The Poor Gospel

Week 3 Scripture: Galatians 2:1-10

Poverty in the ancient world looks quite different from in modern times. The “poor” in antiquity made up the majority of the populace. There was no middle class like modern day America. Moreover, when the poor are spoken of in the Bible these people were at subsistence level. This means they could not provide their own bodies with the nourishment needed for basic survival. In Galatians, according to both the Jerusalem churches and Pauline churches, a key feature of living out the gospel was the provision for the poor by the church. In the book of Acts, material possessions are not viewed as one’s own, but were instead dispersed for the enjoyment of all (Acts 2:45). Jesus consistently taught, lived among, and associated with the poor. Jesus himself was a homeless man (Matt 8:20)! Jesus took service to the poor quite seriously, and encouraged his followers to do the same (Matt 25:44-46). The Apostle Paul likewise encouraged wealth to be shared among the churches (2 Cor 8:13-15). Additionally, many New Testament witnesses condemned selfish material gain (James 5:1-6; 1 Tim 6:17-19).

            What does it mean to “remember the poor”? Immediately, when I read those words, the thought of a homeless man sitting outside of a local Starbucks or Vons comes to mind. Think about that time when we have chosen not to make eye contact with that homeless man or woman because it would obligate us to interact or invest financially in them. To remember the poor necessarily implies that the poor are within proximity to us. In fact, “remembering” is an active action—this means that we initiate the first step in creating contact between one another. Additionally, the poor, as for Paul, become a priority of the Christians life. Therefore, we should invest financially, emotionally, and spiritually to the less fortunate in our communities. Have the poor been a priority in your life or a coincidence to avoid?

Questions To Ponder:

1.     Are you in contact with the poor? If not, why? Is there a barrier?

2.     Do you feel a burden for the poor?

3.     Who are the poor in your life? How can you “remember” them as Paul suggests?

Playing By The Rules

Week 3 Scripture: Galatians 2:1-10

One of the most tragic stories of American history is our involvement in slavery. Slavery and its effects remain prominent even to this day—spurts of hate crimes and inequality between races is how it rears its ugly face. It is tragic that America(ns) ever supported such an idea. Freedom is a natural counterpart to slavery, and is desired by all humanity. Abraham Lincoln wisely said, “Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.” Nobody longs for oppression, yet it is intricately woven into the fabric of human experience. This oppression and enslavement stays hidden behind the happy smiles of a broken, prideful, or ashamed heart. I consistently speak with young men who are addicted to porn, alcohol, or drugs; they think they are in control of their lives, but their addiction dictates every element of their existence—they are slaves. Often my wife and I meet with young women who cannot forgive that friend, parent, or teacher who hurt them—they too live within the walls of captivity of their offender. Enslavement can come in many shapes and forms. The Apostle gives us a glimpse into the freedom that Jesus offers to an enslaved world.

             Paul’s “opponents” are thoroughly Jewish, and being Jewish Christians they believed that faith in Jesus + following Jewish laws (Torah) would secure for them salvation. Salvation by definition has to do with rescue from something—in the case of Jews; it was liberation from the enslaving forces (evil) within the world. The Jews believed that a coming messiah (lit. “Anointed One”) would liberate them from these oppressive forces. Paul, and other early Christians, believed that the messiah figure was Jesus. However, a long tradition within Judaism taught that religious affiliation (i.e. circumcision or dietary practices) and law observance would bring about the necessary salvation for the Jew. This was a belief that Paul himself held until he had an encounter with Jesus (Acts 9). Paul wanted to show his opponents that reliance on Jesus alone—and not a set of rules—was the only necessary requirement for freedom. Following a set of rules will never liberate humanity—it can only enslave! I have seen this among those I’ve worked with. For example, someone addicted to porn may rid themselves of their computer or cut Internet to their phone, but their heart still longs after and desires that fix. Eventually they will find a way to get that fix. True liberation takes a source outside of one’s self, and his name is Jesus. Only dependence on Jesus, and not rules, can provide the necessary power to free humanity from the bondage of sin, death, and evil. Salvation can only be obtained through trust in Jesus; all other paths will lead to “enslavement.”   

