Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 22; Deuteronomy 23; Deuteronomy 24; Galatians 4
Scripture: Galatians 4:9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God — how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
Observation: The thought in this verse encapsulates the message of Paul's letter to the Galatians. These people had experienced salvation with all the blessings and benefits. But they had been won over by people who added a bunch of extra requirements to the Gospel, to the point where it wasn't the Gospel at all. Paul asks them why? Why would anyone who had experienced the blessing of knowing God want to walk away from that? Why would anyone who had been set free from bondages of various kinds leave the freedom and go back to the bondage? Paul asks, "Do you want to be slaves again?"
Application: "Survey says: apparently yes!" While I personally cannot understand it, many people do go back to the bondages that at one time had tormented them. Many people forsake the blessings and freedoms they had found in Christ and go back to the bondages and vexations of their lives before Christ. This shows the power of sin and the frustration of the inner struggle that people have. Apparently they would rather just give in to the sin than to contend with the fight against it.
Bottom line: Because the battle is stressful, we must be intentional to use God's power (rather than our own), and the support of others (rather than fighting solo), to keep ourselves from getting so discouraged that we face burn out and give up. With God's strength and the help and encouragement of others, we can stay strong and victorious.
Prayer: Lord, help me to lead others in the consistent pursuit of you and your will and ways. And help me to strengthen myself and others to fight and win the battle.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment