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I Peter 2:1 – So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

In chapter 1, Peter spoke about the marvelous salvation that Jesus made possible for the Christians in Asia Minor, and for us.  Now that we have been 'born again' we must live a life that corresponds to this new birth.   

Part of living a redeemed life includes casting off or laying aside sin, as you would a soiled or rotten garment.  The sins Peter admonishes us to abandon include the following:  

• Malice:  Any wicked or mischievous intention of the mind; the intent/desire to injure or harm another person, rancor, maliciousness, ill will, etc.
• Hypocrisy: Pretending to be what you are not; a counterfeit, assuming a false appearance of religion, cloaking a wicked purpose under the appearance of piety.

• Envy: Discontent or malice because of the good fortune of another, with some degree of desire to possess equal advantages; jealousy.

• Slander or evil speaking: A false report maliciously uttered, which tends to injure the reputation of another; defamatory reports; to defame, dishonor or disgrace; backbiting.

 Do you notice anything these sins have in common?  They all relate to the way we interact with others.  They also tend to appear together.  In other words, slander/evil speaking is a sign that we are entertaining thoughts of malice, hypocrisy, envy or guile. 

In fact, it is more than a sign – it is proof!  Jesus revealed that out of the abundance of our hearts, our mouths speak (Luke 6:45).  So if you want to know if envy or hypocrisy, etc are dwelling in you, check your mouth!     

When we are born again, we start off as spiritual babies.  We must grow in grace and mature in our walk with God.  And even the most mature among us has not been perfected; any of us can stumble and commit one of these sins. 

Therefore, we should not lightly cast off this warning by the apostle Peter to examine ourselves and purge these evils from our lives.

I Peter 2:2-3 – Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation – if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

All of us are aware that infants can only be fed with milk/formula.  Their digestion has not matured to the point where they can eat solid food.  However, if they continuously receive liquid nutrition, they will quickly grow and develop to the point where they can digest solids.

If you have children of your own, you know that infants have a constant and fervent desire to be fed.  They don't care if it is 3:00 in the morning; if they are hungry they will cry/fuss until they get food!

Although there will be ups and downs along the way, we fully expect our children to grow up. As they grow and mature, we give them additional opportunities and privileges.

By taking spiritual nourishment from the word of God, we will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

As we spiritually grow and mature, our Heavenly Father will present us with more and more opportunities and privileges within his kingdom!   

Speaking of food, the apostle tells us that, as Christians, we have tasted that the Lord is good.  In other words, we haven't just heard about the goodness of God, we have experienced it.   

There is a big difference between knowing about something and experiencing it. Take, for example, driving a car. You can watch videos on how to operate the vehicle. You can study the driving laws and pass the written test. But none of that is the same as actually getting behind the wheel and pulling out into traffic.

In the same way, you can hear other people tell you about the goodness of God.  You can read books written by people who have been saved and delivered from sin.  But until that actually happens to you, you haven't 'tasted' the Lord yet!

Do you remember when you first heard the gospel message?  Do you remember the feeling you experienced when he washed your sin away, and sealed you with the Holy Spirit? 

And since then, as you have grown in your faith, haven't you discovered deeper levels of his joy and peace?  As you get to know him more and more, doesn't your love for him deepen and grow? 

Consider this:  As wonderful as our relationship with God is, it is only a mere taste of what awaits us in eternity when we finally see him face to face!  

I Peter 2:4 – As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,

It is common for the New Testament writers to described Jesus as a stone or a corner stone. This is an Old Testament reference to the Messiah:

Isaiah 28:16 – thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation."

Psalms 118:22 – The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

There are actually two ideas conceptualized in a cornerstone.  The first is a foundation stone, upon which a structure rested.  We find this referenced in places such as Isaiah 28:16 (see above), Job 38:6 or Jeremiah 51:26.  Jesus is described as the cornerstone or foundation that the church is built upon. 

But a cornerstone can also refer to the topmost or capstone on a building, which links the last tiers together.  We find this referenced in places such as Psalms 118:22 (see above) or Zechariah 4:7.  This is fitting because Jesus is not only the foundation, but also the one who binds the church together. 

In both cases, the cornerstone is figurative of the Messiah (1 Corinthians 3:11, Ephesians 2:20, Matthew 21:42, etc), who is the first and the last. He has invincible strength and everlasting duration. He is our protection and our security. He is the sure foundation of our lives. Those who build upon him will stand in the storms of life (Matthew 7:24-27).

Notice that Peter refers to Jesus as a living stone.  Under the new covenant, the church is no longer a building made of inanimate stones.  It is a living temple, made of redeemed people, in which God now resides.  Jesus himself lives eternally and he imparts life to all who build their lives upon him.

But there are men who have rejected him.  Although many Gentiles have refused to acknowledge him, this is a direct reference to the Jews.  They were looking for a Messiah of this world, who would uphold their traditions and customs, take authority over the Romans and set up an earthly kingdom.  Their faith was shaken when Jesus did not do as they expected. At first they rejected him out of ignorance and blindness, but later out of malice and wickedness.     

This presents a startling contrast with God's point of view. In his sight, Jesus is chosen and precious. He is the savior of the world; the perfect foundation on which the church rests. Since God can never be wrong, we can rest assured that the sacrifice of Jesus was sufficient to atone for all our sin, no matter how great.

I Peter 2:5 – you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

The first Jewish temple was built by King Solomon, and it was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar when he invaded Jerusalem in 586 BC.  By all accounts, it was a magnificent edifice.

A new temple was built by the returning Jewish exiles back in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah.  This temple was much smaller and far less magnificent than Solomon's temple, but it was a temple nonetheless.  It had been in existence for about 500 years by the time Herod became king in Judea. 

In order to gain favor with the Jews, Herod offered to rebuild the temple and the Jews accepted his offer.  It should be noted that the temple was torn down and rebuilt in sections.  So in the end, it was an entirely new and glorious building but it was still considered the second temple.  The project took 46 years to complete.

It might be difficult for us to imagine the feelings that the Jews had for their temple; to them it was by far the most important place on earth. It was the place where God was worshipped. It was the place where God dwelt (on the mercy seat between the cherubim of the Ark). Acceptable sacrifices were offered there. The priesthood ministered there. It was the meeting place between God and man.

Peter now makes an astonishing revelation to his readers - God has instituted a new, fully complete, fully functioning temple, which is even more glorious than the one they are familiar with! 

This new temple is built upon Jesus Christ, a foundation of living stone.  All individual believers are living stones, and together we are the united church of the Living God. 

So God now dwells in temples of flesh – the hearts of believers everywhere. Therefore, Christians are the new priesthood, daily engaged in his service, led by our high priest Jesus Christ. Acceptable sacrifices and offerings are made in this new temple in the form of obedience, prayer and holy living by all believers. Worship occurs in the new temple; true believers worship him in spirit and in truth. Since God now dwells within us, we are in constant fellowship with him.

In short, all of the things that made the physical temple a true temple had been replicated in a new and living way – in the lives of Christians. 

This would have given comfort to the Jewish Christians who lost such a big part of their heritage when they came to Christ.  This knowledge would have been an even bigger comfort in about five years, when Herod's temple was destroyed. 

It would also have been a consolation to the Gentile believers.  They were excluded from worship in the physical temple at Jerusalem, but now they were admitted to the new and living temple of God.  In fact, they too had become priests unto God which would never have been allowed under the Law.

What a blessing we have in Jesus!  No longer are we limited by the law and its regulations.  Now, all people can have God dwelling in them, at all times.  Now, all believers can worship and fellowship with God in any place, at any time!

I Peter 2:6 – For it stands in Scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."

• Jesus is the cornerstone, the foundation stone, or the fundamental truth of Christianity; outside of him Christianity would not exist. He alone is the head and King of his church; he alone rules it in wisdom and righteousness.

• This foundation is laid in Zion.  Zion is the name given to the main hills on which the city of Jerusalem was built. The term is sometimes used to refer to the city of Jerusalem itself. Under the law, Jerusalem was the seat of true religion; it was the place where the physical temple was located. Jerusalem also becomes the place where Jesus is manifested in the flesh, where he suffers, dies and is raised to life again. Jerusalem was the center point from which the gospel was carried throughout the entirety of the world. Truly, the foundations of Christianity were laid in Zion, through Jesus.

• True believers build upon this foundation.  It is not enough to just hear the story of Jesus and be familiar with it. It is not enough to be able to quote the scriptures. It is not enough to have a relative or close friend who has a relationship with Jesus. It is not enough to just attend church every week. If you want to build upon the foundation of Jesus, you have to believe on him yourself. You have to accept him into your heart and allow him to rule your entire being. When you do, he becomes the sure foundation of your entire existence.

• Those who build upon this foundation will never be put to shame/shall not flee.  Through Jesus, we are able to stand firm in this world against all temptations and sin. At the end of time, the people of God will be vindicated for their trust in him.

I Peter 2:7-8 – So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," and "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense."

God has honored his Son by making him both the foundation and head of the church (Psalms 118:22).  Each and every person must decide for themselves what they will do about this fact. 

Those who believe the gospel message and choose to accept Christ as Lord and Savior have the privilege of building their spiritual lives upon the foundation of his atoning work.  When coming into contact with Christ, they become living stones in his church, and recipients of eternal life.

But there are those who do not believe the gospel message and choose to reject Christ as Lord and Savior.  When coming into contact with Christ, their unbelief and hardness of heart cause them to stumble or be offended.  Because they reject Christ, they have no hope of salvation.  They will spend eternity in hell, separated from God.   

They read the Old Testament prophesies, picked out the parts they liked best, and formed a false picture of who the Messiah was and what he would do.  In their minds, he would be a conquering hero who would rid them of their enemies and set up a physical kingdom on earth.  Because Jesus did not wage war on Rome and reestablish the throne of David as expected, the religious leaders stumbled at his claim to be the Messiah. 

They expected the Messiah to be great and glorious, rich and famous, loved by all. When Jesus came to earth he was a humble servant, who associated with publicans and sinners. He had no money, no home and no influential contacts. Again, because he did not fit into their preconceived ideas, they stumbled at his claim to be the Messiah.

Because Jesus pointed out their false beliefs, pride and hardness of heart, they were offended by him and rejected him as Lord, despite clear evidence that he was the Son of God.   But they didn't stop there.  Not only did they reject him, they actively opposed him.

Isaiah 8:13-14 – But the Lord of Hosts, him you shall honor as holy.  Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.  And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offence and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

It should be noted that their (the religious leaders at the time of the incarnation) refusal to accept Christ does not in any way change the facts. Wicked men many refuse to believe that Christ is the Messiah, but he still is. God still honors the Son, even though wicked men do not. Even though Jesus is opposed by his enemies, he is still the King of Kings.

The rebellious efforts of these foolish men were all in vain; although they opposed him as Messiah with diabolical fury, no amount of effort on their part could change the decree of God that Jesus was the cornerstone of the church.

What about you?  Is Christ your foundation or your stumbling block?  If God does not do things the way you think he should, or in the time frame you think he should, do you become offended?

I Peter 2:9 – But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light,

The Jewish nation was formed as a chosen people, holy and peculiar to God.  They were separated from all other nations of the world to bear witness to his truth and to be a blessing to all of mankind.  This was a special privilege that all Jews treasured.  Born-again Jews feared that they had lost this privilege when they became Christians along with the Gentiles.

But here Peter explains that as Christians, God has bestowed upon them even greater honors.

• They are still a chosen race/generation:  Under the Law, the Jews were separated from the world for service to God. Under grace, Christians have been separated from the world into the service of Christ, whose name they bear.

• They are a royal priesthood:  Christians are described as kings and priests. We are priests who can offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. We have the right to enter into his very presence, just as the high priest of the old covenant. As kings, we will rule and reign with him.

• They are a peculiar people:  In all of God's vast creation, what other race has fallen and then been purchased by the very body and blood of God himself?  What other race has been chosen as the bride of Christ? Who else will rule and reign with him?  Surely, mankind is a unique race of beings!

• They are a holy nation:  Christians have been set apart from the rest of the world for the specific purpose of God.

These wonderful, honorable favors have been bestowed upon Christians for a purpose – that we might display the wisdom, power, goodness, mercy, righteousness, love and truth of God to those who are still in darkness.  Just as God has called us out of darkness and into his marvelous light, so we are to assist others to find him as Savior and King.

The benefits and honors of being a Christian far outweigh the honors bestowed upon the Jews under the old covenant.  This is reason enough to rejoice and give glory to God!

I Peter 2:10 – Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

The New Testament church consists of both former Jews and former Gentiles.  Under the law, Gentiles had NEVER been considered God's people or been eligible for his mercy.  But now, under the new covenant, mercy, grace and all the benefits/honors of being a Christian are open to anyone who believes on the name of Christ.    

Thus, the church is made up of Christians. There is no more distinction between Jew and Gentile.

I Peter 2:11-12 – Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Here is the situation during the time Peter wrote his letter:  The pagans were speaking out against the Christians, accusing them of being evil.  The fact is that Christianity was spreading quickly; increasing numbers of people were turning to Christ and renouncing their old ways.

This was causing the pagan religions to lose followers.  In particular, the Romans were disturbed by this, because they worshipped their leaders and emperors as gods. All eyes were on the Christians, as they looked for reasons to accuse and defame them.

In addition, the Jews were not well behaved towards the Gentiles.  The two groups detested each other.  Since Christianity was at first considered a branch of Judaism, these feelings of animosity were automatically applied to Christianity.  It was up to the first century Christians to dispel those false beliefs and show the Gentiles that they were vastly different from the Jews.   

The duty of all Christians was to live their lives in such a manner that their conduct brought honor and glory to God and gave the pagans no reason to slander Christianity or Jesus. This is still our duty in this generation.

Peter reminds his readers that as Christians, they are sojourners/exiles (your translation may say pilgrims) on earth.  His point is that Christians are no longer citizens of this world.  We are passing through this life on our way to our eternal home in heaven.  This has several implications for the way we are to live while on earth.

If we consider ourselves as merely passing through this life, we will be more apt to store up treasures in heaven, rather than seek the riches of earth.  We will be much less likely to allow the cares of this life to choke out our spiritual fruitfulness (Mark 4:19).

As citizens of heaven, we are to abstain from fleshly lusts.  These include wrath, strife, envy, unforgiveness, lust, murder, lying etc.

Titus 2:11-12 - For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live sensibly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

If we allow these fleshly lusts to have their way in our lives, we bring shame and contempt on the name of Jesus.  We also encumber ourselves with burdens that we are not meant to carry.  All such burdens ensnare us, and impede our progress toward heaven (Hebrews 12:1). 

It was very important that the Christians of Peter's day do their best to exemplify a righteous life in front of the pagans.  In this way, they lift up and glorify the name of Jesus.  This way of life is a testimony to the pagans; it may be that in the future, they too will come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Let me offer you some encouragement:

It is still the duty of Christians to live a holy life in this world.  We are the salt of the earth; we are the lamp set on a hilltop.  You may not realize it, but the world is watching you, and they judge God by what they see in your life.  I encourage you to take another look at  your personal holiness.  Take a look at the words that are coming out of your mouth.  Take a look at what you are watching, reading and playing.  If needed, set aside those things that have ensnared you, so you can be a holy witness for God.

