December 19
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LIFE PROCEEDS FROM FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST
19 Why the Law then? It was added on account of the violations, having been ordered through angels at the hand of a mediator, until the Seed would come to whom the promise had been made. 20 Now a mediator is not for one party only; but God is only one. 21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? Far from it! For if a law had been given that was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. 22 But the Scripture has confined everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. – Galatians 3:19-22
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According to a commentary, part of the reason the law was given was to restrain the transgression of men through clearly revealing God’s holy standard. God had to give us His standard so we would not destroy ourselves before the Messiah came. But the law is also added because of transgressions in another way; the law also excites man’s innate rebellion through revealing a standard, showing us more clearly our need for salvation in Jesus as mentioned in Romans 7:5-8.
James Montgomery Boice called Galatians 3:20 “probably the most obscure verse in Galatians, if not the entire New Testament.” Another commentator said he has read more than 250 different interpretations of it; some other commentator raises the figure to 300. “The general thought seems to be that the promise must be considered superior to the law because the law is two-sided. The law was mediated, and this means that man was a party to it. The promise, on the other hand, is unilateral; man is not a party to it.” The law is not something evil, opposing God’s promise. The problem with the law is found in its inability to give strength to those who desire to keep it. If the law could have given life, then it could have brought righteousness. But the Law of Moses brings no life; it simply states the command, tells us to keep it, and tells us the consequences if we break the command. Luther says “When the Law drives you to the point of despair, let it drive you a little farther, let it drive you straight into the arms of Jesus who says: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’”
Paul reminds the Galatians once again that the promise of God is much higher than the law. He further explains how the law couldn’t bring life for it is only believing in Jesus Christ that we can have life. It is sad to watch many Christians live under law when Jesus Christ died for all of them already. Living under the law only brings death instead of life.
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REFLECTION
• Why can’t some Christians let go of living under the law?
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ARE YOU FOOLISH AND BEWITCHED? ILMA’S VLOG
December 15
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ARE YOU FOOLISH AND BEWITCHED?
You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Galatians 3:1-5
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According to a commentary, the term foolish Paul used in this verse is from the ancient Greek word anoetos, which had the idea of someone who can think but fails to use their power of perception. The principles Paul referred to are things the Galatians knew, things they had been taught. The knowledge and understanding were there, but they were not using them. The word “bewitched” has the idea that the Galatians were under some type of spell. Paul didn’t mean this literally, but their thinking was so clouded – and so unbiblical – that it seemed that some kind of spell had been cast over them.
Barclay translates bewitched as put the evil eye on. The ancient Greeks were accustomed to and afraid of the idea that a spell could be cast upon them by an evil eye. The evil eye was thought to work in the way a serpent could hypnotize its prey with its eyes. Once the victim looked into the evil eye, a spell could be cast. Therefore, the way to overcome the evil eye was simply not to look at it. In using this phrasing and the word picture of bewitched, Paul encouraged the Galatians to keep their eyes always and steadfastly upon Jesus. When we see Jesus clearly before us, we won’t be deceived.
Paul repeated the phrase from Galatians 3:2 because he wanted to emphasize there was a choice to be made. Which will it be? Do you believe you will be blessed by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Will you earn and deserve your blessing from God, or will you believe and receive it?
We clearly see Paul cautioning all Christians to ensure that they do not fall prey into the bewitchment of the evil one. The only way to do that is to ensure that you choose to walk in faith instead of following the law. Sadly, many Christians have been fooled and bewitched for so long that it is hard to get out of such wrong indoctrination or religion.
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REFLECTION
• How can a Christian ensure that he or she isn’t fooled by doctrines and teachings that looks like the gospel bug is a different gospel?
