Scripture: Galatians 2:14-21
But when I saw that they were not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?” We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law. But if, in our effort to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have been found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again the very things that I once tore down, then I demonstrate that I am a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
Thought for the Day: Some of Paul’s arguments require a compass for the journey as he maneuvers, twisting and turning. I’m not suggesting Paul uses smoke and mirrors to hide what is a lousy argument. On the contrary, Paul is attempting to explain his concern around actions that appear to be inconsistent with the Gospel, the Gospel of God’s love brought to life in Christ. I would add that Paul’s argument, though difficult for some of us to follow (maybe it’s only me), was probably a logical argument for the intended audience. Paul knew the people to whom he wrote, and it could be suggested that this was one of the key elements in his success. The church needs to know its audience, and the potential for success is always much higher with an insightful appreciation of those to whom you are attempting to communicate. Pushing ahead without a knowledge of one’s intended audience almost always guarantees utter failure…the church has done this quite well in recent years.
Prayer: Lord, you cared enough about us to become one of us. In your incarnational act of care and concern, we felt heard and understood. Thank you! Amen.
Please Pray For
The 2013 General Assembly
