Galatians 6 - to (do) become a new creation

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

Reading the very first verse of today's chapter felt like it is targeted at me.

I have been quite discouraged recently, and was deciding to leave things as it is and not do anything more. Because sometimes, trying to steer someone onto the righteous path is so difficult. They might just throw these words in your face: "Haa-naa, you are very holy."

Sometimes, trying to walk on this path yourself is even more difficult, because you are tempted to go with the others who have left this path. In fact, you know you are not holy at all; rather, you are hoping that there are others who would strive to be holy with you.

This verse seems to be a reminder for me to continue to "restore him in a spirit of gentleness". How should I go about it?

I have been feeling like I have been trying too hard in too many things. So, I am trying to take a back seat in some things. Afterall, each will have to bear his own load, right? There is only so much I can do. As long as I've tried, that's good enough?

For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. (Galatians 6:15)

What really matters is not whether you are circumcised or not, but that after one receives Christ, he becomes a new creation.

As I am reading this verse, it seems to me that the new creation that Paul was talking about is something that we have to do to make it happen. In other words, it is not simply that after we are washed in baptism, we emerged out of the water, already being new creation; but that we need to make sure that we actively seek to be a new creation after we are baptised into Christ. And we have the ability to make that happen, because we have the Holy Spirit to guide and give us strength!

Therefore, Paul was saying, whether you do circumcision or not, it does not matter; what matters is that you (do) become a new creation. ie you do something to change yourself for the better, more Christ-like.

Have we truly become a new creation after believing in Christ Jesus? We can't sit and wait for it to happen. We need to make it happen, by our actions, our conduct, our speech, and by the decisions we make in our every day life.

One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. (Galatians 6:6)

This verse intrigued me a little, probably because I am a teacher.

What good things will my student share with me? It's kind of an interesting question...

But, well..... I can think of one now.

A truth-seeker whom we came into contact with through our door-to-door evangelism efforts has been fervently studying the bible with us and has decided to be baptised!

This is indeed the best gift I can ever receive as one who teaches, I suppose. And by her decision to get baptised, that is also the best gift I can ever give to my student.

It is happening this Saturday, and I can already imagine the joy as angels in heaven are rejoicing together with us :)

May God bless.

Galatians 5 - On provoking and leaven

A little leaven leavens the whole lump. (Galatians 5:9)

Sometimes, we think that "a little bit" of something is nothing really. What is a little bit of me-time, just slacking and idling? What is a little bit of worldly entertainment, just to relax ourselves?

How about, a little bit of sin?

In the old days, when people made bread, they included an ingredient called leaven. Leaven is a yeast that makes bread rise. It creates air pockets in the dough, which end up being the tiny holes of air in finished bread. Have you ever had bread that had air pockets in one end of the loaf, and none in the other? No. Bread that has these air pockets has them evenly distributed throughout the bread. That's because when you put leaven in dough, it affects the whole loaf. (http://www.ebibleteacher.com/children/lessons/leaven.htm)

Like a little drop of ink in a glass of water...

A little bit of sin in our life will also affect our entire soul.

A little bit of sin can also spread and affect the entire church.

A little bit of sin will spread until it takes over our lives.

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:14-15)

Therefore, say "NO" even to a little!

Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:26)

The word "provoke" really caught my attention. I have been giving some thoughts regarding this - that some of us might be provoking each other without the consciousness of it. However, I believe there is really no ill intentions.

It's just that recently, I find myself at the receiving end of provoking remarks. And I really find it hard to resist retaliation.

And even if I can control myself, and not be provoked, I can't help feeling all lousy and sour about it.

And so, this verse came at the right time.

Let us all pay more attention to our deeds, especially the words that we speak, so that we may not be guilty of provoking one another, albeit unintentionally and unconsciously.

Because when the harm's done, there is no 'undo' button to remove the hurt.

Let us be careful with our words and know how to say "NO" to even a little today.

Galatians 4 - Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ

My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, (Galatians 4:19)

I have always wondered how life would be like to be there with Jesus some two thousands years ago, to hear Him speak directly, and to watch Him perform signs and miracles before my very eyes.

Now, I wonder how it would be like to be living in the days when Paul was going around establishing churches, doing both pastoral and evangelism work.

We all know he was like a father to the believers, having begotten them through the gospel in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 4:14-15). Isn’t it wonderful to have a mentor like him in our life of faith, to teach us what’s right and what’s wrong, and to guide us along our way?

For whom I Labour in birth

We should really thank God if we are able to think of someone in our life who is like Paul to us. However, how about passing it forward and consider if we have been Pauls to the people in our lives? As RE teachers, or counsellors, or befrienders to truth-seekers (in fact, every believer!), we have the opportunity to impact on somebody’s life. Do we seize hold of that opportunity, that grace? Do we go to the extent of labouring in birth for these “little children”?

I guess Paul used “labour in birth” to illustrate how painful and difficult the process to bring someone to Christ can be. It is something we have to persevere in, in order to deliver someone in Christ. Have we truly “labour in birth” for someone else? Or have we only been dwelling in our own comfort zone?

