Galatians 4:12-20
Paul recalls how his first visit to Galatia had been due to a physical illness that had come on him. It is not clear that this is the same as the “thorn in the flesh” referred to in 2 Corinthians 12:7, although it could be. Apparently, whatever it was, it had the potential to be off-putting to the Galatians; either as unsightly or infectious. Still, they welcomed him as a messenger from heaven.
What has happened to that spirit of welcome toward him, Paul wants to know. The answer to that may come within the warning that follows. Paul goes on to warn them against the designs of those who are seeking to influence them, and who already have (verses 17-18). The suggestion is that they are more interested in adding to their sphere of influence than they are in the well-being of the Galatians.
He asks if he must go through something like childbirth in order to renew their life relying only on the grace of God in Christ. The comment about wishing he could be with them and change his tone reveals something of the extent of Paul’s exasperation. But I don’t get that this is personal in the sense of offense at his time and energy with them having to be repeated and doubled in order to get them back to where there were. No, it is clearly a concern for their own well-being in holding to a true path in Christ, and that, as shepherd-pastor, he is watching out for danger to the spiritual well-being of this flock.
Prayer:
God, preserve my leadership from being about making what I do – or any of us do - bear fruit so we see the results of our labours, and be all about faithfulness in our walk together in Way who is Christ. Amen.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
What Manner of Friends
Galatians 4:1-11
It’s a little gutsy to ask someone to be your friend. It was gutsy in the schoolyard, and it’s gutsy on Facebook. Paul is celebrating that God sought to expand his friends list, reach beyond Israel. God took the initiative.
The Jewish community lived under a Law that could not be fulfilled. The rest of the world has lived under the equivalent of the Law for them: elemental spirits, the movement of the stars, self-actualization – whatever way of organizing life and priorities that has been consciously or unconsciously assumed.
God offers to take all from a state of inevitable frustration – from slavery – to being his children. He is God, after all, while we are not. In relation to him we become children (John 1:12), not buddies. Still, Jesus, in fellowship with his disciples, said he would call them ‘friends’ because he was sharing his plans with them (John 15:15).
I think the sum of Biblical teaching in this area is that we get to call God ‘abba’ (Dad), because his action through his Son and the Holy Spirit is that we have the opportunity to be the adopted sisters and brothers of his Son (who is his ‘one and only’ or ‘only begotten’ Son depending on the translation of John 3:16).
However we understand these things, I think it must hurt God when we reject or ignore him.
Question: How do you understand John 1:12 and the ‘one and only’ of John 3:16 to relate to each other?
Prayer:
God, I accept your invitation. Thank you that I am your child through Christ my brother, who is yet my master. Amen.
It’s a little gutsy to ask someone to be your friend. It was gutsy in the schoolyard, and it’s gutsy on Facebook. Paul is celebrating that God sought to expand his friends list, reach beyond Israel. God took the initiative.
The Jewish community lived under a Law that could not be fulfilled. The rest of the world has lived under the equivalent of the Law for them: elemental spirits, the movement of the stars, self-actualization – whatever way of organizing life and priorities that has been consciously or unconsciously assumed.
God offers to take all from a state of inevitable frustration – from slavery – to being his children. He is God, after all, while we are not. In relation to him we become children (John 1:12), not buddies. Still, Jesus, in fellowship with his disciples, said he would call them ‘friends’ because he was sharing his plans with them (John 15:15).
I think the sum of Biblical teaching in this area is that we get to call God ‘abba’ (Dad), because his action through his Son and the Holy Spirit is that we have the opportunity to be the adopted sisters and brothers of his Son (who is his ‘one and only’ or ‘only begotten’ Son depending on the translation of John 3:16).
However we understand these things, I think it must hurt God when we reject or ignore him.
Question: How do you understand John 1:12 and the ‘one and only’ of John 3:16 to relate to each other?
Prayer:
God, I accept your invitation. Thank you that I am your child through Christ my brother, who is yet my master. Amen.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Promise and Law
Galatians 3:15-29
Paul argues that the promise to Abraham is prior to the Law. In the context of the writing of this letter, this is especially important in providing for inclusiveness for those who have not lived under the Law as a way of life. The promise to Abraham is fulfilled in Christ, Paul argues, so that all those who follow Christ are the true children of Abraham.
