persuaded and others were not. Then we learn about the Jews that were not persuaded, they were jealous, so they gathered a mob to go against Paul & his companions. Paul later writes 2 letters the those in Thessalonica, 1st & 2nd Thessalonians. We read those tomorrow:)

Paul and Silas in Berea. Paul & Silas escaped by night and they went to Berea. “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.” The people there were examining the Scriptures with Paul and learning the Truths of Christ.  Sadly, the Jews from Thessalonica make the journey over to Berea and begin stirring up trouble there for Paul, Silas, and Timothy. Again, Paul was sent off by the brothers to Athens and Silas & Timothy were not far behind him. 

Paul in Athens. Paul was hanging out in Athens and waiting for Silas & Timothy to come to him. While he was there, “his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.” Paul walked in the Spirit - continually praying and thinking about God and focusing on Him - and the Spirit made Paul aware of all of the idolatry around him. He waited no longer, and went to the synagogue and the marketplace to reason with the people who did not believe with what he believed. Athens was unique that “all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.” So, they wanted to talk more with Paul and hear about his ‘philosophies' and thoughts. Some even thought him to be a babbler and a preacher of foreign divinities. But, many wanted to hear what he was saying…

Paul Addresses the Areopagus. Paul understood the culture of Greece and its moods and attitudes. This is critical for doing missions work. All cultures operate with differences and understanding them will help a Jesus follower to be more effective and less insulting. The Areopagus was the place where a lot of jurisdictions and rules were put into effect, but also where the stoics and philosophers hung out. Paul was very smart and intentional with them. “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.” He was sensitive to them while telling them the truths of Christ. He used their surroundings to point them to the real God… He did not shy away from the truth either, “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” The time is now! Some mocked Paul but others believed… The results are up to God and not how persuasive we are or anything of the sort. Our role is simply to tell people about Christ. 

Acts 18:1-18:18 Paul in Corinth. After Paul hung out in Athens, he went to Corinth and at first he met with a Jew named Aquila and his wife Priscilla. They recently came from Italy because they had been kicked out. They were tent makers by trade, as was Paul, and he worked with them while he stayed there. When he wasn't working, “he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.” Silas & Timothy finally showed up & Paul was deep in his teachings about Jesus to the Jews. They were not accepting what he was saying and “And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” Paul was now pretty much done trying to convince the Jews about Jesus, he was going to the non-Jews to tell them about the hope and life of Jesus. Paul then experienced more opposition and still ended up leading people to Christ & baptizing them. 

The Jesus talks to Paul in a vision, “And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” Jesus talked and Paul obeyed. Then the time was about up and more opposition came and after some time he left for Syria. 

Paul later writes 2 letters to the church in Corinth, 1st & 2nd Corinthians. 

To sum it all up: 

• We are to be like the Berean’s - study God’s Word and study it deep to better understand who Christ is and what He has done for us. He did die and rose from the dead for us. God accepted it and we can now be with Him forever and have Him on earth as well. 
• When you are surrounded by so many idols, like Paul was, is your spirit troubled or do you not notice? This is a challenge for you to look around and see what is going on around you… It is ok for you to appeal to others about the truth. They prominently display what they believe, and you have every right to do the same!
• When Christ is with you, everything will be fine - one way or another. Even if it is brutal here on earth - when Jesus is with you, it will all work out. 

Look at Paul's journey! Telling people about Jesus and going where the Spirit sent him... 

November 25: Galatians 4-6

November 25, Galatians 4-6

Galatians continued… What does it mean to be free in Christ? To be led astray? To desire to obey God’s law but not Jesus? Let us learn today from the Apostle Paul

Galatians 4  Bakers Commentary for the summary and my takeaways below: “This chapter can be divided into three sections under the headings: Recapitulation (verses 1–11), Reminiscence (verses 12–20), and Reasoning by means of an Allegory (verses 21–31). In the first section Paul, in close connection with the preceding argument, points out the folly of exchanging one type of slavery for another. Judaistic bondage is not any better than paganistic. God sent his Son to redeem men from every type of spiritual slavery. He changed slaves into sons. Moreover, he sent the Spirit into their hearts in order that those who were sons in position might also be sons in disposition, for adoption implies transformation. Deliverance means freedom of access, so that the ransomed one cries out, “Abba!” (“Father!”).

In the next paragraph the apostle asks, “Where is now your former blessedness?” His affectionate concern for the Galatians reveals itself as he recalls the warm welcome with which they had received him at the occasion of their first meeting. How blessed had been the experiences then enjoyed, how unforgettable the fellowship! What a contrast between then and now. One is reminded of the lines:

“Where is the blessedness I knew

When first I sought the Lord?

