I love dressing sharp, and looking nice. Lots of people do, I even get stressed out about what I wear, and what others will think of me about what I am wearing. Seems a little conceited right? Well I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, we all have done this at one point in our lives. Whether it be clothes or shoes, perhaps new cars or something else, we like having nice things and showing them off. It feels good when someone complements us or the stuff we have. But I am here to tell you and myself, that these things are not what matters. See Paul in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, has to explain this to some of the women in the local community, but it applies to everyone! “Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.” We are known not by what we look like or by what we have. Rather by what we act like. Jesus doesn’t really care what fancy clothes we wear. Some may disagree but all I am saying is he wore a robe and sandals. When’s the last time you saw someone in church wear a robe with sandals? Yeah, I can’t remember either. Therefore, recognize the value of our actions over the way we look. I personally struggle with this concept probably more than anyone I know. But with God all things are possible.
-Jesse Allen
Application Questions
Who do you admire for true beauty? What makes them so?
How concerned are you with your outward appearance? Do you pay more attention to doing good rather than looking good on the outside?
What does Paul write to Timothy regarding prayer in 1 Timothy chapter 2. How well are you following the directions in verse 1? In verse 2? In verse 8?
It is easy to make mistakes when you don’t know you are making them. My job is GIS mapping, and I create maps of construction permits, plans, and various other things. These maps usually take between 9-18 hours of work to complete and they are needed in order for us to move to another project. The other day I finished a project and went to start another one and accidentally switched the new project for the old one and rewrote and saved over my completed project! Before I could realize my mistake I had completed the next project in the same file, therefore losing my project all together. This is a big mistake that can delay a project by 1-2 days. Fortunately for me I am new and it was my first time doing this, so with that I was given a lot of grace, and was just asked to do the project again. A lot of mistakes come from doing something new and not knowing what we are doing.
Paul in 1 Timothy 1:12-14 admits that he had acted in ignorance when persecuting the Christians. He had no idea that he was in the wrong and kept going, similar to a botched project. He admits his fault and God gives him grace by placing him in charge of all those who he was persecuting. Paul says in verse 13 “. . . yet I was shown mercy because I acted in unbelief”. When he was persecuting the Christians he had no idea of God’s plan, he refused to admit he was wrong, but God shows him mercy through recognizing he may not understand what is going on. Many of us make mistakes without knowing they are mistakes until it is too late. This is true especially with God, God gives us mercy everyday when we are making mistakes. Even the big ones and even if we repeat the mistake God still is good and forgives us.
-Jesse Allen
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
What spiritual truths or expectations were you once ignorant of?
How did God get through to you – and show you grace for your past mistakes?
We are commanded to be salty. WAIT. Salty? Maybe I should clarify. We are not talking about salty sailors, that would use coarse language and tell crude jokes. We are not talking about the 21st century definition of “salty”, meaning bitter or upset from embarrassment. We are talking in terms of a tasty preservative that not only keeps eternally, but seasons our meats, cheeses, and daily bread.
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” – Matthew 5:14
While salt is essential to carry out some of our basic metabolic processes, in all honesty, I don’t think this is why we crave it. We desire a dash here and there because it just makes every food a little better. Popcorn pops. Steak Sizzles. Chocolates Chimes. Even allegedly flavorless water tastes better with a little salt in it (that’s right those alkaline waters are, you guessed it, salt-enhanced). It is so magnificent that many of us commit a foodie faux pas and reach for salt before we even taste our food. We can’t resist. So how does this desire “to make it better” sneak its way into our subconscious?
Well, here’s the science (from a guy that taught a science class one time). Salt is ionized, so it attracts the water particles and in turn, aromas in the air surrounding your food. Also, salt stimulates the taste buds, waking them up, so it enhances the taste along your tongue. Finally, salt even suppresses bitter and sour flavors by dulling their neural transmissions to the brain. It is in these very ways we, too, can be salty.
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” -Colossian 4:5,6
1. Be gracious and attractive.Christians wear the compassion of Christ when we accept his death on the cross as payment for our sin. We have nothing to boast about except for our Savior. While anyone could be watching us live on any given day, the sense of those on the outside are most heightened when they know they have wronged you, yet you forgive, when you experience great loss yet rejoice, and when you exceed all others but maintain humility, giving glory to God. In these instances, we are to act to attract.