JUSTIFIED THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS ILMA’S VLOG
December 14
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JUSTIFIED THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS
15 “We are Jews by nature and not sinners from the Gentiles; 16 nevertheless, knowing that a person is not justified by works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the Law; since by works of the Law no flesh will be justified. 17 But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Far from it! 18 For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a wrongdoer. 19 For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”- Galatians 2:15-21
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According to a commentary by Morris, this is Paul’s first use of the great ancient Greek word dikaioo (justified, declared righteous) in his letter to the Galatians. “It is a legal concept; the person who is ‘justified’ is the one who gets the verdict in a court of law. Used in a religious sense it means the getting of a favorable verdict before God on judgment day.” Paul knew that even a strictly observant Jew such as he was could never be considered right before God by what he did under the Law of Moses. Instead, he, Peter, and every single Christian must have believed in Christ Jesus. According to Stott, “‘Faith in Jesus Christ’, then, is not intellectual conviction only, but personal commitment. The expression in the middle of verse 16 is (literally) ‘we have believed into (eis) Christ Jesus.’ It is an act of committal, not just assenting to the fact that Jesus lived and died; but running to Him for refuge and calling on Him for mercy.” By refusing fellowship with Gentile Christians, Peter said in his actions that we are – in part – considered right before God by the works of the law. Paul couldn’t stand this because it wasn’t the truth.
Luther comments “To give a short definition of a Christian: A Christian is not somebody who has no sin, but somebody against whom God no longer chalks sin, because of his faith in Christ. This doctrine brings comfort to consciences in serious trouble.” Essentially Paul said, “There is more sin in trying to find acceptance before God by our law-keeping than there is sin in everyday life as a Christian.” Commitment is essential in salvation; without it, we will be doing works of the Law.
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REFLECTION
• Why is commitment essential in our salvation?
HOW HYPOCRISY COMPROMISES TRUTH ILMA’S VLOG
December 13
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HOW HYPOCRISY COMPROMISES TRUTH
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For prior to the coming of some men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and separate himself, fearing those from the circumcision. 13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews? -Galatians 2:11-14
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In this letter to the Galatians, Paul mentions how he confronted Peter and didn’t keep quiet about how Peter does not act like a true Christian. In Acts 11:1-18, Peter himself was told to welcome Gentiles into Christianity without the precondition of becoming Jews. In verse 12, we witness Peter being afraid to eat with the Gentiles because he cared so much about what the Jews would say about associating with the uncircumcised. Though Peter was previously in agreement with welcoming Gentiles into the church without bringing them under the Law of Moses, when Peter came to Antioch at Paul’s home church, it was another story. He refused to associate with Gentile Christians once certain Jewish believers from Jerusalem came. Knowing their background, Peter knew they would be offended at his fellowship with Gentiles who had not come under the Law of Moses. In their eyes, these uncircumcised Gentiles were not really Christians at all. Therefore, to please them and to avoid a conflict, Peter treated these Gentile Christians as if they were not Christians at all. What a shame! Don’t we all do this as well, fearful of what those people with reputation would think of us if we do not fit into their belief system and traditions? We please humans more than God.
This clearly shows how Paul takes this matter seriously. He had publicly confronted Peter over the issue in verse 14. This was also serious because it involved the issue of eating together. It is easy to criticize Peter; but every person knows what it means to do something that you know is wrong. Everyone knows what it feels like to go against what you know very well is right. Everyone knows what it feels like when social pressure pushes you towards compromise in some way. Salvation and the filling of the Holy Spirit did not made Peter perfect; the old Peter was still there, just seen less often.
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REFLECTION
• How can we ensure that we don’t do the opposite of what we preach and believe?
FIGHT FOR THE TRUE GOSPEL
December 11
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FIGHT FOR THE TRUE GOSPEL
3 But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 Yet it was a concern because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy on our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. 5 But we did not yield in subjection to them, even for an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. – Galatians 2:3-5________________________________________
In the Mosaic law, a Gentile convert must be circumcised. Paul addresses this issue in this part of his letter to the Galatians. A commentary says that Paul’s point is that the leadership in Jerusalem accepted Titus (a Gentile convert) even though he was not circumcised in accord with the Mosaic Law. This shows that the Jerusalem leadership accepted the gospel of grace as Paul understood it. The circumcision of Titus was a potential issue because circumcision – the cutting away of the male foreskin – was the sign of initiation into the Jewish faith and the Mosaic covenant. If a Gentile man wanted to become a Jew, he would have to be circumcised as an adult. Jewish men were circumcised as babies. Since all Jewish men were circumcised and most all Gentile men were not, it was an easy way to refer to “those who are part of the covenant” and to “those who are outside of the covenant of Moses.” According to Luther, “Paul did not condemn circumcision as if it were a sin to receive it. But he insisted, and the conference upheld him, that circumcision had no bearing upon salvation and was therefore not to be forced upon the Gentiles.”