Where is the soul-refreshing view

Of Jesus and his Word?

“What peaceful hours I once enjoyed!

How sweet their memory still!

But they have left an aching void

The world can never fill.”

William Cowper

In the case of the Galatians the former blessedness had been lost because Paul’s earnest warnings had been left unheeded. The apostle exposes the motives of the enemies of the faith. They make much of the Galatians in order that the latter may make much of them. Now making much of someone is not wrong if it be in connection with a good cause. Thus, the fact that the Galatians had previously paid special attention to Paul, and, far from treating him with contemptuous scorn because of his bodily infirmity, had been willing, if necessary, to give him their most precious possession, was not wrong, because he proclaimed to them the gospel of salvation. Would that this interest in Paul and his gospel had continued! With sadness of heart Paul asks, “Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” Do the Galatians not realize that his warnings and criticisms were for their own good? The apostle concludes this section by saying, “My dear children, for whom I am again suffering birth-pangs until Christ be formed in you, I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone of voice, for I am perplexed about you.”

The chapter closes with a reminder—in the form of an allegory—that those who hear the law should take it to heart. When the Judaizers pride themselves in the fact that they are “sons of Abraham,” and the Galatians are influenced by this boast, let it be remembered that Abraham had two sons: one by the slave-woman, the other by the free-woman. Slavish law-observance, as if this were the pathway to salvation, makes one similar to Ishmael, slave-son of a slave-woman (Hagar). On the contrary, the exercise of one’s freedom in Christ, basing one’s trust in him alone, makes one a true son of Abraham, similar to the free-born son Isaac, born to the free-woman, Sarah.”

• We are no longer slaves to anything if we have Christ in us. He was sent to give us freedom. It is our choice to stay in sin and slavery (I am not referring at all to those who are forced into slavery, rather self-inflicted slavery). Christ came to redeem the law so that we are no longer slaves but heirs and receivers of God because of Jesus. 
• The Galatians were being deceived & were no longer standing in the firm truths of Christ but going back to the weak and worthless principles that the world sells. 
• True brotherly love reaches out to those who are slipping away from Christ.
• We are free because of Christ. Nothing else offers us that. Jesus, the mighty & powerful name of Jesus. Believe in Him.

Galatians 5 Bakers Commentary did this chapter a bit different and it is so encouraging. Such life application. They take each verse and sum it up in a thought. Bold is my writing and the rest is Bakers for the summary: 

1. ”Freedom is a precious gift. It is also an immense responsibility.”

2. ”Christ is either our complete Savior or is not our Savior at all.”

Think about that one. I have said it before and I will say it again. Either you are all in for Christ or not in at all…

3. “Whoever would be saved by works must render perfect obedience to the whole law. Nothing less will do!”

If you want to be perfect by just obeying all the Commandments then you do not need Jesus. When you stand before God without Jesus, He will not accept you. Instead, accept the gift of Jesus Christ and live your life in pursuit of Him and being righteous like Him.

4. “Those who would be saved by their good works have lost their hold on grace. Nevertheless, it is grace alone that saves.”

5. “For the Christian it is true that “the best is yet to be.”

6. “Faith without love is not true faith.”

Jesus teaches us that the world will know we are Christians by our love. Are you loving your neighbors and the rest?

7. “Excelsior” is the Christian’s motto. He should allow no one to throw him off this course.”

8. “Consider the source!” whenever anyone urges you to do that which is morally or spiritually questionable.”

I couldn't agree more. Just because someone spouts something off does not mean that they are 100% correct. Check it with Jesus and see if it is true.

9. “An evil intention, if unchecked, leads to a shameful deed. A shameful deed, if unrepented of, becomes a bad habit. A bad habit, if not discarded, will grow into a depraved character, which, in turn, leads to perdition.”

10. “Showing that you have confidence in a person, if you are at all able to do this with candor, is excellent psychology.”

11. “The devil does not persecute those whom he already has captured.”

Read that one again. If you are experiencing spiritual battles - it is not because God doesn't love you or anything of the sort. If you are pushing back the kingdom of darkness, Satan will be pushing you. This is a good thing. When you are experiencing these battles, lean on Jesus and don't take your eyes off of Him.

12. “Are we becoming so selfish that our cheeks no longer glow with indignation when harm is being done to those whom, supposedly, we love?”

What has our world become? The world celebrate sin. The world throw parades for sin. The world does not love Jesus but sin. Which team are you on?

