I have heard some people describe the Christian faith as taking the things you like to do the most and stop doing them, whilst also taking the things you like to do the least and start doing them. Yikes, not exactly what anyone would have in mind when thinking of something called “good news”! In short, to many, Christianity is a list of do’s and don’ts. How do so many come to this kind of conclusion? Certainly some may get their notions of our faith from “rule-keeping” styled legalists not unlike some who opposed the Apostle Paul in his day. But when we think of it, all of us have a tendency toward rooting our acceptance by God in ourselves and our actions, rather than in Him. Last week we learned of the two methods of justification before our holy God: self-justification and justification by faith alone in Christ alone. The truth that we are made right before God by faith in Christ alone is radical, provocative, and utterly unique. It is the opposite of the human ‘gospel’ of self-esteem, and of all efforts to self-justify.
And so Paul was steadfast against the idea that God desired a legalistic faith from his children. Such a gospel was not only false, but no gospel at all! The ‘rule-keepers’ were not satisfied! They argued Paul’s doctrines of faith, grace, and Christian liberty would leave society lawless. ‘Without our rules to follow’ they argued, ‘we will have no moral anchor!’ There would be no moral boundaries, even suggesting that Paul’s teaching made Jesus to be a “servant (or minister) of sin”. How would Paul respond to these serious charges? In this week’s text, Galatians 2:17-21, we see Paul’s answer, the go-to passage for living your life for God. He argues that the Christian life having begun by faith continues in faith, such that even this “life in the flesh” is lived by faith in Christ. It is no longer Paul who lives, for Paul is dead to rule-keeping, but Christ who lives in Paul that he “might live to God”. And such a life of faith in Christ is neither lawless nor legalistic. Life in Christ is: abundant (John 10:10); eternally refreshing (John 4:14); liberating (John 8:36); and marked by righteousness, peace, and joy (Rom 14:17)!
As we work through these sections of Galatians I trust you will meditate upon them such that you grow in the understanding and appreciation of these precious core truths of our Christian faith. May they be an anchor of confidence for your life and soul, and an inspiration to those around you!
Much love,
Pastor Gary
As we gather for Sunday worship, we want you to meet with God and be transformed by the Word. Prepare your heart by reading the passage and listening to the songs for Sunday.