After a brief hiatus of a few weeks due to preaching on Famous Last Words (Jesus’ 7 Last Sayings) and the Resurrection, I am returning to Galatians. This week I will be preaching on Galatians 2:15-21. Earlier this week I had a post about the subject I am preaching on this week. However, this week’s message will be more foundational in discussing the Great Exchange. Here’s what I mean:
One “rule” of Bible study is divorcing a passage from its context. It would be a big mistake to do that to this passage. It is vitally linked to the previous verses where Paul confronted Peter for his duplicity (hypocrisy). But there is something much deeper in this week’s passage. It runs against the common grain which says man is basically good and capable of pulling himself up by his own bootstraps. As we are want to say: “Good luck with that.”
The Great Exchange takes place when our sinfulness is erased and we “take on” the righteousness of Jesus. We cannot do that on our own…and that is Paul’s point. After trying to live his life by a code of religious conduct, Paul found himself doing a face plant from a horse coming face-to-face with the very ONE he was denying and trying to exterminate. Paul’s adherence to the Law could not save him; he needed Jesus.
Still goes today. No adherence to any moral code, religious code, or code of conduct will do what only Jesus can do. We can’t do it on our own. It needs an “I surrender.”
Appreciate your prayers for Sunday. Thanks.
That last paragraph alone was worth the price of admission here today. I will be praying for you tomorrow morning in my devotional time.
Thanks Daniel. It means a lot.
I have a code about religion. I prefer my sense of right and wrong to any religious version I know of. No plans on surrendering any time soon.
you would expect a response like mine Jeff: you version will fall short. Humanism always will.
Fall short of what? It seems like the better moral choice to me.
Paul and other writers are clear that our standard is God’s holy one. We are all sinners and the only way to remedy that is through faith in Christ not by human means. The decision you and I make here (on whether to accept His forgiveness or not) will determine our destiny. Man is incapable of saving himself.
I guess you can believe that if you want. Makes no sense to me. I don’t think there is anything to be saved from. Am I supposed to be afraid the bogey man is going to get me when I die if I don’t capitulate? Seems silly to me and I am sure there are no facts to support that theory.
I surrender but … but … BUT … I’m not letting go! 🙁
Why do we do this to ourselves … again … and again … and again …
It’s exhausting! … … …
Good question David. I suspect if you can answer that you can answer an age old question of why not>
Great message, Bill! Praying ears, minds, and hearts are open to the truth you will be sharing on Sunday.
Thanks Pam. That is my prayer as well.
Every knee will bow and tongue confess… either on this side or the other… It’s the confession on this side that determines our eternity.
Praying for you and yours, Bill.
Absolutely Floyd. One day… Thanks for the prayers.
You are so right, Bill, we can do nothing on our own. We need to have Christ living in us.
Blessed weekend, my friend!
Thanks Martha. Frankly, I tire of trying to do things on my own, especially this. 🙂 Hoping you and the hubby have a great weekend.
“I surrender.”
Arguably, two of the hardest words to say in our own power. But, if we “lose” our lives for Him, we find them.
Prayers for your message. It’s a good one, and we all need to hear it (sometimes, again and again…)
GOD BLESS!
Two very hard words Sharon. It means giving up my rights. Thanks for your prayers.
Love Daniel and David’s comments above. Ditto to Daniel’s and so much truth to David’s.
it is hard to argue with them.
Hi Bill! My word for last year was ‘surrender’. I think I’ll be working on that all my life.
St. Paul is a wonderful image for that, and he does know where his strength comes from…and it’s not him. God really had to give him a wallop, but it was very effective. I am hoping that God will be patient with me as I try to change and be more willing to listen to Him. I don’t want to ‘face plant’!
Blessings on your sermon today,
Ceil