Spend some time this week pondering what Paul says in Chapter 1 of the New Testament book of Galatians. Ask questions of the Word ( i.e. How does my circumstance relate to the first century Christians in Galatia? or grace -- what's that?).
Ideally, read the chapter at least once each day. Ignore the impulse to continue on to the rest of the book, unless, of course, you feel God's lead in that. Underline or note anything that stuck out to you or confused you or thrilled you. This is the kinda stuff we will toss around on Sunday.
You may also want to read any commentary you may have available to get more information, remembering that that stuff is extra fluff (don't look forward to habitual rhyming). There's a few sites on the internet you can go...or just read the footnotes in your Bible.
As an aside, because of the impending celebration of Christmas, pull out a verse or two that points to the REAL meaning of that celebration. It will be interesting to hear how God has spoken to one another as we meet on Sunday.
And, of utmost importance, PRAY before you read. It is imperative that you invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you from the Scripture.
Posts are encouraged.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Galatians 1
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ok...so stop here if you haven't read the chapter yet. i don't want to influence your reading of it! come back here after you have.
so, i'm struck this time with v10 and those around it. paul is like, who am i out to please? is it God or man? (previously he had just sent curses on anyone who preaches a different gospel than the one he's already preached -- not necessarily a great way to make friends). but reading this has made me ask myself the question...am i a people pleaser? do i shy away from the truth in order not to hurt people's feelings? should i do that? which then naturally gets into what does it mean to love someone, and what does that look like. because, above all, we're called to love people, not keep their feelings warm and mushy. i guess i'm still learning what it means to love. and that of course causes us to look at the perfect example of love -- God. how does he love us? anyone picking up what i'm laying down?
and one other thought before i go, i just keep getting from chapter 1 that IT'S NOT HUMAN. paul's apostleship, the revelation of God in him, his message, his approval...its all from God. and the purpose of all that? well, check out v24.
holla!!!! now, grace to you and peace from God the father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this PRESENT evil age, according to the will of our God and father, to whom be glory forever and ever. amen.
--m
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