ISSL Reflections November 5 2023 Acts 15:1–11 Post 2

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IV.
From where we stand in the history of the spread of the Christian religion, I think we know which side “won” this argument? Right?

What if it wasn’t resolved in the way it was?

V.
Acts 15:1-11 (NRSVue)

Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders. So they were sent on their way by the church, and as they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, they reported the conversion of the gentiles and brought great joy to all the brothers and sisters. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary for them to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses.”

The apostles and the elders met together to consider this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “My brothers,you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom the gentiles would hear the message of the good news and become believers. And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us, and in cleansing their hearts by faith he has made no distinction between them and us. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

VI.
What was the mantra of the “believers who belonged to the sect of Pharisees” we see here?

“It is necessary … “
“… to be circumcised …” is necessary
“… to keep the law of Moses … “ is necessary”

You do see this disagreement was between two “sects” (or groups, or factions) of believers? It was not coming from those outside the fellowship of Christ followers.

What do you think was most important to this group of believers who wanted circumcision and keeping the law of Moses to be required for all Christ followers?

Take a moment to think about various groups (or factions or sects, or denominations or communities of Christ followers – pick the description you like) of Christ followers today and notice what divides them and what doctrines, or rituals, or practices or behaviors or dress is required as necessary and essential for Christ followers?

Why?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections November 5 2023 Acts 15:1–11 Post 1

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I.
We find some tension here – “… certain individuals came down from Judea … others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem …”

But it is not merely a tension in geography – “… were teaching … unless you are … no small dissension … discuss this question with the apostles and elders….”

So it ranges all the way from “teaching” to “dissension” to “discuss this question with …”

Take time to not only read this passage but also to sense the tension, the argument, and the importance of this matter to those on both sides of the argument.

II.
Acts 15:1-11 (NRSVue)

Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders. So they were sent on their way by the church, and as they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, they reported the conversion of the gentiles and brought great joy to all the brothers and sisters. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary for them to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses.”

The apostles and the elders met together to consider this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “My brothers,you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom the gentiles would hear the message of the good news and become believers. And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us, and in cleansing their hearts by faith he has made no distinction between them and us. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

III.
Why was it important for those “certain individuals who came down from Judea” to make the journey and teach what they were teaching?

What do you think they thought was the danger in what was happening in Antioch?

Do you think they wanted to halt the teaching of the Gospel to these folk or was it something else?

How do we decide what is so important it must become a matter of dissension among the disciples of Jesus?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections October 29 2023 Galatians 3:23–4:7 Post 3

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VII.
What does Paul say about those who are no longer “under the law”?

VIII.
Galatians 3:23-4:7 (NRSVue)

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be reckoned as righteous by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.

My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than those who are enslaved, though they are the owners of all the property, but they remain under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; while we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir through God.

IX.
What catches and holds your attention the most –

  • Faith has come
  • We are no longer subject to a disciplinarian
  • You are all children of God
  • Have clothed yourselves with Christ
  • All of you are in in Christ Jesus
  • You belong to Christ
  • The fullness of time [has] come
  • Redeemed
  • Receive adoption as children
  • God has sent the Spirit into our heart
  • [You can cry] “Abba Father?”
  • No longer a slave
  • Also an heir through God

What of the above do you find the hardest to believe?

What seems the easiest to believe?

What do you claim and live into day to day?

What is missing from your daily life?

What do you need to do about what is present and what is absent from your life?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections October 29 2023 Galatians 3:23–4:7 Post 2

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IV.
Let’s look at this passage again and notice how Paul writes about being “imprisoned,” “enslaved,” “minors,” and even “heirs.”

V.
Galatians 3:23-4:7 (NRSVue)

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be reckoned as righteous by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.

My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than those who are enslaved, though they are the owners of all the property, but they remain under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; while we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir through God.

VI.
Yes, he speaks of prisons and slavery but he also speaks of law as our “disciplinarian.”

What images does that bring to mind for you, especially as you think about “the law,” i.e. The Torah?

What is translated in the New Revised Standard Version as “disciplinarian,” other translations have “guardian,” “tutor,” “schoolmaster,” and “custodian.”

Here is how it is presented in the Phillips translation:

“… the Law was like a strict governess in charge of us until we went to the school of Christ and learned to be justified by faith in him. Once we had that faith we were completely free from the governess’s authority.”

What has it been like for you to attend the “school of Christ”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections October 29 2023 Galatians 3:23–4:7 Post 1

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I.
Where has God been for you in different “seasons” of your life?

II.
Galatians 3:23-4:7 (NRSVue)

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be reckoned as righteous by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.

My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than those who are enslaved, though they are the owners of all the property, but they remain under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; while we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba!] Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir through God.

III.
This week’s Scripture passage begins with “Now before faith came ….”

Where were you before “… faith came …” in your life?

Paul claims “we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until …”

Can you reflect on your life and see a time when you might have been “… imprisoned and guarded by the law”?

