Equipped to Contend

Galatians 6

2011-06-08T04:40:00.000-07:00

This chapter starts with scripture that is often referred to in times of church discipline, noting that we should restore gently those who have fallen in sin, and the charge to continue doing good to all. This is a great area of study and a lot can be gleaned from digging into this section. However, the one thought that keeps jumping out at me today in chapter 6 is verse 14, "May I never boast except in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

The word that we see here translated as "boast" is actually a Greek word that is a basic expression of praise, unlike our English word that includes the connotation of pride. Paul rejoices in the sacrifice of Christ. See Romans 8:1-3, 1 Corinthians 2:2, 1 Peter 2:24 for further thoughts.

When he says the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world, that can be a tough statement to chew on. Basically he is saying that the world is spiritually dead to believers, and they are dead to the world. Take a look at the following verses to supplement this thought for today: Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:2-10, 1 John 5:4-5, Philippians 3:20-21.

A prayer for today:

"Father, our intention is to bring you praise in the way that this expression of praise was intended when Paul wrote it....that our pride would be peeled away and our boasting would only be with pure motivations to honor you. You are the only one that deserves our praise and boasting. Convict us of anything prideful that motivates us impurely today. We love and praise you. In the name of the only one that saves, Jesus Christ, Amen."

Galatians 5

2011-06-08T04:10:00.000-07:00

Freedom in Christ

I love the beginning of this chapter, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." So many thoughts are provoked by these two sentences. First, the world sees religious systems, especially Christianity claiming absolute truth and exclusivity of salvation, as bondage, not freedom. The world boasts that you should be free to do whatever is your prerogative, as if your choices only affect you and it no one has the right to judge you. However, out of that line of thought comes choices based on selfish gain, vain conceit, trying to elevate your status and pride, all of which become trappings, not freedom as all. So, when you are set free from Christ, you are set free from the world's standards and told to stand firm in Him. You will be a slave to the world or to God. The life and destiny of a slave is dependent upon the character of the master. Slaves to the world will carry a yoke that is heavier and heavier with no promise of eternal security. Willingly placing your submission under God as master, is placing your live in the hands of a master that is the only one who can save.

Then, within the context of His freedom, the entrapments of pride, image, lust, greed, serving self, etc are shed more and more as we walk closer with Him. In the framework of this new freedom, the baggage and weight that goes along with all of these worldly entrapments falls off and true freedom is found so that now choices for career path, family, finances, relationships, etc can be viewed from a different vantage point, posing the question each time, " What leads to more sanctification under Christ and less stumbling blocks of the world." Choices are made out of freedom that you answer to the only one who has the power to judge, not the world.

No, in that same vein of thought, don't take the dangerous road on Galatians 5:1 and steer the freedom you have off road into the deception that claims your freedom allows you to do and partake of things freely because you have a license to do so under authority that salvation has been accomplished and things of this world do not set standards any longer.

Several weeks ago, we talked about this as it relates to Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8 and 10, etc. Great discussion flowed from this as we looked at how our freedom in Christ should not be used in a cavalier way to benefit ourselves, but to be set apart and above reproach so that we set unquestionable standards of integrity in our lives that never sends mixed messages to nonbelievers or new believers who are looking for integrity in us.

What are some areas that you need to ask God to rearrange in your life and allow you to stand firm in His freedom? Remember the goal is to honor Him, not to use freedom for selfish gain.

Verse 6 says, "...The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Verse 16 goes on to say, "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Verse 25 continues, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." What is a thread of truth, conviction, freedom, and encouragement that comes through this chapter, stitched together with verses like these 3 highlighted here?

CBH

Galatians 4

2011-06-08T04:01:00.000-07:00

Galatians 4 continues to thought from chapter 3 on the fact that since we are adopted by God, we also receive the full rights of sons and 4:7 is the highlight, "So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir." Powerful thought....when children are adopted, they come fully into the adopting family with full rights and privileges just as natural children. So, as we come into God's adoption, we become full heirs of the power of the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead and that Spirit lives in us to do powerful work. We are heirs to the kingdom, and all the glories in it...in spite of who we were and the struggles of the unredeemed flesh that we remain in until we meet him after this life shall pass. That's a good way to start your day!

What are some struggles in this world that you need to lay down and see them in perspective as they shrink in comparison to the privileges you have as heirs under God's adoption?

