1 Peter 1-2 Merited Grace

TMS Mark 10:45 Dare to Be Great

Mk 10:44 “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, 
but to serve, 
and to give His life a ransom for many."

Observations: 10:45 This verse occurs at the climax of Jesus' training of His disciples, sandwiched between the two accounts of healing blind men. The disciples understood that Jesus was the Messiah, but didn't get that the route to glory was along the road of suffering. The disciples were concerned about who was going to be greatest in the kingdom. Jesus didn't rebuke them for their desire, since the plan of creation is to glorify those faithful to God, but did correct their methodology. Greatness and glory weren't obtained by jockeying for position but by service, as Jesus demonstrated with His own life. The Son of Man, Jesus' favorite title for Himself, out of Daniel 7:13-14, is the one to whom all glory and dominion is given, which He shares with His loyal companions. He received the glory because of His service (Philippians 2:7-10), in which He laid aside His rightful glory to serve us by dying for our sins.

See comments on the two-stage miracle in Mark 8-10 for the context.

Application: If we want to be great in God's kingdom, we need to serve the real needs of others like Jesus did. This might involve extreme suffering, but it will be totally worth it. As the Battle Hymn of the Republic exhorts: “As He died to make men holy, let us live to make them free.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks for Your model, and service on my behalf; please guide me in using the life You've given to me, for the purposes that would most please You. Amen.

1 Peter 1-2 Peter writes to the Jews who probably believed in Christ at Pentecost, and were being persecuted and scattered as a result. He reminds them of the hope that awaits those who are born-again by faith in Christ, so they will obey God and reap their reward or inheritance when the Messiah returns and is revealed. The first chapter is an excellent demonstration that the Christian life (salvation) doesn't end with being born again (justification) but continues through becoming purified and holy as God is holy (sanctification), and culminates in being given glory when God judges and rewards them (glorification). Please put the effort into understanding it; doing so will result in both you and God gaining glory. The second chapter exhorts us to abstain from temporal desires so we can do God's desires and merit grace (check it out). Christ died for us so we can die to sin, and live for God. 

1 Peter 1 Go for the Glory

1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the ones who are living as strangers in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 Elect/choice according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by sanctification of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, 5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In which you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials, 7 that the trying of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ— 8 whom not having known you love; in whom, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory— 9 receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, pointed to, when he predicted the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that would follow them. 12 To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they ministered these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.

13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sound-minded and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ— 14 as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance, 15 but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior; 16 because it is written, "You shall be holy; for I am holy." 17 If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in fear: 18 knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a faultless and pure lamb, the blood of Christ; 20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in these end times for your sake, 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.

22 Since you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth through the Spirit for sincere brotherly affection, love one another from the heart fervently: 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever. 24 For, "All flesh is like grass, and all of man’s glory like the flower in the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls; 25 but the Lord’s word endures forever." This is the word of Good News which was preached to you.

Observations: 1:1-2 Peter writes to those who are special or select in God's sight, but dispersed and despised in the world's sight. The places where they were scattered are similar to the homelands of those who were present at the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. They are elect or choice according to the plan or foreknowledge (know ahead of time) of God, set apart or sanctified (for His purposes or to be His people) by (en=means) the work of the Holy Spirit, for the purpose (eis) of obedience and the sprinkling of the blood (basis of a covenantal relationship just like Moses made with Israel in Exodus 24:8). Note that this is not justification, and that obedience precedes the sprinkling. There is no mention of faith yet. Some people mistakenly think blood is always in reference to forgiveness of sins, but that's not true, and particularly doesn't fit this context, which is about having a covenantal relationship with Jesus the Messiah which results in the covenantal blessings of grace and peace being multiplied (again, not about forgiveness).

1:3-5 Peter blesses God because, according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again, to a living hope. Notice that the emphasis is not on being born again, but that to which we are born again, to (eis) a living hope. That hope is based upon not the death of Christ (which is what our being born again is based upon) but upon the resurrection of Christ. If He is resurrected, we will be as well (1Cor 15). Verse 4 elaborates that the hope is to (eis) an inheritance, reserved in heaven for God's people, but only those who are preserved by faith in God's power. Someone can reserve a hotel room, but unless they show up to occupy it, they don't enjoy or possess it. Similarly, born again believers have an inheritance reserved for them, and God's power can protect them from all the dangers that they will encounter from their present to their future, but unless they tap into that power by exercising faith, they might not arrive at the destination God has planned for them. This hope of reward is the salvation or glorification which is ready to be revealed in the last time. (cf Titus 2:14 “the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory”). Justification or forgiveness, the first aspect of our salvation is our present possession as a result of faith in God's gracious provision of Christ as our sin-bearing substitute. Glorification, the final aspect of our salvation is also a result of faith, but faith in God's power (which the epistle will tell us about). Glorification is the inheritance for which we hope, because it is not our present possession. It will be revealed at the revelation of Christ, as the rest of the chapter explains.

1:6-9 Even though many in Peter's audience are being chased for their faith, they are rejoicing in their inheritance, or hope of reward. Their faith in God's power is being tested and tried (refined like gold is, but the fire of affliction), and may result (subjunctive) in praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus the Messiah. This is not praise, glory and honor given to Christ (although that is something which will happen, it is not what Peter is talking about), but the grace/power that is to be given to believers when Christ is revealed. See the Survey of Grace for the different aspects of past/justifying, present/sanctifying-enabling, and future/glorifying (and merited) grace, if you've never studied grace, or just use a concordance to study every occurrence of grace. Praise, glory and honor are rewards for faithful service according to both the gospels and the rest of the NT (as well as the OT), which can be forfeited through disobedience. This is why Peter told his readers to obey in verse 2 and will warn his audience to obey in verse 14. Remember the bookends of Romans: Paul was an apostle to bring about the obedience that should flow from faith.