What function, then is there for the Law? Paul points out that the Law serves to point to the Gospel in that we realize our need for the grace of the Gospel through our inability to fulfill the Law. There is a more ‘positive’ function for the Law (although it is not expressed so much at this point in the letter) in that the Law certainly does express God’s will and command. It is hardly to be shoved aside! As God’s will and command it expresses what life lived under the Promise of God looks like.
Prayer:
God, thank you for sure direction, and for making clear to us that there is right and wrong in this world. We do find, though, Lord, that in specific situations what is right is not always clear. At such times help us to spend even more time with you in prayer, seek the counsel of trusted Christian friends, read and re-read your Word, and trust that the answers will come. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Paul argues that the promise to Abraham is prior to the Law. In the context of the writing of this letter, this is especially important in providing for inclusiveness for those who have not lived under the Law as a way of life. The promise to Abraham is fulfilled in Christ, Paul argues, so that all those who follow Christ are the true children of Abraham.
What function, then is there for the Law? Paul points out that the Law serves to point to the Gospel in that we realize our need for the grace of the Gospel through our inability to fulfill the Law. There is a more ‘positive’ function for the Law (although it is not expressed so much at this point in the letter) in that the Law certainly does express God’s will and command. It is hardly to be shoved aside! As God’s will and command it expresses what life lived under the Promise of God looks like.
Prayer:
God, thank you for sure direction, and for making clear to us that there is right and wrong in this world. We do find, though, Lord, that in specific situations what is right is not always clear. At such times help us to spend even more time with you in prayer, seek the counsel of trusted Christian friends, read and re-read your Word, and trust that the answers will come. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Uncomplicated
Galatians 3:6-14
Christianity began as a sect of Judaism. Jesus was a Jew. The disciples were Jews. The roots of the faith are in Judaism. Christ’s coming was foretold as part of Jewish prophecy. Controversy began when non-Jews were welcomed into the sect. This was the first big church conflict: Can non-Jews be Christians? How did it get flipped around so that now it is more likely today for it to be considered odd for a Jew to be a Christian? Some scholars say the big turning point was at the end of the first century, when a school of rabbis effectively excommunicated the Christians from Judaism. Christianity was in a way a reform movement that grew out of its original context. Consider, then, what history calls The Reformation. The “Reformers” (do we forget what that word means – the intent of Luther et al was not a new church, but a reformed one?) attempted to change the existing church and ended up ‘starting’ the Protestant church.
History repeats. How many instances do you know of (there is an example here locally) where there is an attempt to bring something new and vibrant within the existing church, but the church as it is can’t handle it, so a ‘new’ church is the result? The good side is that the mosaic of the Body of Christ increases so that there is increased opportunity for people to know Jesus and grow in him. The down side is that something of the unity of our adventure for the kingdom together is lost.
Paul’s dream – and what everyone seemed to have started with – was that all could be part of this new venture. Jews could be Jews and keep whatever practices were important to them. Gentiles would not be obliged to be part of that. Jews would not be offended at that. Gentiles would not be offended at what Jews felt important for them. The power of the Spirit initially overcame all class and ethnic distinctions.
The part of Paul’s letter to the Galatians we are at addresses the question of the role of the Law given to Moses in the church as it began, given that the church included people without the background that included the Law (an instructive question for a church, and especially preachers, attempting to communicate with people with no background in any of this!). Paul reasons that God considered Abraham righteous by faith (Genesis 15:4-6). Abraham’s family are those who also follow the Lord through faith, and not by heritage or by following the Law, which is impossible to do completely anyway. The Law is even a ‘curse’ if considered the means of salvation, since it is impossible for anyone to fulfill.
Next (Galatians 3:15-29): So what role does the biblical Law have?’
Prayer:
What a wonderful plan you have for us, Lord! Why do we work so hard at making complicated what you have made so simple? Help me un-complicate my life; help people in high places un-complicate their lives; and let us live in the simplicity of trusting you. Through Christ. Amen.