In verse 4, Paul confronts this issue of because of false brethren who attempted to bring Paul and other Christians into bondage. It is important why Paul calls these men false. Of course, they did not think of themselves as false brethren. They thought of themselves as true brethren. But because they opposed and contradicted the gospel revealed to Paul by Jesus Christ, they really were false brethren, according to the standard of Galatians 1:6-9. Paul also addressed how these false brethren came sneaking in secretly to look into their freedom in Jesus and bring them back into slavery to the laws. These men probably had the best of intentions, but they were still dangerous men who had to be confronted.
In verse 5, Paul states that he remained steadfast. Some might react this way out of pride or just plain stubbornness. But Paul did it so that the truth of the gospel might continue with you (the Gentile Christians like those in Galatia).
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REFLECTION
• What is the role of a true believer in ensuring the true gospel is uncorrupted?
ON DISTORTING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST
December 7
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ON DISTORTING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, 7 which is not just another account; but there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, even now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
10 For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Galatians 1::6-10
________________________________________The word gospel literally means “good news.” A commentary says that Paul meant, “There is no ‘good news’ in this message. It is only bad news, so it really isn’t a ‘different good news.’ It is bad news. The New King James Version translation is much better at this place, because it makes a distinction between different and another, accurately reflecting the difference between two distinct ancient Greek words used. Different has the idea of “another of different kind” and another has the idea of “another of the same kind.” It is as if Paul wrote, “They brought you a completely different gospel. They claim it is just an alternative gospel of the same kind, but it isn’t at all. It is all together different.”
In verse 7, Martin Luther says “Note the resourcefulness of the devil. Heretics do not advertise their errors. Murderers, adulterers, thieves disguise themselves. So, the devil masquerades all these devices and activities. He puts on white to make himself look like an angel of light.”
To distort the gospel means to use the same words or idea, but cunningly twist it. This is much more wicked, because it seems like it is true yet, it is actually a lie. Lies comes from the evil one. In verses 8-9, Paul warns them of the consequence of twisting the gospel of Christ. He also reminds them of their responsibility as a believer to ensure that they don’t receive such false teachings, for they too will be accursed. In verse 10, he tells the Galatians that to be a servant of God, you cannot continue to please humans.
In our current days, we see so many Christians believe lies that come from false teachings which results from going the different path. They are deceived to think they are going to heaven when they are actually going to hell.
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REFLECTION
• How can a true believer recognize false teachings and false teachers?
December 7
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ON DISTORTING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, 7 which is not just another account; but there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, even now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
10 For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Galatians 1::6-10
________________________________________The word gospel literally means “good news.” A commentary says that Paul meant, “There is no ‘good news’ in this message. It is only bad news, so it really isn’t a ‘different good news.’ It is bad news. The New King James Version translation is much better at this place, because it makes a distinction between different and another, accurately reflecting the difference between two distinct ancient Greek words used. Different has the idea of “another of different kind” and another has the idea of “another of the same kind.” It is as if Paul wrote, “They brought you a completely different gospel. They claim it is just an alternative gospel of the same kind, but it isn’t at all. It is all together different.”
In verse 7, Martin Luther says “Note the resourcefulness of the devil. Heretics do not advertise their errors. Murderers, adulterers, thieves disguise themselves. So, the devil masquerades all these devices and activities. He puts on white to make himself look like an angel of light.”
