Loving Failures

Week 14 Scripture: Galatians 6:1-18

            Life and relationships are difficult work. If anyone has engaged a “real” relationship with another person, whether that is a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship or friendship, they know the intricacies and difficulties often accompanied by such interactions. After years of great relationships, one truth is continually before me: Mistakes and failures will happen. There are no self-help books able to fix this problem. Whether my friend or I make the mistake, failure it is certain to happen. Does this have to be the case? Well, yes. Church relationships, in Galatia, were broken and divisive. The church didn’t have answers to help their problems. Paul attempts to guide them towards a solution, namely “Redemption.”  

            In Galatians, Paul’s opponents have accused him of teaching a watered down gospel—one that didn’t enforce rules and laws. Paul’s gospel promoted the idea of Christian freedom—this is not the kind of freedom that says, “I do whatever I want whenever I want,” but rather a freedom that conforms to God’s desire of His people. However, Paul’s opponents believed that the freedom he preached gave license to the Galatians to act sinfully. The opponents believed it was from this freedom to sin that divisions arose. So, what’s there solution to the problem of division? Enforce harsher rules and threaten exclusion. They would likely say, “If you don’t do X, Y, or Z then God will not love you, and you cannot be apart of this community.” Paul saw this as an affront to the gospel! True Christian living is not about complying with external rules, but complying with the Holy Spirit within—not external prohibition, but internal transformation. At the basis of Paul’s freedom is relationship and love between God and us. Following rules requires no love, but only compliance. A loving relationship compels Christian’s—because of their tasting love—to love others. This love is transmitted through the Holy Spirit. For this reason, Paul can speak of restoring failing brothers and sisters in terms of the “Spirit’s Gentleness” (Gal 6:1). As each of us experienced the overwhelming love and gentleness of God, through the Spirit, before knowing Christ, so we ought to treat one another with that same love. For Paul, this is the safeguard of divisive communities and relationships, not more rules. He warns that pride often becomes the hindrance to this restoration.

            We often fail to restore our brothers and sisters who have disappointed us because we forget our own short comings. This side of heaven, every person remains bound to the frailness of human existence with its proclivity towards sin. All of us, then, will fall short, disappoint, and fail those we love deeply. Remembering that God remained faithful to us even when we failed Him will give us endurance (Gal 6:9) to remain faithful to those when they disappoint us. In the end, we must strive towards “Restoration,” but not by our own power, but the empowering of the Spirit. Left to ourselves, we will act selfishly, but when empowered by the Spirit every inclination towards selfish gain is thrown out the window.

Questions To Ponder:

1.     Have you had an experience where you have been restored or restored someone else? Share with your group. 

2.     Is it easy or difficult for you to forgive people (i.e. Friends, Family, Co-Workers, etc.) who have failed you?

3.     Why do you think Paul sees rules as detrimental to “solving” the issue of broken relationship? Explain.

4.     What role does personal pride play in your failure to love those who hurt you? Explain.

5.     Why do you think Paul encourages “endurance” when dealing with people and relationships? Explain.

Pastor Mark's Translation: Galatians 6:1-18

Week 14 Scripture: Galatians 6:1-18

            “ ¹ Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are guided by the Spirit ought to restore that person with the Spirit’s gentleness, and at the same time carefully watching yourself that you might not also be tempted. ² Carry one another’s burdens and you will fulfill the law of Christ. ³ For if any of you thinks you are important when you’re really not, you deceive yourselves. ⁴ But let each person examine their own actions and have a reason to be proud of their own work alone without comparing it to any others, ⁵ for each person should carry their own load. ⁶ Still, those who are taught the message should share all good things with their teacher.

            ⁷ Do not be deceived: God is not mocked! Whatever people plant they will also harvest. ⁸ Those who plant to indulge the flesh will harvest destruction because of their fleshly desires, but those who plant to please the Spirit will harvest eternal life from the Spirit. ⁹ Let us not become tired or lose our enthusiasm in doing good, for at the proper time we will have a harvest so long as we don’t give up. ¹⁰ So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good towards all people, but especially those who belong to the family of believers.

            ¹¹ Look at what large letters I’m using as I write to you in my own handwriting! ¹² There are those who want to impress others by human means and according to human standards; they try to compel you to be circumcised like them, but only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. ¹³ For not even those who have circumcised themselves keep the law, yet they wish you to be circumcised so that they can brag about your conformity to their outward rituals. ¹⁴ May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. ¹⁵ Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what matters is the new creation. ¹⁶ Peace and mercy be on those who follow this rule, and upon the true Israel of God. ¹⁷ Let no one cause me trouble from now on, for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. ¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your Spirit, my brothers and sister. Amen.”