Let me offer you some relief and strength:

Jesus is our cornerstone, the firm foundation on which we build our lives.  Since he is unshakable, so are we!  This means we do not need to fear the future.  We are like a house built on the rock - we will stand in the storms of life!

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I Peter 1:18-19 – knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Although silver and gold are valued commodities in our culture, they are 'perishable' or corrupt.  As such, the only power they posses is the ability to pervert or defile your walk with God by acting as a snare, a temptation or a hindrance to you.  Things that are corrupt do not have the power to purchase or redeem an incorruptible, immortal soul, like yours.

The only commodity that is incorruptible and that has the power to redeem your soul is the sinless blood of Christ.  Knowing and meditating on the fact that God paid such a high price to buy us back should provide powerful motivation for us to live holy lives, revering Father God.

Today, we like to exchange money electronically. When we are paid, our wages are directly deposited into a bank account. When we pay our bills, we log onto a computer, push some buttons and move the money around. We buy things using credit cards. Many people very seldom, if ever, handle money anymore. What about you? Do you still consider money as a real commodity that you touch and handle, or is it just numbers on a screen to you?

In light of this, we need to remind ourselves that the debt we owed and the price God paid for us are not just metaphorical; they are not just entries in some cosmic accounting system.  The debt of our sin was real.  That debt was going to be placed on our backs, and would have resulted in eternal death.  Imagine being dead but never being able to actually die and find relief from pain, sorrow and torment.  Imagine enduring those things (and much worse) forever without ceasing.  This is not just some idea or theory; eternal death because of sin is a reality.

The price that Jesus paid for our forgiveness is also a reality. God didn't just 'write off' our sin like a bad debt. The full punishment of our transgression was laid upon our Redeemer. Jesus, the Lamb of God without spot or blemish, suffered a very real and hideous death to pay the full price of our sin.

In light of the innocent blood and horrendous suffering that bought our salvation, shouldn't we willingly and eagerly live holy lives to God?  Shouldn't we honor Jesus' sacrifice by turning our backs on sin?  Why would we want to cling to death?

I Peter 1:20 – He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.

Peter now circles back to his original thoughts in verse 2, specifically, that before the foundation of the world God chose to put in motion a plan where Jesus would be born in the flesh.  He would suffer, die and be raised to life again on the third day.  His blood would atone for the sin of anyone who accepted his sacrifice.  (Peter's Jewish readers recognized that Passover was a foreshadowing of the sacrificial death of Jesus.  This meant that Christianity was not some new religion, but a fulfillment of all the Old Testament promises.)    

The atonement of Christ was not some spur-of-the-moment idea or an afterthought on the part of God.  It was his purpose from eternity, before the foundation of the world and before sin was even a thing!   

Likewise, the timing of this event was perfect in every regard. The birth of Jesus into a body of flesh came at a fixed, appointed time. So did his death and resurrection. They mark the final dispensation of time.

What about you?  Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your birth, you arrived on this plant on the exact day that God ordained for you.  Regardless of what your parents may say, you are not an accident.  You are not a mistake or an afterthought.  God knew you before he knit you together in your mother's womb.  He has purposely placed YOU in the very last dispensation of time – the age of grace.  He has chosen to give you full access to all of the riches of the gift of grace. 

Even now, your spirit should be rising up in praise and worship to God.  What a blessing we have in Jesus!  

I Peter 1:21 – ...who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

There is only one way to faith in God. That way is Jesus Christ who was raised from the dead and glorified by the Father. Without Jesus, we would dread and fear God. With him, we can approach the Father with confidence, hope and love.

I Peter 1:22 – Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,

How does one purify their soul?  It is a combined effort between each individual and Holy Spirit. 

Each of us has a part to play in our own holiness.  It is a task that will require purpose and effort. 

This is not really mysterious in any way; this is exactly what we encounter in the natural world.  If you want to be a great golfer, you must study golf, obtain the proper equipment and most importantly of all, you have to put forth effort and practice!  There is no 'magical' effortless way to become a golf pro.  

Holiness and Christian obedience are much the same. They don't happen 'magically'. We have to renew our minds with the word of God and apply the truth to our actions. We must take control over/crucify our flesh and its desires. We must resist the temptations of Satan.

The effect of this influence of Holy Spirit in our lives is to produce love in us, towards all who are Christians.  This love for our Christian family springs up in the soul of every person who has truly been converted; it is certain evidence of salvation.

John 13:35 – By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.

It is likely that Christian love was an issue in the churches of Asia Minor. The Christian Jews and Christian Gentiles clearly came from vastly different cultural backgrounds. The Jewish Christians still retained an affection for outward manifestations of religion like dietary laws and circumcision. These rituals were not necessary for salvation, but many Jews still practiced them because they were a part of their heritage.

Speaking of heritage, consider this:  For hundreds and hundreds of years Jews had been taught that Gentiles were heathen dogs, who had no part in the things of God.  You can see how it would be difficult for this generation to change their thinking and begin to love and accept their Gentile brothers and sisters as equal partners in the kingdom of heaven.   

Meanwhile, the Gentiles Christians would have no patience for what seemed to them to be empty rituals.  They didn't understand why their Jewish brothers were making such a big fuss about things like eating meat sacrificed to idols.  Also, they may have felt that their Jewish brothers looked down upon them, considering them 'step children' of God. 

Only genuine brotherly love, brought about by Holy Spirit could truly take these two vastly different groups of people and meld them together into a single united church under Christ.  Without this love, the church would be divided. And a house divided against itself will fall (Mark 3:4-26).

Where does this truth leave the church today?  Do we find divisions in the world-wide church of God?  Are the Baptists and the Pentecostals enemies or brothers?  Can the Lutherans and the Anglicans and the Evangelicals and the Methodists love one another and work together for the spread of the gospel?  What about the Protestants and the Catholics?   What role do you play in brotherly love? 

I Peter 1:23 - ...since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

Those who have been born again have good reason to love one another.  We are part of the same kingdom, under the authority of the same king, partakers of the same privileges, with the same goal in mind – to be more and more like Christ and to bring others into the kingdom.  These things are all produced by the incorruptible seed of the word of God which has sprouted up in the life of every Christian.

I Peter 1:24-25 – for "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass.  The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever."  And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Here, Peter quotes from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 40:6-8). While the incorruptible seed of God produces eternal life, the corruptible seed of the flesh can only result in death.

The seed of flesh produces life that is similar to flowers and grass.  For a time, they seem vibrant and healthy, displaying beauty, wealth, and strength.  But these have no hope of lasting.  In a very short time, they will simply wither and fade.  Nothing can make them eternal.

Psalms 103:15-16 – As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.

If we look at the history of the world, we find kingdoms that have risen and fallen.  Ideas that have found favor are subsequently discarded.  Trends in all areas of life come and go.  Youth gives way to the frailty of old age.  Nothing in this world lasts forever. 

But by contrast, that which is produced by the incorruptible seed of the word of God, has eternal DNA.  It will never die or fade away; it is everlasting, fixed and permanent with a glory that will never fade. 

The gospel never changes.  The blood of Jesus never loses its power.  The redemptive work of Jesus is forever "finished".  The word of the Lord will stand forever.  Life in Jesus is eternal. 

Thus, the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles agree:  Life in Christ, though it come with trials in this world, is the only sure hope for mankind.  Everlasting life comes only through him.  The word of the Lord is a strong foundation that we should greatly desire and diligently seek.   

Let me offer you some encouragement and some relief:

Scripture tells us that God as determined the day of your birth and the day of your death (Psalms 139).  He did this because he as a purpose for your life.  You may or may not know what that purpose is at this point.

If you do know, then I strongly encourage you to pursue that calling and purposes will all your heart and strength.

If you do not yet know what your purpose in life is, then I encourage you to strongly seek the will of God through the Holy Spirit.  He will reveal to you the plans God has for your life.   

Let me offer you some strength:

The world ebbs and flows; fads come and go, just like flowers bloom and fade. 

But the life that you possess as a child of God is permanent and lasting.  God is a firm foundation, a solid rock upon which you can build every aspect of your life.  When the rains of hardship begin beating down, your life will not falter or fail, because you have built upon Jesus!  

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I Peter 1:10 – Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,

So far in his epistle, Peter is offering words of encouragement and strength to the Christians living in Asia Minor.  He does this by drawing their attention and focus toward salvation and their heavenly reward.  They need this encouragement to endure the trials they are facing.

Having just assured them that their faith would produce salvation, he now begins a contrast between the law and grace.  Why would he do that?

Well, let's picture their situation for a moment.  They are one of the first generations to leave behind the religion they grew up with.  In the case of the Gentiles, they have left idol worship and the belief in multiple gods.  In the case of the Jews, they have left the requirements of the Law/Old Covenant (sacrifices, dietary laws, circumcision, the temple, etc), in favor of a life of freedom under grace/New Covenant. 

But Peter is about to stir up their hearts to the truth – Grace is far, far superior to the Law!

Peter begins his discourse with a reference to the Old Testament prophets, who were greatly revered by later generations of Jews. 

Although the prophets spoke about the incarnation and suffering of the Messiah, and the redemption/grace he provided, they did not understand it.  They did not know when Messiah would come.  They did not know who his tormentors would be.  They did not know what the culture or condition of society would be at that time.  They did not fathom that grace would be extended to the Gentiles. 

Clearly, prophesies regarding the Messiah held some great and glorious truths which had not been fully revealed to them.  They plainly saw that the grace which was to come under the Messiah's kingdom was vastly superior to anything that had ever been exhibited under the law.  This created an immense, almost unquenchable desire within the prophets to know what God had planned.    

Matthew 13:17 – For truly I [Jesus] say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

But they could not understand or comprehend the prophesies, because that revelation was appointed for a future generation – the generation of believers who would live during the age of grace. 

Thus, any doubts the Jews felt about Christianity were dispelled.  There could be no question that the New Covenant of grace was far superior to the Old Testament Law.  There was also no doubt about the validity of the New Covenant; it had been foretold and greatly desired by the most revered prophets of God!

Have you stopped to consider that the grace you and I embrace and live in every single day was a great mystery to those who came before us? With longing hearts the prophets of God desired to see, hear and understand grace, but they were limited to the law. What a benefit we all have! Let's not take it for granted! We too, should diligent search out the ways of God.

I Peter 1:11 – inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.

Here we find the particular truths which the ancient prophets were trying to search out.  Obviously, the coming Messiah was the chief subject of their studies. 

Particularly, they were interested to know about his sufferings and the glories that would follow.  Suffering and glory - this is the basis of the gospel message.  Jesus was delivered up for our sins and raised again in glory, sitting at the right hand of the Father.  

From this example, it was clear to the prophets that those who trusted and followed the Messiah should expect the same thing - a time of service and suffering before being received into glory (heaven).  As Peter already indicated to his readers, the time of suffering will be short, but the glory is everlasting.

The Christians of Peter's day could have no greater hope and comfort.  The trials/persecutions/suffering they now endured would not be forever.  They would give way to everlasting glory!   

I Peter 1:12 – It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

God honored the deep longing of his prophets.  Holy Spirit revealed to them that these things would not take place in their generation.  However, they could take comfort knowing that God had an appointed time, firm and certain, for the coming of the Messiah and the revelation of grace he would bring. 

In delivering their messages the prophets were serving others, not themselves. In fact, Christians (those who now live or have lived or will yet live in the age of grace) are reaping the benefits of the labors of the prophets. Aren't you so awed by God's mighty plan? Doesn't it make praise rise up within your soul?

Holy Spirit prompted the ancient prophets to speak and write.  The same Spirit filled and empowered the apostles (including Peter) to preach the good news of salvation to the believers of his day.  And in the last 2000 or so years, nothing has changed.   Holy Spirit is the same yesterday, today and forever; he is still making the truth of the gospel penetrate the hearts of the unsaved through the preaching of the gospel.  If he wasn't, you and I would not be saved!

Even angels are amazed when considering the great privileges bestowed upon those of us in this age!  The phrase associated with angelic desire - long to look – literally means 'stooping down to see/look'.  The connotation is that of drawing near to something that cannot be seen clearly at a great distance; to draw near and bend down to observe and study the object as closely as possible. 

The angels, much like the prophets, had an intense desire to investigate grace.  They drew near to contemplate it with intense, fixed attention.   After all, angels are not omniscient.    Although they know more about God than we currently do, we have no reason to think they know or understand all of his plans and purposes.  It is reasonable to conclude that angels study manifestations of God's power and purposes in order to acquire more knowledge of God, just as we do.

Albert Barnes, in his commentary 'Albert Barnes Notes on the Bible', says this:

"It is probable, that in each one of the worlds which God has made, there is some peculiar manifestation of his glory and character; something which is not to be found at all in any other world, or, if found, not in so great perfection; and that the angels would feel a deep interest in all these manifestations, and would desire to look into them.

Our world, therefore, though small, a mere speck in creation, may have something to manifest the glory of the Creator which may not exist in any other. It cannot be its magnitude; for, in that respect, it is among the smallest which God has made. It may not be the height and the majesty of our mountains, or the length and beauty of our rivers, or the fragrance of our flowers, or the clearness of our sky; for, in these respects, there may be much more to admire in other worlds: it is the exhibition of the character of God in the work of redemption; the illustration of the way in which a sinner may be forgiven; the manifestation of the Deity as incarnate, assuming permanently a union with one of his own creatures.

This, so far as we know, is seen in no other part of the universe; and this is honour enough for one world. To see this, the angels may be attracted down to earth. When they come, they come not to contemplate our works of art, our painting and our sculpture, or to read our books of science or poetry: they come to gather around the cross, to minister to the Saviour, to attend on his steps while living, and to watch over his body when dead; to witness his resurrection and ascension, and to bless, with their offices of kindness, those whom he died to redeem."

I Peter 1:13 – Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Therefore – In other words, because of the incredible, unfathomable grace/salvation offered to each one of us, we must...

prepare our minds for action – As fallen humans, our minds are tangled up with the cares of this world and our own vain desires.  As Christians, we must take control of our thoughts and ideas.  We need to keep a steady focus on the race that is set before us, and cast aside any sin that would hinder us from finishing our course and obtaining the prize of eternal life.  

My guess is that all of us could do better in this area.  Here are some things for all of us to consider:

What are you allowing into your mind?  What are you watching, reading, or playing?  Are these things assisting you in your walk with God and building up your desire for salvation, or would you be embarrassed if God showed up while you were reading that book or playing that video game? 

If you want to disentangle your mind from the world and be ready for spiritual action, you have to take control of every thought. You have to be the doorkeeper of your mind, deciding what can and cannot enter.

II Corinthians 10:5 – We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

One of the weapons of our warfare is the word of God (Ephesians 6:12-18).  You need to know it and have it hidden in your heart so that on the day of battle, you can easily access it.  This only happens when you spend time putting the word into your mind and heart.  How many scriptures can you quote right now?  Do you know where they are located in the bible?  Could you lead a sinner to salvation by using scripture?

