Bible Pathways - Dec. 1, 2006
In Today's Reading:
Only one Gospel; Paul's rebuke of Peter; justification by faith, not the Law; the Law guides us to Christ
This letter forever settles the fact that there is but one way to avoid eternal hell and to be assured of eternal life in heaven for both Jew and Gentile. Our Lord Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father (Galatians 1:3-4). We are reminded that no one deserves or earns the right to heaven by keeping the Law.
We can only be justified (declared righteous in God's eyes) by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh (no one) be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid (2:16-17). The full meaning of God's grace and undeserved loving-kindness was revealed when Jesus died on the cross in our place for our sins that we might be delivered from sin, declared righteous in God's eyes, and eventually enter heaven to be with Him.
Because of our sinful nature no one has the ability to keep all of the Law of God (James 2:10) and all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Christ hath redeemed us from the curse (righteous penalty of death) of the Law, being made a curse (undergoing on the cross the appointed penalty of the curse) for us (Galatians 3:13) These facts make us realize our great need of a Savior. The Law was our schoolmaster (required guide) to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster (3:24-25).
Instead, we are led and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to be the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:26-29).
Cross References:
For Galatians 3:6: See Genesis 15:6. Galatians 3:8: See Genesis 12:3,22:18. Galatians 3:10: See Deuteronomy 27:26. Galatians 3:11: See Habakkuk 2:4. Galatians 3:12: See Leviticus 18:5. Galatians 3:13: See Deuteronomy 21:23.
Word Studies:
1:13 conversation = behavior, way of life; 2:13 dissimulation = insincerity, hypocrisy, and pretense.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for our Military worldwide · The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer · The Spanish International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Ervin Byrns Woodruff, Jr. · Staff: Dr. John A Hash Country: Tunisia (10 million) in North Africa Major languages: Arabic and French Islamic state — no open ministry for Christ is permitted; strict surveillance of all Christian activities 99+% Muslim; .3% Christian Prayer Suggestion: Confess your sins and ask the Lord to restore the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:1-3,12).
Memory Verse for the Week: John 5:24