The believers to whom Peter wrote were rejoicing in their future reward, which they didn't see (which is why it is their hope), and that same dynamic was shown in their relationship with Jesus. They didn't know Him during His time on earth, but they love Him, they don't see Him in the present, but believe in His return and are rejoicing in expectation of it even in the midst of trials. The cause for rejoicing is because they are receiving the end goal (not initial stage) of their faith, the salvation/glorification of their souls (soul is put for life, as it is frequently translated, consisting of our mind, will and emotions, which Jesus said we must exchange for eternal profit -Lk 9:25 and all the other calls to discipleship). The end goal of our faith is not forgiveness, but glory, which reverses the effects of the Fall, and glorifies God (see Eph 1 comments).

1:10-12 This salvation (glorification) was something the prophets, who spoke of the grace that would come to them (e.g., Isa 40:13; 53; Dan 12:3) when they were searching for the time of the Messiah and His kingdom, in predicting the sufferings of Christ, and the glories to follow, wanted to know more about. The glories of the Messianic Age that followed His sufferings. It was revealed to them for the benefit of those who had the Good News or gospel preached to them (see comments on the gospel in Matthew 4 or Romans 1). Angels are very interested in the time when believers are glorified because they not only come to earth when Christ glorifies His faithful servants, but part of obedient believers' reward consists of ruling angels (1Cor 6:3).

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

1:13-21 In light of the future reward awaiting faithful believers, Peter exhorts his readers to strengthen themselves mentally, and be sound-minded (live their lives according to objectives not passions and emotions -see Titus comments), and set their hope fully (not half-heartedly) on the grace that will be brought to them at the revelation of Jesus the Messiah, at the inauguration of the Messianic Age/Kingdom. Note the grace is the reward given to them, then. At the risk of being excessively boorish, this is not a reference to the present possession of forgiveness, which born-again believers have currently as recipients of God's justifying grace (Eph 2:8-9; Rom 3:24-26). Born-again believers, with their hope set on their glory, should be obedient children to reap the inheritance of sons. They should not continue in their former desires for temporal things, but should be holy in all their conduct, reflecting the holiness of their Heavenly Father (Lev 11:44-45). God clearly judges each believer's works (2Cor 5:9-10) so we should live in fear (phobos, from which we get the English phobia) of not being holy, and of disobeying and therefore reaping negative consequences at the judgment seat. Being holy in all we do, means not doing what the worldlings do for temporal motives, but doing all for the glory of God. Peter's audience is reminded that they were redeemed from the useless, unprofitable, and not reward-gaining way of life handed down by the ritual of their ancestors, so they could live differently. Just like God redeemed Israel out of Egypt, so they could live differently. They were not redeemed by perishable animal blood, but with the precious blood of Jesus, who was planned (foreknown) from eternity past but revealed in the end times (from their perspective). The decision to send Christ to die for their sins, was part of God's plan before He made the world, not an emergency measure to rescue people from sin (see Eph 1 for the eternal plan of God to set up a Kingdom to reward with glory those faithful to Him). Through Christ, we are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so our past faith (which secured our redemption) and future hope would be in God.

1:22 Believers have the responsibility to purify their souls (cf James 4:8). This didn't happen automatically at the cross, nor when we believed, but is a function of obeying the truth (means). Note that soul is put for life, the sum of what our mind, will/values, and emotions produce. We obey, or bring our lives into conformity with the truth, by the grace/power of the Holy Spirit, who works in us to will/desire and do/perform God's pleasure (Phil 2:13). He doesn't do it, we must by His power put to death the deeds of the flesh if we wish to live or have glory in the future kingdom (see Rom 8:13 comments). The major battle is against self-centeredness, living selfishly for our objectives. When we've purified ourselves by obeying the truth, we will have a brotherly affection for others, which we must employ in sacrificing ourselves for the benefit of others (agape love) as Jesus did for us.

The reason Peter gives for such Christlike behavior is not just that we've been born again, but born-again out of the incorruptible seed of word of God, which not only implies growth and future life, but that word tells us something about our future. The word tells us that earthly glory lasts about as long as a cut flower in the grand scheme of things. Life is like grass, and man's glory is even more fragile and transient. But, the word of the Lord, which promised future glory in the Good News of the Messiah's Millennial Kingdom, endures, and is the glory preached to them. So they, and we, should fix our hope on it, and endure.

Application: Have you purified your life by Holy Spirit empowered obedience so you desire to sacrifice your life for the benefit of others and the gaining of your eternal reward? If so, go for it. If not, fear.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for the plans You have to bless me; may I be worthy of reward in Your kingdom, by doing what You desire here on earth. Amen.

1 Peter 2 Suffering For Glory

2:1 Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow in respect to salvation (NASB), 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious:

4 coming to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious. 5 You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Because it is contained in Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious: he who believes in him will not be disappointed." 7 For you who believe therefore there is honor, but for those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected, has become the chief cornerstone," 8 and, "a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." For they stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were set/appointed. 9 But you are a chosen/choice generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: 10 who in time past were no people, but now are God’s people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

11 Beloved, I beg you as strangers and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 having good behavior among the nations, so in that of which they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation.

13 Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme; 14 or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do well. 15 For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.

17 Honor all men.

    Love the brotherhood.

    Fear God.

Honor the king.

18 Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked. 19 For it is commendable/meritorious if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God. 20 For what glory is it if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, 22 who did not sin, "neither was deceit found in his mouth." 23 Who, when he was cursed, didn’t curse back. When he suffered, didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously; 24 who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. 25 For you were going astray like sheep; but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Observations: 2:1-3 In light of the plan of God to reward holy believers Peter exhorts his readers to get rid of all evil and hypocrisy and unedifying speech, and crave the nourishment of the word, like a newborn babe. This way they will grow with respect to their salvation/glorification. For those who don't understand the different aspects of salvation outlined in chapter 1, and incorrectly think salvation only means getting forgiven, this must be a confusing verse. How does one grow in getting more forgiven? Obviously, Peter meant to grow with respect to meriting the grace God plans to give faithful, and obedient believers, as noted in the first chapter. Peter's reason for this pursuit of growth and holiness is because they've tasted that God is gracious, and He's got a whole lot more grace to give. The rest of this chapter is going to tell believers how to do what is commendable/meritorious in the sight of God, so they can be rewarded.