To distort the gospel means to use the same words or idea, but cunningly twist it. This is much more wicked, because it seems like it is true yet, it is actually a lie. Lies comes from the evil one. In verses 8-9, Paul warns them of the consequence of twisting the gospel of Christ. He also reminds them of their responsibility as a believer to ensure that they don’t receive such false teachings, for they too will be accursed. In verse 10, he tells the Galatians that to be a servant of God, you cannot continue to please humans.
In our current days, we see so many Christians believe lies that come from false teachings which results from going the different path. They are deceived to think they are going to heaven when they are actually going to hell.
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REFLECTION
• How can a true believer recognize false teachings and false teachers?
PAUL, AN APOSTLE WRITES TO THE GALATIANS ILMA’S VLOG
December 6
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PAUL, AN APOSTLE WRITES TO THE GALATIANS
Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through human agency, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brothers who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. – Galatians 1:1-3
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According to some commentaries, the book of Galatians has been called the “Declaration of Independence of Christian liberty.” The great reformer Martin Luther especially loved this letter; he called Galatians his “Catherine von Bora” after his wife; because, he said, “I am married to it.” If it is true that Galatians was written around A.D. 50, then Paul would have been a Christian for about 15 years, being converted on the road to Damascus around A.D. 35. This emphasis on Paul’s apostolic credentials is important. Paul had strong words for these Galatians, and they had to understand that he wrote with authority; indeed, apostolic authority. Paul expected that Christians would respect his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Wuest comments that “The word apostle as Paul uses it here does not merely refer to one who has a message to announce, but to an appointed representative with an official status who is provided with the credentials of his office.” It is our duty to also respect Paul’s authority as an apostle. We do this by regarding this ancient letter as the Word of God, and by taking it seriously to heart. Paul’s calling as an apostle was not from man, nor was it through man. It didn’t originate with man, and it didn’t come through man. It originated with God and came directly from God. His standing as an apostle was not based on opinion polls and it did not come from any human council. It was based on a Divine call, made through both the Father and the Son. Martin Luther wrote “When I was a young man, I thought Paul was making too much of his call. I did not understand his purpose. I did not then realize the importance of the ministry… We exalt our calling, not to gain glory among men, or money, or satisfaction, or favor, but because people need to be assured that the words we speak are the words of God. This is no sinful pride. It is holy pride.” (Martin Luther)
I was led by the Spirit to study again this book as I am being trained to pull down strongholds and exposing false doctrines. It confirms my passion to bring truth.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think this introduction to his letter is important to all believers?
MAY MY PRAISE BE PLEASING TO HIM ILMA’S VLOG
December 5
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MAY MY PRAISE BE PLEASING TO HIM
May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
May the LORD rejoice in His works;
32 He looks at the earth, and it trembles;
He touches the mountains, and they smoke.
33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
34 May my praise be pleasing to Him;
As for me, I shall rejoice in the LORD.
35 May sinners be removed from the earth
And may the wicked be no more.
Bless the LORD, my soul.
Praise the LORD! Psalm 104:31-35
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This psalm is an exaltation to the Lord. The psalmist declares God’s glory that lasts throughout eternity. It is a declaration of God’s mighty deeds and his power. In verse 32, it gives us a picture of how everything is under God’s control: the earth and mountains all are only able to follow what He wants done. In verse 33, the psalmist models what all believers ought to do, to sing praises to the Lord Almighty, who is worthy of all praise. He declares his choice to be loyal to only bring God the glory. He made a promise that while he still has breath, he will only be faithful to Him. Verse 34 is another declaration of his reverence for the Lord. How he ensures that his worship will be in accordance to God’s preferred adoration. He prays in verse 35 that those who habitually sins be annihilated from this earth. He pleads God to watch his soul prosper and continue to praise Him.
According to enduringword.com commentary, the psalmist understood that God is also worshipped by our thoughts. What we choose to set our mind on is a measure of what we truly value. Knowing the greatness and goodness of God as revealed in creation, the psalmist wanted his thoughts to be pleasing to God.