According to Paul in Romans chapter 7, the mind wars against the flesh. Is your mind strong enough to win that victory? Or do you always/most often give into the desires of your flesh? Paul goes on to say that the renewing of your mind is the key to winning that battle (Romans 12:2).

Instead of allowing our minds to wander anywhere, let's harness them, and put them to work in the kingdom of God.  Let's practice being sober minded, setting your hope fully on grace – in other words, don't be double minded (James 1:8).  Set your mind fully on Christ and continue to expect all that God has promised, especially the salvation of our souls, which we will receive at the revelation of Jesus Christ, also referred to as his second coming.  If we practice doing these things now, we will be well prepared for any trials, tribulations or persecutions that come our way.

I Peter 1:14-15 – As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.

Here, Peter addresses his readers as children who should be obedient.  This refers back to their salvation.  They are no longer slaves of darkness, but they have been purchased by the blood of Christ and made children of God, and coheirs with Jesus Christ.  Naturally, we would expect children to be obedient to their parents; this same expectation carries over into the spiritual life of a Christian.  God expects us to be obedient to his commands.    

Secondly, Peter instructs his readers to be holy in their conduct. This is of particular significance to the Gentile converts. Their idols left them the most abominable examples to follow. They endorsed all manner of sin, including various forms of sexual gratification, rebellion, mutilation and child sacrifice. They used to model their behavior after these base false gods, but no longer.

I Thessalonians 4:7 – For God has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness.

Now that they have been set free by Jesus, and they have entered into the kingdom of heaven, they must model their lives after the true God, who is holy in all his ways.  The same is true for us.

For example, before salvation, we were lovers of our self and the world, we chased after riches and fame, we indulged in personal gratification giving free reign to our passions and lusts, etc.  But now we have put on the 'new man':

Ephesians 4:24 – And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Do you struggle with holy living?  Holiness is not something that a Christian accomplishes once and for all.  Our minds were renewed when we chose to follow Christ.  But you and I are still living in the flesh, in the midst of a fallen world.  Each day, we must choose how we will act.  We must commit to molding our conduct, so it conforms to holiness. 

Notice the role that our mind plays in holy conduct.  So, just to beat the dead horse yet again, you need to pay careful attention to what you are allowing your mind to dwell on.

The good news is that we are not alone in this.  Holy Spirit, who dwells inside of us, is there to assist.  He will guide us through his word, through our consciences and many other means to help us achieve holy conduct.

I Peter 1:16 – since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

This command was very familiar to the Jewish converts.  It is from Leviticus 11:44 (also 19:2 and 20:7) and it was always a command of God to his chosen people. Those who profess to be God's people ought to behave like their God. 

God has separated his followers from the rest of the world.  He consecrated us to himself, making us a holy nation and a royal priesthood.  We are special in his sight.  How then, could we possibly engage in profane, sinful behavior?  Wouldn't that be a slap in God's face; a treachery against the one who has given us eternal life?

I Peter 1:17 – And If you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,

Since God is our Father, and he impartially judges the conduct of every man, each according to his own deeds, we need to pay careful attention to how we live in this world.

This presents the Christian with several beneficial truths. 

First, Christians are exiles in this world.  Having accepted Christ, we are citizens of heaven.  We are considered pilgrims or strangers on earth; we are passing through on our way to our true home.

Hebrews 11:13 – These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

Since this is the case, we should not entangle ourselves too much with the things of this world.  We should lay up treasures for ourselves in heaven, our true home and final destination.

Second, salvation has made us children of God, but we must still remember that God is the judge of all the earth. His judgments are always just, fair and impartial; God is no respecter of persons. Since that is the case, you and I need to pay careful attention to the way we live as we pass through to our true heavenly home. We must strive to be holy, as God is holy.

The opposite truth also applies – those who have ungodly parents or who come from a heathen family history do not need to worry.  As long as they have accepted salvation through Jesus, they will be saved based on their own life decisions.  What a blessing to be the person who can change your family line into one that is righteous and holy!   

Let me offer you some encouragement:

How do you view trials and tribulations in your life? Do you see them as punishments for failing God in some way? While God does sometimes correct his children, not every difficulty in your life is punitive.

The more likely explanation is that God is working through these sufferings to bring about your eternal glory.  Trials have many godly benefits.  They have a way of revealing to us what is truly valuable in our lives.  They teach us to have faith.  They allow us an opportunity to use our spiritual armor.  They keep us close to the Father.  They show us how to work with Holy Spirit to storm the gates of hell. 

So when you face trials, be encouraged.  It means God is working things out for your eternal glory.  

Let me offer you some relief:

Having trouble with holiness? Keep in mind that it is not an instantaneous event. It is often a consistent process. So put the guilt of your failure behind you. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal ONE area in which you need to change. Then, renew your mind with the word and work every day to bring that area of your life into holiness. When you have accomplished that, ask Holy Spirit for your next step.

Let me offer you some strength:

Do you need a little spiritual strength for your journey?  May I suggest that you take another look at how valuable grace is?  Sometimes, we take grace for granted, because it has always been available to us. 

But look at the bigger picture -  the vast majority of the world NEVER had access to it!  Those who knew about it (the ancient prophets and the angels), wanted it so badly they treasured and studied every hint of it that they could lay their hands on. 

And to think that you and I have full, unlimited access to that grace!  So take some time this week to dwell on grace.  Think about the mystery of God consenting to become one with part of his creation.  Think about the ability to be a child of God; an heir with Jesus.  Your relationship with God, through grace, has probably not been duplicated anywhere else in the universe.  If these thoughts don't give you strength in your trials, I don't know what will!

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Introduction: WHO: There has never been any doubt about the authorship of this biblical book. Obviously, it is the apostle Peter. He was the leader of the apostles. He was the one who walked on water, witnessed the mount of transfiguration, received a revelation that Jesus was the Christ, was reluctant to allow Jesus to wash his feet, and at his lowest point, denied knowing Christ.

But after the resurrection of Jesus and the coming of Holy Spirit, he was filled with power, preached on the day of Pentecost with 3000 being saved, stood up to the religious leaders, helped establish the church, and introduced the Gentiles to salvation.  Eventually, he was crucified (upside down) for his faith. 

WHEN and WHERE:  According to Jewish tradition, Peter spent the last 10 years of his life in Rome.  It is likely that he wrote this book while there, around 60-64 AD. 

WHY:  In his letters, Peter more fully explains the doctrines of Christianity while admonishing his readers to live holy lives.  He also wrote to encourage his readers to stand firm in their faith, especially when facing persecution (5:12).  This widespread persecution was probably incited by Nero, who blamed the Christians for burning Rome.         

Peter addresses his audience as a pastor, who is warm, caring and encouraging to his flock. He provides practical instructions for how to live in the last days. As we might expect from a man born and raised as a Jew, he quotes and makes numerous references to the Old Testament, which we will see as we study this letter.

By the time this letter is penned, Peter is older and is a matured man of God.  He will soon finish his earthly race, and we see in this epistle that is mind is focused on the ultimate destiny of all Christians – eternity in heaven with Christ.  

I Peter 1:1 – Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia...

Peter is an apostle - a messenger, or one who is sent forth.  This is the highest office in the Christian church (I Corinthians 12:28).   Peter was chosen for this office by Jesus himself (Matthew 10:2).  He was given the keys to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19) and he was instrumental in establishing the church.  

Because of the authority he carried as an apostle of Jesus Christ, the reader should take heed to the principles and spiritual truths revealed to them by this apostle.

Who exactly are those readers?  Back in the day when Peter first wrote this letter, he was writing to Christians that were living away from Jerusalem, in the cities of Asia Minor.  These Christians were a mixture of both Jews and Gentiles.  So he is writing to an audience with a very diverse background – some had a familiarity with the law, while some came from a background of idol worship.  

The Christians of that day were beginning to experience some great persecutions, especially since hatred of Christians was being endorsed by the Roman rulers (Nero and others).  

But at the same time, his letters have very little information pertaining to local or temporary interest; almost nothing particular to that specific time or place.  In fact, his writings have a universal application to all Christians of all ages.  Let's see how it applies to us.      

I Peter 1:2 - ...according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

While verse one gives us the external condition of these Christians (living in Asia Minor during an age of persecution), verse two gives us insight into their spiritual condition.  They may have been oppressed and despised by the world, but they are held in high esteem by God. 

These Christians (your version may refer to them as 'the elect'), have been sanctified by Holy Spirit.  The terms 'elect' and 'sanctified' were titles borrowed from Jewish culture and law.

Under the new covenant, Christians are individually sanctified.  We have been called out of the world to be the light and salt of the earth.  We are children of God, co-heirs with Jesus Christ, filled with the Spirit and part of the kingdom of heaven. 

A lot is required of those who are sanctified.  As we will see in this epistle, we are to put away the desires of our flesh and live lives of holiness and purity in our service to God. 

We are also among the elect.  To be elected means to be chosen.  And here we must proceed with caution.  Peter is not saying that God has chosen only certain people to be his children, while others have been excluded. Rather, based on his own plans and purposes, God offers eternal life to each and every person. Each of us must decide to accept or reject his offer.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

God's plan/offer of eternal life through salvation was made 'according to foreknowledge'. Let's explain that. Strictly speaking, God has neither foreknowledge nor hind sight, because he is not locked into time as we are. All things are known to God in the present tense.

Consider it this way:  Hold out your hand palm up.  Draw a line in the palm of your hand.  That line presents time.  Just as you can see the beginning of that line and the end of that line at the same time, God can see all of time from the beginning to end, right now.  To him, all of time is in the present tense.  He holds time in his hand. 

Foreknowledge, as used here, in I Peter 1:2, refers to the fact that before time began, God made a decision and formed a plan.  He knew what he would do.  Specifically, He fore-ordained the death and resurrection of Jesus who, through his blood, provided a way of escape from sin for all of mankind.  Peter says it this way, in his speech on the day of Pentecost:

Act 2:23 – This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.

So, just to be clear, 'foreknowledge' refers to the plans of God which he made before the beginning of time, knowing what would happen during time. 'Elect' refers to people who have chosen to accept the salvation that God offers to everyone.

Those who choose salvation are sanctified by the Spirit.  So in this one verse from Peter, we find evidence of the Trinity – God the Father planned our salvation, God the Son reconciled us to the Father through his blood, and God the Spirit sanctifies and keeps us one with the Father.

[Side Note:  Your eternal salvation rests on the foundation of the Trinity.  I caution all of my readers to make sure that you do not destroy the foundation of your own safety by denying the deity, power and working of the Holy Spirit.]   

Sanctification by the Spirit begins with the sprinkling of blood.  This is one of those illusions to the law that was very well understood by all the Jewish converts (Exodus 24:8). 

However, Peter is writing to Christians who are under the new covenant. So in this case, the sprinkling of blood refers to the death and resurrection of Jesus, our innocent sacrifice, made once, for all of mankind. The benefits imputed to us by his shed blood are staggering. They include:

• Remission of sin (Romans 3:25, I John 1:7).
• Justification before God (Romans 5:9).
• Sealing of the covenant, as exemplified by communion (Luke 22:20).
• Admission to Heaven (Hebrews 10:19).

Once you have been sprinkled by the blood of the new covenant, Holy Spirit begins to reside in your heart and sanctifies you for obedience to Christ. His work of sanctification includes:

• Renewing our minds so that we understand truth (II Thessalonians 2:13).
• Assisting us in crucifying the flesh (Romans 8:13).
• Producing fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).

Sanctification by Holy Spirit could be described as a means to an end; through the renewing and purifying influences of the Spirit on our souls, we are able to yield ourselves up to obedience to Christ in all circumstances at all times.

I Peter 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

God offers salvation to us out of his great mercy.  In other words, we have no right to salvation because of our own merits.  Nothing we have done, or ever could do, would qualify us for this immeasurable blessing.  In fact, God had every right to withhold mercy from us because of our sin. 

But instead, he causes us to be 'born again'. Just as God is the author of our life in the natural sense, he is also the author of our second spiritual birth/life. This should always be a subject of gratitude and praise for the Christian. Never take this for granted. Just as God's mercy is new every day, so our praise of his benefits should arise fresh in our hearts and minds each day.

Our spiritual life is a living and powerful hope, producing joy, confidence, comfort and peace.  It is the opposite of all that is cold, dead and ineffectual. 

This hope rests upon the dual pillars of the death and resurrection of Christ. The resurrection was a confirmation of all that Jesus declared while on earth. The justification of our person, the regeneration of our nature, the resurrection of our bodies and our eternal glorification are all benefits given to us through the Spirit based on the resurrection of Christ. The power of the Spirit that raised Jesus to life (Romans 8:11), also produces life in us (Ephesians 1:17-23).

I Peter 1:4 – to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

Let's talk about our inheritance.  Christians are regarded as the adopted children of God, and heaven is part of our inheritance.  It is given to us as proof of God's love for us. 

Any inheritance we have in this world will vanish or be used up.  But the inheritance of God is different.  It is permanent – it will never be used up, taken away, lost or taxed!  It is undefiled and pure – it was not obtained by fraud or dishonesty and it will not cause corruption to our souls (lust, greed, etc). 

I don't know about you, but to me, this is good news!  The truths that Peter is revealing here must have been a very great source of comfort and joy to the Christians who were suffering back in his day. 

They can and should also be a tremendous comfort to Christians today.  At the present time you may be experiencing afflictions.  We suffer physical ailments, broken relationships, financial hardships, persecution, unfairness and other forms of suffering.  But this is not our eternal state.  Peter will soon remind his readers that they are living in the last days, and at the end of time, heaven awaits us!     

I Peter 1:5 – who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

The phrase 'being guarded' or 'kept' means to keep as in a garrison or fortress with a military watch, guarding against the approach of an enemy, both day and night.  Peter informs us that God guards/keeps us for salvation.

Notice, that we are not guarded/kept from trials, problems, hard work or afflictions. On the contrary, Jesus informs us that in this world we will have tribulations (John 16:33).  But take heart – these tribulations can only aggravate us in this world.  Comfort, peace and all good things are promised to us in the coming age. 

Our guarded condition consists of two parts.

The first part is God's almighty power.  If we were to depend upon our own will, strength and resolution we would fall prey to any and every enemy (temptation). We could never keep ourselves safe from evil or expect to walk the paths of righteousness until we arrive in heaven. What a blessing to be guarded day and night by the mighty power of God!

The second part is our faith.  God works in partnership with us. His power will not be exercised on our behalf unless we place our faith in him. As we steadily adhere to the Christian faith, we are guarded and protected by the mighty power of God; we are preserved unto salvation and eternal happiness which has already been prepared for us.

This salvation will be revealed in the last time. In other words, it is not a dream or a myth. It already exists; it has already been prepared for us. If we could see into the heavenly realm with mortal eyes, we would see it!

For now, we must be content to view it through our spiritual eyes.  But rest assured - the fullness of our salvation will become evident at the end of this age, when it will be 'revealed', which implies a sudden unveiling.  In a moment of time, God will raise the curtain and instantly display the inheritance which has been kept for us in heaven.