13. “True liberty is not the privilege to do whatever one’s evil heart desires to do, but is the Spirit-imparted ability and desire to do what one should do.”

Amen!

14. “The Christian’s law is love.”

15. “Bitter (= biting) words harm the biter as well as the one bitten. They tend to destroy the fellowship.”

16. “Overcome evil with good.”

17. “Satan has a “fifth column” in our hearts. But the Holy Spirit also resides there. Hence, the conflict!”

18. “A person enjoys true freedom when the Holy Spirit has taken the helm of the ship which bears him over the troubled sea of life.”

19. “What today is often called “sickness” is by Scripture called “obvious work of the flesh.”

Let’s think about that one. When you are pursuing sinful and fleshful desires, they reap massive consequence. All sin leads to death.

20. “We should practice self-denial, not self-indulgence.”

Ah yes. This Scripture cuts right to the heart of the matter. These are the works of the flesh and Satan makes them so tempting to so many. This is what the world wants - and all of them on this list are 100% selfish… “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.” You would have to admit that none of these reflect Christ or who He is calling you to be.

21. “Private” sins, such as jealousy and envy, are not any better than “public” sins, such as drinking bouts and revelries.”

22. “Love heads the list of virtues.”

23. “The true Christian is loyal to his God, gentle to his neighbor, and has himself under control, all this as the result of God’s grace.”

24. “Be in practice what you are (have confessed to be) in principle!”

Otherwise you are a hypocrite and are not walking the walk.

25. “You derive all your strength from the Spirit. Then let the Spirit lead you in every phase of your life and conduct.”

Where do you draw your strength from? Jesus Christ and the Spirit or ???

26. “Rude self-assertion is displeasing to the Lord.”

Galatians 6 Bakers Commentary for the summary, same as chapter 5…

1. “Restore lovingly those who were caught in temptation’s net.”

Do it with tact and respect but with the intent and heart of truly loving your brother or sister.

2. “Burdens must be shouldered jointly.”

It is a team effort. 

3. “Be conceited and be cheated!”

4. “He who mirrors himself in the mirror of another person’s conduct mirrors himself gently.”

Surround yourself with quality people. An old saying I once heard - ‘You become the average of the 5 people closest to you’ - who is in your inner circle? Good people or worldly people?

5. “Responsibility’s load cannot be transferred.”

It is a team effort but at the end of the day, it is on your own that you stand before Christ.

6. “Provide well for God’s servant, the minister.”

Take care of God’s servants.

7. “Those who sow weeds must not expect to reap wheat.”

Makes sense, doesn't it? Logically… and spiritually.

8.“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

9. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”

10. “Love overleaps—yet also recognizes—boundaries.”

Another often violated principle

11. “Do not soft-pedal the gospel.”

12. “Beware of compromising when principles are at stake.”

13. “Practice what you preach.”

YES!

14. “The cross of Christ: our only glory.”

And there is none better

15. “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.”

16. “This (No. 15) is the Rule of Gratitude for every Christian.”

17. “Do not trouble those who bear the marks of Jesus, but help them in every way.”

18. “The man who preaches “Salvation through Imitation” forgets that it even takes grace to imitate.”

To sum it all up: 

• See above for my takeaways… Blessings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! 

November 24: Galatians 1-3

November 24, Galatians 1-3

Galatians! Paul’s letter to the Church of Galatia… Majority is from Bakers Commentary today with great insights and summary...

Galatians 1 Paul is stressing heavily the importance of Truth and nothing less. Bakers Commentary for the summary: “This chapter consists of four short paragraphs: verses 1–5; 6–10; 11–17; and 18–24. In the first of these subdivisions Paul’s painful distress reveals itself in the manner in which he describes himself and the addressed, and in the qualifying clause by means of which he enlarges on his opening salutation. In that clause he clearly implies that to the sacrifice of Christ for sinners to purchase their salvation nothing can be added.

In the second paragraph Paul gives expression to his shocked amazement about those whom he addresses, because of their disloyalty to the God who had called them, and their readiness to accept a different gospel, which really was no gospel at all but a dangerous distortion. He pronounces God’s curse upon anyone who might proclaim—or is actually proclaiming—a gospel other than the one which had been preached to the Galatians and had been accepted by them.

In this connection two facts must be borne in mind:

(1) Paul’s anathemas have relevancy in every age. Anyone who teaches that God’s grace and human endeavor are twin sources of salvation, that is, that to a certain extent men are able to lift themselves into heaven by the lobes of their ears, is here condemned. Implication: then would not this curse rest at least as heavily upon those who proclaim that salvation can be achieved apart entirely from divine help (“Mankind alone must save us”)?