Questions To Ponder:

1.     Have you ever thought that following rules (i.e. not drinking alcohol, treating people well, or not having sex with a boyfriend or girlfriend) would get God to approve of you? Why?

2.     Are you currently enslaved? What is the situation? How can Jesus be your liberation?

Rebels And Robots

Week 3 Scripture: Galatians 2:1-10

I drive two hours to Pasadena twice (sometimes three times) a week for school. On those drives I encounter two or three “speed traps” set in place by the CHP. On a typical drive I will see three people pulled off to the side of the road and getting tickets for speeding. Often, the CHP will hide behind large mountains, laid out between the Grapevine and Santa Clarita, and at the bottom of very steep hills. It is obvious that their intention is to catch people while they may not be watching their speed carefully enough. In my first few weeks when I started school in Pasadena, I found myself not paying close attention to my speed coming off of a steep hill and was caught in a “speed trap.” The officer clocked me going around 85mph in a 70mph zone. My ticket was over $450! I was enraged; I felt betrayed and tricked by the people I thought were supposed to protect me. An honest accident had resulted in a huge loss for me, and more importantly my family. This incident only furthered my adolescent rebellion that believed authority was only out to get me. This generation of young people is inclined to feelings not unlike my own. The trust level towards authority figures, such as parents, police officers and military, teachers, and even bosses is at a new low. One can simply go to YouTube, for example, and see the masses of videos capturing cops and politicians abusing their appointed posts. The same trend has carried into the church. Skepticism of church institutions and authorities is stained by the consistent failings of ministers—from heinous sex scandals to abuses of church funds for personal gain. The church body, and the outside world, is skeptical of the modern-day pastor and priest; the confidence in their integrity is lost, and at best always questioned.

            Throughout Paul’s letter, Paul has had to defend himself against the false accusations of the “opponents” in Galatia. The opponents were accusing Paul of taking the message of Jerusalem (the message given to the twelve Apostles of Jesus) and changing it to entice more converts. These opponents argued that Paul’s message was not as valid or authoritative as those in Jerusalem since they were direct disciples of Jesus. Paul, in this current discourse with his church in Galatia, argues that he had previously met with “influential leaders” of Jerusalem—Paul later calls this group “pillars,” and names them as James, Cephas (Peter), and John—and that they approved of his message. It is quite shocking how Paul deals with those who are the leaders within the Jerusalem church. In chapter one, Paul goes through painstaking hurdles to separate himself from the accusations that he learned his gospel from Peter, and then twisted it to make it his own. He then, in chapter two, admits that he met with the Jerusalem leaders, years’ prior, in order to receive approval of the gospel he was teaching to the Gentiles. His aim was to make sure that he would not “be running or had not run in vain.” Imagine if during his interaction with the Jerusalem church, they denied his gospel. Every convert Paul had labored over, his preaching the gospel, and helping people change their lives would have been invalidated and for nothing. Paul, although not uncertain about the validity of his gospel, chooses to recognize the authority invested in the church at Jerusalem. At the same time, Paul is neither willing to bow down in full conformity nor is does he reject authority in others. The way Paul deals with this issue of authority is telling in that he is neither rebellious nor robotic. Proper authority should always be navigated under a framework of love, respect, and honor. God is our ultimate authority, and it is God who has appointed leaders in the church, for the benefit of the church. And although, for many of us, examples/experiences of bad leaders have tarnished the name of leadership, I would encourage each of us to take a step back from our hurts and recognize that the purpose of authority is ultimately for freedom of all (Ephesians 4:11-16). We must learn not to “throw the baby out with the bath water.” In other words, give church leadership and authority a chance even if you’ve been hurt in the past…. not all leaders are terrible, but they are certainly all human.

