Galatians 6:1-10
In the fifth chapter, Paul tells us to do good. He follows that train of thought into chapter six. He states that we should do good to all, but especially fellow believers. His suggestion for doing this is accountability.
When I was younger and more immature, I thought that having a set accountability "partner" was among the dumbest things ever. My reasoning was focused around the facts that a) telling someone about your sins doesn't make you stop and b) you could always just lie. However, as I grew older and ever so slightly more mature, I began to see that as you grow in Christ, you also grow closer to other Christians, both changes making you unwilling to lie. While talking about sinning doesn't mean you'll stop (if only, if only), discussing where you're stumbling and how your fellow believers can help you make a massive difference (and extra prayer never hurt either).
One of the best ministries that CCF has going for it is what they call "Crash Groups", or accountability groups of two or three other people close to your age. Not only are they great for accountability, but they also help you grow in Christ and closer to other Christians. Hey, lookie how that turned out.
Rock on.
Post Script: And yes, I am listening to the Beatles as I type this. I'm on an old (and oh so good) music kick.
Showing posts with label Galatians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Galatians. Show all posts
20 January 2007
16 January 2007
In The Name of Love
Galatians 5
Paul starts of his discussion in this chapter by discussing freedom. More specifically, freedom throuch Christ our Lord, a theme that runs through the chapter (and the entire Bible). Through Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin (taken further, when we are in Christ, we are no longer trying to serve two masters). We are no longer slaves to sin and death because, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires," (v. 24).
Being free in Christ means we can no longer (and no longer have to) make OURSELVES holy. We are no longer dependant on following the Law for salvation (Paul lifts up circumcision as an example). Instead, we are saved by Grace through faith in the blood of Christ.
What does it look like to be in Christ, then? Paul says, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love," (v. 6) (I see Martin Luther King as an example of faith in Love). He says to serve one another in Love. He then repeats Christ in summing up the Law, which we will follow not for salvation's sake, but in the name of Love (as God is Love). "Love your neighbor as yourself." In fact, the Gospel is so good because of the news in it: God loves us. It is a challenge to apply, though, because God wants us to love him.
Rock on.
Post Script: And yes, I am listening to U2 as I type this.
Paul starts of his discussion in this chapter by discussing freedom. More specifically, freedom throuch Christ our Lord, a theme that runs through the chapter (and the entire Bible). Through Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin (taken further, when we are in Christ, we are no longer trying to serve two masters). We are no longer slaves to sin and death because, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires," (v. 24).
Being free in Christ means we can no longer (and no longer have to) make OURSELVES holy. We are no longer dependant on following the Law for salvation (Paul lifts up circumcision as an example). Instead, we are saved by Grace through faith in the blood of Christ.
What does it look like to be in Christ, then? Paul says, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love," (v. 6) (I see Martin Luther King as an example of faith in Love). He says to serve one another in Love. He then repeats Christ in summing up the Law, which we will follow not for salvation's sake, but in the name of Love (as God is Love). "Love your neighbor as yourself." In fact, the Gospel is so good because of the news in it: God loves us. It is a challenge to apply, though, because God wants us to love him.
Rock on.
Post Script: And yes, I am listening to U2 as I type this.
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