(2) These anathemas are aimed at those who are leading the Galatians astray, not at the Galatians themselves. With the latter the apostle is sorely displeased. Nevertheless, in his love and patience he still regards them as his and God’s children, grievously erring children though they be—a lesson for all pastors, parents, and leaders of men.

In verses 11–17 Paul proves that the charge of the opponents, namely, that he is not a true apostle and that his gospel had been imparted to him not by God but by men, and is accordingly a merely human invention, is false. He bolsters his argument by briefly setting forth certain relevant events from the story of his life. As to receiving the gospel from men, particularly from other apostles, he shows that before his conversion this would have been psychologically impossible for such a bitter persecutor; that at the time of his conversion it would have been wholly unnecessary, for Christ himself revealed the gospel to him by appearing to him and addressing him directly; and that immediately after his conversion it would, in addition, have been geographically unthinkable, for in Damascus and in Arabia, the places to which he wended his way, there were no apostles who could have imparted the gospel to him.

The same line of argumentation is continued in the closing paragraph. Paul shows that his first post-conversion visit to Jerusalem was of very short duration, had as its purpose “to become acquainted with Cephas (Peter),” not to receive the gospel from him, and was not followed by visits to the other apostles (though James, the brother of the Lord, was also briefly contacted). The writer had remained unknown to “the Christian churches of Judea,” outside Jerusalem. Accordingly, when the wonderful news of his conversion began to spread, those who heard it did not begin to praise Peter or the rest of the apostles but “were glorifying God” on Paul’s account, for it was from God—from Christ himself—that the former persecutor had received the glorious gospel of salvation full and free for Gentiles as well as for Jews.

Implication: since, then, this gospel is divine in origin and essence, no attempt must be made to distort it. It is the only good news whereby men are saved, enabled to be a blessing to their neighbors, and equipped to live to God’s glory.”

• Paul’s words to us about false teaching is 100% as relevant for today as it was a couple thousand years ago when he penned them. Have nothing to do with false teaching or even partial teaching. The whole Gospel is what we need to hear. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Nothing less, nothing more.

Galatians 2 Bakers Commentary for the summary: “This chapter consists of two paragraphs: verses 1–10; 11–21. The first describes what took place in Jerusalem fourteen years after the visit indicated in 1:18, 19. The apostle gives his version of The Jerusalem Conference (cf. Acts 15:1–29). The second paragraph concerns the Paul-versus-Peter affair in Syrian Antioch shortly afterward. In the first paragraph the foes are the Judaizers, Christians only in name, men who advocated faith plus law-obedience as the way to glory. One of their slogans was, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Not being real Christians, they had no business at this synod. They were present as spies, bent on depriving true believers of their freedom in Christ. Now to this Conference the Antiochian church had delegated Paul and Barnabas, champions of Christian liberty. With them was Titus, a Christian of unmixed Gentile extraction, and thus uncircumcised, a test case therefore. Would the Judaizers succeed in persuading the assembly that Titus must be circumcised? If they do, then everywhere the position of Gentile Christians would be in jeopardy, Christianity would never become a worldwide religion, and the gospel of Christ’s all-sufficiency for salvation would vanish from the earth. But by God’s decree that cannot happen! In a private consultation the truly Christian leaders—Paul and Barnabas, on the one hand; James, Cephas, and John, on the other—plan their strategy. Concerning God’s work among the Gentiles Paul and Barnabas bear witness with such conviction, both before the Jerusalem leaders and before the full convention, that the opponents fail completely. The paragraph closes by picturing James, Cephas, and John in the act of extending the hand of friendship and brotherhood to Paul and Barnabas. The work-load is divided and help for the poor is provided.