2:4-10 Peter first notes the importance of living in unity with fellow-believers, as the Spirit of God chisels off their rough spots and shapes them to fit together into a spiritual house/temple (cf Paul in Eph 2:20-22 for the same imagery). Jesus is the chief cornerstone, chosen/choice and precious in the sight of God, but rejected by men, just like them. NT believers are the new priesthood, whose job is to offer spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus, rather than killing animals in the name of God as did the OT priests. To those who believe, there is honor, as Peter said in the previous chapter. See the outline on Truthbase.net for NT sacrifices.

Hebrews 13:15 Through him, then, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his name. 16 But don't forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

The cornerstone of the NT assembly, the Lord Jesus Christ, is not only the foundation of the church, but the stumbling stone over which those who reject God's revelation trip. The reason they stumble is because they are disobedient (not because they didn't believe nor because God didn't give them faith). Their stumbling is the consequence of their disobedience. The stumbling is the “appointed” or “set in place” consequence for those who disobey. People don't disobey because God “makes” them do so; they disobey because they choose to ignore His commands to be holy.

NT believers are a choice generation (here generation is used for the whole group), a royal priesthood, in the line of Melchizedek (see comments on Hebrews 8), a holy nation (as opposed to the unholy physical nation), and a people that belong to God, so they can declare the praises of Him who called/summoned them out of darkness into His light. Just like Israel was summoned out of slavery in Egypt to the blessings of the Promised Land so they could sing God's praises, so NT believers should be praising God for His blessings. Those who had not received mercy (the common translation of the OT hesed or covenantal love), have now entered into that relationship with God.

2:11-17 Peter begs his readers to abstain from the desire for temporal things which will make them a casualty in the Christ-following life, and war against their souls, doing eternal damage. They won't get tossed into the lake of fire, but will have loss of inheritance and displeasing God to fear when He judges them (1:17). As NT priests, not only is inner purity required, but so is praiseworthy behavior among unbelievers. The Gentiles would consider Christians to be evil since they didn't worship the pagan gods. But if the believers lived according to Christ's purpose and commands, doing the good works for which they were saved (Eph 2:10) and for which the Scriptures equipped them (2Tim 3:17), the Gentiles would be attracted to Christ, become believers, and glorify God when He comes to judge (Mt 5:17).
So followers of Jesus Christ should submit themselves to authority, for the sake of the Lord. Another one of the objective will of God instructions is that by doing good, serving others and not indulging their own desires, the glory-bound believers would give fools nothing to complain about (that wouldn't necessarily totally silence them, but there would be no basis for their lies), and some might get saved. Verse 17 is in chiastic structure, the outer two elements addressing relationships with unbelievers, the inner two with believers and God. In chiastic structure, the inner elements have the priority. Agape, self-sacrificing love towards believers is the higher value than honoring the general populace. Fear of God is a higher value than honoring the kings. When God's commands and the world's demands come in conflict, God rules (Acts 5:29)

2:18-25 Peter continues the theme of submission in the rest of this, and the next chapter, addressing servants (slaves/employees), commanding them to obey their masters with all fear, not only the good and gentle, but also the pointy-haired bosses of the world. If one can't obey them, it's time to look for a new job. For the original audience, who didn't have that option Peter encourages them with the reason, that it is commendable or meritorious (literally the word is “grace”- the reward talked about in chapter 1) if a person suffers unjustly because of seeking to do what is right in God's sight (keep a clear conscience). It's no glory (note the equation of grace with glory) if we suffer for our stupidity, but if we do what is good and suffer abuse, this earns favor/grace with God. This is merited grace or favor.

It might be news to some folks, but this is the Christian calling (not to forgiveness by unmerited favor, but to merited favor/grace by good works). Who knew? Christ suffered unjustly to benefit us and do the Father's will, committing Himself to the Father who judges righteously, and will set everything right when He passes around the glory at the start of the Millennial Kingdom. We should do the same. When wronged unjustly, trust the infinitely just God to make it right. Jesus died for our sins, so that we having died to our sins, might live for the purpose of righteousness (doing what is right in God's sight). Peter reminds his readers of the fruit of the suffering of the Messiah in Isaiah 53. Christ's death was not just to secure forgiveness, but to heal us spiritually (from sick to holy) so that we might return from our straying to a relationship with the Shepherd and Overseer/Bishop of our souls (the two tasks entrusted to elders – see 1 Peter 5:1-4).

Isaiah 53:5 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Application: Believers must abstain from their temporal desires, and live for doing what is right in God's sight, trusting that He will recompense any injustice we suffer in order to obey Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for sending the Lord Jesus to die for my sin, so I could die to them and live for Your blessing and glory. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God will judge all people, rewarding faithful believers with grace and glory.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus died for our sins so we could have the Holy Spirit and the power to die to our sins and live for the pleasure of God.

Us in a nutshell: We are born-again, which starts the spiritual life, that must be nourished by the word, and progress through abstaining from temporal desires, and doing the good works for which God saved us, so we can get the glory for which He created us.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Philippians 3-4 Secrets of Glory, Peace and Contentment

Psalm 150:1-6 The Finale of Praise

Ps 150:1 “Praise Yah! Praise God in his sanctuary! Praise him in his heavens for his acts of power! 2 Praise him for his mighty acts! Praise him according to his excellent greatness! 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet! Praise him with harp and lyre! 4 Praise him with tambourine and dancing! Praise him with stringed instruments and flute! 5 Praise him with loud cymbals! Praise him with resounding cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath praise Yah! Praise Yah!"

Observations: 150:1-2 The grand finale of praise gives the following reasons for praising God:

1a He is in sanctuary, dwelling in the midst of those He constituted to be His people;

1b He is Creator of the heavens, which display His handiwork and power;

2a He does might acts on behalf of His people in answering their prayers;

2b His character is excellent and great.

150:3-6 The soul stirring musical instruments, would have overwhelmed the senses with the grandeur of God. Loud resounding cymbals, along with the trumpets, etc, would have blocked out all other thoughts except the praise of God.

150:6 Since all beings live by the breath of God in them, all creatures have the mandate to use that breath to praise God.

Application: God is worthy of our greatest praise. How do you praise Him?

Prayer: Awesome God of heaven and earth, I praise You for giving me life and the purpose to glorify You; may I do so with my words and works, for You are worthy. Amen.