2. Be shrewd and stimulate discussion. While we may have specific rules or cultural norms at work, school, or the grocery store regarding the proselytization of those who are not like-minded, I truly believe people are far more ready to have conversations regarding their faith than we give them credit for. What starts as a favor at the well, ends in a testimony about Jesus. Likewise, when we hear hopelessness, desperation, anger, frustration, trial, it is time for a dash of salt. “Tell me about faith.” “Is it okay if we pray together?” “Here’s what Jesus said about this.”
3. Suppress the bitter and the sour. While the first two focus on what’s outside coming in, the bitter and the sour are rolling around on the inside. When we make it our purpose to be the light of Christ, we suppress our own desires to be recognized for our struggle by leaving them at the cross. We dull our persecution by making it our testimony. Our sickness and our pain are the platform to share faith. In this world, we will have trouble, but we can take heart! He has overcome it all. Finally, in those moments when the bitter continues to bleed and the sour continues to seep, it is time for us to consult the Word of God and lean on someone else’s flavoring so we don’t lose our saltiness.
As you walk away from your home and step into the world, hear the coarseness and bemoaning of (the other type of) salty people. What you may have found most irritating before is the sound of those who are looking for grace, wisdom, and relief from their struggle. Be ready with an answer. Be ready to reach for the salt, so someone else can share in its eternal life.
-Aaron Winner
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
Can you think of a specific time when you failed to “act to attract” or make the most of a salty opportunity with an outsider? Instead, your words, actions, and attitudes (or lack thereof) may have left behind a bad taste.
Looking back, what could you have done differently?
How can you make the most of the next opportunity?
Have you noticed that some of the greatest wisdom on this planet is defining a word by again, using that same word? Here are some examples: Fair is fair. Business is business. The rules are the rules. A deal is a deal. Love is love. While each of these sayings have a context and a more nuanced understanding, it tends to oversimplify complex issues that need some mulling over. We accept these phrases because it makes our logic simpler and dismisses further discussion. Fine-sounding arguments such as these may not be all they are cracked up to be.
Even worse, an apologist, for any belief under the sun, can use the words of God in the wrong context or without a key understanding and can distort it immensely. In Matthew 4, Jesus actively combats the words of God taken out of their context. The world is rapidly filling with empty arguments that lead to the rebranding and normalization of sin. Like Jesus, it is our responsibility to call it out for what it is. And surely, God did say we will die, in a second death if we buy in, sell out, give up ourselves to these false teachings. Truth is truth. Here are three ways for your eyes and ears to discern between the eternal wisdom of God or the shallow echoes of hollow human reason.
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. – Colossians 2:2-5
Did God really say it? While I believe that God has inspired wisdom since the Bible was composed, including some of what I hope is wisdom in this blog, you can’t go wrong believing only what is already written from Genesis to Revelation. Well, God didn’t say anything about social media, phones, or college? Truth. But what he did say was how to treat your neighbor, how to spend your time, and how you should work. These truths found in scripture are living and active. If we truly feel we are faced with some ethical dilemma that is completely unique to us in our present state, we should pray for wisdom because God gives wisdom generously to all without finding fault.
Who, exactly, does it benefit? Jesus makes an important distinction between behaviors that are motivated by God and those that are motivated by self. Prayer, tithing, and fasting are all wonderful disciplines for every Christian to take up. However, when we do it in public or take God’s glory by making it about ourselves, we are not feeding our relationship with God; we are feeding our ego. Jesus makes the case that motives and intentions are every bit as important as the action we take. Truth may be on the side. I can eat or drink whatever I wish, but it may cause a stumbling block for another. If I knowingly offer advice that gives me permission to act for my benefit alone, then my words are not heavenly Father’s.