Christ is the adoption payment. The ransom paid to release you from imprisonment in this world. Thank him in prayer today and grow deeper in love with Jesus today.

Galatians 3

2011-06-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

You Foolish Galatians...

v1 - What a way to start a chapter....Paul calls the Galatians foolish and then says they have been bewitched. He wasn't questioning their intelligence, but their obedience. This same situation of obedience is addressed by using the term "foolish" other times in Luke 24:25, 1Timothy 6:9, and Titus 3:3 as well. He goes on to say they have been "bewitched". Of course he wasn't referring to the ABC comedy that ran from 1964-1972. The word here refers to being "charmed or misled by flattery and false promises." What are some things in our culture that we have allowed to be added to our faith and belief system that charms us with false promises...maybe prosperity gospel, universalist ideas, softening our stance on difficult issues to be more accepted or tolerant....

v2 - Paul asks a rhetorical question, "did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law?" Of course the spirit was received at salvation by grace, not be further works. See also Romans 8:9, 1Corinthians 12:13, 1John 3:24; 4:13 for further thoughts on this topic...

v6-9 Interesting passage...Abraham was from a pagan, gentile background, but was justified by faith. The question that may follow this thought is, "So, was Abraham a Jew or Israelite?" Here are some thoughts...

Abraham came from a pagan, Gentile family, and was serving God before he was circumcised.

However, Abraham was neither a Jew nor an Israelite. The name “Jew” comes from the name “Judah.” Judah was a great-grandson of Abraham, born after Abraham had died. Judah was the beginning of the tribe of Judah, which was the tribe of King David and later of Jesus. All Israelites came to be known as “Jews” because of the prominence of that tribe. In fact, the country of the Jews was known as Judea in the time of Jesus, a name that also came from Judah.

In the same way, Abraham was not an Israelite. Israel is the name God gave to Abraham’s grandson, Jacob (again, after Abraham was dead). The Israelites were the descendants of Israel. One of the Twelve Tribes of Israel was the tribe of Judah, who eventually gave their name to all of the nation.

So, Abraham was the Father of the nation of Israel and the Father of the Jews – but he himself was neither Israelite not Jew. Those designations came later.

So, it is very interesting that the gospel was preached/announced in advance to Abraham. So, the good news that God would extend grace to all nations was given to Abraham, from a pagan background, who would become the father of of the nation of Israel, the Jews, and an everlasting testimony to salvation for faith alone. (Note passages like John 8:39-59, Romans 4, Hebrews 11:8,17)

v10-14 - Those attempting to earn salvation by keeping the law are under a curse. That is strong language...from Dt 27:26. Just one violation of the law deserves the curse of God.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law. The Greek word translated as "redeemed" was used when speaking of buying a slave's or debtor's freedom. In other words, redeemed is a full payment for freedom. Christ became a curse for us, taking on himself the curse pronounced for our sins. What a thought....Go read Colossians 1:9-20 as a reminder of how all creation was for Him and through Him, and then He comes in flesh to be brutally murdered and cursed for us, so that we might have grace in spite or despicable selves. Wow.

v15-22 - Additional reminders of the unchanging promise and more commentary of the purpose of the Law. Ultimately, this section culminates in verse 22 underscoring that by faith in Christ is our ticket. When this verse says, "the whole world is a prisoner to sin (NIV), or, "shut up everyone under sin", this literally translates as "to enclose on all sides." So, we are all hopeless and trapped, until we come to a saving faith in Christ.

V24 - The law was the "tutor", that leads us to understand our depravity...seeing that we can never attain it to perfection and that justification by faith is our only hope.

v26-29 - One of my favorite passages in all of scripture. Think about verse 27, "clothe yourself with Christ". What does it really look like for us to put Him on as our appearance and image. The ending of this chapter says that we are heirs according to the promise. When a child is adopted, they take on all the same privileges as the natural children of the family. The same is true here. We were enemies of God, yet through grace by faith, our justification became our adoption into His family. What a powerful passage.

What are some encouragements that you take from this chapter?

What other things jump off the page?