Questions To Ponder:

1.     Do you find yourself skeptical of authority in general? Why?

2.     Do you find yourself immediately shut off to the idea church authority / leadership? Why?

3.     Who do you trust? Why? How could these qualities be implemented in the church to bring more trust in leadership?

Pastor Mark’s Translation: Galatians 2:1-10

Galatians 2:1-10

“¹ Then after fourteen years I went up to Jerusalem again with Barnabas, taking along Titus also. ² I went there because of a revelation. And I laid before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so privately to the influential leaders to make sure that I wouldn’t be running or had not run in vain. ³ But even Titus, who was with me, although a Greek, was not forced to be circumcised. ⁴ But because of the false brothers smuggled in secretly, who sneaked in to spy on our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, in order that they might enslave us, ⁵ to them we did not give in to submission, not even for a single moment so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you. ⁶ But from the influential leaders—what sort of people they were at one time makes no difference to me, God does not show favoritism—for to me the influential leaders added nothing. ⁷ But on the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel for the  uncircumcised, just as Peter for the circumcised. ⁸ For the one who empowered Peter for apostleship to the circumcised empowered me also for the Gentiles. ⁹ James, Cephas, and John, those recognized to be pillars, perceiving the grace given to me by God, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of partnership, in order that we might go to the Gentiles, but they to the circumcised. ¹⁰ They asked only that we should remember the poor, which is certainly something I was eager to do.”

Pick Me! Pick Me!

Week 2 Scripture: Galatians 1:10-24

Do you remember that moment when you were not picked for the team? Maybe it was little league baseball, soccer, band, or cheerleading? Wasn’t that disappointment earth shattering as a young kid? You’re left there in bewilderment wondering how the heck nose-picker Nancy or booger-eater Brett made the cut, but not you. Well, I often talk with Christians who perpetuate this feeling in their relationships with God. They speak and act as though they were not picked for the team, or didn’t make the cut. They question if God really loves them or wants them on His team. The Apostle Paul becomes a prime example of someone who deserved NOT to be picked for the team. Paul, speaking of his past life, talks about his “extreme militancy” against the Christian church (Gal 1:13-14). His end game was to “annihilate” the church (Gal 1:13). Not only was Paul playing for the wrong team, he strongly hated the Jesus team. But Paul, recognizing God’s “grace” in his life—for Jesus appeared to Paul to correct his misguided zealousness—believed that “from birth”[1] he had been “called” (kaleō). We all, like Paul, once played for the wrong team (Eph 2:1-3), but God through his “grace” (undeserved favor) has “called” each of us to play on His team. As a kid, I remember when I wasn’t picked for the track team…this was mostly because I was slow and couldn’t make it over the high jump. The feeling of not being picked pushed me to practice every day for the next few weeks. I was going to make that team, or die trying! I see this same spirit in the hearts of many Christians, but it is ill guided when it comes to following Jesus. God has set every Christian apart and “called” each of us according to his “grace,” and not our efforts. We no longer need to strive to be on the team; we are on the team, we are called, and it God who has called us—this is the good news of Jesus! Our mission then is to stop living as if we’re not on the team or thinking we can earn a place on the team.

Questions to Ponder:

1.     In what ways do you feel like you’re not on God’s team (i.e. disqualified because of sin or just not “good enough” for God to use you)?

2.     Do you find yourself trying to work for God to “choose” you? Why do you think you do this?

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[1] The Greek here literally means, “from my mother’s womb.”

Wear A Tie Or Die! (Traditions & The Church)

Week 2 Scripture: Galatians 1:10-24

God’s church is full of diverse people; I could not imagine God’s church any other way. However, with diversity comes difference of opinion, and quite frankly, disagreements. And with disagreements comes church splits. It’s amazing to me what churches will split over. Sometimes churches split because of theology (and this can occasionally be a good thing), but most often it is over petty disagreements of preference. I’ve heard of churches splitting for numerous reasons, from preferences of attire (tie or no tie?) to worship style (guitar or organ?), or even seating arrangements (pew or no pew?). Sadly, the disagreements are usually this trivial, and not resolved easily. The Apostle Paul, in his life before Jesus, describes how “traditions” can lead down a dangerous path. 