TMS Titus 3:5 Needing Mercy, Regeneration, and Renewing

Titus 3:5 “4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,

5 not by works of righteousness which we have done,

but according to His mercy

He saved us,

through/by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to give attention to good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Observations: Salvation is not reformation (“I need to do better next time”) but regeneration (“You must be born again”). One doesn't ease into being a Christian by doing Christian-like things, or committing random acts of kindness, but by accepting Christ as God's provision for one's sins. Verses 7-8 say we're justified by His grace (not our works), and those who have believed should give attention to good works. This is parallel to the pattern Paul taught in Ephesians 2:8-10. The washing isn't regeneration, any more than the renewal is the Holy Spirit. The one preposition “through/by” (dia) controls them both, which with the genitive, gives the means by which something happens. The only other use of “washing” is Ephesians 5:26, where it refers to Christ sanctifying and cleansing the Church by the word. A common use of the genitive is source, so the washing is that which comes from or is sourced in our regeneration, and the renewal is that which is sourced in the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul is viewing the whole of our salvation as originating in God's mercy and power (not our works), and He gave us the Holy Spirit so that we could do the works that please Him, and become heirs. See comments on Titus 3 for more.

Application: We're saved, cleansed and regenerated not because we were doing such great deeds of righteousness, quite the contrary, the fact that we needed mercy, cleansing, regeneration and renewing indicates that we were in pretty bad shape to start with.

Prayer: God, I praise You for Your mercy, and all that it prompted You to do for me; please guide me into receiving all You desire to do for me. Thanks. Amen.

Philippians 3-4 Paul balances out the model of Christ gaining glory through His obedience (see Chapter 2) with his own example of focusing on the goal of gaining the prize of God's glory for his faithful service. He doesn't focus on the past, but on the future glory God has for him, by doing the present will of God. This is the mindset of a mature believer. Paul also passes on the secrets of peace and contentment and having God meet all your needs in the last chapter, all causes for rejoicing. However, to rejoice in the Lord is to rejoice in Him, and what He will do in glorifying His saints, not in temporal externals.

Philippians 3 The Mature Go for the Glory

3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is a safeguard. 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh;

4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. 7 However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse/dung, that I may gain Christ

9 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of (ek) the law, but that which is through the faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, becoming conformed to His death; 11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as are mature, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the extent/rule that we have already arrived, let us walk by the same rule. Let us be of the same mind.

17 Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example. 18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of His glory, according to the working by which He is able even to subject all things to Himself.

Observations: 3:1-3 We should rejoice in the Lord and what He has in store for us, not in the things that worldlings rejoice in. Paul warns the believers against the Judaizers who want Gentiles to keep the law as the means of blessing (see comments on Galatians), who place confidence in their flesh rather than their faith. Those who have confidence in the flesh rely upon a one time act (like circumcision) rather than ongoing dependent faith. One time acts of faith get someone justified, but are as useless for reaping blessing in the Messianic Kingdom as is circumcision. Worshiping and rejoicing are in the present tense, indicating ongoing actions. Remember worship is a response to revelation, which necessitates ongoing, purposeful obedience (that should accompany faith -Romans 1:5-Romans 16:26). Rejoicing is not just singing a song either, but encompasses what these two chapters are about (cf 3:1).

3:4-8 Paul had more reason than most for putting confidence in his fleshly achievements. However, he considers that as dung so that he might gain Christ. Gain/win is in a purpose clause (hina+subjunctive) which is conditional and not something Paul presently possesses. Obviously Paul is justified/forgiven, but there is something more that he wants to gain or win. Christ is put for all that the Messiah has to offer as the following context indicates. Gain is used in the calls to discipleship and the parable of the talents, obvious reward passages, as here (Matthew 16:26; Matthew 25:17; Phil 3:14). Forgetting what is behind us is usually a good idea, but do remember the lessons learned. Past failures can make us feel inadequate, and past successes can lead to complacency. So a forward focus is a good perspective.

3:9-14 Paul elaborates on what he means by gaining or winning (the approval of -ellipsis??) Christ. He wants to be found, when Christ returns, in an abiding relationship with Him, not following the rituals of (ek =sourced in/out of) the law, but because (dia) of faith in Christ, with a righteousness (doing what is right in His sight) that comes from God, based upon (epi) faith in His promises. The purpose or result of having this righteousness is that Paul wants to know/experience abiding intimacy with Christ, and experience the power of His resurrection (Holy Spirit enabling power). The resurrection power is necessary to participate/share in the sufferings (that usually accompany obedient ministry) of Christ, becoming like Him in His death (for the benefit of others).

Why would Paul want to suffer? In Romans 8:17 Paul taught that those who co-suffer with Christ will be co-glorified with Him. No pain; no gain. “If by any means” is conditional, as is “may attain” (subjunctive). Paul wants to attain to the “out resurrection” from the dead. Paul puts the prefix “ek” in front of the word for resurrection (only used here). He's thinking of more than just being pulled out of the grave, as the following context shows. Everyone is resurrected, some to life/dominion/glory, others to shame (Daniel 12:2-3). Paul is envisioning the fulfilling/perfecting of his purpose on earth, his glorification. He says that he hasn't already attained it nor is perfected (perfect tense) so he chases/pursues it, so he can take hold of the thing for which Christ took hold of him. What was that? One doesn't have to chase after justification or forgiveness, God has freely granted that to those who believe in Jesus. The thing Paul chases after is the prize of the glory. That's why Christ took hold of him, to be able to share His glory and rule with His faithful companions. So forgetting past attainments, Paul focuses on one thing (cf 2 Corinthians 5:9-10). He stretches forward as an athlete straining forward to break the tape at the finish line, to win the prize. His goal is to win the award from the umpire in the games (only used in 1 Corinthians 9:24 in the same context of winning a race). Modern Olympic award ceremonies follow the ancient practice of calling up the winner to the platform at the conclusion of the race to receive his/her prize. The upward call probably has a double meaning; the call up to the winner's platform, and the call up to the resurrection of the righteous when Christ returns and rewards His faithful saints (Luke 14:14).