Until Christ is formed in you

and this is our ultimate aim, isn’t it? That Christ should form in the little ones we pastor. Sometimes along the way, we may have forgotten about this. We get so tied up with planning good and creative lessons or events, that we forgot the true goal of it all is to make sure that at the end of the day, Christ may be formed in each and every one of us.

I am afraid for you, … (Gal 4:11)

How about considering this too - do we actually fear for another’s faith? Or we live oblivious to the people around us? Do we actively look out for each other’s faith and seek to build each other up?

… lest I have labored for you in vain. (Gal 4:11)

Paul did not mean that he regret labouring for the believers, but ‘laboured for you in vain’ meant the possibility that even believers of Christ may not be saved at the end of the day. In other words, not all who claimed to be Christian would enter the kingdom of God and enjoy eternal bliss.

Paul was not thinking about himself; he was thinking for the believers, reminding them and hoping that his labour would not be in vain, that is, everyone will be kept on this narrow path unto heaven.

Brethren, I urge you to become like me, (Gal 4:12)

Do we sometimes wonder if Paul was a little bit conceited when he says something like this? But after some thought, I start to reason that how many of us can boldly make such a remark?

“Imitate me..”

Paul must have had a certain level of spirituality to make such a bold comment. He must have enjoyed such a close relationship with the Lord Jesus that he is confident to say, “Imitate me,……. as I imitate Christ.” (1 Cor 11:1)

Actually, we should aim to say that too for it would mean that we are confident that we are living life God’s way.

To be blameless. This should be what we are striving for.

Galatians 3 - I need Jesus

Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. (Galatians 3:21)

Paul was trying hard to persuade the Jews that only faith in Christ Jesus saves; the Law cannot bring us salvation. If it can, Christ would have died for nothing.

Actually, the Law can give life too.... if we can keep to every little thing that the Law says to do.

If we can totally keep the Law, yes, we would be perfect. We could enter into life (Matthew 19:17).

What is the Law in today's context for us non-Jews?

It could be a set of good principles that we live by, or a way of life that is good, or a list of things that we aim to do that are good. In other words, we try to use our own methods to do good, and be good. We do our way to being good.

But being the wretched man that I am, more than once, I know that I have failed terribly. By myself, I cannot do good. In fact, many times, I shun from doing good.

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. (Romans 7:18-19)

Why can't I do good? Because the only source of goodness is God. Only God is good (Matthew 19:17).

I cannot find life if I try to get a tutor (which is, the Law (Galatians 3:24), or a set of good principles we aim to live by, or simply our good conscience). What they can do is simply keep me safe (Gal 3:23).... until Christ Himself comes into my life.

If I am trying to find life, I need to go to Life Himself.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)

So, right now, in my weakness, having failed umpteen times from trying to do good or be good, there is only one thing that I am hanging on tightly to, one hymn that keeps singing in my ears.

I need Jesus....
I need Jesus...

I need Jesus everyday...

Need Him in the sunshine hour..

Need Him when the storm clouds lower..

Everyday, along my way,

Yes, I need Jesus...

Only Jesus can save me in my wretchness. Only He can bring me up from the depths of the pit to the highlands, where I can lift my head high. Not because of any good that I may have done, but because His blood washes away my guilt and so I can stand blameless and hold my head high.

And even so,

I stand

trembling

in awe of Jesus

and the cross on which He hangs.

...Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me.

Galatians 6 - the epitome of love

But God forbids that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, ...."
(Galatians 6:14)


The cross...


the emblem of sin and shame

where many criminals were crucified

bore the ugly sins of all men

where Jesus Christ was insulted, suffered, and where He breathed His last


What's there to boast about?

What does Paul mean, to boast only in the cross of the Lord Jesus?


And then I remembered that song.

The old rugged cross...


Where grace and mercy were poured out

Where love was defined

Where death was overcome

Where life was given


We cannot boast in the flesh anymore.
For it was all the Lord's doings
that we may be recipients of this agape love

And what is our response to that?

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

The base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, ... to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. (1 Corinthians 1:28-29)

Galatians 5 - not liberty, but love (true, wise love)

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)

Believers were no longer bound by the Law; does that mean they should indulge in food, music and make merry?

We have a freedom of worship, but do we use it to indulge our flesh? When we really get down to the bottom of it, are we really worshipping (prostrating) Him, or are we simply satisfying our lust?

Do we have a reverent outward appearance, but a godless inner being?

But through love serve one another.

What is love?

Love is when you refrain from doing something that will cause more hurt (in the long run) than good to the other person.

Love involves wisdom to discern what should be done, and what should not be done, even what you perceive is good.

Love is helping the person to grow in the Lord, and closer to the heart of Jesus; not only closer to you yourself.

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. (1 Cor 10:23)

It's true - we are free, made free by the blood of Christ.
But don't forget the debt of love that we owe (Romans 13:8).

Galatians 4 - speaking the truth in love

Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth? (Galatians 4:16)

These words left a buzzing feeling in me after reading them.