May sinners be consumed from the earth: This seems a strange and solemn declaration in this psalm. Yet it is the logical consequence for those who reject God as Creator. Paul later developed this thought in Romans 1, speaking of the guilt and consequences due to those who reject God as Creator and worship the creature rather than the Creator.
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REFLECTION
• How can the way we worship God be displeasing to Him?
IN WISDOM, GOD MADE ALL THINGS
December 4
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IN WISDOM, GOD MADE ALL THINGS
LORD, how many are Your works!
In wisdom You have made them all;
The earth is full of Your possessions.
25 There is the sea, great and broad,
In which are swarms without number,
Animals both small and great.
26 The ships move along there,
And Leviathan, which You have formed to have fun in it.
They all wait for You To give them their food in due season.
28 You give to them, they gather it up;
You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good.
29 You hide Your face, they are terrified;
You take away their breath, they perish and return to their dust.
30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created;
And You renew the face of the ground. -Psalm 104:24-30
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In this psalm, the psalmist addresses how God created all things in wisdom. Each and every thing he made has a purpose. The Lord made all things for Himself. He carefully thought how each of his creatures will live and every detail of their existence is well planned. In verse 25, the psalmist especially mentions the bodies of water that God has placed many different mammals and creatures to live in it. Leviathan, a sea monster is mentioned here just as Job 40 talks about this same creature. In verse 25, the psalmist says that God put Leviathan in the sea to have fun in it. Each of these creatures just wait on God to provide for them so they can continue to exist and be part of God’s plan. But, I wonder why God created Leviathan which also brings so much havoc on mankind as his spirit dwells on us and casts so much destruction. In Job 38-39, we learn that in order for creation to live and thrive, the Lord explains to Job that there must be room for the random and uncanny. I quote this from a commentary from massbible.org.
In verse 29, the psalmist recognizes the fear of not having God’s presence and how it will terrify them immensely if God abandons them. They are completely dependent on God for their lives. In verse 30 we clearly see that God is the source of life and all creation.
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REFLECTION
• Why the fear the Lord the beginning of all wisdom as Proverbs 9:10 says?
GOD’S PROVISION FOR HIS CREATION ILMA’S VLOG
December 2
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GOD’S PROVISION FOR HIS CREATION
He causes the grass to grow for the cattle,
And vegetation for the labor of mankind,
So that they may produce food from the earth,
15 And wine, which makes a human heart cheerful,
So that he makes his face gleam with oil,
And food, which sustains a human heart.
16 The trees of the LORD drink their fill,
The cedars of Lebanon which He planted,
17 Where the birds build their nests,
And the stork, whose home is the juniper trees.- Psalm 104:14-17
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According to a commentary, the psalmist continued his thoughts on nature, seeing how God provides grass for animals and vegetation for the service of man. Spurgeon says “Divine power is as truly and as worthily put forth in the feeding of beasts as in the nurturing of man; watch but a blade of grass with a devout eye and you may see God at work within it.” God designed the ecology of the world so that with work, man may bring forth food. Under God’s blessing and man’s work, the food brought forth is wonderful. God’s earth gives us wine, oil, and bread – each with their own blessing and goodness.
Clarke comments on verse 15 that “Wine, in moderate quantity, has a wondrous tendency to revive and invigorate the human being. Ardent spirits exhilarate, but they exhaust the strength; and every dose leaves man the worse. Unadulterated wine, on the contrary, exhilarates and invigorates: it makes him cheerful, and provides for the continuance of that cheerfulness by strengthening the muscles, and bracing the nerves. This is its use. Those who continue drinking till wine inflames them, abuse this mercy of God.” In verse 16, The psalmist had a vision of how healthy and vigorous nature is. He thought of the mighty cedars of Lebanon and how, in their sap-filled health, they give a place where the birds make their nests. They are the trees of the LORD in the sense that no human hand planted them; He planted these mighty trees.
What a wonderful tribute to God’s provision! He thinks of every detail. He always has humans and other creatures in his mind and ensures that they are all cared for. I love trees and each time I look at them, I marvel at God’s wondrous creation.
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REFLECTION
• How can we develop a grateful attitude towards God’s provisions?