3:15-16 Paul says that pursuing the prize (reward of glory) is what all mature believers should do. The immature are only concerned about earthly reward, the mature saints stretch themselves forward to take hold of the glory for which Christ took hold of them (cf. Ephesians 1 comments). Those who think otherwise are in for a reproof or rebuke from God when He reveals the error in their thinking and ways. Paul exhorts the believers to walk/live by the same standard/rule to which they have come/arrived, in other words, keep pressing on. Unity is achieved by everyone embracing God's way, not agreeing to disagree.

3:17-21 Therefore, in light of the prospect of the upward call to reward and glory, Paul exhorts them to follow his example and that of those who press for the prize. The reason this exhortation is needed is because many walk the broad and easy way, as enemies of the cross of Christ. This doesn't mean they are unbelievers, because why would Paul weep over them, and why would the Philippians be tempted to follow unbelievers? These are either the folks who advocate circumcision over the cross, or those who abhor the cross of self-denial, or they could be one and the same. Their god is their belly/appetites; their glory is in the things that will cause them shame at the resurrection (Daniel 12:2-3); they focus on the earthly things (for the benefits they derive from them); their end is destruction, not reward and glory; they are worldlings. In contrast a Christ following believer's citizenship is in heaven, from where will come the Savior they eagerly await, the Lord Jesus, the Messiah. When He comes, He will change the mortal body of believers to be like His glorified body (see comments on glory suit in 2 Corinthians 5; and 1 Corinthians 15). Christ does this through the working/administration of God's power, the Holy Spirit of glory, through whom all things will be subjected to Christ.

Application: Mature believers forget the past and go for the gold of God's glory.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks for Your model and that of Paul in putting aside the past to serve others in anticipation of eternal glory; may I be faithful to follow that example. Amen.

Philippians 4 Secrets of Peace and Contentment

4:1 Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord. 3 Yes, I beg you also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, "Rejoice!" 5 Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. 9 The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

10 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. 12 I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. 13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

14 However you did well that you shared in my affliction. 15 You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need. 17 Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account. 18 But I have all things, and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God. 19 My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen. 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Observations: 4:1-5 In light of the expectation of the upward call of Christ to reward faithful believers, Paul encourages the Philippians to stand firm in their union with the Lord. Unfortunately two women who had labored with Paul were having a unity disrupting disagreement that Paul heard about. He exhorted them to become like-minded, by agreeing to look at things God's way. He also asked fellow believers (yoke-fellows) to be peacemakers. The rejoicing in the Lord (rather than in getting one's own way) and forbearing/gentle spirit (that takes no offense at offenses) would go a long way toward developing that unity. That's what they should be known for, not bickering nor disagreement. As an additional motivation, Paul reminds them that the Lord is coming back soon to judge, and disunity doesn't get rewarded with glory, but something less desirable.

4:6-10 See the extended comments in the TMS observations on this verse in the 1 Corinthians 15 post, as well as those in the 7PASSAGES Discipleship Study in the Sidebar. We should pray about every and any thing that makes us anxious, and knowing that God knows, will enable the peace of God to guard our hearts and minds as we are in union with Christ. However, there is more blessing to be had. Those who focus on what is pleasing in God's sight (see list in text) will have the God of peace with them, a greater benefit than merely His peace (see John 14:21, another good verse to memorize). Following the teaching and example of Paul would result in the blessing of greater intimacy with God.

4:10-13 Paul rejoices in the Lord greatly (as in praise, thanksgiving, appreciation, and general whooping it up) because the Philippians have revived their financial concern for him. This is a reference to Philippians 1:6. They were concerned but lacked opportunity to give. As a result Paul's financial needs weren't being met by them. But Paul was not complaining, because he had learned the secret of contentment. He knew how to have a lot, or an abundance, and how to have a little, how to be filled and hungry, abound and be in need. The word for learned/instructed was used of being initiated into the mysteries of a religion. Outward circumstances were irrelevant, because Paul knew the inside secret. This is that Christ would supply all he needed to do His will, strengthening him supernaturally when necessary. We always have all we need to do God's will. Our job is to determine His revealed will, and then do it, trusting Him to provide the resources we need. It's not to think what we can do with the resources we have, and then determine that to be God's will. It is true that if God doesn't give us the information or resources we need to progress in a certain direction or make a certain decision, then we don't have what we need to determine and do His will. That would be presumption, to decide something independently of God, and then say it was His will. But do remember when Israel crossed the Jordan under Joshua's leadership, the revealed will was to cross the river, while the water was still in it. It wasn't until they took the step of obedience that the waters parted. The situation was different under Moses and the Red Sea, which is why we don't determine God's will by circumstances nor resources. See the Will of God outline on Truthbase.net, if you haven't already. So the secret is to have an abiding relationship with the True Vine (John 15) so we can discern His will and draw on His strength to do it. We too can do all God wants us to (or commands us to) by His strength. All we need to do is draw on it, and not waste it on trivial pursuits.

4:14-19 Even though Paul was perfectly content with whatever God saw fit to provide for him, the Philippians did well to share in his affliction/pressure. In the beginning of his ministry after he left Macedonia to go to Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, and other places, only the Philippians supported him. He isn't seeking a gift, but the fruit/reward that will accrue in their heavenly bank account (Matthew 6:20). He knows the secret of having all he needs (and needing all he has), because Christ strengthens him. But the sacrificial gift from them is an offering to God, that is sweet in His sight (and nose). Then Paul promises that God will meet every need of theirs (as they are doing His will), according to His riches, by/in His glory/power, in their union with Christ. This is a promise specifically to them, but the principle is applicable to all who sacrificially serve Christ according to His will.

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

4:20-23 Paul ends with a desire for God to be glorified as He pours out His grace on faithful saints. Apparently Paul's statement in 1:13 about not only the palace guard, but the whole royal household included converts in Caesar's house as well. God can get the gospel to the highest places in the world, through bad things happening to good saints (cf. Joseph, Daniel, Nehemiah, Ezra). What we might think is a tragedy will turn into a triumph if we respond correctly in faith (that God delivers and rewards those who diligently seek Him -Hebrews 11:6).

Application: The secret to peace and contentment is to focus on God and the things that are pleasing in His sight, having Him meet our needs with His abundance.