What do you think is waiting for you in the next life?  Are you storing up treasures in heaven, or are you investing in this world? 

I Peter 1:6 – In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

The people who originally received this letter from Peter were suffering persecution for their faith.  This may very well have resulted in loss of jobs/business, being social outcasts, inability to purchase goods/services/ land, exclusion from medical care, bodily harm, and other difficulties.  This is the nature of trials.  They tend to travel in groups, rather than singly and they obviously cause sorrow or grief.      

Peter acknowledges their suffering, and offers them hope which would mitigate some of their sorrows.

First of all, Peter consoles them with the fact that their trials were only for a short season/little while. What did he mean by that statement? 

He wasn't referring to the actual duration/time of their test.  He had no way of knowing exactly how long the trials/persecutions of these Christians would last.  Rather, he was comparing the difficulties of this life to an eternity with God.  Paul expresses the same thoughts in his letter to the Corinthians:

II Corinthians 4:17 – For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

 Paul and Peter are in agreement.  Afflictions, even if they last a lifetime, should be considered momentary when compared to the eternal reward waiting for us in heaven. 

Secondly, these afflictions come upon us only 'if necessary'.  Peter gently suggests to suffering believers that although their trials may be grievous, they have a purpose. You may not see it at the moment, but Peter assures us that these trials are accomplishing eternal good in the life of the believer.

Think of it this way:  There is a child of about 10-12 years old.  The child does not realize it yet, but he is the heir to a vast empire.  As such, he must be prepared for his coming responsibilities and privileges.  He will be molded/made ready through experience and discipline. 

The Christian can take heart in knowing that trials, afflictions and Godly discipline are a guarantee that our Father is preparing us for an unimaginably great and wonderful future.  We can also be assured that he will never test us more than necessary. 

One commentator has expressed this thought:  'When we have entered on our heavenly inheritance, our surprise will be that God has been enabled to accomplish in us such fitness for it through so few earthly trials'.   

I Peter 1:7 – so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Here we find Peter making another analogy to the Old Testament, which his Jewish readers were sure to understand.  The passage is found in Malachi, chapter 3.

Peter, like Malachi, compares the testing of the Christian faith to the refining of gold by fire.

Gold is one of the most precious metals.  When subjected to extreme heat in a furnace, all of the impurities are burned away and the pure gold remains.  It will be brighter, purer and more valuable than it was before.

Through this testing of our faith, God prepares us to fulfill the destiny he has for us in the next realm of life with him.

Your faith is tested so that it may be 'found unto praise' or as our translation puts it, 'found to result in praise'. This means that our faith, which has been tested, will be found genuine and result in praise or commendation from our heavenly Father. We will hear him say 'Well done, good and faithful servant'! Tested faith also results in honor and glory. Honor is the respect or esteem of another. Thus, we will be respected or highly esteemed for our faith.

Jesus will soon appear and when he does, we will meet/appear with him and our graces will be seen.  The more we have been tried in the fire, the more bright we will shine.  Our earthly trials will soon be over, but the glory, honor and praise they produce in us will last for eternity!

I encourage you to dwell on these truths.  They will certainly be a comfort to you, when enduring your trials. 

I Peter 1:8 – Though you have not seen him, you love him.  Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

Peter now commends the faith of his readers in several areas.  The first is that they love Jesus, even though they never met him on earth. 

Peter had indeed seen Jesus in the flesh as well as glorified on the mount of transfiguration.  He understood at least part of the glory, wisdom and power of God, because he had witnessed it with his physical eyes.

His readers, however, did not have that benefit. 

II Corinthians 5:7 –  ...we walk by faith, not by sight.

They saw Jesus through eyes of faith, believing on him through the preaching of the gospel message (John 20:29).  

Is simple belief enough?  Certainly not!  Even the demons believe in Jesus and tremble (James 2:19).  The Christians that Peter is addressing not only believe in Jesus but their belief has brought forth fruit - it resulted in obedience and subjection to Christ, reliance on his power and an expectation of fulfillment of all his promises. 

This kind of a relationship with Jesus results in inexpressible joy and glory.  Think back to the time when you first gave your life to Jesus.  Didn't you feel an incredible joy and peace when the burden of sin was removed from you?  Now that you are a more mature believer with many trials under your belt, can't you still say that joy and happiness are yours through Jesus Christ your Lord?  Can't you truthfully say that true joy comes from your relationship with Him, rather than your outward circumstances?

A relationship with Jesus can offer what is solid, real and permanent which will never disappoint or fade away.  Even though we don't see it today we have the assurance that it will one day be ours.  AMEN!

I Peter 1:9 – obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

The ultimate end, the consummation, the reward of the Christian's faith is the salvation of our soul (and our body). We can be sure, even now, that we will most certainly receive the salvation promised to us by Christ. Here then, is even greater reason for inexpressible joy!

Let me offer you some encouragement:

I know we have heard this before, but the words are not idly spoken – the trials you now face have an eternal purpose.  

Take a second look at the point we made back in our study of Malachi:  God will refine us – he will purge us through instruction, affliction, temptation or any other way that Holy Spirit sees fit, in order to rid us of the grime of sin and make us pure and holy, fit for his service.  This is not a punishment.  It is a growing process that will be for the glory of God and our good. 

Let me offer you some relief:

Trials do not last forever! When their purpose is complete, God will remove them from your life.

Let me offer you some strength:

God has a close watch on your afflictions and trials.  As we said in our study of Malachi,   God is the craftsman, sitting by the fires of trials and tribulations, with his people in the crucible of life.  He perfectly and skillfully places them into situations that are not too hot (difficult), nor too cold (easy).  He keeps his people in the fire for the exact amount of time needed to burn up their sin and unholiness, then immediately and tenderly removes them to safety, so nothing is lost.  The result is a people fit for service in his kingdom; a people who will rule and reign with him in the next age. 

So be strong in the midst of your trials – they are working out your eternal glory!

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Galatians 6:9 – And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Welcome back readers!  We are in the middle of the final exhortations of Paul to the churches in Galatia.  We just examined verses 8-9, in which Paul lays out some very clear and far reaching spiritual principles. 

Let us not grow weary in doing good - Sometimes, we grow weary. Let's face it: There is a lot of opposition to Christian views, ideas and plans. There are countless people to be won to Christ. There is an overwhelming need in the world for food, clothing, medical care, etc. And often there is a lot of ingratitude in those who benefit from our charity. At times the problems of our day seem so immense and overwhelming, that we can become weary. We can be tempted to just 'walk away' from the needs of the world and focus on our own lives and families.

The truth is that if we try to meet these needs within our own abilities, we will fail.  We will certainly become discouraged, run out of resources, lose our patience and simply give up.

But if we walk according to the Spirit, our heavenly Father will make it possible for us to continue in the ways of righteousness.

• He has unlimited strength (Isaiah 40:31).
• He has unlimited resources (Haggai 2:8, Psalms 50:10).
• He has unlimited wisdom for solving problems (I Kings 4:29, Ecclesiastics 2:26).
• He is the one who pours out his Spirit to convict sinners and bring them to Christ (John 16:8).

And He is eager to give us all that we need to be victorious in this world.

For in due season - Again, we find that God's spiritual law is plainly evident in the physical realm.  We all know that if we plant peas, there is a season of waiting before the vegetables are ready for harvest.  If you actually read a packet of garden seeds, it will tell you the approximate number of 'days until maturity', or the average time it takes to reap a harvest. 

So it is with good works/loving our neighbor/doing God's will. We sow as we are able and as God leads. We may not see much happening, but we can be sure that God has an appointed time for the harvest to manifest. That harvest may manifest itself here on earth, or we may not see it until we get to heaven. But either way, God rewards those who sow into his kingdom.

We will reap if we do not give up – Do you see the significance of this part of the verse?  We are guaranteed a harvest.  In the natural realm, that doesn't always happen.  Any number of factors (drought, floods, extreme temperatures, pests, etc) can rob a farmer of his entire harvest.

But in God's economy, our efforts always produce results.  Every time you pray for revival, seek a move of Holy Spirit, weep before the Lord for the problems of our nation, use your money to spread the gospel, help the needy, love your neighbor, etc, you are sowing to the Spirit. And you WILL reap a harvest, either in this life or the life to come.  The key is not to give up – to stay in faith until you receive the promise. 

The scriptures are full of wonderful examples of this principle. Let's examine one of my favorites - the case of Caleb.

As you know, he and Joshua were the only two spies who believed that God would give Israel the Promised Land.  They sowed seeds of faith and victory into their community and into their own lives.  After Israel rebelled against God, it appeared as though Caleb would not reap anything for his efforts.  

But, hallelujah, that was not the case!  God preserved Caleb for 45 years, until he could reap his harvest! 

Joshua 14:10 - And now, behold, the LORD has kept me [Caleb] alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spoke this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.

Can you imagine waiting 45 years for a harvest?  Do you think that Caleb had plenty of opportunities to quit?  To complain?  To become weary?  To be bitter?  To believe he was too old?  You bet he did!

But he didn't give up, and he didn't give in, despite the appearance of his circumstances.  He stayed in faith, knowing that you can never lose a harvest in God's economy – eventually, in due season, you will reap.

Joshua 14:12 - Now therefore give me [Caleb] this mountain, of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.

Joshua 15:14 - And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

Caleb is an excellent example of a person who understood that he would reap his harvest in due season, if he didn't give up. If you haven't read his story in a while, check it out in Joshua chapters 14-15. What other biblical examples of 'not giving up' can you think of? How about some examples in your own life, or the life of someone you know?

Galatians 6:10 – So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

There are several truths apparent in this verse:

God does not expect any one person to meet the needs of the entire human race.  Instead, he will present every believer (including you) with distinct opportunities to do good.

You can expect these opportunities to pop up all throughout your life.  They may come at unexpected times, or in unexpected places, so be on the alert for them, because they are coming!

As we all know, it is possible to miss an opportunity.  For example, the children of Israel missed their original opportunity to take the Promised Land.

Numbers 14:22-23 - Because all those men who have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness and have not hearkened to my voice;Surely they shall not see the land which I swore to give unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:

I am sure that was a missed opportunity that they regretted for the rest of their lives. I don't know about you, but I don't want any missed opportunities in my life. So pay attention to the Spirit! Maintain an intimate, ongoing relationship with him.  If we are living by the Spirit, and we are actively looking for occasions to do good, he will direct us to the specific opportunities that have been set aside for us to accomplish.

Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.

Do you remember the New Testament parable of the good Samaritan? If not, you can refresh your memory in Luke 10:30-35. In this parable, a priest and a Levite both missed the opportunity to do good to the Samaritan, because they didn't consider him to be their 'neighbor'. They didn't realize that representatives of God should be doing good to ALL men.

In our case, we need to be aware that we could be called upon to do good to literally any man or woman on the planet. This might include an adversary; someone who has belittled, bullied or mocked us for our faith; someone we don't think is deserving of help; someone of the opposite political party; someone with different religious beliefs; an illegal alien; or even a person caught up in sin. It isn't our job to judge. If Holy Spirit leads you to an opportunity, take it!

We should especially watch out for opportunities to minister to our Christian brothers and sisters.

Since God has made it our duty to do good to others, he will make sure we have the opportunities to do it – so watch for them. 

Galatians 6:11 (ESV) – See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.

Honestly, it's kind of funny how the smallest or most obscure verse can cause such a difference of opinion among scholars!

This is one of those verses.  Let's compare the translation above (English Standard Version) with the King James Version:

Galatians 6:11 (KJV) – Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

Now, compare the two verses and ask yourself this question:  What does the word 'large' refer to?  Is it the actual size of the writing in the letter, or does it refer to the length of the letter itself?

Apparently, it can be interpreted either way in the original Greek.  But no matter which interpretation you favor, the meaning is substantially the same. 

Paul has written this letter himself. This was not his normal method of operation. Usually, he dictated his letters, only signing them at the end (Romans 16:22), or sometimes personally writing the salutation of the letter (1 Corinthians 16:21).

By writing the entire epistle himself, he proves to the Galatians that this letter is genuine. Not only that, it shows the great care and concern he felt for them. Let's be honest – Paul has a lot going on in his life. He bears the responsibility of caring for ALL the churches. Can you imagine the enormous number of distractions, problems and endeavors he was involved in? And these were aside from his main duties to travel around, start new churches, preach the gospel and contend with the Jews over the law! So for him to stop and invest so much time in writing this letter to the Galatians, it is clear that he has a deep love and concern for them and their spiritual welfare.

Also, it should be noted that because Paul wrote this letter with his own hand, it lends extra weight to the importance of what he discussed.  Because he had gone to so much effort to pen this himself, it must be important.  Therefore the Galatians should pay the strictest attention to what he has taught in the letter.  We should do the same! 

Galatians 6:12 – It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

At the close of his letter, Paul returns to the main evil that prompted him to write to the Galatians. Namely, false teachers had fooled the Galatians into believing that they must be circumcised and keep the law in order to have salvation.

In his 'closing argument' Paul reveals the true motivations of these teachers.  They are not really concerned with the promotion of true religion or the salvation of others.  Their real motivation is to avoid persecution from their fellow Jews.  If they were to renounce the practice of the law and preach grace alone, they would expose themselves to the rage of the Jews – the same rage that caused the Jews to so furiously and relentlessly persecute Paul. 

Because they did not want any part of that persecution, they attempted to blend the Law with grace in order to keep both parties happy.  This led to the promotion of an evil and unnatural form of religion that robbed the blood of Christ from its true power and led people astray.

Galatians 6:13 – For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.

Paul also reveals the hypocrisy of the false teachers. By adhering to circumcision, they obligated themselves to keep the entire law. Yet, they are very careless in how they observe it.

Another reason they want the Galatians to be circumcised (besides avoiding persecution) is so they can brag about how many converts they have made to their false Jewish-Christian sect.  We can't help but notice that they desire to create an outward change in the flesh of these believers, as opposed to an inward change effected by the Spirit.  So while they claim to promote true religion, they are actually enemies of it! 

Galatians 6:14 – But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Paul now contrasts himself with the false teachers.  Unlike them, Paul has no ambition to glory in the Galatians as his converts.  He will boast only in the cross of Christ, which brings justification and salvation to all who believe. 

It is interesting to note that the cross was a stumbling block for most Jews:

I Corinthians 1:23 – But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

This is because the Jews attached feelings of shame and ignominy (public disgrace and dishonor; reproach) to it.  Paul, however, rejoices in the cross because the sacrifice made there is the foundation of grace/salvation.

Paul goes on to say that because of the cross, the world has been crucified to him and he to the world. In this instance 'world' refers to the flesh or desires of this life.

This is the opposite of what we find in the false teachers. Their chief concerns were deeply rooted in the world. They were interested in the number of followers they could amass, which would in turn earn them glory and privilege in this world.

Galatians 6:15 – For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

Under the law, circumcision was essential because it was God's covenant in the flesh of his people.  Those who were not circumcised could not inherit any of the covenant promises. 