CBH

, . ds

Galatians 2

2011-06-02T03:52:00.001-07:00

Defending the Gospel

There is so much to say about Chapter 2 and I won't attempt to fit it all into this post. But, I will highlight some things that came from our Wednesday night discussion based on this chapter. Thank you to the dozen or so of you that were able to be in our home for discussion last night. It is one of our greatest joys to have you in our home on Sunday and Wednesday nights as we grow together through digging into the Word. Thank you for sharing that time with us.

v1 - Paul, Barnabas, and Titus go to Jerusalem...topics related to Gentile salvation are to follow. Interesting to note that Barnabas was Paul's 1st ally who vouched for him (Acts 9:27) before the apostles in Jerusalem previously and became his traveling companion on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:2-3). Also, the presence of Titus is an important note as well. Paul was shepherding Titus, an uncircumcised Gentile. Since Paul's main calling was to take the gospel to unreached Gentile people, it is a fitting illustration that Titus is coming along on this trip as an uncircumcised Gentile that has come to salvation (Titus 1:4-5). As we discussed in chapter 1, there were many Judaizers coming into the churches of Galatia saying that Gentiles much have a conversion to Jewish tradition, and adhere to Mosaic law, before becoming a Christian. If this were true, it would have required Titus to be circumcised, among other things, before being Paul's coworker. Clearly, it is not a requirement under the grace of Christ for him to be circumcised and Titus serves as illustration of the effectiveness of Paul's ministry as he travels on this journey with him,

v5-10 - Paul outlines the fact that Peter, James, and John are viewed as pillars of the early church, with a calling to the "circumcised" (Jews), while on the other hand he was specifically called to the "uncircumcised" Gentiles, and yet all agree that the true gospel did not require new believers to adhere to the previous Jewish traditions and Mosaic prescriptions, such as circumcision. He uses these verses to make the point that this issue has become a point of contention in the Galatian churches, however, clearly even Peter, James, and John, who were held in very high regard having been part of the original 12 that walked with Christ, were in agreement with Paul's message to the Gentiles that grace is the core of salvation, not adherence to legalistic tradition.

v11-14 - Interestingly, there arises a hint of hypocrisy on the part of Peter and Paul calls him out on this sin that could taint the message. Although Peter had boldly defended the gospel in Acts 15 as it relates to faith by grace alone, and no longer holding requirements such as circumcision, there is this encounter where some false teachers come in and Peter withdraws from eating with Gentiles that he has been in constant fellowship with, for fear of being criticized by these Judaizers that falsely claimed to have come from James. By withdrawing from the Gentiles at mealtime and eating with these false teachers, it was effectively affirming dietary restrictions again that he knew God had abolished (Acts 10:15), striking a blow to the gospel of grace.

Paul could not allow this blatantly hypocritical action to stand, and opposed Peter to his face, in front of the others. This is a bold and significant stance due to the fact that Peter has previously been a mentor to Paul after Paul's conversion. This rebuke illustrates the necessity for an unwavering position on the doctrine of justification by grace through faith. Peter's apparent repentance underscores Paul's apostolic authority and Peter's submission to the truth. (2 Pe 3:15-16).

v15-16 - Man is not justified by works of the Law, but by grace through faith. Period.

v17-19 - Interesting point is raised here. The question is asked, "...is Christ then a minister of sin?" (NASB), or in NIV, "...does that mean that Christ promotes sin?" Of course, Christ does not promote sin, but saves us from our sin....so this sounds like a harsh, heretical statement. What he he is saying is this....if we claim grace by faith as our justification for salvation on the basis that Christ abolished the need for legalism, and then we go back and start mixing legalism back into our basis for salvation (like circumcision or dietary restrictions), it would cause us to call our these areas as sin again. Since the gospel of justification through grace by faith alone is based on Christ's teaching, then by countering this and adding legalism back it, we would effectively be saying that Christ led us to drop the legalistic restrictions, and it was sinful to do so...making Him a minister or promoter of sin. This is obviously a false statement and he is saying they cannot rebuild the legalism that was destroyed, or it would indicate they have been and are lawbreakers. Paul makes this point clear through the logic in verse 17-18.

v19 - When a person is convicted of a capital crime and is executed, there is obviously no longer any claim on him. When a Christian has died to the Law in Christ, he has paid the capital penalty in full and is forever free.

v20-21 - We spiritually participate in crucifixion of self through Christ for victory over sin and death, so the old is dead, and the indwelling power of Christ lives through us. In verse 21, Paul makes it clear that if we go back and add restrictions of law as requirements for Gentiles to come to salvation, it nullifies grace by faith justification, and effectively means that Christ died for nothing. May it never be that we undermine and and render unnecessary the sacrifice of our Lord.