Prayer: God, thanks that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and that You will supply all I need to do Your will, every moment of every day. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God supplies peace, needs, and glory to those rightly related to Him.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus strengthens those in union with Him, so they can do God's will at all times.

Us in a nutshell: We need to put our maximum effort into being pleasing to God if we want to receive the prize of His eternal glory. If we focus on the things that are virtuous and praiseworthy, we will also receive the blessing of the presence of God Himself. Good deal!

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Galatians 1-3 Justification By Faith

Galatians 1-3 Justification By Faith

Psalm 143:1-12 Thirsting For God and Trusting Him

Ps 143:1 Of David “Hear my prayer, Yahweh. Listen to my petitions. In your faithfulness and righteousness, relieve me. 2 Don’t enter into judgment with your servant, for in your sight no man living is righteous. 3 For the enemy pursues my soul. He has struck my life down to the ground. He has made me live in dark places, as those who have been long dead. 4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me. My heart within me is desolate. 5 I remember the days of old. I meditate on all your doings. I contemplate the work of your hands. 6 I spread forth my hands to you. My soul thirsts for you, like a parched land. Selah.

• 7 Hurry to answer me, Yahweh. My spirit fails.
• Don’t hide your face from me, so that I don’t become like those who go down into the pit.
• 8 Cause me to hear your hesed/loyal covenantal love in the morning, for I trust in you.
• Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.
• 9 Deliver me, Yahweh, from my enemies, I flee to you to hide me.
• 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.
• Your Spirit is good, lead me in the land of uprightness.

11 Revive me, Yahweh, for your name’s sake. In your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble. 12 In your hesed/loyal covenantal love, cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant."

Observations: 143:1-6 Persecuted by his enemies and overwhelmed, David calls to God for much-needed help. Rather than remaining in the darkness, he recalls God's faithfulness, righteousness, past deliverances, and presses his plea to God. He bases his plea on the righteousness of God, knowing that no one is perfect in his sight. Every fiber of his being thirsts for God, his only hope.

143:7-12 The last half of the psalm contains a number of requests and the reason for them. The last half of verse 10 flips the order for emphasis. Our dependency upon God should be so great that if He is not actively involved in our lives, sustaining and guiding, we will perish. There might be dry days but no prolonged parched periods in the life of someone who walks in the shadow of God, for in His presence (available to anyone, anywhere, anytime) is fullness of joy. David asks God for guidance and direction, which He is pleased to give so we can do His will. God's servants can trust Him because not only is He infinitely good, He is infinitely loyal to His promises to protect those who trust in Him.

Application: If we're seeking and following God throughout every day, it will be difficult to be far from Him when trouble comes (as it inevitably will).

Prayer: God, please guide my steps in doing Your will, so I can have complete confidence in Your protection and presence. Thanks. Amen.

TMS Romans 3:23 All Have Sinned

Rom 3:23 “(22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;)

23 for all have sinned

and fall short of the glory of God,

24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.“

Observations: 3:23 This is the major passage in the Scriptures on justification by faith, declaring our need for it (forgiveness). All people have “missed the mark” (that's what sin means) of the righteousness God requires. Some might be better or worse than others, but all miss out on the glory God wants to give them. He's the one who sets the rules/standards, and we are all too short to go on the ride. Fortunately God also provides a solution to the problem. See the comments on Romans 3 for an exposition of the verse in context. “Crowbar” questions: “What makes you think you've hit the standard God requires? How do you know what the standard is? Where does Jesus fit into the picture? Why did He have to die?”

Application: Confession is to “say the same thing” that God does; acknowledgment of sin opens the door for the solution, and the ride to glory.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I confess that I have sinned against You in not seeking nor doing Your will, and thus am not worthy to receive Your glory; thanks for sending the Lord Jesus to die for my sin, so that I can become worthy. Amen.

Galatians 1-3 Paul writes to the believers in the churches he planted on his journey to Galatia to call them back to the gospel he had preached to them, which they had believed, and which resulted in them being indwelt by the Spirit of God. Jewish believers who cared more for tradition than truth had perverted the good news of justification by faith, by seeking to impose the Jewish ceremonial and religious law, especially circumcision, on Gentile believers as the means of gaining the promises contained in the good news. Paul combats this error by showing that the message they believed was from God, and the others were teaching the mere words of men. Some of the difficulties in understanding Paul's argument lie in not knowing what he means by law and justification. The law in this epistle is not the moral law (which as recipients of the Holy Spirit is written in our hearts), but rather those aspects that separated the Jews from the Gentiles as the peculiar people of God. The justification in chapter 2 is most likely not forgiveness (since they already had that) but a declaration of the righteousness they needed for blessing (inheritance and reward) in the future Age of the Messiah (kingdom). This is just like the OT requirement to do what is right in God's sight (righteousness) to receive the promised blessings. The just, (as in justified/forgiven), shall live (as in receive the blessings of the Messianic kingdom) by faith (as in continuing to believe that God will do what He said He'll do -Heb 11:6). The righteousness God requires extends beyond forgiveness, as the rest of the epistle demonstrates. One can't read their preconceptions into chapter two and then ignore all the evidence in the rest of the epistle, and be right.

Galatians 1 No Other Gospel

1:1 Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead), 2 and all the brothers who are with me, to the assemblies of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father— 5 to whom be the glory to the Ages of the ages. Amen.

6 I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different "good news"; 7 and there isn’t another "good news." Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ. 8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any "good news" other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. 9 As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any "good news" other than that which you received, let him be cursed.

10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ. 11 But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man. 12 For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged it. 14 I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

15 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called/summoned me through his grace, 16 to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn’t immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 But of the other apostles I saw no one, except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 Now about the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I’m not lying. 21 Then I came to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was still unknown by face to the assemblies of Judea which were in Christ, 23 but they only heard: "He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy." 24 And they glorified God in me.