Christianity began as a sect of Judaism. Jesus was a Jew. The disciples were Jews. The roots of the faith are in Judaism. Christ’s coming was foretold as part of Jewish prophecy. Controversy began when non-Jews were welcomed into the sect. This was the first big church conflict: Can non-Jews be Christians? How did it get flipped around so that now it is more likely today for it to be considered odd for a Jew to be a Christian? Some scholars say the big turning point was at the end of the first century, when a school of rabbis effectively excommunicated the Christians from Judaism. Christianity was in a way a reform movement that grew out of its original context. Consider, then, what history calls The Reformation. The “Reformers” (do we forget what that word means – the intent of Luther et al was not a new church, but a reformed one?) attempted to change the existing church and ended up ‘starting’ the Protestant church.
History repeats. How many instances do you know of (there is an example here locally) where there is an attempt to bring something new and vibrant within the existing church, but the church as it is can’t handle it, so a ‘new’ church is the result? The good side is that the mosaic of the Body of Christ increases so that there is increased opportunity for people to know Jesus and grow in him. The down side is that something of the unity of our adventure for the kingdom together is lost.
Paul’s dream – and what everyone seemed to have started with – was that all could be part of this new venture. Jews could be Jews and keep whatever practices were important to them. Gentiles would not be obliged to be part of that. Jews would not be offended at that. Gentiles would not be offended at what Jews felt important for them. The power of the Spirit initially overcame all class and ethnic distinctions.
The part of Paul’s letter to the Galatians we are at addresses the question of the role of the Law given to Moses in the church as it began, given that the church included people without the background that included the Law (an instructive question for a church, and especially preachers, attempting to communicate with people with no background in any of this!). Paul reasons that God considered Abraham righteous by faith (Genesis 15:4-6). Abraham’s family are those who also follow the Lord through faith, and not by heritage or by following the Law, which is impossible to do completely anyway. The Law is even a ‘curse’ if considered the means of salvation, since it is impossible for anyone to fulfill.
Next (Galatians 3:15-29): So what role does the biblical Law have?’
Prayer:
What a wonderful plan you have for us, Lord! Why do we work so hard at making complicated what you have made so simple? Help me un-complicate my life; help people in high places un-complicate their lives; and let us live in the simplicity of trusting you. Through Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Receive the Spirit
Galatians 3:1-5
Here Paul turns to (on?) the people, not just certain leaders. He holds the entire community accountable. Why? Why not just say, “This is a leadership problem.” In a way it is. It is a problem for Paul as their leader, since he cares about them, so he’s addressing the problem in the hearts and lives of the people. So, to get back to the question I started with, he holds the people accountable because it is the people who received the Spirit! The Spirit, in Old Testament times, is described sometimes as coming to certain people for certain purposes, but even then God was pointing people to something different (see Joel 2:28-29). At Pentecost, the Spirit did not come just to Peter, but to all the assembled disciples. The Spirit today should not be understood as coming to the pastor, elders, staff, congregational power-brokers, or whoever, who then have the responsibility of sharing the life of the church outwardly to the rest. No, no, no. The Spirit, the personal power of the age-to-come-made-present, is a gift bestowed upon the whole people who will receive him, with various gifts to the people who are to then be the ministers of Christ. Those of us who lead? We should always be aiming to be as transparent as possible, do nothing that someone else can do, always put others forward where possible. We steer the overall direction of the ship and endeavour to stay on a Christ-centered course; and empower others, meaning not that we have any power to give, but rather let people realize the power that is bestowed on them - answering our call so that (as our church says in the preamble to ordination of elders/ministers) “the church may be renewed and nurtured for ministry” (emphasis mine).
Prayer:
Lord, I pray for a new bestowal of your Holy Spirit on your people, that we would receive him, that we would be so overwhelmed by his power awakening your new age and your new order of things, that we would put behind us all notions, categories, practices and habits that belong to the old age and the ways of the world that we ought to know better than to cling to. Through Jesus. Amen.
Here Paul turns to (on?) the people, not just certain leaders. He holds the entire community accountable. Why? Why not just say, “This is a leadership problem.” In a way it is. It is a problem for Paul as their leader, since he cares about them, so he’s addressing the problem in the hearts and lives of the people. So, to get back to the question I started with, he holds the people accountable because it is the people who received the Spirit! The Spirit, in Old Testament times, is described sometimes as coming to certain people for certain purposes, but even then God was pointing people to something different (see Joel 2:28-29). At Pentecost, the Spirit did not come just to Peter, but to all the assembled disciples. The Spirit today should not be understood as coming to the pastor, elders, staff, congregational power-brokers, or whoever, who then have the responsibility of sharing the life of the church outwardly to the rest. No, no, no. The Spirit, the personal power of the age-to-come-made-present, is a gift bestowed upon the whole people who will receive him, with various gifts to the people who are to then be the ministers of Christ. Those of us who lead? We should always be aiming to be as transparent as possible, do nothing that someone else can do, always put others forward where possible. We steer the overall direction of the ship and endeavour to stay on a Christ-centered course; and empower others, meaning not that we have any power to give, but rather let people realize the power that is bestowed on them - answering our call so that (as our church says in the preamble to ordination of elders/ministers) “the church may be renewed and nurtured for ministry” (emphasis mine).