But under the gospel dispensation, neither the presence nor the absence of circumcision in the flesh justifies us in the sight of God.  Rather, we are justified or made a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17) by the blood of Christ.  In the book of Romans, Paul refers to this as circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29).

Galatians 6:16 – And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

Again, redemption is not through the law (circumcision); it comes through the sacrifice of Christ which makes us a new creation.  We must accept the sacrifice of Christ in order to obtain all the rights and privileges of a member of the family of God.

Any person who walks or lives their life as a member of the family of God will live/walk in the peace and mercy of God.

Notice that Paul refers to Christians as the "Israel of God". As you recall, the Jews were Israelites simply by virtue of their physical birth. However, any person (Jew or Gentile) can become a member of the 'Israel of God' or 'spiritual Israel', by receiving and embracing Jesus Christ as revealed in the gospel.

Galatians 6:17 – From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

Paul's letter to the Galatians is now coming to a close.  He has fully revealed the mind of God in the matter of circumcision (the law) and settled the controversy between himself and the false teachers. 

Those same false teachers have been a real pain in the neck for Paul – they practically destroyed the Galatian churches, they undermined Paul's authority and they led people astray with their false doctrine.  In short, they created a real mess, which the apostle had to stop and clean up. 

Paul says that he bears the marks of Jesus on his body.  In other words, he is telling the Galatians that he already suffered (and continues to suffer) for the cross of Christ.  This was evident in the scars or wounds that he received as a minister of the gospel.  Paul had been beaten, stoned, placed in shackles and otherwise persecuted in a variety of ways.  These marks are proof of the afflictions he has suffered because of the cross; he implores the Galatians not to add to his suffering by abandoning the true gospel. 

Galatians 6:18 – The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers.  Amen.

Paul's closing prayer for the Galatians is that God would pour out his grace upon them; that God would guide them throughout life, strengthen them in their work, and encourage/comfort them in all the trials of life and even in the midst of death.  What a wonderful and affectionate prayer!

Let me offer you some encouragement:

Are you laboring and sowing seed into the kingdom of heaven? If so, you can be assured that you will reap a harvest – so don't complain, don't worry and most importantly – don't give up! That harvest is on the way!

Let me offer you some relief:

The Lord has made it our duty to help our neighbors and to do good works.  But before you panic, remember that no one person can help the whole world!  Holy Spirit will bring specific opportunities for ministry across your path.  If we live each day with an attitude of expectancy, we will surely recognize them when they appear. 

Let me offer you some strength:

I may not know you, but my guess is that you are not perfect!  Even though you and I are new creations in Christ Jesus, we still occasionally sin.  We are still sometimes blindsided by our enemy, just like the Galatian Christians were.  But that is not the end of the world.  Like the Galatians, we can be forgiven and restored in our relationship with Christ.  If you have fallen into sin, take it to the cross and leave it there!  Jesus will give you the strength to pick up the pieces and continue in your Christian walk.

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Galatians 6:1 – Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.  Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

This chapter contains the closing comments of Paul to the Galatian churches.  He speaks to them kindly, offering fatherly advice and encouraging them to watch out for each other spiritually. 

In other words, Christians do not plan to deliberately sin.  They set their hearts to purposely follow Jesus and his ways and to live holy lives that are pleasing to the Father (which is in opposition to walking in the flesh, as discussed in chapter five).

But in the midst of that, it is possible for a Christian to be snared by a sudden or unexpected temptation which they are not prepared for.  There are also cases where a Christian can be caught up in an episode of headstrong passion which leads to sin (we would call it 'the heat of the moment').  Paul is undoubtedly referring to some of the sins mentioned in 5:19-21 of this letter, which we covered in our last post.

When a brother does fall into sin, there are those in the church who can help.  These are the people who are 'spiritual'.  They are believers who have overcome temptations because they walk according to the Spirit.  They are qualified to go along side the transgressor and bring him back to the ways of righteousness.  Paul does not say exactly how this is to be done, but a combination of council, prayer, accountability and changes in action/behavior may all be warranted. 

What Paul does make clear is that this restoration cannot be done in anger or with an attitude of harsh judgment/discipline.  The transgressor is to be restored with an attitude of love, patience and gentleness.  While his/her sin is totally unacceptable, we don't need to martyr them in order to restore them.

The truth is that all Christians are liable to sin; anyone of us could be 'caught' in it at any time. 

I Corinthians 10:12-13 – Therefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.  There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man.

Notice that the result we are looking for in these situations is to restore or bring our brother back into his former condition – living in a righteous relationship with Christ as a fully functioning member of the church body.  This is a type of spiritual healing.  If we try to heal through accusation, condemnation or harsh judgment, we are likely to make our brother's injuries worse rather than better!

We should be all the more willing to forgive and restore others in a spirit of meekness, when we consider that we too can be ensnared by our enemy and fail in our Christian walk.

Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

This directive of Paul can be taken one of two ways.

If we interpret it in light of the former verse, then we understand it to mean it is our duty to nurse our fallen brothers back to spiritual health.  If they have fallen into a sin or error and recognize their mistake, their sin is undoubtedly a weight or burden on their soul.  At that point, we should come alongside them to offer comfort, forgiveness and restoration.  We should be there to assist them in accountability, so as to avoid future lapses. 

Alternatively, if we consider this verse to be a new precept or command from the apostle, then we understand it to mean that we should sympathize with our Christian family anytime they are under a trial or affliction. 

Romans 12:15 – Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

This would include seasons of financial hardship, illness, bereavement, etc. Perhaps his instructions can best be interpreted as a mandate for us to support the family of Christ at all times! 

When we support each other and help bear one another's burdens, Paul says we are fulfilling the law of Christ.  We cannot help but notice that he uses the phrase 'law of Christ' very strategically. 

Remember, the overall problem in Galatia is that some Christians have been led astray by false teachers, who have added the observance of Mosaic Law into the practice of Christianity.  But Paul has made it very clear that the grace of the gospel message does not include observance of the Mosaic Law.  The "law" that Christians need to observe is the one that Jesus gave us:  The law of loving one another/loving our neighbor. 

John 13:34 – A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another:  just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

There is no way on earth that a person could fulfill the requirements of the Mosaic Law.  But Paul indicates that the law of Christ – the law of love – can indeed be fulfilled as we bear one another's burdens and assist each other in our Christian walk (Romans 15:1-3). 

Galatians 6:3 – For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Paul is still cautioning believers to exercise tenderness and compassion towards brothers or sisters that have fallen into sin.  He now particularly cautions the rest of the body to beware of the sins of pride and conceit.  He intimates that having a high opinion of ourselves will cause us to judge/condemn others without pity or compassion and make it impossible for us to restore them to the body. 

The root of this pride can be found in the comparison of ourselves to others.  Let's consider an example.  Suppose that a fictitious Christian name Alice looks at the life of another fictitious Christian name Bertha.  Alice notes that Bertha has committed several sins which she considers to be 'big sins' such as murder and grand theft.  Alice then looks at her own life.  She determines that her own sins are 'small sins' such as lying or gossiping. 

So, when she compares herself to Bertha, she considers herself to be a superior Christian.  She further determines that because of her superior spiritual walk, she would NEVER commit the 'big' sins of murder or theft.  By comparing herself to others, Alice is opening the door for spiritual pride and deception to enter her life. 

We further note that Alice has used faulty logic to reach her conclusion.  The truth is that sin is sin.  All sin is repulsive in the sight of God, regardless of how harmless we consider it to be.

• The truth is that ALL of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and ALL of us are saved by the grace of God alone (Ephesians 2:8). 

• The truth is that any one of us is capable of committing any sin (including murder) given the right set of circumstances.

• The truth is that when we give an account of ourselves before God, there won't be any comparisons with others.  We will be judged by our own stewardship (Romans 14:12). 

So, if we want to do any comparing, we need to compare ourselves to Christ alone.  When we do, we will realize just how sinful we are.  This will dispel any false notions of pride that we may have about ourselves. When we consider the reality of our own sinful state, it puts us in a position to restore our fallen brothers/sisters in a spirit of meekness and humility. 

Galatians 6:4-5 – But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.  For each will have to bear his own load.

Personally, I prefer the King James Version of this verse:

"But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.  For every man shall bear his own burden."

Rather than comparing himself to others, each Christian needs to examine his own life and conduct in light of the word of God.  If he finds that he is on the right path, that the Spirit is producing fruit in him, that he is being made over into the image of Christ, and he has a sure assurance of heaven, then he has a true reason to rejoice.  He has found a source of pure joy in his life. 

Because the source of this joy/rejoicing is within himself, it cannot be taken away.  No matter what may happen in his life, the enemy cannot rob him of this joy.  Neither can the opinion (good or bad) of others affect it.

On the other hand, if a Christian finds joy by comparing himself to others, then his joy is always dependent on the outcome of that comparison.  He can be joyful only when others approve of him and he will certainly be miserable when they disapprove of him.  His joy/rejoicing is subject to change as often as the fickle opinions of man change.

We should never forget that each of us will 'bear our own load' or reap the rewards/judgments of our own actions in this life, regardless of what others do.

Galatians 6:6 – Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

It is quite likely that there were a number of false teachers circulating among the Galatian churches.  Once they found out that they had been deceived, the Galatians' love for the word of God and ministers of the gospel had naturally grown cold.  In response, they stopped giving offerings to the church. 

As for those of us who benefit from their teaching, let us remind ourselves that no earthly sum can make up for what we receive in the spiritual realm from these men and women of God, who have dedicated their time to the work of the gospel.  It is only fitting that we share in their support.

Galatians 6:7 – Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

This particular exhortation from the apostle is very weighty and complex.  But first and foremost, it must be interpreted in the context of the chapter, which is the financial support of ministers. 

Here is the situation:

• It was the duty of the Galatian Christians to support their local church and ministers.

• Some of the Galatian believers apparently chose to stop or withhold their financial support. 

• These people no doubt provided a lot of seemingly plausible excuses for this action to their fellow brothers and sisters in the church.

• These excuses may have included things like:

• I have bills to pay. 
• I need to save for retirement. 
• I am going to buy a house. 
• Times are uncertain. 
• I don't want my money to support false teachers. 
• Etc, etc, etc.

In the eyes of their fellow Christians, these excuses seemed legitimate. 

Here is the problem: 

While these excuses seemed legitimate to their fellow brothers and sisters, they were unacceptable in the eyes of God.  So, this is how the Galatians deceived themselves:  They believed that their excuses exempted them from doing their duty before God. 

What is the meaning of 'God will not be mocked'?

To mock means to imitate or mimic in sport or contempt.  We are all familiar with this definition.  But the word also means to disappoint the hopes of; to deceive or tantalize.  So while these Christians convinced their fellow brothers and sisters that they had no resources to help support the ministry, they could not fool God in the same way.  They could not mock or deceive him.

Why were their excuses unacceptable to God?

Well, let's examine the thoughts and motivations of the Galatians.  As we have already established, it was their duty to financially support the ministers of their local church, but for various reasons, they stopped doing their duty.  In their eyes, giving money to the church was like putting it into a black hole – it just vanished.  In their opinion, they received nothing in exchange for it.  They truly believed that whatever they gave to the church was lost to them.  Therefore, they simply weren't going to give anymore; they were going to keep their resources for themselves.

But they overlooked the most fundamental truth of supporting the gospel:  We give to God, not to man.  The gospel is to be supported through the tithes and offerings that God has instructed us to give to him.

Malachi 3:10 - Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

This truth has some pretty far reaching consequences and rewards.

Because we give to God and not to man, we don't need to fear that we will not have enough for our personal needs.  It is true that you are to be a wise steward over what you have.  But even if we make some bad financial decisions, we can count on our heavenly Father to help us.  God is Jehovah Jireh, our provider and he is more than capable of making sure our needs are met.  When we honor him with our obedient giving, he makes sure we have enough to meet all our needs.

I will personally testify to you right now, that this is true!  My spouse and I have always tithed and God has always provided everything that was needed, without exception.  I could give you example after example, if time and space allowed!  But let me leave you with this thought: Try it yourself.  If you do not pay tithes into your local church, speak to God about it and begin to give.  Watch and see what happens!   

Because we give to God and not to man, God's laws of sowing and reaping apply to what we give.

Luke 6:38 - Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your lap. For with the same measure that you measure it shall be measured to you again.

As you are probably aware, entire books have been written about the implications of the verses we have just mentioned.  Obviously, we can't examine them at length in this blog post.  But I hope that I have stirred up your memory and your curiosity in regards to this subject.  I encourage you to do some further reading and research.

In the meantime, know this:  Supporting the gospel is not throwing your money into a black hole.  It is sowing seed which will result in a harvest, for both you and the kingdom of heaven.  Please remind yourself that when you support the gospel, you are giving to God, not man.  And God will always reward you.  

Now, we cannot move away from this verse without noting that while Paul used this truth in the immediate context of supporting the church, it is a spiritual principle which applies to every aspect of life.  

In other words, if you plant corn seeds, what do you get – obviously, a harvest of corn (Genesis 1:11-12, 21, 24).

If you sow mercy and kindness, what do you get in return?  That's right – mercy and kindness for yourself (Matthew 5:7)!

God's laws of sowing and reaping cannot be overturned (Genesis 8:22).  So consider carefully where you are sowing your time, attention and resources.  Carefully consider the values and principles you are sowing into your children and grandchildren.  Give heed to the seeds you sow with your mouth!

Galatians 6:8 – For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Again, the laws of sowing and reaping apply here.  A man who sows or invests all that he has in this life without any regard for the next, will indeed gather fruit corresponding to the seed he has sown.  He may reap immense personal wealth and every good thing found in this life.  But these things are corrupt and temporary.  They are tainted with sin and will soon pass away.  The man who sows to his flesh will have nothing in the next life. 

But the man (or woman) who sows seed into the kingdom of heaven will reap a reward both now and in the next life.  They will harvest riches that can never rust, fade away or be stolen (Luke 12:33-34). 

Paul is probably also making an overall conclusion to his earlier teaching.  Circumcision of the flesh (any attempt to keep the law) is futile.  Those who sow into this system will reap corruption/death, because they cannot keep the law.  But those who are circumcised in the heart by the Spirit of God will certainly reap eternal life through the blood of Christ. 

Let me offer you some encouragement:

Back in the book of Genesis, Cain asks the question, "Am I my brother's keeper?"  (Genesis 4:9).  The real answer to his question is 'yes'.  When one of our brothers or sisters in Christ falls into sin, it is our job to meekly come along side them to assist in their restoration to the body of Christ. 

This is an important function of the church which requires time, effort, patience and love.  If you are presented with an opportunity to restore a brother or sister, I encourage you not to turn away from it.  It is a work that will be well pleasing to God. 

Let me offer you some relief and strength:

In this post, we talked about the laws of sowing and reaping.  Maybe you haven't sown the best seed into your life.   But that doesn't mean your situation is hopeless.  Cry out to God in prayer.  Renounce the bad seed that you have sown with your mouth, your actions and your attitudes.  Then begin the process of sowing good things into your life.  Here is a promise that you can stand on:

Joel 2:25 - And I [God] will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, and the consuming locust, and the cutting locust, my great army which I sent among you.