I hope that Galatians 2 speaks some great encouragement to you today.

What are some other things that jump out at you through this chapter?

Thank you Justin for posting a great comment on chapter 1. Let's have several people post some thoughts on chapter 2 as well.

Galatians 1

2011-06-01T04:06:00.000-07:00

Paul's Authority + 1 Gospel = Glory to Christ, Not Man

I hope you have been reading Galatians. This will be the first post of thoughts and commentary. Feel free to post any questions or other comments regarding the text, or related to notes that I am posting here. I look forward to the thoughts that will be provoked from this time in the Word.

Some Background...
Paul wrote Galatians to counter false teachers who were undermining the doctrine of justification by faith (Rom 3:31). False teachers came into the churches of Galatia after Paul had established them and were teaching that Gentiles had to first undergo a transition to a Jewish belief system, and submit to all Mosaic law before becoming a Christian.

v1 - Paul introduces himself as an apostle, meaning "one sent with a commission". Knowing that false teachers were undermining the core of the Gospel, and questioning his authority to, Paul immediately reminds readers that he was sent by God with the message of Christ, having been appointed by Christ himself and having been a witness of His resurrection (Acts1:22).

v6 - Paul says he is amazed how quickly followers were "deserting" Him who called you by the grace of Christ for a different gospel. Deserting...the greek word here was a military desertion that was punishable by death...so, a serious charge. Voluntarily deserting grace to pursue legalism seems absurd, but for these new believers coming from a Gentile background, the false teachers were presenting a mixed message that they struggled with immediately.

v7 - Paul says the alternate teaching is not really another gospel, for there is only one true gospel. He says some are "disturbing" you and want to disort the gospel of Christ. Literally the word here for "disturbing" is to "shake back and forth"...meaning to agitate or stir up. By stirring in law with the gospel, it effectively destroys grace.

v10 - Previously, Paul was seeking to please man, in his former ways of persecuting Christians on behalf of his fellow Jews. However, now a bond-servant, "slave", of Christ is a sacrifice of self opposing the goal of pleasing man. He is a willing servant of Christ, sent with the authority of an apostle (v1) with no selfish motive or motive of man....only Christ.

v11-24 - This is effectively Paul giving his testimony. We think of giving a testimony as some scary presentation of our lives to others. But, in a nutshell, Paul is laying the groundwork of an effective testimony that no man can argue with. He begins by claiming the true gospel of Christ, speaks of his former life before Christ in brief terms. He tells of his zealousness for his previous beliefs. Then, he talks about the grace that Christ extended to him and the process of his conversion and continuing sanctification. This should outline for us the way our testimony should look. Claim the true gospel...describe your life and depravity before Christ (not glorifying the old life with gory details, but stating the facts of what you were rooted in before)...name the things that defined you before (greed, lust, motivations for pride and worldly gain, materialism, image)...describe your encounter with Christ and the process of your conversion....finally note how your life has changed since that time. These are the basic bullet points of a strong testimony and Paul gives us an outline here for the framework that we should use in sharing our story for Christ's Glory.

What are some thoughts that are provoked in your reading of Chapter 1?
What are some parallels to your own life and experiences?
What encouragements and motivations can you glean from this chapter?

Passion 2012 Update...

2011-05-31T19:15:00.000-07:00

Right now we have 36 people already registered to go with us to Passion. Wow! Last year we took 40, so how many will it be this time? There are still about 35 more of you out there that I haven't heard from.... So, hurry and let me know! I ordered the first batch last night to lock in the cheapest rate. It goes up after today, so let me know today (6/1) if you want to be added. Of course, you can still be added later, but the price just keeps going up.

Going to be amazing....

CBH

In the Word...

2011-05-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

A challenge has been issued to our College/Career Group and Honduras Team to be consistently in the Word. To kick that off, and to serve as preparation for our mission team leaving on 6/19....we are beginning today (5/30) reading one chapter per day for 20 days, starting in Galatians 1. Conveniently, 20 chapters will take you through Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians during that 20 day span, ending on 6/18...the day before our team leaves for Honduras.