Prayer:
Lord, I pray for a new bestowal of your Holy Spirit on your people, that we would receive him, that we would be so overwhelmed by his power awakening your new age and your new order of things, that we would put behind us all notions, categories, practices and habits that belong to the old age and the ways of the world that we ought to know better than to cling to. Through Jesus. Amen.
Monday, March 10, 2008
No Advantage
Galatians 2:11-21
I have been part of the church as long as I have lived. I went to Sunday School, youth group, played in the band for a youth musical that toured around Ontario, studied, and studied, and studied, for ordained ministry, having attained the requisite bachelor’s degree (in music, since I thought I was going to be a music teacher until I got that God had other plans), I have served on countless committees, commissions, investigative teams, as convener of this and that, as Clerk of one Presbytery, and as Moderator of another, been interim-moderator for other churches I don’t know how many times, and I’ve been to five Presbyterian Church General Assemblies (that’s got to count for something!). I might say I’ve done a lot for God.
So let’s say someone comes along who has done nothing for God, or anyone. Not even thought about it. Lived entirely for himself. Until one day he looks deep into his emptiness, gets tired of dead-end everything. Accidentally, he listens to a Christian radio station and hears Chris Tomlin singing his version of Amazing Grace, and he’s convicted, done for, zapped, slain, dead and awakened all at once. Somehow he remembers some guy in a suit at a funeral for a friend say to get Jesus and a whole new indestructible worthwhile forever life, all you have to do is tell him you believe in him and you want him to take over. So he does. And this is pretty heavy for him because he knows he’s done some bad stuff, done and dealt some drugs, maybe, OK certainly, responsible for a death or more, who knows. He’s lived a side of life most people only get a glimpse of without even knowing what they’re seeing.
Who has the advantage before God, him or me?
Yes, it’s a trick question. The answer is neither. Well maybe him in a way because he may have, after all this, a more vibrant, personally shared faith than me.
How can there be any advantage, any distinction, any anything between us before the Jesus who went through what he went through for your sake and mine, and all of us together? How dare I even contemplate the question? There is one thing necessary for life. When was I saved? When was this guy saved? Over 2,000 years ago. We just have to claim it. Paul is careful always to talk about grace through faith, not because of faith or on account of faith because not even our faith is any kind of accomplishment.
I don’t know if anyone really understands what got into Peter, but somehow these visitors from Jerusalem got him off getting all of that. The richness of his heritage was really rich, really great, but was no advantage. It was even an obstacle if anyone thought of it that way, or required it in any way of anyone. There can be no thought of any advantage or anything that even seems like it.
One thing is necessary. Thank God.
Prayer:
Thank you, God, that you are not fair as we would understand that. Through Christ. Amen.
I have been part of the church as long as I have lived. I went to Sunday School, youth group, played in the band for a youth musical that toured around Ontario, studied, and studied, and studied, for ordained ministry, having attained the requisite bachelor’s degree (in music, since I thought I was going to be a music teacher until I got that God had other plans), I have served on countless committees, commissions, investigative teams, as convener of this and that, as Clerk of one Presbytery, and as Moderator of another, been interim-moderator for other churches I don’t know how many times, and I’ve been to five Presbyterian Church General Assemblies (that’s got to count for something!). I might say I’ve done a lot for God.