Does it advance the Kingdom of God? When our Savior heals on the Sabbath, he speaks clearly to this measure. Isn’t it right to work for the Lord on the Lord’s day? To act more like Him? To worship him in not only words but action? Choosing to live for God is vastly different than choosing what goes on your plate. There are some clear lines drawn in the sand. The gate is narrow, and only those who intend to deceive you will widen it. There are simply behaviors and relationships that God doesn’t give his permission or his blessing. It doesn’t advance the Kingdom of God to make allowances for habitual, unrepented behavior. A short-term gain of a warm-body in a seat on Sundays is an eternal loss when sin isn’t confronted. We accept the whole of God’s moral will or we are rejecting the lot. This wisdom can burn like a good rubbing alcohol, but it also allows us to heal and be cleansed.
My hope and prayer for the church of today is that we can rid ourselves of these fine-sounding arguments, and make the case for sound, Godly discernment. Wisdom and life stem from Him alone.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:2-7
-Aaron Winner
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
Reading Colossians 2 what are some of the dangers Paul is warning the church to avoid? What does he want the church to stay focused on?
Where do you see God’s word and wisdom being distorted by fine-sounding arguments. Pray for wisdom and discernment to see clearly.
What is the end result for those who are led astray and deceived?
Our minds wander. We can’t help it. Our brain is processing hundreds or even thousands of stimuli a minute through our fantastic five senses. In the midst of a great conversation, a beautifully delivered sermon, the most engaging of lessons, or important advice, we can be interrupted by a stimulus that snowballs into full-blown distraction. It begins with the slightest tinge of pain, a quick movement entering peripherals, a muted rapping, a whiff of a smoke, or an unexpected bitter flavor rolling across our tongue. Our mind goes into troubleshooting mode. It begins to play out all of the possible threads to a perceived threat and searches for the worst case scenario, so it can prepare the nervous system to react. We place much trust in our senses but in turn, we create narratives that do not exist in order to protect our bodies from ill-perceived observation.
When we allow the responses to take over, we are experiencing, on some level, psychosis. The lines between what is fact and fiction begin to blur. We begin to believe lies and have adulterated perceptions. We begin to live in the dark and the undesirable. We begin to worship terrible and disgraceful moments we have self-induced. We think about such things, and replay them over and over again, fiction becoming “our” truth. I know it because I have been there. On my darkest days, I contort and twist every action into a gospel of fear, pain, and anxiety. Wandering minds, when not properly anchored to Christ, can be our undoing. First, and foremost, if we are in this place, we must pray for God to guard our hearts and quiet our minds.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” 1 Philippians 4:7-9
Don’t take the bait. Don’t respond to the stimulus. Instead, plant your feet even deeper into the foundation of Jesus Christ and stay. Dwell here, rent free. What is true? You are first and foremost loved by God. The Creator of the heavens and the earth is the Creator of your very life. You declare God with your very existence because he has fearfully and wonderfully made YOU (Psalm 139:14). What is pure? The blood of Christ has sanctified you. While there may be sin in your life, you are washed white as snow through repentance. There is no sin greater than the Lamb of God’s sacrifice. (Romans 3:23-24) What is noble? You have an inheritance that makes you a royal priesthood. You are from an adopted bloodline that will reign alongside Christ. (Revelation 5:10) What is lovely? How beautiful are your feet when you bring Good News, proclaiming that your God reigns and brings living peace in the midst of the tumult of life (Isaiah 52:7) What is admirable? You have not laid your eyes on Jesus, and therefore, you are greatly blessed for your belief (John 20:29) What is excellent and worthy of praise? On my worst days, God confronts me. He loves and comforts me. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He doesn’t take His promises from me. I can walk through the darkest valley. Hit rock bottom. And guess who’s there? My God. (Psalm 23) He doesn’t see me for my shortcomings. He loves the faithful, but equally loves the prodigal (Luke 15:22-24). He is the shepherd to the ninety-nine and the one (Matt 18:12). Do not be deceived by your senses or your wanderings. Let your mind dwell only on these things.
-Aaron Winner
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
When has being led by your thoughts and feelings and senses led you into a troubled place? Do you often tend toward anxious thoughts? What has helped you in the past?
How do you rate at bringing every situation before God in prayer and petition and with thanksgiving?
What do you let your mind dwell on?
What does the world say is the secret to peace? What does God say?