From Freedom to an STD

Week 12 Scripture: Galatians 5:1-15

            One of my good friends growing up had parents who put the strongest restrictions on him. His curfew to hang out after school was when the streetlights went out—is it 1962, who does this? He was never allowed to watch particular shows or go to friend’s houses without parental supervision. All of his friends were put through a rigid screening process to make sure they were “good folk.” He was a smart and talented guy; he eventually got a scholarship to play sports straight out of High School. He moved off to college and found himself free of his mom’s obsessive rules. Separated by thousands of miles, he could now do whatever he wanted. He ended getting caught up in the jock lifestyle of partying and hooking up with girls. I remember him telling me he felt “free” for the first time in his life. Sadly, our culture—and the church—has adopted this type of individualism, and often hedonism, as an acceptable form of “freedom.” The culture encourages an attitude that says, “I’m gonna do what I want, and we’re all good as long as you don’t impede on my freedom.” Freedom has become equated to being left alone to do your own will. For my friend, this “freedom” left him blacked out drunk on the floor of his dorm room having slept with a girl—cheating on his then girlfriend (and now wife)—and uncertain if he had contracted an STD. When Paul says, “For freedom Christ has set us free,” is this the type of freedom he is imagining? Certainly not!

            In Galatians 5:1, Paul is clear that Christians are liberated from the bondage of following rules (the Law) to gain God’s approval. Salvation, upon the death and resurrection of Christ, comes through relationship, and not a set of rules. Therefore, our standing before God is not determined by what we do (good or bad actions), but rather in whom we trust, namely Jesus. Throughout the Christian life, and not just at beginning of conversion, we do not need to fight to keep God’s approval by doing good actions or not doing bad actions. Rather, out of our trust in Jesus we naturally overflow with the love of God. Our position is determined by God’s evaluation of the heart, not actions; however, actions generally determine the position of the heart (Matt 7:17-18). Paul, then, encourages the Galatians to use their freedom for good and not evil. Some have looked at God’s graciousness and determined, “Well, if I mess up, I know God will forgive.” This is what Paul warns about. Knowing God is gracious should lead us to living correctly, not just abusing grace as a safeguard against sin. For Paul, freedom is diametrically opposed to the “freedom” of our culture. Paul lays freedom out in three basic dimensions:

·      Freedom is conformity—To God and His will. It is not about doing what we “think” is best for us, but doing what God “knows” is best for us. Conformity is about giving it all over to God.

·      Freedom is community—We enter into relationship with the Trinitarian God. God eternally exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God’s is in community by nature. When we give our lives to him, we are adopted into the family of the Trinity. Also, we experience adoption into God’s family (the Church) as well. Therefore, everything we say or do affects those relationships.

·      Freedom is dependence—As we trust in God to provide everything, we do not need to depend upon our own natural abilities, but upon the One who distributes those abilities.

Questions To Ponder:

1.     What is your view of freedom in Christ? Does it look more like our culture or the Bible? Explain.

2.     Why do you do good works? For people’s approval, that God might love you, or naturally out of your love for Jesus? Explain.

3.     Is your life conformed to God and his will or your own? How so?

4.     Do you understand that your freedom affects other people? Have you ever chosen a decision that negatively affected others? What happened, and was it surprising that it affected others? Explain the situation.

5.     In what ways have you relied upon your own power or natural abilities instead of God’s supernatural power? Explain.

Week 12 Translation: Galatians 5:1-15

Translation: Galatians 5:1-15 (LEB Translation)

“ ¹ For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. ² Look! I, Paul, tell you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing! ³ And again I testify to every man who becomes circumcised, that he is under obligation to keep the whole law. ⁴ You are estranged from Christ, you who are attempting to be justified by the law; you have fallen from grace. ⁵ For through the Spirit by faith we eagerly await the hope of righteousness. ⁶ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love. ⁷ You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? ⁸ This persuasion is not from the one who calls you! ⁹ A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough. ¹⁰ I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will think nothing different, but the one who is confusing you will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. ¹¹ Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished. ¹² I wish that the ones who are disturbing you would also castrate themselves! ¹³ For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters. Only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ¹⁴ For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁵ But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”

The Right Path

Week 11 Scriptures: Galatians 4:21-27

In the digital world we live in today with High Speed Internet and 3G, patience is not something that many of us excel in.  Short cuts are our friends and to endure 4 years of college is just simply unbearable.  Sometimes we get a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel, but the path to the light often times seems so long that it is easy to start looking for a different path to take us to the same light. 