            Paul uses the Greek word paradosis when describing “traditions” he used to follow as a Pharisee (Gal 1:14). Paul was part of a particular sect of Judaism called, “Pharisees.” The name literally means, “Separate ones.” This group wanted to love and be faithful worshippers of God. They desired to follow the rules of their religion perfectly. In their attempt to live out this holiness, the Pharisees followed a series of traditions (not found in Scripture) that they believed stretched back to the time of Moses. They called this the “Oral Law.”[1] Many of these traditions called for a separation between Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews). For example, Jews could not eat with non-Jews, and if they did they were considered ceremonially “unclean” before God and restricted from worshipping God in the Temple. For the Pharisees, these “traditions” protected them from violating God’s laws and covenant. After Paul’s encounter with the risen Jesus (Acts 9; Gal 1:10), he sees his “traditions” as problematic with the Gospel of Jesus. In verse 14, Paul speaking of his life before Jesus says, “I was advancing in Judaism… being extremely militant for the traditions of my ancestors.” Paul’s own need to keep a “tradition” eventually led him to murdering and imprisoning Christians (Acts 8:1-3;1 Cor 15:9; Gal 1:23; Phil 3:6)—the tradition that was supposed to lead him, and others, to be closer to God became their greatest hindrance. Their traditions, and not love, became their motivation for worshipping God.

            Traditions are usually started for good reasons, and with good intentions...just like the Pharisees. But, when our traditions blind us from loving one another, then the tradition must be destroyed. For Paul, his traditions created hate, and was therefore to be done away with. In the same way, local churches ought to constantly reevaluate their practices in order to preserve genuine love and not merely traditions.

Questions to Ponder:

1.     What are some traditions you personally practice or see practiced within the church?

2.     How do you differentiate between a tradition and ritual (i.e. communion, baptism, etc.)?

3.     Have you ever followed a tradition to the point of hurting someone else? If so, how would you change that now?

4.     Have you ever been part of a church split over traditions? How did it make you feel?

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[1] For an example, see Mark 7:11-12.

Paul Didn’t Take Selfies!

Week 2 Scripture: Galatians 1:10-24

We have all seen them, and some of us are even guilty of doing it! So what am I talking about? The “selfie.” From their popularity in the gym to those creepy shots in the bathroom, selfies are littered all over Facebook and Instagram. Why do we post these types of pictures? What is our obsession with them? For example, gym shots are taken to impress our friends/followers; we’re letting them know, “I got outta bed and made it to the gym rather than playing video games and eating hot pockets all day!” Sometimes it’s not just a selfie, but a picture of your most recent grade or picture of your new car. Our hope in sharing these photos is often to reveal to people something about ourselves that might impress them. We all seek to impress and hope to receive acceptance from those social groups we want to be identified with. However, when it comes to the gospel, and its proclamation, Paul warns about this attitude. He tells the Galatians that he is not trying to “flatter / impress” (Greek- Areskō) any human person, but only God. I’ve heard churches shy away from preaching topics like sin, hell, or judgment and offer their hearers only a half-truth in order to entice them to follow Jesus. They give their churches the snapshot of Christianity that is all lollipops and fluffy animals, but refuse to preach the gospel—the gospel that involves humanity’s dire need for rescue and for Jesus (Gal 1:4)—in fear of “losing” hearers. In fact, these are the types of accusations leveled against Paul by a group opposing his teaching.

            Paul clearly informs his readers that he is not trying to impress anyone, but is rather defending himself against those accusing him of trying to appease his Gentile listeners. His opponents were Jewish Christians who believed that in order to be saved (accepted into God’s family), people needed to first become Jewish—this, for example, means they needed to follow Jewish dietary and circumcision laws. Imagine that you become a Christian, and the pastor of your church tells you, “So you wanna follow Christ? Alright, well you need to give up bacon and sausage (Jews could not eat pork), and make a doctor’s appointment…because it’s time to get circumcised.” Paul’s opponents are accusing him of skipping over those difficult teachings in favor of an easy Gospel. Paul’s defense is that the death of Jesus destroys sin once and for all and provides a way for them to be rescued; and the way humans are to deal with sin is not through any outward signs or “works” (choice of food or circumcision), but through faith (“trust”) in Jesus alone. Paul claims that this is the “truth” that he learned personally from Jesus. Paul stresses that he was not attempting to water down the gospel to get more converts. In fact, Paul is astonished over these accusations because the reality of facing the “true gospel”—admitting a need for rescue from Jesus—is much more difficult than going under the knife to get snipped or cutting pork out of your diet.

