Day 52: Instructions of Doing Good

Galatians 6; Ephesians 1, 2

While reading the Scripture, “doing good” is a prevalent topic.  Paul writes letters to both the Galatians and Ephesians.  Although they were different people and different churches, the message was the same.

We are called to be good to all and to carry each others burdens – especially to those who belong to the family of believers.  At the same time, we are not being asked to do this in order to boast of our abilities or of our deeds.

⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

We are one in Christ, through His blood, given access to the Father by One spirit.

[We] are no longer foreigners and aliens but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household. Ephesians 2:19

This is all a part of God’s plan to redeem the world through Christ.

Dear Lord, I lack in so many areas.  While reading these chapters, I couldn’t help but feel so inadequate.  I realize that I have not yet cast aside the sins of my earthly body.  Grant me the wisdom to translate my belief about God into actions and attitudes that honor you.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Day 51: Freedom in Christ

Galatians 3, 4, 5

Christ freed us from our sins.  Our salvation required intervention by the Spirit, yet we end up fighting against what was started and try to accomplish it on our own accord.  Paul criticizes the Galatians for this.

³Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? ⁴Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? ⁵Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard? Galatians 3:3-5

We do not just live according to the Law because of our own volition, but through our faith.  “The righteous will live by faith.” Just as Paul indicated to the Galatians, he reminds us all that we are a prisoner to sin.

²²But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Galatians 3:22

The most hard hitting part of our faith and salvation is that we used to sin prior to knowing God.  Now that we do, how can we all possibly keep turning back to those sins, the very sins that bound us to earth?

¹It 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. Galatians 5:1

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

⁷You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? Galatians 5″6-7

¹³You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature^[a]; rather, serve one another in love. ¹⁴The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”^[b] Galatians 5:13-14

We need to all remember that we all live by the Spirit and we should strive to not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

The simplest way to explain how we should live is written in Galatians 5:22-24.

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24

Dear Lord, I lack so many things.  Yet, you stand by, ready to catch me when I fall.  Let your commands ring in my heart – may it spurn me on in zeal to enjoy the fruits of the spirit.  Help me to live with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Help me to crucify my sinful nature.  You are a God of promise, help me to live on your grace alone and not on my own human merits. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Day 50: Aim for Perfection

2 Corinthians 13; Galatians 1, 2

Paul was an amazing man of God.  In his various letters to the churches of his time, he guides, teaches, rebukes and corrects.  In reading 2 Corinthians and then the beginning of Galatians, it’s apparent of his fervor for Christ.  He explains in his 2nd letter to the church of Corinth that we as men are weak but it is through that very weakness that makes us stronger in Him.

⁴For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him to serve you. 2 Corinthians 13:4

But don’t be discouraged by your weakness.  It should encourage you to aim for perfection.  In fact, Paul instructs the Corinthians to examine themselves, to see if they are in the faith.  I know that when I reflect on the choices I make post acceptance of Christ, I get discouraged.  I’m still tempted and still have distractions in my life.

⁶And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. ⁷Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.  2 Corinthians 13:6-7

I try to disconnect myself from the various weaknesses of this earth that I still carry – and get disheartened.   My faith pulls at my heart strings and gives me a sense of guilt – since I should know better.  But I find that this guilt slowly weans me from my dependence of earthly matters.  Ever so slowly, I realize that certain weaknesses grow weaker and weaker every day.

¹⁹For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. ²⁰I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ²¹I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” Galatians 2:19-21

Dear Lord, I am reminded constantly of my sins and transgressions.  Help me to lead a life aiming for perfection.  Through my faith, I ask you to develop a childlike heart, full of faith and obedience.  I have been crucified through Christ and I no longer live, but that Christ lives in me.  It is by your grace alone!  Thank you for this tremendous gift for we are undeserving creatures.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.