This week I asked the question, “How do we continue to put our trust into God’s supernatural power rather than our own natural abilities when God’s promises seem to be failing?”   Over the years I have had many people come to me with encouraging words about my future, and I’ve also had dreams and desires in my own heart.  These initial words and dreams stir up an excitement about the future and the potential that lies ahead, and, if you’re like me, you want to jump right in to fulfilling these words and dreams.  However, sometimes the road to those dreams is a long road, one with bumps and turns, or in some cases there is a locked gate blocking you from even starting the journey.

In our verse this week we examined the choices of Abraham and Sarah as they chose to take matters into their own hands instead of trusting and believing in the promises of God and the consequences of their sin even after God’s promise to them was fulfilled. 

Questions for Reflection:

1.     Take some time to reflect either on your own or with your house party on the promises of God for your life.  Maybe there have been people that have encouraged you or spoken words over you, or maybe there were/are dreams and desires in your heart that you feel passionate about to see come true.

2.     How has the road been for you on your way to these dreams? Have you experienced any detours or speed bumps? Has it taken longer than expected?

3.     Are there any decisions that you have made out of anxiety or lack of trust in the plan set before you? Have you been tempted to “speed things up”?

Pastor Mark’s Translation: Galatians 4:21-31

Week 11 Scriptures: Galatians 4:21-31

“ ²¹ Tell me—those of you who wish to be under the law—do you not listen to the law? ²² For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and one by the free woman. ²³ The son of the slave girl was conceived by natural means, whereas the son of the free woman was born through promise. ²⁴ These things are being spoken allegorically: For these women are two covenants; one from Mount Sinai gives birth to slave children—this is Hagar. ²⁵ Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, because the city is in slavery with her children. ²⁶ But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. ²⁷ For it is written,

            ‘Be happy childless woman who bears no children. Shout and cry, you who have not        suffered labor pains; because the deserted woman will have many children, more than the     wife who has a husband.’

²⁸ And you, brothers and sisters, are children of promise like Isaac. ²⁹ But just as it was then, so it is now: the child born by natural means persecuted the child born according to the Spirit. ³⁰ But what does scripture say? ‘Throw out the slave woman and her son, because the son of the slave woman will not inherit with the free woman’s son. ³¹ Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman but of the free woman.”

Push…1…2…3…Breathe

Week 10 Scripture: Galatians 4:8-20

            I attend a seminary. Seminaries are loaded with people who intend to go into ministry full-time. Classes are designed to prepare them for real-life church situations like counseling, leadership, or financial dealings. Many of the people in seminary are young, bright-eyed, and often naïve. I’ve heard people talk about the “lax job” of their pastors. American churches—and especially youth pastors—are known for having “easy hours,” “freedom,” and daily coffee “meetings.” Because church leaders are in the business of people, their meetings often center around a meal or coffee. In any case, the public perception of what pastors “do” has come somewhat unbalanced. Certainly, there are leaders who take advantage of their job, title, and freedom, but this is not the norm. Leadership, regardless or whether in full-time ministry or not, is difficult. In fact, when Paul describes his leadership function in Galatia, he does so by describing his job in terms of “labor pains” (Gal 4:19). I can simply think back to my wife’s own experience of labor pain, and tell you it was neither pleasant for her nor an experience I would ever want to find myself. This video shows two unsympathetic husbands who needed to understand the pain of their wives during labor:

The experience of these men is what Paul describes as “leadership.” Leading and influencing people is not only difficult, but it is painful. However, through this pain comes great joy at the arrival of the child. For Paul, he was willing to go through the “labor pains until Christ is formed in you.” Leadership is sacrifice, but great reward. Leadership means waking up at two in the morning to pick up a drunken friend at the bar. It is sitting with a co-worker for hours because they feel unworthy and want to take their own life. Being a leader is not a convenience, but often a burden. Here is the burden Paul endured, and which he tells us to “imitate” (Gal 4:12): 

            “ ²⁴ Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. ²⁵ Three times I   was beaten   with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; ²⁶ on          frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from    Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; ²⁷ in toil    and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and         exposure. ²⁸ And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” (2 Cor 11:24-28).

Questions To Ponder:

1.     Has your leadership/influence looked like Paul’s? Have you given yourself to others as Paul has?

2.     How would those around you be influenced if you were to give with this much labor? Explain. 

3.   What can you do this week to begin to reflect the type of leadership Paul is encouraging? Share some ideas.