Highlights In Today's Reading:
Paul "certified" that this Epistle was received by the revelation of Jesus Christ (1:11-12). Don't miss five vital verses in today's reading. The deception and danger of any other gospel (1:8-9). The crucified life with Christ (Gal. 2:20).
The Galatian letter forever settles the fact that there is only one way to avoid eternal hell and to be assured of eternal life with Christ in heaven. The Apostle Paul recorded twice: Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (1:8-9). Our Lord Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world (1:3-4).
We can only be justified (declared righteous in God's eyes) by the faith of (in) Christ, and not by the works of the Law (2:16).
Abraham is mentioned eight times in chapter three (vss 6-9,14,16,18,29) to remind us: Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. . . . And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (3:6-7,29). Abraham believed God meant that without exception Abraham was obedient to God. James explained what true faith means when he wrote: Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? (James 2:21-22).
As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. . . . And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (Gal. 3:27,29).
Furthermore, the Law was given that we would see what great sinners we really are and how impossible it would be for us to please God until we receive a new nature (James 1:12-13; 3:3-7). Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ (Gal. 3:24). A schoolmaster was a faithful servant who was entrusted with the care of a child until it reached maturity. The Law, like a faithful schoolmaster, reveals that we are sinners who need God's forgiveness, mercy and love. We must recognize our lost, sinful nature, repent of our sins, and be born again through personal faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus, the Son of God, said: I am The Way, the Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. . . . If you love Me, keep My Commandments (John 14:6,15).
Thought for Today:
Do we realize that God's laws were not given to keep us from having a life, but to bring us to life? In Him (Jesus) was life (John 1:4).
Cross References:
For Gal. 3:6: See Gen. 15:6. Gal. 3:8: See Gen. 12: 3; 22:18. Gal. 3:10: See Deut. 27:26. Gal. 3:11: See Hab. 2:4. Gal. 3:12: See Lev. 18:5. Gal. 3:13: See Deut. 21:23.
Word Studies:
1:13 conversation =b> daily behavior, attitude of life; 2:13 dissimulation =b> insincerity, hypocrisy, and pretense.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for our Military worldwide • Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts for the month of December sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Jeanna Merritt • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Country (Religious statistics from Operation World and Religious Freedom in the World): Philippines (76 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Filipino and English • Religious persecution in some areas • 80% Catholic; 9% Protestant; 8% Muslim (mostly Sunni); 3% Other (Buddhist, Animist, non-Religious) • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy (Ps. 106:1).
Memory Verse for the Week:2 Chronicles 7:14