Paul had more religious credentials than any of the original twelve apostles of Christ. His resume started in his infancy. He was circumcised on the eighth day, his family strictly adhering to God’s rule. His heritage came from the tribe of Benjamin, who were faithful warriors of God. He was disciplined and studious, becoming a Pharisee. He passionately persecuted the church, having a direct hand in the stoning of Stephen. In so doing, he obtained and maintained a fleshly status that would easily make him an important member of the Sanhedrin in no time. But that’s all it was. Someone who lived with a long list of labels, accomplishments, and titles, but ultimately, will be a victim of the same death as those who live without them.
“If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.” Philippians 3:4b-6
Status, which once was predetermined by feudal, caste, tribal or class systems, is now something that changes with our emotions or musings. Our connotation of the word has changed with the invention of social media.. The evolution of “status-ifying” oneself, has led to the rapid (d)evolution of a crushing identity problem. Occupation, education, pronouns, history, trauma, gender, race, family, and religion have become our most featured bullet points. We become these things or sometimes, these identities are thrust upon us. As unpopular as this messaging may be in my place and time, the words of Paul still ring true: It’s all garbage. Every. Single. Bit. Anything that doesn’t have eternal value is a name or stigma I no longer bear under the lordship of Jesus Christ.
“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” Philippians 3:7-9
We are not simply made righteous by calling ourselves Christian. Neither are we made holy because we’re a good mom, dad, or child. Nor are we not justified because of our bloodline or heritage. And we are not forgiven because we found a new definition for the same old sin. We are “status-ified” by Christ. So, what exactly is it? We are, through faith, redeemed and adopted Children of God. It is not our first status. It is our ONLY status. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul states there isn’t slave, free, man, woman, Jew, or Greek, meaning every title, other than that achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, is negligible, conditional, or temporary, — even dead. When we acknowledge him, He grabs hold of us and doesn’t let go. His Father calls us to resurrection and the treasure that is stored in heaven, ready to descend with the promised return of Jesus Christ, and on that day, there is only one group placed in the Lamb’s Book of Life: those who are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. Hit the refresh button, and take a good, long look. It might be time to update your status.
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10,11
-Aaron Winner
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
IF you were to follow the ways of the world what COULD you use to give yourself status?
What is the eternal value of each item you listed in question 1?
What will/does it look like to reorder your life to gain Christ instead?
For many of us, the last few weeks we have been reestablishing our school time routines. The lackadaisical jazz of summer has transitioned into the tight structure of a concert march. Alarms begin to sound once more and the the score begins. Many times, my day begins with a morning run. I pride myself in the ability to time this run in such a way that I squeeze in all my other to-dos before the school day (like shower, pack, dress, eat breakfast) and be in the school building with a minute to spare. Everything was again like clockwork – run, shower, pack, breakfast – until I had an important realization as I crossed the threshold of the school door and met the flow of air streaming from the vent: I had not stopped sweating since my run. My body still thought it was summer. My shirt was now mostly covered in sweat, and it didn’t show signs of slowing. I walked down the hallway, was questioned multiple times about the appearance of showering in my shirt, but I was committed to going about my day with a sweat-filled shirt and a pride-filled attitude. Fortunately, through the insistence of an administrator, I took up the offer of a sweat-free replacement. I finally humbled myself, and let my pride go.
Humility comes easier when you are sweating through your shirt with nothing else to wear, but it is more difficult to be humble when you’re on top. You’re in charge. You’re the boss. You’re the expert. You’re the best. When you have a history of achieving or exceeding large and meaningful goals. We beam with pride because we feel we “are” or “have” something. When our ego wins, we make a case for why we are better than others. We expect God to acknowledge us more, and when he doesn’t, oftentimes, we deny Him completely, becoming our own god, roleplaying as the savior, the judge, and the ultimate source of “being” in our own life. Pride becomes our sweat-filled shirt – it’s not a good look.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit [vainglory]. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5
If there was anyone to ever walk upon this earth with pride, it should have been Jesus Christ. He is the closest to God a human will ever get, yet “being in the form of God, he didn’t see equality with God as something to be grasped.” (Philippians 2:6) Here is the deepest of theologies about the nature and relationship of Jesus Christ to his Father. Jesus Christ serves God Almighty alone, and we should do the same (see: the greatest commandment, Matt 22:37,38) Jesus didn’t care he was viewed as an amatuer by many of the Pharisees. Who cares? He didn’t identify himself in the status in the company he kept. Not on his radar All he could lay his eyes upon was in his grasp. (Matt 4:8,9) He flatly refused. He had a critical role to play for our Heavenly Father. He chose humility, a life of service, knowing that His Father exalts those who humble themselves to His will, and also humbles those who choose to lift themselves higher than others (Luke 14:11; Phil 2:9-11)
Likewise, we are called and mandated to be humble. Less of me and less of you until only Jesus remains. How do we do this? In all our ways acknowledge Him (Prov 3:6), but are ready to give up time, effort, energy (life) for someone else (Matt 20:28) so they may know the Kingdom of God. We can still be ambitious, but it must be driven by God, not simply a feather in the cap or degree on the wall. We can look for glory, but it is bestowed upon our heavenly Father, not to us. We must be on our knees, known more for the top of our head than the self-satisfaction of our face. We must minister to those who can give us no status or possessions in return, only a life given over to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are to walk in humility, no longer run away with our pride.