If you are alive and reading this blog right now then it is NOT too late to begin sowing seeds in the kingdom of heaven!  So get started today!

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Galatians 5:15-17 – But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.  But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

In verses 14-15, Paul was admonishing us to love our neighbors as ourselves as opposed to biting and devouring one another.  In other words, we should not be contending with one another or pitting ourselves against each other.   

This approach to life has some serious consequences.  As the Galatians oppose each other, they 'devour' their opponent's mental health, physical health, character, peace and resources.  Meanwhile, their opponent is doing the same thing to them; they are destroying each other. 

If Christians are busy fighting each other, how can they unite together to fight against Satan?  How can they focus on winning souls for Christ?  How can they love and disciple new believers?  The obvious answer is - they can't!  This was a very real problem for the Galatians.  It is also something we need to guard against today.

If we fight against each other, we make Satan's job easy – he can just sit back and watch us destroy ourselves.  But if we are willing to overlook offences and stay unified in the Spirit, we can win the world for Christ!   

Ephesians 4:2-3 - With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Maintaining Christian peace and unity takes effort.  Here's why:  Each one of us has a constant struggle between our flesh and our spirit.  Our flesh, the fallen, carnal part of our being, is constantly opposing all of the righteous, holy things that our Spirit longs to do.  By the same token, our Spirit, which has been made new through Christ, strives to take authority over all the ugly sinful things our flesh desires to do.   As long as we are in this world, we can expect to deal with this struggle. 

Now that we recognize the problem, what can we do about it?

Paul gives us the answer.  If we will walk by the Spirit, we will not gratify our fleshly desires. 

Holy Spirit himself dwells in the hearts of all Christians.  He is standing by to guide and assist us in subduing our flesh.  For our part, we must set our will to act under his guidance and influence.   This is not a one-time thing.  We need to practice living our lives under his direction every day. 

Here is a promise we can cling to:  While walking by the Spirit will not completely remove the pull of our own corrupt nature, it will keep us from fulfilling the lustful desires that seek to overtake/dominate us.  

So feed your Spirit, not your flesh.  Read the word.  Pray in the Spirit and with your understanding.  Ask the Spirit to help you make important decisions in your life.  Then do what he recommends!

Galatians 5:18-19 – But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace.

If the Galatians will return to the true gospel message of grace in Christ and permit themselves to be influenced or governed by Holy Spirit, he will lead them into a state of freedom and holiness that they could never obtain under the law. 

Believers who live according to the leading of the Spirit find the desire, will and ability to choose righteousness over the lusts of the flesh.  What we cannot do in our own power, Holy Spirit makes possible through his power.

Again, if we walk according to the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lusts of our flesh (fallen nature).

Galatians 5:19 – Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,

Having made the distinction between walking in the Spirit and walking according to the flesh, Paul now tells the Galatians how they can be assured which path they are on.  All they need to do is examine the fruit that is being produced in their lives, because the scripture tells us that 'by their fruits you shall know them' (Matthew 7:16-20) 

There is no need for us to define the specific terms Paul uses here in verse 19.  We are all familiar with sexual sins.  Sadly, they are rampant not only in our society, but in the church as well.  Those who practice these sins are walking in the flesh.  They are not being led by the Spirit. 

If you are among the Christians who practice sexual immorality in thought, word or deed, I beg you to stop and consider what you are doing. 

In fact, the bible declares that God chastises or corrects his children.  That's what you are setting yourself up for when you live in sexual sin.  But don't take my word for it; search the scriptures.  See what they reveal about the life of King David.

Even though David was a child of God, he chose to walk according to his flesh.  As you well know, he fell into sexual sin with Bathsheba, wife of Uriah the Hittite.  Then, instead of confessing his sin and repenting, he tried to cover it up.  When that didn't work he actually committed murder in an effort to hide his sin.  Did God bless David for that?  No, he did not!  God had to bring correction/punishment to him.

2 Samuel 12:10-11 - Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house; because you have despised me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.  Thus says the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house, and I will take your wives before your eyes, and give them unto your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.

David's sin had physical, emotional and financial consequences for his entire family and his kingdom too.  If you are a child of God and you are choosing to live in the realm of sexual sins thinking that God is okay with that, you are wrong.  God will withhold blessings from you and bring loving discipline to your situation. 

You also need to ask yourself what kind of a testimony you are presenting in front of others.  The prophet Nathan said that David's behavior gave "great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme" (2 Samuel 12:14).   

When you claim to be a child of God but live in rebellion to his commands, what are you telling the world about your Lord?  Aren't you really saying that God doesn't take sin seriously or that he judges unfairly?  Aren't you mocking his mandates for personal holiness?  Aren't you telling the world that they have no real need to repent? Aren't you, like David, giving the world a reason to blaspheme the Lord? 

Consider this:  When Jesus confronted the woman caught in adultery, his final words to her were very specific:

John 8:11 -  Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn you: GO AND SIN NO MORE.

Listen, I am not trying to condemn you.  Believe me, I have my own sins to consider! I just want to give you a loving warning – live by the Spirit.  Get rid of sexual sins in your life. 

Galatians 5:20-21 – idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.  I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Again, Paul is admonishing the Galatians to examine the fruit in their lives to determine whether they are walking by the Spirit or by the flesh. 

Idols/idolatry:  Idolatry originally meant the worship of idols, or the worship of false gods by means of idols.  Eventually, among the Old Testament Hebrews it came to mean worship of any false god by images or any other means.

The worship of heavenly bodies was also a common form of idolatry.  Examples would include worship of the sun (Ra), the moon (Luna or Astarte), Venus (goddess of beauty), Mars (god of war and husbandry), etc. 

Worship of these idols often included such practices as giving them offerings made by fire, pouring out drink offerings to them (libations), giving them tithes or first fruits, setting tables of food before them, kissing the idols or blowing them kisses, stretching out their hands in adoration, kneeling or prostrating before the idol, dancing before or around an altar which was sometimes accompanied by cutting themselves with knives, offering their children as sacrifices, sexual orgies, etc.

Now, I know what you are probably thinking – "I haven't bowed down before a golden calf today, so this does not apply to me."  But don't be too hasty in your conclusions. 

Ultimately, in the New Testament, idolatry came to mean not only giving a creature the honor and devotion which belongs to God alone, but giving any human desire precedence over God and his will (I Corinthians 10:13-14, I Peter 4:3).

Colossians 3:5 - Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry:   

There are actually many modern day idols such as sports, money, entertainment, our spouse/children, hobbies or even work!

Take a moment to examine yourself and your life.  Do you have hours and hours to spend making money, but no time to pray for 20 minutes a day?  Are you so busy and involved with your hobbies that you can't hear Holy Spirit nudging you towards good works?  Do you ever go an entire day without praising God and reading his word?  Do you walk right by hurting people because you are completely focused on your own agenda?  If so, you may have an idol.  If you have an idol, you are walking according to the flesh, not the Spirit.   

Sorcery or witchcraft: The Greek word used here is the same word from which we get the word 'pharmacy'.  It refers to medicine, poison or magic potions.  It also includes the practice of magic arts or enchantment, because the 'potion' was generally administered along with some kind of magical incantation which invoked assistance from evil spirits.   

The main focus of sorcery is to achieve something you want.  You might desire for a particular person to love you, to be healed of a disease, to obtain something you covet, or the death/destruction of an enemy. 

By using sorcery, you show a willingness to get what you want by acting apart from God's principles (true religion).  You are willing to use fleshly, carnal or evil means to get what you desire; even partnering with demons.

If the Galatians are practicing sorcery, they are not walking according to the Spirit. 

Again, you might be saying to yourself, "No problem here.  I haven't sacrificed a goat in the middle of a pentagram today."  But don't be too hasty to reach this conclusion! 

At its most basic level, sorcery is actually a distrust of God and adherence to a false religion.  It represents our efforts to manage our own affairs, because we don't believe that God can (or will) take care of us.  Just like idolatry, sorcery is a form of elevating our desires over God's will for us.

For example, let's suppose there is a job opening at your work place.  It would be a promotion for you; this position would give you more money, more opportunities and more authority.  There is nothing wrong with your desire for that job.  There is nothing wrong with putting your best foot forward and praying to receive it. 

But if you start doing things like spreading rumors about the other applicants, or 'calling in favors', or threatening to quit, or plotting and scheming, etc, what are you doing?  In essence, you are elevating your own desires to the forefront, even if they conflict with God's principles or his will for you.  By your machinations, you are saying that you don't believe that God can/will grant you this promotion; you don't trust him to give you what is best for you.  You are unwilling to accept his providence in your life. 

Elevating our own desires above God and his will for our life (idolatry) or using carnal powers to manage our own affairs outside of the principles of God (sorcery) are indications that we are walking according to the flesh, not the Spirit.         

Enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness and orgies:  What do these things have in common?

• They indicate that we are walking in the flesh. 
• They are pleasing to Satan and offensive to God. 
• They defile your body and darken your soul. 
• They bring shame to religion and the gospel message.
• They furnish irrefutable proof of the depravity of fallen man; they are the works of human nature when left to its own devices. 
• They declare, with absolute and utter certainty, that the human heart must be changed or it cannot be saved.

This was true for the Galatians and it is true for us.   

Our hope of salvation lies not in our human ability, but in the shed blood of Jesus which alone can atone for our sin and make us righteous in the sight of God.  Through the ministry of the indwelling Spirit of God, we can reject these fruits of sin and instead produce fruits of righteousness.       

Galatians 5:22-23 – but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Interestingly, the virtues Paul enumerates here are not the result of our own hearts, even after they have been renewed.  They are attributed to only one source – the operation of Holy Spirit in our lives. 

We are not going to simply examine the definitions of these graces.  You can look them up yourself, if you are unfamiliar with them.  Instead, let us draw some general truths which we can apply to our own lives.

Growth in grace and holiness is the best security against fulfilling the desires of the flesh.  As Paul indicated, if you want to avoid sin, the best way to do that is to walk daily in the Spirit.

If you desire to constantly walk in the Spirit, you should strive to avoid whatever grieves him.  Instead, bend your will to his; yield to godly promptings.  Lean into Holy Spirit's guidance and teaching.

Anyone who owns a fruit tree understands that fruit is the highest form of development or achievement for that plant.  All the parts of the tree (roots, leaves, branches) are engineered for a single purpose – to produce that piece of fruit.  The production of fruit indicates a state of maturity. 

Fruit does not instantly spring forth from a tree.  It grows slowly over time.  Likewise, the fruit of the Spirit grows in our lives little by little over time.  A good indicator is to ask yourself this question:  Do I have more peace (or joy, or patience, or kindness, etc) today than I did six months ago?  Or a year ago?  If your answer is 'yes', then the Spirit has been working in your life.

Not all fruit grows at the same rate of speed.  Lemons may take longer than peaches, which may take longer than plums.  You may find that the Spirit quickly produces faithfulness in your life, while self control may take a bit longer.  This is not reason to despair.  Holy Spirit will continue his work in your life until the day when God calls you home. 

Galatians 5:24 – And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

Those who are true disciples of Christ have crucified, subdued or to some degree mortified their fleshly corruptions/carnal lusts and sinful passions.  It cannot be done once and for all, but is a daily way of life to those who are controlled by the Spirit. 

Although our fallen nature will not be completely removed until the next life, it has no right to exercise dominion over those who are found in Christ. 

Galatians 5:25-26 – If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

If the Spirit of God lives in us, and we willingly partner with him, he will manifest himself through our actions, attitudes and words. 

The world will know that we are Christians by the life they see us living.  We will be a light to the world, drawing them to freedom in Christ.  

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

We should all be on our guard against pride and envy, which drives a wedge between brothers and dishonors the name of Christ.  

Let me offer you some encouragement:

Each one of us has a constant struggle between our flesh and our spirit.  We can't completely remove the influence of our fallen nature, but we can drastically lessen its effects.  We do this by feeding our spirit, not our flesh.  I encourage you to make time for spiritual disciplines including bible reading, prayer, intercession for the lost, witnessing and even fasting. 

Let me offer you some relief:

As a Christian, you should see evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in your life.  But don't make the mistake of comparing your fruit to that of another.  God has created each one of us as individuals, and Holy Spirit works with each one of us individually in the production of his fruit.  You may have a very easy time cultivating bushels of gentleness, while it takes me a very long time to even produce a bloom!  The key is to compare yourself to yourself – make sure that over time, you see growth in your life. 

Let me offer you some strength:

Perhaps you have some things in your life that need to be pruned away, like the sexual sins we spoke about earlier.  That can be very difficult to do as they involve another person.  But let me assure you, if you begin to bring this issue before God, and you truly want to repent and change, God will give you the wisdom and strength to properly deal with your situation. 

I suggest that after a season of prayer, you seek wise council from a pastor or elder at your church.  They can give you practical direction on how to break off sinful sexual relationships with as little damage as possible to your partner and those around you.

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Galatians 5:1 – For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Welcome back, readers! 

In chapter 5 of Galatians, Paul continues to exhort the Galatians to be firm and unwavering in their resolve to reject the yoke or bondage of the law.  Since they are under grace, there is no need to continue observing the rites and ceremonies of the law.

Just take a moment to consider the burden of the law:  There were daily and weekly sacrifices.  There were numerous (and frequent) washings and purifications.  There were dietary laws.  There were restrictions on what was 'clean' and what was 'unclean'.  There were rites and ceremonies for births, marriages and burials.  There were even laws for sowing and harvesting.  There were laws that defined when you could work and when you must rest. 

William Burkitt's Expository Notes sums it up this way: "... so numerous were these observances, that they took up half their time, and were as burdensome as they were numerous."

In fact, the scriptures describe the law as being impossible to fully obey:

Acts 15:10 - Now therefore why test God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?   

The good news is that as Christians, we are free from bearing (or trying to bear) this heavy load. 

As Paul points out to the Galatians, Christ has made us free.  By his obedience to death, he has purchased freedom from not only the law, but from our slavery to sin, and the curse of death. 

Since Christ has sacrificed himself to buy this freedom, the Galatians should consider it their duty and privilege to firmly defend their liberty in Christ.

Galatians 5:2 – Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.

It is true that Paul had a relationship with the Galatians, and they might well listen to him because of that bond, but there was a much higher authority at work here.

Paul spent the entire first part of this letter establishing the fact that he was an apostle expressly chosen by Jesus to carry the gospel message (see our discussion of chapter 1).  Therefore, Paul has the authority of Christ backing up his teaching.  So when he makes the point in verse 2 that "I, Paul" say something, Christians need to pay attention; his comments carry the authority of Jesus.   

In regards to his comments in chapter 5, we must tread carefully.  We must take Paul's remarks in the context of his whole letter, or we will fall into a serious misinterpretation.  Paul says "if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you" 

Paul is NOT saying that anyone who is circumcised is excluded from salvation/Christianity.  All Jewish males, including the 12 apostles were circumcised according to the law.  In fact, Jesus himself, as a Jewish male, was circumcised on the eighth day of his life:

Luke 2:21 - And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, who was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

The issue here is that the false teachers in Galatia claimed that circumcision was essential to salvation.  In other words, they taught that faith in the blood of Jesus was not enough to save you.  If you wanted to be justified and accepted by God, you had to add your own works to the blood of Christ.  This is tantamount to blasphemy, because as soon as you accept that doctrine, you are declaring that the sacrifice of Jesus was insufficient to save you.  By default, you are saying that you had a hand in saving yourself, which we know is utterly false!