Observations: 1:1-5 Paul opens with the assertion that he is an apostle (sent one) from Jesus the Messiah. He writes to the assemblies of believers in the resurrected Christ, which he planted in Galatia on his first missionary journey. As in Romans and 1Corinthians, he wishes them the covenantal blessings of grace and peace and writes the book so they can get blessed. The “bookend” of 6:16 tells them how to get them (“walk/live according to this rule/standard”). The Lord Jesus, the Messiah gave himself for our sins (justification -see Romans 3 comments) so that (purpose) believers might be delivered out of (ek) this present age (here aion is used for a definite period of time), according to the will of God. The will of God is not just that our sins be forgiven, but that we experience a deliverance, through sanctification, into the glory of the Age to come (glorification).

1:6-14 Paul marvels that those who believed the good news/gospel he preached to them (see comments on 1Cor 15 for what that was) were so quick to bite the bait Satan dangled in front of them. Even if an angel (which Satan can disguise himself as -2Cor 11:14) told them anything different than Paul did, they shouldn't believe it, and the false teacher should be accursed. To understand what he means, you have to skip ahead to understand the context of the letter: those Jews who had believed, were trying to make the Gentiles become Jews to be recipient of God's blessings. (See comments on the Jerusalem Council -Acts 15). This teaching is not from God, but men. By seeking to please men and submit to the Jewish traditions and “law” they would not be pleasing to God. This is why Paul emphasizes the choice the Galatians face: please unauthenticated men by following their teaching, or please God by following His authenticated teachers (the apostles) and His message. Paul recounts his conversation with Jesus, and his resultant conversion, and commission to show his message is the real deal.

Acts 26:15 So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.' (See comments there).

1:15-24 After his encounter with Jesus Paul didn't immediately go to Jerusalem, but eventually did, meeting briefly with Peter and James (the Lord's brother, now an apostle -see comments on Acts 12:2 and 15:13). He did not get his message from the other apostles, nor did he have contact with the churches in Judea, so his message was based upon revelation from God alone (the only way a finite being can know infinite truth).

Application: Our beliefs need to be based squarely and solidly upon the revealed word of God, not what men say about it, otherwise we'll be following fables and traditions that are powerless to deliver us out of this present evil age into the glories of the Ages to come.

Prayer: God, I praise You for being both the Creator and Communicator of life; thanks that You have power to not only create, but communicate in such a way that I can understand what you desire of me, and what I can expect of You; please guide me in understanding and applying Your revelation to my life. Amen.

Galatians 2 Justification Isn't Always Forgiveness

2:1 Then after a period of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me. 2 I went up by revelation, and I laid before them the Good News which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately before those who were respected, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain. 3 But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 This was because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who stole in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage; 5 to whom we gave no place in the way of subjection, not for an hour, that the truth of the Good News might continue with you. 6 But from those who were reputed to be important (whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God doesn’t show partiality to man)—they, I say, who were respected imparted nothing to me, 7 but to the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the Good News for the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the Good News for the circumcision 8 (for he who appointed Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision appointed me also to the Gentiles); 9 and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision. 10 They only asked us to remember the poor—which very thing I was also zealous to do.

11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before some people came from James, he ate with the Gentiles. But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews joined him in his hypocrisy; so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they didn’t walk uprightly according to the truth of the Good News, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live as the Gentiles do, and not as the Jews do, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as the Jews do?"

15 "We, being Jews by nature, and not Gentile sinners,"

16 yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed into/(eis) Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law. 17 But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a law-breaker. 19 For I, through the law, died to the law, that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. 21 "I don’t make void the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!"

Observations: 2:1-10 Fourteen years later Paul again went to Jerusalem and met with the chief apostles who agreed with his message to the Gentiles. No circumcision was required (Titus heaved a sigh of relief). False (pseudo) brothers had entered into the assemblies, to advance the cause of Judaism, not Christ. These folks are referred to as Judaizers, who taught that one had to become a Jew to be blessed, even though one believed in Christ. The apostles at Jerusalem saw that Christ had appointed Paul to be the apostle to the Gentiles, as he had Peter to be the apostle to the Jews. The request the apostles had of Paul was for him to remember the financial needs of the poor saints in Jerusalem, which he was eager to do.

2:11-14 When Peter was at Antioch, he ate with the Gentiles, which was considered a violation of the law by the Jews. So when the Jewish believers came from Jerusalem, Peter withdrew from the Gentiles (even though God had given him direct revelation that eating with Gentiles was OK; see comments on Acts 10:28 when God showed him that). Peter's hypocrisy, for fear of the Jews, was leading others astray, so Paul opposed him to his face in front of all. Peter was clearly wrong for trying to compel the Gentiles to live as Jews.

2:15-20 Paul argued that even Jews are not justified by works or deeds of the Jewish law, but by faith in Jesus. One has to ask why Paul is arguing justification with people who already have their sins forgiven. The answer is that he is viewing not the forensic righteousness ala Romans 3:23-26 (above in the TMS section), but rather the righteousness (doing what is right in His sight that God required for blessing in the OT, and still requires for blessing in this life and in the Ages to come). The law can't declare one righteous, since it points out sin. If someone who has believed in Christ doesn't follow all the law (like doesn't keep his distance but actually eats with defiling Gentiles) does that mean that Christ causes sin? Obviously the indwelling Christ can't be a source of sin, so the only reasonable thing to conclude is that the law is no longer valid. The law to which Paul refers must be inferred from context, and the context of the chapter. The rest of the letter will point to the ceremonial or religious law, rather than the moral law (which the audience, as recipients of the Holy Spirit, and participants in the blessing of the New Covenant, would already have written on their hearts). "Rebuilding" the law by seeking to live according to it (in the ceremonial sense, since the moral law was now written in his heart) would make himself a law-breaker. Paul has died to the law so that he may live for Christ.
2:20 He himself is crucified with Christ (in his union with Christ) and thus no longer lives as the law-keeping/breaking Paul (see TMS Galatians 2:20).  He now lives by faith in the son of God, (with the resultant indwelling life-giving Spirit). Paul is using justification here in a different sense than most realize. Justification usually refers to being declared righteous in reference to the penalty of sin, also known as the forgiveness aspect of salvation (see introduction to Matthew for the different aspects of salvation). Here, Paul is looking beyond forgiveness to the righteousness God requires for reward in the Kingdom. To receive this declaration the just person needs to live by faith. Living by faith is more than a one time belief in the substitutionary atonement, but an ongoing trust in the promises of God (see Faith Actuates God's Promises on Truthbase.net if you've never studied what the Scripture says faith is). To live is not just a deliverance from the lake of fire, but to exercise dominion/glory in the realm of God's promises (Dt 30:19). This is the only understanding that is consistent with all the facts. It's not about past forgiveness, nor present position, but future righteousness (knowing and doing what is right in God's sight).