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12,13
-Aaron Winner
Questions for Reflection
When does your pride and ego prevent you from being Christ-like?
Would you rather humble yourself before God or be humbled by God?
Ephesians 3:16 – I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being…
As a fan of superhero movies, I really like understanding the origins of how regular people acquired their superpowers. Whether it was from a spider bite or from the released energy of a crashed light-speed engine, it’s fun to see how their skills develop over time.
In the book of Ephesians, the author, the apostle Paul, is writing to a church of new Gentile believers. The origin story of these Christians most likely includes a history of idol worship and pagan rituals. Learning to believe in one true God was a new concept for them. Not only that, they were being introduced to a Messiah who made it possible to be in a personal relationship with the God of all heaven and Earth. They were learning that this personal relationship with God meant that they had a job to do: to participate in the sharing of the Gospel. And this participation would require them to rely on the power of God to accomplish all that He was calling them to do.
In my imagination, I think that the experiences of these new believers learning to lean into the power of God is a little similar to superheroes learning to use their powers. New discoveries of what might be possible; determining how and when to use these gifts and for whom; and probably failing every now and again.
For some superheroes, the more that they use their power, the stronger they become.
As believers in Christ, our faith also grows more powerful the more we exercise it. I sometimes wonder what might be possible if I could get out of my own way, completely, and totally rely on the power of God. I wonder if this happened if I might be more like the original disciples who healed, ministered, and preached to hundreds and thousands.
I know that with each passing year my faith in God grows as new and different circumstances require me to lean into the power He offers. I think that is why this particular prayer that Paul prays for the Ephesians is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. In Ephesians chapter 3, verses 16 through 21, I read one of the most encouraging prayers that is offered up to believers. When I read this portion, I am strengthened in my faith and my desire to serve God grows. I want to see what God can do in and through me. I want to put on my super suit and get to work.
So how about it? Will you join me in the adventure of a lifetime?
-Bethany Ligon
Application Questions
How would you tell the story of how you got your power? Where does it come from? How did you get it? What do you do with it? What could you do with it?
Re-read Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. Does this sound like your prayer list for your church, your family and yourself? What do you like best about Paul’s prayer? What could you add to your prayers?
Living in Arizona, there is no shortage of Mexican restaurants. One of the best parts of eating at one is the delivery of warm crispy tortilla chips and moderately spicy salsa within minutes of being seated. Each restaurant’s chips and salsa are different and wonderfully delicious. You can get a hint of the caliber of your main entree by the quality of this appetizer. If the chips and salsa are especially tasty, I will fill up on that by the time my chicken chimichanga is brought to the table.
As I read the first half of this first chapter in Ephesians, I am struck by this phrase in verse 14, “who (the Holy Spirit) is a deposit”. Wait…a DEPOSIT?!?! You mean there’s more to be expected? It’s a very crude comparison, but it’s almost like the chips and salsa…it’s so good all by itself. But I know that something even more wonderful is coming.
I guess somewhere in my understanding, I have KNOWN that when the Kingdom is established on the earth, that it will be more than whatever it is that I can possibly imagine. But I hadn’t ever made the connection that the Holy Spirit is the deposit to my FULL inheritance in Christ.