I will post some thoughts and discussion points, along with some commentary every so often. So, tag on as a follower of this blog and you will receive an update when the new posts hit the blog. Stay connected through the discussion of the Word in these chapters to come. I look forward to what God will do with this time.

Thanks!
CBH

Passion 2012

2011-05-05T18:45:00.001-07:00

Passion 2012 will be January 2-5. That seems like a long way out...but, there are reasons to begin thinking towards that time. Ticket prices and hotel rates are very low right now, and will increase over time. We were able to take 40 people last year and expect an equally large group this time. The event will be in the Georgia Dome and it will be huge!

Here are the details:

Cost
$250 if you turn in a deposit of $50 by 5/29
$280 after that
Another increase will happen at a later date TBD by Passion.

Lodging
We will most likely stay at the downtown Westin Plaze Hotel again.

Check it out...
Passion2012

Honduras - Preparen el Camino

2011-05-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

With our Honduras trip fast approaching, here are a few quick notes to remember:

1- The remaining team meetings are all required.

* 5/22 from 5:00-7:00 at Hearn's
* 5/29 from 4:00-6:00 in the Youth Lower Level (Students and Parents)
* 6/05 from 5:00-7:00 at Hearn's
* 6/12 from 5:00-7:00 at Hearn's

2- Minimum of $600 due by 5/30.
3- Balance of money (totaling $1100) due by 6/12.
4- Work on memorizing the songs.

I will be sending out several other questions and notes by text over the next couple weeks before the meetings. Let us know if there are any questions.

Passion 2011---We believe...

2011-01-05T12:51:00.000-08:00

We believe we have been set free.
We believe we are not going to go wrong by trying to become more like Jesus.
We believe in being transformed by the renewing of our minds.
We believe in taking captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
We believe that if we keep believing the same thing we will keep doing the same thing.
We believe You’re all to us.
We believe circumstances do not have any power over us being free and alive.
We believe that nothing external can steal our right to delight.
We believe our manner of life should be worthy of the gospel of Christ.
We believe we should be in anguish about not knowing where people are spending eternity.
We believe knowledge is only part of it…spiritual maturity is living out the faith.
We believe your appetite will rule you if you don’t rule it.
We believe in keeping ourselves from trading the unknown will of God for a bowl of stew.
We believe He has told us to love Him so much that our relationships on Earth look like hate.
We believe He is our Savior---willing to endure divine wrath.
We believe He wants His gospel and His glory declared and proclaimed.
We believe when you know God deeply you love Him truly.
We believe we are here for You.
We believe self can never satisfy a heart made for God—it will give way and you will fall into a pit.
We believe we welcome You with praise.
We believe I get me if I’m at the bottom.
We believe freedom comes from choosing the chain of being connected to Christ.
We believe in letting the measure of our lives be the saving love of Christ.
We believe the angels are not singing Jesus is your homeboy; they are singing Holy, Holy, Holy.
We believe we can point our finger at the world all day long---but we choose whether or not we carry the name of Jesus.
We believe Holy Spirit come, fall on me.
We believe in spending less time about where we’re gonna go and more about what we are taking.
We believe the world is dying to hear the name of Jesus.
We believe all my fountains are in Jesus.
We believe He is counting on you to carry the name of Jesus.

Living Your Strengths

2010-11-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

StrengthsFinder Event
November 24th
6:00 in the Trailer
Pizza & Seminar
*Chair Set-up in MPB after

Purpose:
StrengthsFinder is a publication of the Gallup Institute that enables individuals to discover and better utilize natural gifts that the Lord has given them to serve in the body of Christ. Since the Lord has uniquely designed each of us for a purpose, it may be helpful to increase awareness of your strengths and how you can use them better. This seminar is a good way to learn how to use our strengths both in serving each other and serving in ministries that the Lord may call us to.

Instructions:
Prior to the class a quiz must be taken online so that you can know what your strengths are. Once you have completed the quiz, your results should be mailed to Ann Pleasants at apleasants@ncbaptist.org who will compile our results so that we can learn about each other's strengths at the seminar. To access the quiz you need a code, which is found in the green insert in the StrengthsFinder book. The cost of the book is $15. If money is an issue and you would still like to be part of this event contact Becca Gray. The quiz must be completed and and emailed by 11/19 to allow time for the results to be processed prior to the seminar. Money for the books is due on the 24th.

Please sign-up with Casey & Kim if you're planning to attend!