From what we have read from verses 12 to 15, Apostle Paul apparently had quite a good relationship with the believers at Galatia. In fact, it was such a intimate one that they were even willing to pluck out their own eyes for Paul (Gal 4:15)!

Yet, when they faced issues concerning the truth, we see that even close ties can come to nothing.

Which, in a way, is good, because we should never use relationships to decide the Truth.

In this context, however, we see how sometimes the Truth may hurt and cause even those we were once so close with to depart from us.

There will be times when someone close to us has made a mistake and we will be wondering if we should be frank with the person, and how to.

Sometimes, the closer you are to the person, the harder it is to open your mouth. We all like status quo - what if it ruins our current friendship?

But the Bible exhorts us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

The outcome of that? The church will grow and be built up in love (Ephesians 4:16).

I believe Apostle Paul had that in mind when he wrote the epistle to correct their wrong teachings.

It was not easy to rebuke someone close like that.

But when we do it in love, then we have no worries. Because we are not doing it to feed our pride, but we are doing it, knowing that we are only trying to do our part to build up the Body of Christ in love.

Speak the truth.
In love,
and Humility.

---------------
I particularly had new insights with regards to Galatians 4:21-31. I like how Paul used the two covenants to bring across his point that the law cannot save but, rather, bind us.

Galatians 3

Have you suffered so many things in vain - if indeed it was in vain? (Galatians 3:4)

The galatians were returning to the law, thinking that by their works they can receive justification.

They have forsook the freedom in Christ Jesus and brought themselves back into bondage.

Paul called it "the curse of the law" (Galatians 3:13).

These people had witnessed the Crucifixion.

These people had heard, and had faith, experienced miracles, and received the Holy Spirit.

Yet, they are now going back to square one - relying on the works of the law for justification and demanding that others do the same.

And so Paul asked them, "Have you suffered so much for nothing?"

It must have not been easy to be a Christian then.

Why then have they gone through all the sufferings and persecutions as followers of Christ only to annul all of it?

Paul is using logical reasoning here.

If the law can save, then we won't need Christ to die for us (Galatians 3:21-22).

The law only made our transgressions even more obvious (Romans 7:7, 13), but it did not make them more righteous.

They needed Christ.

We need Him today too.

Have you suffered so much for nothing?

It is not easy to be a Christian today as well.

I am sure that behind everyone of us, there lies a marvelous story of grace and love. But what lies ahead is still unknown, and most probably filled with difficulties because we all know that the door is narrow.

So hang in there. Because if you give up now, your sufferings would have been in vain.

But your suffering was not in vain.

Because His eyes are on you, and He knows.

Hang in there.

He is coming soon.

Galatians 2 - something nothing

But from those who seemed to be something - whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favouritism to no man - for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. (Galatians 2:6)

There are much internal issues within my workplace. It appears that people may seemed nice and friendly towards you on the outside, but they are actually scheming against you.

Or so I heard. That people are in cahoots to pull you down, while they themselves get all the credits.

I have heard stories which surprises me. But, oh well, they added nothing to me. As long as I have done my work and fulfilled my duties reasonably, I have nothing to fear. If they have anything to say about me, I will hear what they have to say. Well, probably, some might be true, and I would humbly admit and seek to improve.

The latest I have heard is about "a shift of power", that some have started to anchor their ships elsewhere.

Someone is no longer in the good books of the principal, and some others are gaining his favour. And the result? People start steering their boats away from the old, and towards the new. Because now, these people "seemed to be something."

Have these people added anything to me?

Nah.
But nevertheless, never let my guard down lest I also be caught up in this game of steering my boat.

No, my boat shall always be anchored in the port of Jesus. Anchored in the Truth of His word, and in the deepest area of His heart.

Galatians 1

"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but that there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ." (Galatians 1:6-7)

Is it really so difficult to spot "a different gospel" from the one which we have heard and received?

Even Paul "marveled" at that.

How is it that there have been so many cases of zealous people breaking away from the church? Did they really think they are the true believers, while we are not?

How is it that one can have that kind of thought? If it happens to me, would I also leave?

How can we discern?
How can we keep ourselves in the Truth?
Are our ears sensitive to any slight deviations from the Truth in the Bible?

-------

"But they were hearing only, "He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God in me." (Galatians 1:23-24)

Have you any first-hand experiences of those around you who were formerly persecuters of the faith, but subsequently won over by Jesus?

It is the Lord's doing.

Only He can change the hearts of men.

I often ponder about the day my mother or my Christian friends would come to believe in the true church. The day when they themselves would go forth and tell others more about this truth. How precious that sight would be!

And I need only just look at myself to marvel at what God can do.

Though I was not a outright persecutor of Christians, I never had a good impression of the religion and even once promised my mother that I would never be influenced.

But here I am, compelled to share with you the faith today.

"And they glorified God..."

Why?

Because we know that only He is capable of such wonders.

The chief of sinners saved from the deepest pit, and elevated to be co-workers of God, bringing souls back to captivity in Christ.

Marvelous grace.