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.        

To claim that circumcision was required for salvation was a denial of Christ.  If you deny Christ, then you can't be saved by grace.  You are left to try and justify yourself by keeping the law.   

So again, the act of circumcision does not exclude people from salvation.  However, it doesn't save them either.  Salvation is through faith, regardless of your circumcision status.    

Galatians 5:3-4 – I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law.  You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.   

You can be justified by faith, or you can try to earn salvation through keeping the law, but it's one or the other; the two will never, ever mix.

The person who chooses to try justification by the law binds himself to obey the entire Law of Moses.  He must perfectly and completely fulfill all the requirements of the law for his entire life.  If he fails in even one instance, he is guilty of breaking the whole law. 

Keep this in mind too - anyone who is bound by the law and breaks it, is subject to the penalties outlined in it.  The penalty for breaking the law is condemnation and death – for eternity.    

The Galatians must make a choice: the law or Christ.  If they choose the law, then they forfeit the favor and mercy of God.

I don't know about you, but I don't want any part of that!  As I read and study Paul's words, joy and thanksgiving well up within my soul for the freedom I have in Christ.  What about you?  Are you even more thankful now for his mercy and grace?  I certainly hope so!

Galatians 5:5 – For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.

What is the hope of righteousness?  It refers to the state of being justified before God or to be counted as righteous in his (God's) sight.  Those who are justified/righteous in God's sight can expect to spend eternity in his presence and experience all of the untold blessings that await them in the next life.  This is often called the 'hope' of Christians. 

This hope is not founded on any works of our own, but solely on the redemption provided for us by Jesus.  As the old hymn says, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness". 

And how do we obtain this hope?  We receive it by faith through Holy Spirit.  It is the work of the Spirit to convict men of sin and draw them towards salvation in Christ. 

Any person living in the gospel dispensation who attempts to be justified in any other way will be disappointed.  If the Galatians misplace their hope in their own observance of the law, they can expect nothing but condemnation.  But if they will rely on the mercy of Jesus, they will have a 'living hope' for salvation (I Peter 1:3).     

Galatians 5:6 – For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

The era of the law put a separation between people.  You were either one of God's people (a Jew) or you were not (a Gentile).  Because of the nature of the law, it kept a constant separation between the two groups.  And as we know, the signature sign of being Jewish was being circumcised in the flesh.    

But God never intended for that state of affairs to be permanent.  He always intended to make it possible for EVERYONE to be justified in his sight, whether Jew or Gentile:

Isaiah 49:6 - And he [God] said, It is too small a thing that you [Messiah] should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel: I will also give you for a light to the Gentiles, that you may be my salvation unto the ends of the earth.

When Jesus ushered in the gospel dispensation with his death and resurrection, God's plan was fulfilled.  The law, along with all of its rites and ceremonies (including circumcision) passed away; it was no longer in effect.  Therefore, at the time Paul is speaking to the Galatians, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision of the flesh mattered anymore; neither state could make a person justified in the sight of God.

If circumcision did not justify a person in the sight of God, what would?       

Salvation by grace through faith!

How is our faith displayed to the world? 

Through our love of God and our fellow man. 

Our love of God will always result in obedience to his commands (John 14:23).  This same love will prompt you to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31). 

Galatians 5:7-8 – You were running well.  Who hindered you from obeying the truth?  This persuasion is not from him who calls you.

Paul describes the Galatians as 'running well'.  What does he mean by that?  The Christian life is often represented as a race in the scriptures (1 Corinthians 9:24-26, Hebrews 12:1).

Paul says they began their race or Christian life with zeal.  They had readily and joyfully embraced the doctrine of grace through faith.  They rejoiced that their sins were forgiven and their names written in the Lamb's Book of Life.  They were no doubt baptized and considered themselves disciples of Christ.  They had a very ardent love for God and his ways.  

Who is attempting to overthrow or thwart the Galatians with the doctrine that they must obligate themselves to the Law?   

Paul asserts most strongly that it is not the Lord (him who calls you).  The false doctrine could not be traced back to God, even though the false teachers claimed to be commissioned by him.  That leaves only one source for the despicable, foul lies that had ensnared the Galatians – Satan himself.    

Galatians 5:9 – A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

What do you think of when you hear this proverbial expression?  My mind immediately goes to bread!  For many people, bread is off limits.  They don't want to eat it because of gluten or because of the carbohydrates it contains.  I am happy to announce that I am not one of those people!  I love bread of all kinds – white, wheat, cinnamon raisin, sour dough, pumpernickel, baguettes, bagels, ciabatta and even corn bread!

What do these breads have in common?  They all contain some kind of leaven.     

In the scriptures, leaven or yeast often represents sin (I Corinthians 5:6-8, Mark 8:15).  That is why the children of Israel could only eat unleavened bread during the Passover, and why the use of leaven was strictly forbidden in all offerings made to the Lord by fire (Leviticus 2:11 and 7:12, Numbers 6:15).    

Paul's point is that a relatively small amount of false doctrine which is introduced into a pure, healthy Christian will eventually spread and damage/destroy his entire spiritual life.  Likewise, it only takes a couple of misguided Christians to influence a whole congregation into accepting a false doctrine.   

So while the Galatians may think that their adherence to circumcision was only a minor issue, it was actually a very serious situation.  It had the capacity to destroy their faith and their church.

Galatians 5:10 – I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.

But Paul has confidence that destruction will not be the final outcome for the Galatians. 

Paul knows that when he speaks the words that Holy Spirit gives him, those words are anointed with power – power to convict, save and heal.  If the Galatians will listen to Paul's message, the Lord will bring them to repentance and they will be restored to a right relationship with God.

Can we pause a minute and acknowledge that the same is true for us?  We too sometimes fall into sin or error in our lives.  This is one reason why it is so important for each one of us to read the scriptures every day.  The scriptures are the word of God and they are anointed with the power of Holy Spirit to convict, save and heal us.  But if we never open the book, the power will have no effect upon us. 

Paul then turns his attention from the Galatians to the teachers who have introduced the 'leaven of the law' into the church.  Punishment awaits those who have thrown the Galatians off course.  God himself will surely deal with these false teachers.  As for the Galatians, their duty is to identify the false teacher and cut off or separate him from their fellowship.

The hope is not that these men would be cut off from salvation, but in being cut off from Christian fellowship they might see the error of their ways and repent.

Galatians 5:11 – But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?  In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.

It is evident that the false teachers who insisted on circumcision had somehow included Paul in their teachings.  We know that Paul himself was circumcised.  We also know that in order to reach some of the Jews he had Timothy circumcised (Acts 16:3).  But there was never a time when Paul preached or taught that circumcision was a necessary component of salvation. 

Paul defends himself by asking this question:  If I preach the necessity of circumcision to salvation, then why do the Jews continuously persecute me?  If I really taught that men must keep the law in order to make grace effective, then the Jews would love and embrace my message.  They would not take offence at the message of the cross.  But take a look at the facts – everywhere I go, the Jews fight against me.  This is proof enough that I do not preach a mix of grace and law.

Galatians 5:12 – I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!

Our version of the scripture has an interesting translation of this verse!  Let's take a look at the King James Version:

Galatians 5:12 - I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

The apostle's use of the expression 'cut off' is probably an allusion to the practice of circumcision where the foreskin of the flesh is literally cut off and thrown away from the rest of the body.

In the same way, Paul desires for the false teachers to be cut off and cast out of the church fellowship.  This shows the seriousness of their offence.    

Galatians 5:13 – For you were called to freedom, brothers.  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Paul wants the false teachers to be cut off from church fellowship because the church has been called into liberty through Christ (freedom from the law), but the false teachers were destroying that liberty.  This example brings up a teaching point for Paul.

It is true that all Christians have been set free from the bondage of the law and have liberty in Christ.  But the liberty we have is not an excuse to sin.  Our liberty is not a license to throw off all righteous restraint.

Let's face it – even though we are born again and are new creatures in Christ, we still live in a fallen world.  We still reside in bodies of flesh that are subject to corruption.  We are still tempted by evil.  Therefore, we all need to be vigilant to monitor our own lives.  We must still fight against temptations.  We must still diligently work to add Christian graces to our lives.  We must still allow Holy Spirit to continuously transform us into the image of Christ; this process will never stop until we arrive in eternity.

This leads us to the next important aspect of freedom:  how we treat each other.     

Galatians 5:14-15 – For the whole law is fulfilled in one word:  "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

At this point, Paul has rather skillfully changed from a doctrinal argument (which he has thoroughly covered) to a series of practical teachings for all Christians.

Do the Galatians want to obey the law?  Then let them fulfill the heart and substance of the law without being in bondage to legalism.  This is accomplished when we serve others in love. 

Romans 13:8, 10 - Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.  Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

If we act according to this command, we fulfill the law (Matthew 7:12) without being enslaved by it.  The Christian who loves God with all his heart, soul and mind and who seeks to love his neighbor as himself needs no other law.

It is also a good chance to define the word 'neighbor'.  It includes all people, rich/poor, friend/foe, those that are near/far.  In some ways, it describes all of humanity. 

Our love of God is demonstrated in the way we love those around us.

Let me offer you some encouragement:

Jesus said that all men would realize we are his disciples by our displays of love towards one another (John 13:35).  But quite frankly, recent world events have left many people separated from other believers.     

When was the last time you displayed love towards another believer?  What was your act of love?  If you can't remember the last time you touched someone's life with a display of love, I encourage you to reconnect with other believers.  Get plugged back into your local church!     

Let me offer you some relief and some strength:

All Christians have a 'hope of righteousness'; we trust and believe that we will be justified in God's sight because of the sacrifice of Jesus and we will spend eternity with God. 

Sometimes, when we make mistakes or we fail in our Christian walk, we may feel unworthy of this hope.  But let me offer you some relief – we were never worthy of it in the first place! 

Our hope of righteousness and our expectation of the benefits of heaven are the result of the mercy and free gift of God.  While we need to strive to live holy lives before God, there will be times when we fail.  Satan would love to convince us that we should walk away from God because we are unworthy, but the truth is we are unworthy no matter what. 

So repent, pick yourself up, and keep running your Christian race!  

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Galatians 4:17 – They make much of you, but for no good purpose.  They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 

In this verse, "they" refers to the Jewish teachers that have led the Galatians astray, claiming that works of the law must be added to grace in order to receive salvation. 

Why would they want to do that? 

If they could destroy that relationship, then the Galatians would automatically reject Paul's doctrine of grace (justification by faith).  Naturally, the Galatians would then follow the leadership of the false teachers, who would bring them into bondage by attempting to mix grace with works of the law.    

Rejecting the doctrine of grace would also cut the Galatians off from the true body/church of Jesus Christ.  If that happened, the only option left to them would be to give total devotion to the false teachers and their corrupt doctrine.  Again, the false teachers would get exactly what they wanted.  It was a diabolical and brilliant plan, and the Galatians fell for it hook, line and sinker!    

Make no mistake - this is a serious issue.  Unless someone opens the eyes of the Galatians, they will be fooled by false teachers and lose/forfeit their salvation. 

This is why Holy Spirit brings Paul back into the situation.  Out of a fatherly spirit of love and devotion, Paul reveals the truth to the Galatians.  In so doing, he accomplishes several things:   

• He opens their eyes to the deception that has trapped them. 
• He opens up a way of reconciliation between himself and the Galatians. 
• He makes it possible for the Galatians to return to justification by faith.   

Galatians 4:18 – It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you,

Zeal or ardent love and concern for others are good things, as long as it is for a just purpose.  As we recall, back in verse 15 the Galatians had such a zeal and love for Paul and the gospel.  They were willing to "gouge out" their own eyes and give them to Paul if that were possible.  This was a good thing because the Galatians had pure motives.  Unlike the false teachers, they had no hidden agenda or ulterior motive. 

But the Galatians had abandoned their righteous zeal for Paul and the gospel, almost immediately after he left them.  Paul reasons that he was a good man and worthy of their affections when he was present with them; likewise he is a good man and worthy of their affections when he was absent from them.  Since that was the case, they would do well to continue in their relationship with him and to continue in grace.   

 Galatians 4:19 –my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!

For his part, Paul continues to have a sincere, ardent love for the Galatian believers.  He has a genuine and pure concern for them, similar to what a natural father would have for his fleshly offspring.  Paul refers to this love when he addresses them as 'my little children'.  And indeed, spiritually speaking, they are his children.  Through the power and anointing of Holy Spirit, Paul has 'birthed' them into the kingdom of heaven through the preaching of the gospel.

This is what Paul expected to happen to the Galatians in the spiritual realm.  He had birthed them into the kingdom.  They should be growing in grace and taking steps along the path to spiritual maturity, becoming more and more like Christ.  Unfortunately, the false teachers led them away from the path to maturity.  

Hebrews 5:12-14 - For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food.  For every one that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  But solid food belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

In this case, Paul finds himself in a place where he must birth them into Christ all over again!  Paul must once again endure all of the pain and labor of birth to get the Galatians back on the right track. 

Galatians 4:20 – I wish we could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Remember, Paul is communicating with the Galatians by means of a written letter.  In our day and age, that is certainly an archaic form of communication!  Not only that, it is inefficient as well. 

Here is what I a mean by that:  There is no real exchange of ideas in a letter.  The writer expresses his thoughts to the reader but he does not have the benefit of any feedback or clarification.  If he wants that, he must wait and hope that the reader will write back to him.  It could literally take weeks until there is any return communication on the subjects/ideas in the letter.  

With that in mind, we can easily see why Paul desires to be 'present' with the Galatians. 

• He cannot understand what has caused them to abandon their faith in the true gospel of justification by faith. 

• He cannot understand how they would once again pick up the bondage of the law, when grace had relieved them of that burden. 

• He cannot understand how the Galatians could fully trust him as their spiritual father, but then abandon their relationship with him in such a short amount of time. 

As Paul indicates, it would be much easier to get those answers 'in person' rather than by letter.    

Galatians 4:21 – Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law?

The phrase 'tell me' is a call to reasoning.  It invites the reader to stop, consider and explain their point of view.  It actually helps them clarify what they believe.  This is exactly what Paul wants them to do.  He wants them to fully and thoughtfully consider their return to the law.      

As they do so, Paul will now take the time to once again illustrate the profound difference between the law and grace.  He will show the effect of being under the bondage/servitude of the Jewish law compared to the freedom of the gospel. 

And again, Paul will refer to the Old Testament account of Abraham to make his point.  Using an allegory, he is going to show that the two sons of Abraham provide an example of the two covenants – the law and grace.   

Galatians 4:22-23 –For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman.  But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.

Scripture tells us that Abraham had two sons. 

