Paul talks about how Jesus came to redeem (purchase back) us out of the slave market from our bondage of sin. Paul was highly concerned for the Galatians and wanted them to imitate his consistency and liberty in Jesus, not to tie back to the bondage of Jewish customs. Hagar and Sarah were the bearers of two sons of Abraham. the Judiazers were saying their father was Abraham, and Paul reminded them that Abraham had 2 sons. One was the child of a bondswoman (slave), and the other was a child of the promise (for eternal life). The covenant from Mount Sinai is where Moses received the Law. But the Jerusalem that is above is free...this is the New Jerusalem in Heaven. Paul says to Get rid of the slave woman and her son because the Law and Grace can't live together as Christian Principles.
There is freedom in the Gospel...at this point if the Galatians get circumcized, they are putting themselves back under the Law, because this is the evidence of the covenant of the Law....."As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!" Yikes, Paul! Harsh? Actually, Paul wishes they would be cut off from the congregation of the Lord because of the mutilation (Deuteronomy 25:1). Life by the Spirit is not cohesive with the sinful nature; they are always conflicting in us (I won't tell you who is winning in me today!!!!)
...The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us....
We aren't supposed to get weary of doing good...."at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up"...This is such a beautiful promise.....We are to be representatives of Christ on this earth...the Holy Spirit in us will help us...
And what is up with the marks on Paul's body? Most commentators think that in 2 Corinthians 11:23-25, Paul describes his physical suffering for Jesus' sake. What he endured was plenty enough to leave scars, marks of the Lord Jesus....some wonder about a stigmata...marks just like Jesus Christ's and also in the military at that time, they branded you for loyalty.
Look what comes up from the depths of the sea.
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Question;....where are you talking about marks on Paul's body/ want to reread that....
ReplyDeleteIn a little section in my Bible in this chapter is says that people who truly walk with the spirit have 9 virtues: love, joy, peace, longsuffering or patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. As I read this, it makes me realize I need to work on these more throughout my days.......
In another part, that Paul thaught that if a believer is caught in sin, the strong members of the church are to help that person to get back on track. (6:1-3). that was interesting because, as Christians, it IS our responsibility to help those with sin......so MY sin is YOUR business and vice versa......I bet alot of people do not like that.....and we have turned into a ignore and tolerance society to stay out of other's problems.....hmmmmmm....
I am not responsible for how another person reacts to me when I say something about sin, I am only responsible to tell the truth and help someone with sin.
Cool....
It is Galatians 6:17
ReplyDeleteFinally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.....
Yeah, the Fruits of the Spirit: I need to work on them......wanna have a "fruit salad" some day...LOL