So let’s say someone comes along who has done nothing for God, or anyone. Not even thought about it. Lived entirely for himself. Until one day he looks deep into his emptiness, gets tired of dead-end everything. Accidentally, he listens to a Christian radio station and hears Chris Tomlin singing his version of Amazing Grace, and he’s convicted, done for, zapped, slain, dead and awakened all at once. Somehow he remembers some guy in a suit at a funeral for a friend say to get Jesus and a whole new indestructible worthwhile forever life, all you have to do is tell him you believe in him and you want him to take over. So he does. And this is pretty heavy for him because he knows he’s done some bad stuff, done and dealt some drugs, maybe, OK certainly, responsible for a death or more, who knows. He’s lived a side of life most people only get a glimpse of without even knowing what they’re seeing.
Who has the advantage before God, him or me?
Yes, it’s a trick question. The answer is neither. Well maybe him in a way because he may have, after all this, a more vibrant, personally shared faith than me.
How can there be any advantage, any distinction, any anything between us before the Jesus who went through what he went through for your sake and mine, and all of us together? How dare I even contemplate the question? There is one thing necessary for life. When was I saved? When was this guy saved? Over 2,000 years ago. We just have to claim it. Paul is careful always to talk about grace through faith, not because of faith or on account of faith because not even our faith is any kind of accomplishment.
I don’t know if anyone really understands what got into Peter, but somehow these visitors from Jerusalem got him off getting all of that. The richness of his heritage was really rich, really great, but was no advantage. It was even an obstacle if anyone thought of it that way, or required it in any way of anyone. There can be no thought of any advantage or anything that even seems like it.
One thing is necessary. Thank God.
Prayer:
Thank you, God, that you are not fair as we would understand that. Through Christ. Amen.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
no one size for all
Galatians 2:1-10
Here is an example of good conflict. I mean it was good in that the approach that prevailed out of it was that one could follow certain former practices, such as circumcision, or not. But, as observed in this forum before, no such practice should be considered necessary. Paul was concerned to have the support of the Jerusalem ‘pillar’ Christians for his focus on Gentiles. One would suspect he would have been undeterred anyway. This is because of the one power and authority in whom all distinctions fall away – except for the distinctions that just make for a variety of humanity. Even more, the solution meant that leaders were mandated to go to those they were most likely to be able to connect with.
Prayer:
Lord, may we acknowledge and work with our differences as strengths. As a community of faith, each of us who is part of that community can do our part to touch a life in the unique way we were conceived in the mind of God, born, nurtured, and encouraged to do so. In Christ. Amen.
Here is an example of good conflict. I mean it was good in that the approach that prevailed out of it was that one could follow certain former practices, such as circumcision, or not. But, as observed in this forum before, no such practice should be considered necessary. Paul was concerned to have the support of the Jerusalem ‘pillar’ Christians for his focus on Gentiles. One would suspect he would have been undeterred anyway. This is because of the one power and authority in whom all distinctions fall away – except for the distinctions that just make for a variety of humanity. Even more, the solution meant that leaders were mandated to go to those they were most likely to be able to connect with.
Prayer:
Lord, may we acknowledge and work with our differences as strengths. As a community of faith, each of us who is part of that community can do our part to touch a life in the unique way we were conceived in the mind of God, born, nurtured, and encouraged to do so. In Christ. Amen.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Credibility Factor
Galatians 1:11-24
With his apostleship under attack, Paul relates the revelation to him of the Gospel in all its power. He does not claim any knowledge that no one else has. A testimony would be egocentric if it claimed some sort of special knowledge. Paul makes no such claim. That would have made him a cult leader. What he has had is a special experience of the person, truth and power who is Jesus Christ.
There is no boasting here except for the power of Christ himself (compare 1 Corinthians 1:26-31). It is fitting and important to share this experience as an example of the power of the Gospel to change lives.
Prayer:
Lord, is my speech made suspect by who is speaking? May what I say point to the Truth who is beyond me, and be made credible by that same Truth acting in me. Through Christ himself. Amen.
With his apostleship under attack, Paul relates the revelation to him of the Gospel in all its power. He does not claim any knowledge that no one else has. A testimony would be egocentric if it claimed some sort of special knowledge. Paul makes no such claim. That would have made him a cult leader. What he has had is a special experience of the person, truth and power who is Jesus Christ.
There is no boasting here except for the power of Christ himself (compare 1 Corinthians 1:26-31). It is fitting and important to share this experience as an example of the power of the Gospel to change lives.
Prayer:
Lord, is my speech made suspect by who is speaking? May what I say point to the Truth who is beyond me, and be made credible by that same Truth acting in me. Through Christ himself. Amen.
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