His firstborn was Ishmael who was the son of a bondmaid (Hagar), a kind of slave.  Ishmael was born 'according the flesh' or in other words, his birth was ordinary.  His mother was very young and Abraham was strong and these two people naturally produced a male offspring.  Divine intervention was not required.  Ishmael was no doubt a fine young man, but he was not the child of promise.

Abraham's second son, Isaac, was a different story all together.  First of all, Isaac was promised to Abraham and Sarah long before Ishmael was even born.

Genesis 17:19 - And God said, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son indeed; and you shall call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.

As Abraham and Sarah waited for this promise to come to pass, they no doubt continued to try and have a child.  But all of their efforts were unsuccessful.  Sarah remained barren.  The months turned into years and the years turned into decades.  Finally, the time for children to be born through natural means had long passed - Sarah was 90 and Abraham was 100. 

But that was the exact time God had waited for! 

Once a child was impossible through natural means, the only way to have one was through divine intervention.  At that time, God kept his promise and gave Sarah and Abraham a son – Isaac.  Thus, Isaac is the son of promise.  Through him all the promises of the new covenant (grace; redemption through Christ) would flow.    

Galatians 4:24 – Now this may be interpreted allegorically:  these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar.

In this allegory, the house of Abraham has two different mothers who represent the two different covenants.  Hagar, the slave woman represents the covenant of works (the law).  Sarah, the free woman, represents covenant of grace. 

Their two sons are a reflection of the people who live under the covenants.

Galatians 4:25 – Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.

The first mother is Hagar, the bondservant/slave.  She represents the covenant of the law.  Because she was a slave, her son Ishmael was also born a slave.  Since Ishmael represents the people who lived under the law, we can conclude that everyone born under the law was a slave to the law. 

The law was also very limited in that it was given exclusively to the Israelites.  As you may recall, God came to the top of Mount Sinai, an earthly location.  From there, in the midst of terrifying darkness, thunder and lightning, God called Moses up to the top of the mountain and delivered the law to the Israelites through him (see Exodus 19).   

Why does Paul mention Jerusalem here?

Jerusalem, the city of God, is the location of the temple, the sacred place where the Jews worshipped and made sacrifices to God.  The earthly temple was closely tied to the law because many of the Old Testament rites and ceremonies were carried out there.  Because of the temple, Jerusalem became synonymous with God's people and that name is sometimes used to represent the people of God (the Jews).      

Basically Paul is saying that the people who worshipped at the earthly temple in Jerusalem were the branch of God's family that descended from Ishmael/Hagar the slave.  They were almost exclusively Jewish people who were under servitude/bondage to the law. 

Galatians 4:26 – But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.

But there was another line of descendants in Abraham's household. 

The mother of this line was Sarah, the free woman.  She represents the covenant of grace.  Because she was a free woman, her son was also born in freedom.  Since Isaac represents the people who live under grace, we can conclude that everyone born again in grace is free from the bondage of the law. 

How was the covenant of grace delivered to us?  Jesus left the presence of the Father in heaven and came to earth to introduce us to the kingdom of heaven.  Thus, we can conclude that the covenant of grace is a heavenly covenant. 

Why does Paul mention the 'Jerusalem above' here? 

In Paul's allegory, the 'Jerusalem above' represents the spiritual Jerusalem, or the true spiritual church, born out of the preaching of the gospel message of freedom in Christ.  

Galatians 4:27 – For it is written, 'Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!  For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.'

This Old Testament quotation is from Isaiah 54:1.  Paul introduces this scripture here to point out that the true church of Jesus Christ is not limited to just one group of people (the Jews).  It is filled with both Jews and Gentiles; people of every tongue, tribe and nation.     

This means that the Gentiles, who were formerly desolate and without hope, can now enter into the family of God!  And they do not enter in via the bondage of the law.  They enter in via the freedom of justification by faith.

 

Galatians 4:28 – Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.

What was the promise that God made to Abraham?  It was that he would bless all nations of the earth through him and his offspring (Isaac).  And God kept that promise – Jesus was a descendent of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

And through the sacrifice of Jesus, Christians have been made partakers of the new covenant of grace.    

Galatians 4:29 – But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.

Back in the days of Abraham, Ishmael (the carnal son) persecuted Isaac (the son according to the Spirit):

Genesis 21:9 - And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne unto Abraham, mocking.

In the same way, the Jews (the carnal seed of Abraham) still persecuted Christians (the spiritual seed of Abraham).  Paul himself was cruelly and viciously persecuted by the Jews (2 Corinthians 11:23-24). 

Galatians 4:30-31 – But what does the Scripture say?  Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.  So, brothers, we are not children of the slave, but of the free woman.

But what does the scripture say or teach about the slave/bondwoman and her son?  Were they not cast out/rejected and removed from the family?

Likewise, all Christians (including the Galatians) were to reject any type of bondage or servitude to the law.  They were to cast it out from their thinking and actions and adhere only to the freedom of grace. 

Christians of every age can take heart knowing that despite persecutions from the enemies of Christ, in the end, we are the true children of God and co-heirs with Christ Jesus.  All that he has is ours!   

Let me offer you some encouragement:

The false teachers tried to sidetrack the Galatian believers.  If they were successful, the Galatians would have missed out on one of the most wonderful promises of God – salvation.  Wouldn't that have been tragic?

Likewise, God has wonderful things in store for your life and the enemy knows it.  He will often try to get you side-tracked into sin or doubt, so you miss out on all that God has in store for you. 

I encourage you to take a look at your spiritual growth.  Are you still growing and maturing in Christ?  Are you more like him today than you were six months ago?  If not, you should discuss that with the Father and see if you have been sidetracked by the enemy.

Let me offer you some relief:

The Galatians had been deceived by false teachers.  If we are honest, we will admit that none of us likes to admit that we are wrong.  I believe it was probably difficult for the Galatians to admit they had been fooled into moving away from the true message of the gospel.  But in order to get back on track, they had to admit their mistake. 

The same can be true of us.  If we have made a bad choice or been fooled by someone we trust, we should admit/confess it and move on.  The sooner we do so, the easier it will be to find relief from our mistake.  The longer we wait, the worse our situation gets.  So put aside your anger, resentment and/or embarrassment by giving them to God.  He will heal your heart and help you to move forward into healing.   

Let me offer you some strength:

Paul spent a lot of time and strength in spiritually birthing the Galatians into the kingdom of heaven.  But within a year or two, he found that all his work had been undone, and he needed to begin all over!  That must have been very frustrating.  I believe Paul could have made a case for just walking away from this situation.  But he didn't.  He once again went in and did what needed to be done in the kingdom of heaven.

Maybe you are operating in similar circumstances.  Maybe you have mentored a person who just doesn't seem to be making any headway in changing their life.  Or maybe you have been praying for a certain family member for years without seeing them come to Christ.   Don't give up!  Ask the Lord to give you strength to continue to minister until you see that person come to maturity in the kingdom of God. 

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Galatians 4:1-3 – I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father.  In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.

Hello, again readers!  We are midway through the letter of Paul to the Galatians and we find that he is still making a case for justification by faith apart from the law.

Jewish false teachers have convinced the Galatian believers that they need to keep the law in order to have salvation.  Paul tears down that false doctrine with example after example from the Old Testament.

It is interesting to note that the false Judaizing teachers held onto the Old Testament with a death grip, but that is the very thing that Paul uses to make his case for justification!

In this case, Paul likens the Old Testament believers to an under-age child.

When your child is young (say 5-8 years old) you are the one who determines when they go to bed, and when they get up.  You decide what to feed them and what they will wear.  You make sure they attend school and become educated, whether they want to or not!  They don't determine the household budget – you do! In a way, they would be no different than a servant.  You make the decisions and they do as they are told. 

According to Paul, this is a picture of the people who lived under the law.  They were children of God, but they lived under a very tightly structured system. They had to do as they were told by the law; they had to bear the burden of all the rites and observances of the law (and there were LOTS of them!). 

Just as a young child does not understand everything their parents tell them to do (why do I have to go to bed?), those under the law did not understand the full meaning of the rites/ceremonies they had to obey. 

So, at the time of the law, God's people were more like children/servants than heirs. 

Galatians 4:4-5 – But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

But God had an appointed time for the end of the legal dispensation.  All along, according to his master plan, he had a definite, set time to put the covenant of grace in place. 

Let's take a pause here, to consider God's timing.  God decreed a definite period of time for the legal age.  At the end of that time, he gave his people something MUCH better – the age of grace.  Likewise, God has also established a definite period of time for the age of grace.  When that is over, he will reward us with something even better – heaven!  I wonder what incredible things are waiting for us there!  Aren't you glad to be a child of God?

Here is something else to consider:  You have a definite lifespan here on earth, predetermined by our heavenly Father.  Be sure that you redeem your time, making every day count for the kingdom of heaven!

Back to our lesson - the only person who was qualified to fulfill/end the law and institute the age of grace was Jesus Christ, the Son of God (as prophesied in the Old Testament). 

Jesus agreed/submitted to taking on a body of flesh, even though he was God.  Jesus agreed/submitted to earthly parents, even though he was Lord of all. 

He did these things in order to fulfill the law, thus removing that terrible yoke and burden from his people.   He suffered and died for us, to pay the awful price of God's wrath against us.  Because of his sacrifice, we are no longer slaves to sin; we are children of God grown up and mature.

As mature children, he gives us greater freedom and more privileges than ever.

Galatians 4:6-7 – And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba!  Father!"So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Son-ship is no longer limited to the Jews.  It is now available to 'whosoever will' (John 3:16).  It was available to the Galatians back in the day of Paul, and it is still available now.

Because we are sons and daughters of God, Holy Spirit lives inside of us and leads us to call out to God as our Father.  Clearly, we are no longer servants/slaves but we are adopted children.  It therefore follows that if we are children of God, then we are an heir of God through Jesus Christ.  As heirs, we are entitled to a heavenly inheritance.

Romans 8:16-17 – The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Who in their right mind would choose to be a servant/slave rather than a son/daughter with an inheritance?  Yet, that is what the Galatians chose, when they agreed to bind themselves to the law!

Galatians 4:8 – Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods.

Paul now reminds the Galatians what life was like before their conversion.  During that time, they did not know the true God Yahweh and they certainly had no idea how to worship him. 

Their religious duties had no power to cleanse them from sin or give them peace of mind or bring them relief from sickness and trouble.  The only thing they reaped by their efforts was more bondage and death. 

Can you imagine the hopelessness they experienced?  They were in the worst kind of bondage imaginable.  What a horrible life!

Galatians 4:9-10 – But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?  You observe days and months and seasons and years!

What a remarkable change!  Formerly, the Galatians were slaves, not entitled to anything.  But now that Jesus has touched their lives with his grace, they are totally transformed.  Through the power of the gospel, their sins have been washed away and they have been made children of God, and heirs with Christ! 

Again, Paul is mystified about how anyone who has obtained such freedom and privilege could want to return to their former ways of spiritual bondage (represented in this verse by observing 'days and months', etc).   To make this choice is pure madness!

Galatians 4:11 – I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.

The actions of the Galatians have crushed Paul.  He spent a lot of time, labor and expense in bringing them the true gospel of Christ.  He preached the true word, he trained them in righteousness and he surely introduced them to Holy Spirit.  As a laborer in the kingdom, Paul had the right to expect a spiritual harvest from the Galatians.

Instead, they have changed course, leaving him to wonder if his efforts had been in vain.

This lesson gives us a reason to examine ourselves.  Is it possible that we too began by living spiritual lives, but later traded an exciting life in the Spirit for a set of mere rules and regulations?

Christianity is so much more than that!  It is a true relationship with the God of the universe!  It should never be dull or stifling.  It should never be dead or dry.  If your Christian walk is not constantly evolving and presenting you with new and exciting opportunities, then I encourage you to take a second look at it.  Perhaps you need to return to your first love/first works.

 

Galatians 4:12 – Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are.  You did me no wrong.

Paul now reaches out to them on a personal level, addressing them as brothers, even though they had been alienated from him by the false teachers.  Paul wants to lay aside any and all resentment and he desires that the relationship between himself and the Galatians be restored.  This was a very noble gesture by Paul, considering he had done absolutely nothing wrong!

Though he must point out their sin, Paul still loves the Galatians tenderly as members of his own family; he expresses concern for their happiness and well-being.  Paul attempts to call them back into relationship with him, so they might more easily respond to the reproof he was forced to give them. 

Thus, we see that Paul's motives were pure.  He does not want to show them their error simply to prove that he is correct.  He is motivated by a desire for them to know Christ. 

Before we chastise someone else for their choices or behavior, it would be a good idea for us to examine our motives for doing so.

Galatians 4:13-14 – You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.

Paul does not hesitate to put the Galatians in mind of their past relationship with him.  Clearly, he had some type of sickness or infirmity that affected his body.  We have no way to know what this infirmity was, though many opinions have been given.

But the point is this - the infirmity (which might have caused people to reject him and his message), made no difference to the Galatians.  They did not despise or reject Paul because of it.  On the contrary, they received him, assisted him and revered him as one would an angel or even Christ himself!

Galatians 4:15 – What then has become of your blessedness?  For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.

As we said in our introduction, the Galatians as a whole were very fickle people. 

At first, they so loved and respected Paul, that they would even have given him their very own eyes, if it would have helped him. 

At first, they were so pleased and enraptured with the gospel message, that they embraced it whole-heartedly.  They were satisfied and at peace being justified by grace and communing with God. 

What happened?? What caused such a reversal in their thinking?  Paul implores them to search their hearts and examine the reason for their sudden change in belief.

Galatians 4:16 – Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?

This is the trap the Galatians have fallen into – they now treat Paul as an enemy, despite the fact that he has dealt truthfully and faithfully with them in matters relating to their eternal salvation.

As we will see in our next post, Paul does not just give up on them, despite this awful treatment.  He continues to exhort and encourage them, hoping to restore them to their place in God's kingdom.

Let me offer you some encouragement:

Relationships sure can be difficult (just ask Paul!). Having a good one requires a lot of time and energy.  This is true in friendships, marriages and even employer/employee relationships.

One way we can help keep our relationships on track is by doing what Jesus told us to do – love our neighbors as ourselves.  Part of that includes telling one another the truth in love.  That can sometimes be a daunting task which we would rather avoid, but I encourage you to do so, when it's necessary.  I believe that eventually, this will strengthen your relationship, not hurt it.

Let me offer you some relief:

Here is a sad truth:  Some relationships are toxic.  There are people who would love to consume all of your joy, resources and strength.  They constantly try to drag you down into the pit that has them trapped. But let me offer you some relief:  You don't have to allow that.  Set some boundaries for the relationship, and stick to them!

If that too fails or does not solve the problem, and the relationship is damaging to you and those you love, you need to end it.  Don't feel bad about doing so!

Let me offer you some strength:

In general, relationships are worth the effort needed to maintain them.  All that hard work pays off when you find yourself in need of some support, encouragement, strength or advice. 

Does God give us strength?  Absolutely!  But many times he works through others to give it to us.  So pay attention to your relationships; set proper boundaries and enjoy those that God had placed in your life.