2:21 If one can be rightly related to God, forgiven, reconciled, and restored by doing deeds of the law, then Christ didn't have to die. A major “crowbar” question to ask in helping folks understand Christianity is: “Why did Jesus have to die?”

Application: Since Paul will continue the law argumentation in the next chapter, let's pick our application from earlier in the chapter. How about hypocrisy? Caring more about what people think than about what God thinks causes us to be censured by God; so make your motto: “what you see is what I am.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I live in freedom, as someone who is dead to the unrighteous expectations and demands of others, seeking to be pleasing in Your sight above all. Amen.

Galatians 3 Perfected by the Spirit

3:1 Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth among you as crucified? 2 I just want to learn this from you. Did you receive the Spirit by/from(ek) the works of the law, or by/from(ek) hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed/perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain, if it is indeed in vain? 5 He therefore who supplies the Spirit to you, and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?

6 Even as Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness." 7 Know therefore that those who are of faith, the same are children of Abraham. 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Good News beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you all the nations will be blessed." 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, "Cursed is everyone who doesn’t continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them." 11 Now that no man is justified by the law before God is evident, for, "The righteous will live by faith." 12 The law is not of faith, but, "The man who does them will live by them." 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree," 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15 Brothers, speaking of human terms, though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been confirmed, no one makes it void, or adds to it. 16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He doesn’t say, "To seeds," as of many, but as of one, "To your seed," which is Christ. 17 Now I say this. A covenant confirmed beforehand by God in Christ, the law, which came four hundred thirty years after, does not annul, so as to make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by promise.

19 What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the seed should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator is not between one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could make alive, most certainly righteousness would have been of the law. 22 But the Scriptures enclosed all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept guarded under the law, enclosed with a view toward (eis) the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 So that the law has become our guardian with a view toward (eis) Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. 26 For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to promise.

Observations: 3:1-5 Jesus was openly declared to be the crucified Savior of Isaiah 53, and the Galatians believed it. They received the Spirit as a result of faith in what they heard. God worked miracles to authenticate Paul's message, and their reception of it. They were even persecuted for their faith. So the issue is not the forgiveness of sins (justification aspect of salvation) received by faith. Paul rebukes them for not “obeying” the truth he delivered to them (not for being unbelievers). He appeals to the faith they already had as the basis for arguing that not law-keeping but faith-keeping was necessary for the blessings God had in store for them. It's foolish to begin a journey in the power of the Spirit and then try to bring the journey to completion/fulfillment by a means that was inadequate for starting it. It's like starting across the ocean flying in an airplane, and then halfway there, decide to finish by swimming.

3:6-9 Paul quotes Genesis 15:6 to show that the dynamic in Abraham's life was faith, not deeds of the flesh. God always “reckons” righteousness on the basis of faith. What one has to believe varies (Adam-die if eat fruit; Cain-accepted if do right; Noah-flood coming; Abe-God would bless him; Moses-God accepts sacrifices as atonement; John's audience-the kingdom promised in OT in which God rewards righteous behavior was coming [this was the same as the initial message of Jesus and the apostles], latter audience of Jesus and the apostles-Jesus is the promised Messiah who blesses [and forgives]). In each case faith in what God had revealed was necessary to be righteous in God's sight. Paul says that God (the Scriptures) foresaw (seeing ahead of) that God would justify (declare righteous) the nations/Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the good news (gospel) to Abe that in him, all the nations would be blessed. So those who demonstrate a faith like Abe will be blessed like Abe.

3:10-18 God's promise to Abe was made 430 years before the law, so there is no way the law can undo or annul the faith dynamic which was the basis of God's promise. Instead of blessing, the law brings curse for disobedience. But Christ's death took that curse as our substitute, so we would be free to receive the blessing that comes through the path of faith. The blessing comes to Abe's seed (note the argument hangs on the word being singular rather than plural), which is Christ, who shares it with those who are in union with Him. Notice that the subject matter is the inheritance that one gets in the kingdom, not forgiveness. Inheritance is a reward for faithful obedience (Col 3:24-25).

3:19-29 So what's the purpose of the law? It was added as a temporary measure (most likely to restrain or highlight transgressions/sin) until Christ would come and bring the promised blessing (which via the Spirit would write the law on their heart). Both God and the Jews had responsibilities under the Mosaic law/covenant, but the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant was dependent solely upon God (see comments on Gen 12 &15). The law isn't at odds with the promises of God. If there was a law that could give life, then righteousness would come from the law. But the law enclosed (like a shoal of fish in a net) all under sin so that the promise of faith (Spirit and inheritance) could be given to those who believe. Under the law, they were guarded or enclosed (protected?) people, the law serving as a guardian/tutor, with a view toward them being justified by faith. Now that the anticipated faith was revealed (the content of what they should believe), the believers were no longer under the guardianship of the law. Now they are all children of God (born) through faith in Christ. Their identity is one, in the Messiah Jesus, and thus heirs of the promise made to the seed of Abraham (blessing/inheritance). This means that all distinctions (like Greeks and Jews) no longer exist, so Greeks not only don't need to become Jews to receive the Messianic promises, but they even can't become Jews.

Application: How are you being perfected by the Spirit (Romans 8:14)? For what are you believing God?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for all that You've promised me in Christ; guide me in drawing on Your Spirit to reap all the blessings You have in store for me. Thanks. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God has purposed to extend righteousness to people who believe what He's revealed. He promised to bless the entire world through Abraham, and now conveys that blessing through Christ to those who exercise faith.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus died for us so that we could be forgiven and share in the blessings of His Messianic kingdom.

Us in a nutshell: We who believe are no longer who we were, but are new creatures in Christ, living by faith in Him, indwelt by His Spirit, and headed for glory as heirs of His kingdom.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net