“Marks of Identity” – Galatians 6:15-18

Galatians 6:15-18
 
“For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.”
 
Before we had kids, April and I did as many young couples do. We practiced on animals. If we could keep a goldfish alive we reasoned, then maybe we could move on to a cat. And if a cat, then maybe a dog. When researching what type of dog we might like, someone pointed us to retired racing greyhounds. As we did a deep dive into greyhounds we were exposed to a whole other world. As a breed, there were some real selling points. They have very little body fat so they don’t pick up dirt or smell like dog as quickly as other breeds. They have very short hair and don’t shed very much. And they sleep ALL THE TIME, except for the 3 minutes they get outside to burn off a couple of thousand calories by making donuts in the backyard. Yep, we settled on the greyhound. 
 
Honestly, I could tell you waaaaay more than you would ever want to know about greyhounds. But just as interesting as the breed itself is the world of a racing greyhound. When we adopted Kay, our 60 lb black and white female, we received some documentation that would help identify her. She had tattoos in her ears that gave her litter registration number and the order she was in her litter. And we were given a map of her body with identifying features such as coloring and scars. Racing greyhounds needed such a body map because those dogs that weren’t winners, many times were sold on the black market or simply killed. These marks of identification could help trace them back to their legal owner. 
 
In wrapping up his letter to the Galatians, Paul explained that whether someone was circumcised or not, it didn’t really matter. What mattered was transformation. God is in the transformation business and He wants to mark His new creations as His own. Paul explained that he bore the marks of Jesus. Whether referring to the physical marks from his persecution and faithfulness to the gospel, or in the metaphorical sense (like a slave’s tattoo), Paul had chosen the side of grace. He identified with the cross and he was confident and settled as to whom he belonged. 
 
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:  
  • Do you bear the marks of Jesus? In what ways? 
  • Are you confident and settled in your identity as a believer? 
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you? 
Explain – what does the passage mean? 
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today? 
Respond – how is God leading you to respond? 
Jon Price
 
Photo by Derek Story on Unsplash

 

 

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“Trust me, I’m a Salesman” – Galatians 6:13-14

Galatians 6:13-14

“For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
 
We moved into a new subdivision a few years ago, and because there were several houses being built in our close proximity we had the usual run of salespeople dropping by hoping to sell us security systems, green lawns, freezers full of steaks and vacuums. Some of these salespeople were slick. An ADT salesman found out that I was a minister and tried to convince me that God had brought him to my doorstep so I could protect my family! But the salesperson that stood out the most was actually a trainee.
 
A salesman and his trainee came to the house to sell us a high-end vacuum. We let them in and let them do a little “free” house cleaning. Impressed enough to hear their pitch and find out the price, we sat down at the dining room table together. After shocking us with the cost, the trainee excitedly shared that if they sold the most vacuums that month, they would win a trip to the Bahamas! Let that sink in. She was trying to convince us to spend more than we’d ever dreamed of spending on a vacuum, with the motivation that SHE would win a prize. I imagine from my expression that even she realized that her suntan was not on the top of our “pros” column when it came to making a decision. I can only imagine the sales lesson she got as they walked back to their car.
 
As the Judaizers had made their pitch, and the Galatians were debating the cost of switching plans from grace to the law, Paul stepped in to help them see the faults in the offer. In verse 13, he pointed out that these sleazy salesmen couldn’t even use their own product effectively. They thought that their outward obedience (circumcision) would overshadow and distract from their own inability to maintain the law.
 
And instead of having the best interest of the Galatian Christians, the Judaizers only wanted to boost their own reputation with their cronies. In a rather disturbing visual, the wording here “that they may boast in your flesh” suggests the trouble makers leaving triumphantly with a collection of tiny “scalps” to show their success.
 
Paul contrasts their motivation with his own by saying that his only boast was what Christ had done on the cross. He then makes a play on words saying that the motivations of the Judaizers (pride, ambition, self-praise) had been crucified in his own life. It held no power or interest to him.
 
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
  • Why might the methods and motivations of a salesperson affect your confidence in their product, and your decision to purchase?
  • Have you ever gone out on a limb or even walked away from a deal because of the salesperson?
  • How might this apply to how we share the gospel?
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
Jon Price
 

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“ALL CAPS” – Galatians 6:11-12

Galatians 6:11-12

“See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.”
 
Have you ever had a parent or teacher call you by your full name in a way that let you know you were in trouble? Not simply, “Hey Jon”, but, “Jonathan. Len. Price.”  That would get my attention because other than in legal documents, no one referred to me that way. It was unusual enough to get my attention and let me know something was up.
 
Similarly, Paul wanted to make sure that the Galatian believers didn’t zone out in the final stretch of his message. It was commonplace in that day for people to use an assistant, called an amanuensis, to write their letters for them in order to be quicker and take up less space with tightly crafted characters. The author would dictate, sometimes even working with others to make sure the wording was just right while the scribe would record the message in beautiful handwriting.
 
In several of his letters, Paul would take the letter and finish writing in his own hand, usually the last farewells and final notes. But it could also be used as a way to draw emphasis. Paul points out that he is writing this portion in his own hand to show the importance of what he was saying. Writing with large letters (in contrast to the compact script of the secretary) would be similar to bolding or italicizing when we type, or even the textual equivalent of shouting – USING ALL CAPS!
 
Paul wanted to renew their attention and make sure they understood that these Judaizers stirring up trouble were only looking after themselves by using force and fear.
 
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following things:
  • How do people in your life give cues that they need your full attention? How do you convey the importance of something you need to bring up with others?
  • Take a moment to pray that God would speak into your heart with ALL CAPS that which you really need to hear.
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
Jonathan. Len. Price.
 
Photo by Icons8 Team on Unsplash
 
 

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“Context is King” Part 3

There’s a common phrase people use at times when discussing a scripture passage that seems innocent enough but can have disastrous results. That phrase is “what it means to me.” We certainly should attach the Bible’s truth to our lives, however, we don’t have the authority to bend a passage’s meaning to fit our preference. It isn’t important what a passage means to me. What’s important is what it actually means. A passage has one meaning, and understanding the context can help us understand what that meaning is. 

In the linked video below, the Bible Project does a beautiful job explaining the three parts of historical context that need to be considered in understanding the letters in the New Testament. As mentioned in a previous post, historical context is just one consideration in understanding a passage of the Bible. There is also the brief mention of the literary context in the video as well. But the main focus is on the 3 levels of historical context: scriptural storyline, cultural and situational contexts of the audience that received the New Testament letter. 

As we read God’s Word, it’s important to understand what it truly means and then apply it to our lives as we live and love like Jesus. 

Jon Price

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“Do Not Quit” – Galatians 6:9-10

Galatians 6:9-10

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” 

In chapter five, Paul encouraged the Galatians to serve one another through love (v13) and to walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh (v16). Paul expands on this exhortation in Galatians 6 by giving some practical instruction. In our verses today, Paul is again encouraging the Galatians to continue living in the Spirit. I want to look deeper at his encouragement by focusing on the word ‘weary’ and the phrase ‘doing good.’ 

When I think of being weary, I think back to parenting a newborn and an active toddler.  One wouldn’t sleep for more than two hours and the other quit napping and woke up every morning at 5:30am! I was TIRED and exhausted from the constant work of parenting little ones. The Greek word, ekkakeo, used here, doesn’t mean to be worn out and tired from labor.  Instead, it means “to lose heart; to be utterly spiritless; to be exhausted or to lose courage or to be discouraged”.  It means to be discouraged to the point of quitting.  This is different from the weariness from sleep deprivation. Paul is encouraging the Galatians not to give up or quit.  

This leads me to the second phrase, ‘doing good.’  On it’s face, the word good seemed vague to me and I initially skimmed over it.  However, in the Greek it expresses anything beautiful, good, or excellent.  This reminds me of Paul’s words to the Philippians, 

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8) 

It sounds to me that Paul is saying that doing good equals walking in the Spirit.  In summary, Paul is telling the Galatians do not quit and they will reap the benefits of living in the Spirit.  The same applies to us today!

Recently, I found myself weary to the point of discouragement. Fears of COVID-19, political and social unrest, and the busyness of life had me discouraged. After I shared my concerns with my small group, I was reminded I am not alone.  I was reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30, 

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

God’s word, along with the encouragement and prayer from my small group, my husband, and other Christian friends help to remind me…Mindy DO NOT quit! 

Thank goodness Paul’s encouragement to the Galatians to not quit applies to us today!  God’s word, prayer, and Christian relationships encourage us to continue to live out walking in the Spirit. Maybe it is something simple like a smile, a phone call or text, being kind to someone, or reminding a friend of God’s promises. I encourage you today, do not quit living and loving like Jesus!

While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions: 
  • Is there an area of my life where I am losing heart or feeling like quitting (relationship, marriage, finances)? Which promise of God can remind me to keep going today? What relationships hold me accountable?
  • How can I keep on “doing good” today? How can I remind someone else of Jesus’ love today? 
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you? 
Explain – what does the passage mean? 
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today? 
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

A big thanks to Mindy Jordan for today’s devotional thought! 
Mindy leads the women’s life group that meets on Wednesday nights at 6:30pm.

Photo by VELOBAR+ on Unsplash

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“Green Thumb” – Galatians 6:6-8

Galatians 6:6-8 

“Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”
 
Seeds! Planting and harvesting! I am a horrible gardener, my children say I need to stick with plastic flowers and Astroturf. I have a black thumb. A have a yard full of stickers, dandelions, and onions. But I do understand that what I sow, is what I reap. Paul explains that sowing in “legalism,” and sowing “to the flesh” (doing what feels good) both result in a harvest of corruption. Then he says those who “soweth to the Spirit reap life everlasting.” If I plant seeds of religious stuff, I’m gonna get the stickers, dandelions, and onions of life. If I plant seeds of faith in Christ, I get the good stuff – even better than plastic flowers and Astroturf. 

While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:  
  • Have you sowed bad seed and it came back to get you?
  • Have you sowed good seed and experienced the blessing of God?
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you? 
Explain – what does the passage mean? 
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today? 
Respond – how is God leading you to respond? 

A big thanks to Jim Sellers for our devotional thought today!



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