Hardly was this battle won when a second had to be fought, as shown in verses 11–21. And in this struggle the foe was no one less than Cephas, the leader of The Twelve. Not that Peter was at heart an enemy of the gospel of grace, but here at Antioch he suffered a temporary lapse (cf. Matt. 16:23). When, at a public church-gathering he withdraws himself from the Gentiles, refusing any longer to eat with them, he is saying, in effect, “To be saved, more is needed than trust in Christ. Adherence to the ceremonial law is also necessary.” He knows better, having been taught by Jesus and by the vision of the sheet. He is playing the hypocrite, having become alarmed by the arrival of a party of Judaizers. For a while things looked bad, for Peter’s example was followed by others, including even Barnabas. Paul, however, rises to meet the challenge. We see him at the height of his fortitude. By inserting the substance of his remarks in this letter to the Galatians, he shows that his words are now also meant for these similarly erring brothers. In substance he says, “If you, Cephas, though a Jew, can live like a Gentile, as you proved when you ate with Gentiles, how can you now, by withdrawing from them, force them to live like Jews, so that they may be able to eat and have fellowship with us?” Then, turning to the entire audience, he stresses that not by law-works is anyone justified, but only by faith in Christ, and that if the Judaizers were right, Christ would be a promoter of sin. The real sinner, however, is the man who rebuilds the very structure—salvation by law-works—which he had previously pulled down. As to law Paul states, “For I through law died to law, that I might live to God.”

In the room silence prevails. The gospel of grace has triumphed once more. And may we not assume that not only Cephas but all true but momentarily erring believers who had followed his example were grateful to the Lord that they had been corrected by “our beloved brother Paul”?”

• We are called to be genuine Christ followers and consistent in our faith walk. God has called all of us to be where He leads us and who He leads us to. We are not to tolerate disobedience. This is to be handled with tact and respect, but God is firm that we are to pursue holiness.

Galatians 3 Bakers Commentary for the summary: “Having shown that the gospel which he, Paul, proclaims is of divine origin and therefore victoriously independent, the apostle now indicates that both Scripture and experience bear testimony to its truth. He begins (verses 1–5) with a lesson from experience. Now experience is very important. The way in which God has led men in the past must be constantly recalled and applied to new situations (cf. Ps. 78:1 ff.). This the Galatians had neglected to do. So in verse 1 Paul asks them, “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you, before whose very eyes Jesus was openly displayed as crucified?” And in verse 2 he continues, “This only would I learn from you: Was it by doing what (the) law demands that you received the Spirit, or was it by believing (the) gospel message?” In verse 5 he repeats the question of verse 2 in somewhat expanded form. In verse 3 he asks, “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, now by fleshly means are you being made perfect?” They had begun by yielding to the direction of the Spirit, but they were now continuing by placing their trust in fleshly means: observance of days, months, seasons, and years (4:10), believing in the necessity of circumcision (5:2, 3; 6:12–15); in short: adherence to law as a means of obtaining salvation. And this was progress? Has all their past experience—the manner in which at their conversion they had been enriched with both special gifts and spiritual endowments—been in vain? Paul refuses to believe it, and by saying, “if (it be) really in vain,” he “rouses them to the exercise of repentance” (John Calvin).

For the idea that justification—hence, salvation in all its fulness—is obtained by way of faith and not by reliance on law-works Paul now (verses 6–14) appeals to Scripture. He shows that from the very beginning of Israel’s history—that is, already in the promise God gave to Abraham—the divinely appointed means of obtaining the blessing was faith, not works (Gen. 15:6). Hence, all those, and only those, who have faith as their guiding principle are the true sons of Abraham. Those, on the contrary, who rely on law-works are under a curse from which they cannot deliver themselves, for they cannot “continue in all the things that are written in the book of the law to do them” (Deut. 27:26). Therefore “by law no one is justified before God, for ‘The righteous shall live by faith’ ” (Hab. 2:4). Leaning on law means depending on self. Exercising faith means resting on Christ. Considered as means of obtaining salvation these two do not mix. But penitent sinners do not need to despair, for Christ has redeemed them from the curse by taking it upon himself (Deut. 21:23), in order that thus “the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Jesus Christ, in order that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.”

In the final paragraph (verses 15–29) Paul shows that this promise made to Abraham-Isaac-Jacob is superior to law, for two reasons: (1) Because the latter came much later, and was therefore unable to annul the earlier promise, just as even among men a last will or testament that has been legally confirmed and has gone into effect cannot be abrogated. Surely a promise that centered in Christ, the one and only seed, could not be withdrawn. Nevertheless, the law performed a useful function, namely, by serving as custodian to bring sinners to Christ, having aroused within them the sense of guilt and the yearning for salvation through him. (2) Because the law reached us through mediation (Moses), but the promise came directly from God, who, in establishing his covenant with Abraham, and thus with all believers, regardless of racial-religious, social, or sexual distinctions, did this on his own sovereign account, being filled with love. Nothing can ever remove God’s love for all who belong to Christ. Nothing can deprive them of their inheritance, for “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to promise.”

To sum it all up: 

• See above for my very brief takeaways… Blessings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! 
• My apologies for the brief post thoughts today.