Freedom

 Galatians 4:31 "...we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman."

Paul is arguing that as Christians we are under a new covenant and are not beholden to the old covenant any longer. He shared an example using Sarah and Hagar from Genesis. Sarah represented the new covenant and Hagar represented the old covenant.  He asks his Galatian readers which covenant do they want to be a part of-one that keeps us in bondage to the law, or one that frees us from sin through faith in Christ?

It is so tempting for Christians to return to the law.  We like rules, structure, and order...particularly when it comes to our religion.  Plus, the Bible says it!  Right there in black and white we can read the law (10 commandments for example) and well, after all it's the Bible.  We should follow it!  All of the Bible is God's word and is helpful of course, but it's not all equal and relevant for us today.  So how can I teach that and how can I live that?  How can I live my life in a way that exhibits Christian freedom through Christ?

Dear Lord, help me to make sure people see you through me.  Amen.

One

 Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Paul has been explaining the distinctions between the law and grace to the Galatians.  He claims that in this new covenant through Jesus, we are all one.  If we have a shared faith in Jesus, the attributes that formerly divided us, should no longer. Mainly this was an argument to bring unity between the Jewish and Gentile Christians as they now have a shared faith in Christ and are called to shared community.

It is so easy for me to label and judge people.  I guess it's human nature to do this, but as a Christ follower I always should be looking for the best in people and trying to build bridges, not burn them.  Sometimes it feels like Christians are the worst at this.  We label and categorize other Christians in such a way that we feel more animosity towards them then non-believers.  We shouldn't really feel animosity or anger towards anyone, but certainly we should have a sense of unity and love for fellow believers.  How can I extend this grace and love towards other believers today?  

Dear Lord, help me to find unity with others today.  Amen.

Christ In Me

 Galatians 2:20 "...I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."

Paul is addressing the issue he had with Peter in Antioch.  When Peter was around Jews he acted (and ate) like a Jew, and when he was around Gentiles, he acted (and ate) like a Gentile.  Paul called him on this hypocrisy and reiterated that the Law is not able to save a person from their sins.  It is through faith alone that a person is saved.  Paul emphasizes that through the grace of God and faith in Jesus, Christ actually lives in us.  

How am I allowing to Jesus to "live in me?"  In what actual ways is the love of Jesus exemplified in me?  In so many ways I have let this slide.  In so many ways my life is indistinguishable from non-Christians.  I read the other day that it is not what goes into our lives that makes us a Christian, but it is what comes out of us-our fruit that matters. How can I produce more fruit? How can I make sure people I interact with everyday see and know that I am filled with Christ?

Dear Lord, help me follow you more closely and produce more fruit.  Amen.