Questions to Ponder:

1.     In what ways have you not spoken truthfully about the gospel (to friends, co-workers, neighbors, parents, etc.) in order to present them a more “acceptable” message?

2.     Why do Christians often shy away from the truth? What does this reveal about our lack of trusting in the power of God to change lives?

           

Pastor Mark's Translation of Galatians 1:10-24

Galatians 1:10-24

“ ¹⁰ For am I now trying to win the approval of people, or God? Or am I striving to flatter people? If I were still accommodating people, I would not be a slave of Christ. ¹¹ I want you to know, family of God, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. ¹² For I neither received it from a human source, nor was I taught it; rather I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. ¹³ For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, that I persecuted the church of God with severity and tried to annihilate it. ¹⁴ And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, being extremely militant for the traditions of my ancestors. ¹⁵ But when God had set me apart from birth and called me through his grace, ¹⁶ he was pleased to reveal his Son in me, in order that I might preach him to the Gentiles. However, I did not consult immediately with any human being, ¹⁷ nor did I go up to those who were apostles before me, but I went into Arabia and again returned to Damascus. ¹⁸ Then after three years I went into Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. ¹⁹ But I saw no other apostles, except James, the Lord’s brother. ²⁰ And the things I write to you pay close attention, because before God I am not lying. ²¹ Then I went into the districts of Syria and Cilicia. ²² I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea, which are in Christ. ²³ They were only hearing, ‘The one who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.’ ²⁴ And they glorified God because of me.”  

                                        

What Does The Gospel Really Mean?

Week 1 Scripture: Galatians 1:1-9

The term “gospel” (euangelion) is used five times between Galatians 1:6-9, showing it is an important feature of what Paul intends to communicate to his audience. This term is thrown around loosely in churches and I often wonder if many of us really know what we mean when we say it. A few years back I was teaching on the gospel with a group of youths and I asked, “Who knows what I mean when I say ‘gospel’?” Every youth’s hand flew up immediately. So I asked the first youth, “Can you explain it to me?” He answered, “Well, it’s like what Jesus did, ya know?” I asked a second, “It’s talking to somebody about Jesus.” And then I finally asked another youth who simply shrugged her shoulders and said she had raised her hand because everyone else did. I preferred the last answer because I think it most accurately represents the true state of the church. We hear the word “gospel” from our pulpits (hopefully) nearly every week, but what is it? Some of us have become numb to the true power of God’s “gospel” because it has simply become a word and not a reality. This is the problem in Galatia, and Paul’s writing is set on distinguishing between the “true gospel” (Gal 2:5) and false ones (Gal 1:6). 

            The word “gospel” simply means good news or a joyful message. In Luke, the “gospel” means a message that breaks down social barriers, reaching the poor, releasing prisoners, recovery of sight to the blind, and freedom from oppression (Lk 4:18-21). Paul received his gospel from Jesus (Gal 1:11), and has this same understanding in mind. The ideas of freedom infiltrate each of these meanings, and the implication is that before receiving this gospel people are enslaved. This enslavement needs a rescue. We are told in verse 4, “he (Jesus) gave himself for our sins…that he might rescue us.” The “gospel” has to do with a message of rescue. But, what does humanity need rescuing from? Paul says, “sin” (Gal 1:4). Our world is a mess. We see criminality, death, injustice, terror, and genocide. There exists an enemy at work enslaving people. These people need rescuing. Rescue always implies a need or inability on the part of the one being rescued. Therefore, humanity, cannot rescue themselves and require that Jesus be that rescue! When Paul says, “he (Jesus) gave himself for our sins,” the “for” means “in place of.” Jesus exchanged places with us; Jesus being perfect swaps his life for ours. We receive what Jesus deserves (the fullness of God and true life) and Jesus gets what we deserve (death). This has always been God’s plan (Gal 1:4) to reunite God and humanity. Jesus pays the ultimate price of sin—death! The good news is that sin and death are defeated and Jesus provides the way for humanity to be personally connected back to God. This is the gospel in Galatians.