Usually, a deposit is a fraction of the full amount in order to hold an item on your behalf. So if the Holy Spirit is a deposit to hold my spot in the Kingdom…how much more will the full experience of the Kingdom really be?
Back in Acts 1, Jesus tells his disciples that the Holy Spirit will empower them to be witnesses. Likewise, as believers, we also are given the power of the Holy Spirit so that we can do great and mighty things for the coming Kingdom of God. This is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms (Eph 1:20).
Unlike eating chips and salsa, which I tend to not want to share, we are meant to do something for others with this deposit. We are meant to minister and serve. We are meant to teach and show hospitality. We are meant to impart compassion and discern wisdom. We are meant to pray for and encourage others. We are meant to give and sacrifice our time, energies, and resources.
I recently wrote in my journal three questions. I’ll conclude by asking you the same as you consider this deposit of the Holy Spirit.
Every year on the 4th of July people in the United States come together to celebrate our freedom. If you are living in another country you might have different ways of celebrating freedom or you may not be particularly focused on freedom. Freedom means different things to different people. For the person who has been in prison, freedom means being able to go where you want to go and do what you want to do. For a student who is on vacation, freedom means not having to go to class and turn in homework. For a person who is single, freedom means being able to date. For the people who originally established the United States freedom meant being able to choose whatever religion or church that your conscience told you was the way to know God. It was also about the freedom to self-govern rather than be governed by a dictator.
Freedom can be a very good thing when it is rightly understood and practiced, but wrongly understood and practiced, freedom can be very dangerous. America is about freedom in some ways, but not every way. I’m not free to drive as fast as I want or in whatever direction I want on the highway. I have to obey traffic laws or else I could cause injury or death to myself and others, or I can be criminally punished and lose the privilege of driving. Freedom has to be rightly understood. What am I free from and what am I free to do?
When Paul talks about freedom here he has a couple of things in mind. We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We are not saved by following some law or other legalistic ritual practice. In the Church of Galatia, those who heard Paul preach the Gospel and were baptized into Jesus Christ were set free from the power of sin and death. They were free to allow the spirit of God to transform their lives so that they could do what is most important, love.
Paul is obviously very angry in chapter 5 because he sees that they have chosen to reject the freedom given by the Gospel and have chosen to place themselves under the yoke of slavery to the Jewish Law. Circumcision was the physical act of mutilating part of your body as a way of marking you as different. Jewish boys were circumcised to distinguish them as children of Abraham and followers of the Mosaic Law. One under the Law was required to obey all 611 laws ranging from what foods to eat, to how and where and when to worship, how to properly dispose of human waste, and ceremonially clean mildew. Paul had been raised under that Law and it didn’t make him any closer to God. It made him an enemy of Jesus Christ, and it certainly didn’t make him a more loving person. He found faith in Christ and receiving the Spirit of God to be truly freeing and life-transforming. He could not imagine going back to the slavery of the law. So he cannot understand why the Galatian Christians were choosing to trade their freedom in Christ for enslavement to the law.
Paul’s main emphasis is the Spirit and Love. “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” (Galatians 5:6) “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ’Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (5:14) “The fruit of the Spirit is love” (5:22). This is what’s most important for Paul, not the practices that separate Jews from Gentiles (circumcision, food, and observing The Law.)
But Paul also doesn’t want followers of Christ to get the wrong idea about their freedom in Christ. It is the Freedom from the power of sin, not the freedom to do whatever your flesh desires. Some believers take grace and freedom to a place where Paul and God never intended for it to go. The acts of the flesh that Paul lists: “sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” He is clear that a life that is given over to the flesh is not the life that results in life in the kingdom of God in the age to come. It’s a freedom from the power of sin, not the freedom to do whatever you want that opposes the life of God.
Receive God’s spirit through faith in Jesus Christ and live a life of love, that is what a life of fruitful and flourishing discipleship to Jesus Christ looks like. Legalism is one extreme to avoid, lawlessness is the opposite extreme to avoid. The goal is faith expressing itself through love.
-Jeff Fletcher
Questions for Discussion:
Which extreme do you find more challenging in your discipleship- legalism or lawlessness?
Why is our freedom in Christ so easily misunderstood?
Seek Grow Love 