Summary of the Gospel in Galatians:

1.     All humanity is in need of rescue.

2.     Only Jesus can rescue.

3.     Jesus rescued us by exchanging places with us.

4.     Rescue has always been God’s plan, action, and work.

Questions to Ponder:

1.     What is your view of the gospel? Discuss in the comments section.

2.     Does your gospel differ from the one explained above?

3.     Have you believed your salvation somehow depends upon what you do rather than what God has done?

Jesus, The King?

Week 1 Scripture: Galatians 1:1-9

             In Paul’s opening greeting he exclaims that grace and peace come from “God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.” For this short study, we will focus on the term “Lord.” The Greek word is kyrios and is a word taken from the Old Testament to describe and denote God. Jesus, through God, has become the central figure for salvation, bringing both grace and peace to all who would follow him. In the time of Jesus, numerous people claimed to be “lord.” For example, the emperors of Jesus’ time claimed to be “lord,” and with their title, they would seek to gain the approval of the common people. These emperors would supply bread and sustenance for the poor (majority of people), desiring the people to put their trust in the emperor. Paul here is making a stark contrast between the “lord, giver of bread” and “the Lord Jesus Christ, the giver and ruler of life.” Jesus is to be king in our life![1] He is the one to provide for us sustenance and all the things we need for life.[2] We are to trust in the promises and faithfulness of Jesus and not the world; he promises that he will never leave us or forsake us.[3] In addition, calling Jesus “Lord” means that we surrender to him everything that we are, want, or do. 

Some Questions To Ponder: 

1)   How do you see Jesus as Lord in your life?

2)   Does your life reflect Jesus as Lord? 

3)  What are some ways you make Jesus Lord over you?

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[1] Matthew 6:33

[2] Matthew 6:26

[3] Hebrews 13:5

Haters Gonna Hate

Week 1 Scripture: Galatians 1:1-9

            Paul begins Galatians by stating first his name and then his role. Doesn’t this seem weird? I never start off a conversation with, “Hi, my name is Mark, the pastor.” So, why does Paul do this? Well, have you ever met someone who has questioned or challenged your character? Perhaps they question the validity of your words or actions. Maybe they just don’t trust you or see you as a threat to them. The Apostle Paul was confronted with these similar challenges by haters opposing his message and character. In the face of adversary and slander Paul needed to establish himself as an “apostle” (Greek, apostolos). The Greek literally means, “sent one,” or the verbal form of this word, apostellō, is, “to send.” This is the same word used of the disciples in the Gospels[1] and ministry workers in Paul’s other letters.[2] The term expresses legal representation and denotes a person who is sent in the place of another, yet with the same authority as the person who is absent. This is why Paul can say that he was “sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities” (Gal 1:1). Paul realizes that he represents a greater authority, namely Jesus (Gal 1:11)! Therefore, the haters that Paul encounters cannot squash the ultimate mission that Jesus placed on his life. And like Paul, each of us have been “sent” into the world by God to complete a mission—what is your mission and who has called you? Remembering that Jesus commissioned us helps us defeat those haters.   

Questions For Pondering:

a.     What is the mission God has uniquely designed for you in this world? Share in the comments.

b.     Has anyone ever discouraged you about your calling? How do you not let their words overwhelm or deter you? Read and meditate on Romans 8:31-39 for encouragement.

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[1] Mt 10:2; Mk 3:14; 6:30; Lk 6:13.

[2] Rom 16:7; 2 Cor 8:23; Phil 2:25.