What might Paul tell us this reveals about God’s care for us and nearness to us?

Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections October 22 2023 Galatians 3:1–14 Post 3

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VII.
Before you reread these words directed to Jesus’ disciples in Galatia, still your spirit, open your mind and heart to any words of encouragement you find.

VIII.
Galatians 3:1-14 (NRSVue)

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? Having started with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? Did you experience so much for nothing?—if it really was for nothing. Well then, does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law or by your believing what you heard?

Just as Abraham “believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would reckon as righteous the gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “All the gentiles shall be blessed in you.” For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who believed.

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the things written in the book of the law.” Now it is evident that no one is reckoned as righteous before God by the law, for “the one who is righteous will live by faith.” But the law does not rest on faith; on the contrary, “Whoever does the works of the law will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” — in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

IX.
What words from Paul seem meant for you today?

Does it encourage you that you can leave behind “the works of the law”?

Or does that seem like a difficult thing to do?

We read “those who believe are blessed….” What blessing comes to mind as you read this?

“Christ redeemed us … so we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

“… redeemed …

… receive the promise of the Spirit through faith….”

What captures you as you hear that you are redeemed?

How do you experience receiving the promised Spirit?

How can you accept this Spirit and live into this redeemed life?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections October 22 2023 Galatians 3:1–14 Post 2

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IV.
If the “promise of the Spirit” and living a life “with the Spirit” are so great, why would anyone be “bewitched” by “doing the works of the law”?

As you read these words of Paul keep that question in mind.

V.
Galatians 3:1-14 (NRSVue)

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? Having started with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? Did you experience so much for nothing?—if it really was for nothing. Well then, does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law or by your believing what you heard?

Just as Abraham “believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would reckon as righteous the gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “All the gentiles shall be blessed in you.” For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who believed.

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the things written in the book of the law.” Now it is evident that no one is reckoned as righteous before God by the law, for “the one who is righteous will live by faith.” But the law does not rest on faith; on the contrary, “Whoever does the works of the law will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” — in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

VI.
Do you see anything in these words to the followers of Christ in Galatia that help you understand why they might prefer “the Law” to “[living] by faith” that Paul speaks of here (and elsewhere)?

Do you ever sense it might be easier and even better somehow to live by the Law and rely on the “works of the law” than to live by faith that comes by way of relationship to God in Christ?

Paul asks his readers to recognize that “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law…”

How would you express what we can be redeemed from and redeemed to?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections October 22 2023 Galatians 3:1–14 Post 1

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I.
We continue this week listening to Paul contrast living by the law and living by the Spirit.

As you read this passage today, look for and make a note of how he contrasts the two ways of life.

II.
Galatians 3:1-14 (NRSVue)

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? Having started with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? Did you experience so much for nothing?—if it really was for nothing. Well then, does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law or by your believing what you heard?

Just as Abraham “believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would reckon as righteous the gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “All the gentiles shall be blessed in you.” For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who believed.

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the things written in the book of the law.” Now it is evident that no one is reckoned as righteous before God by the law, for “the one who is righteous will live by faith.” But the law does not rest on faith; on the contrary, “Whoever does the works of the law will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” — in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

III.
Would you call these two ways the way of the Law and the way of the Spirit? What else might you call them?

How is it possible that one can be “bewitched” to continue to live the way of Law and the way of “flesh”?

If “the law does not rest on faith,” what does it rest on?

What does the way of redemption rest on?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections October 15 2023 Galatians 2:11–21 Post 3

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VII.
Paul remarks, “… if I build up the very things that I once tore down …”

Take time today to reread these paragraphs and see if you notice what he means when he writes of “… the very things that I once tore down.”

VIII.
Galatians 2:11-21 (NRSVue)

But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood self-condemned, for until certain people came from James, he used to eat with the gentiles. But after they came, he drew back and kept himself separate for fear of the circumcision faction. And the other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the gentiles to live like Jews?”

We ourselves are Jews by birth and not gentile sinners, yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through the faith of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law. But if, in our effort to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have been found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again the very things that I once tore down, then I demonstrate that I am a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

IX.
We know that before Paul’s trip to Damascus he gave all his time and energy to tearing down what the followers of “the Way” were building (Acts 9:2). But it seems unlikely that is what Paul is thinking of here.

Does his contrast of Jew and Gentile and his contrast of “faith of Christ” and “works of the law” help us understand what he is intent on not tearing down?

He seems intent on being so faithful to “Christ who lives in me,” that he wants himself and all the other disciples of Jesus to not fall back on depending on their own ability to keep the law or their own “effort to be justified in Christ.”

How can we live a similar life of faith that depends not on our ability to manufacture faith, but depends on “the Son of God, who loved [us] and gave himself for [us]”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections October 15 2023 Galatians 2:11–21 Post 2

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IV.
In the last post I concentrated on what I saw as the passion with which Paul recalled his confirmation with Peter.

Today let’s look at the second paragraph in this week’s reading and look for the energy and passion he brings to thoughts about law and faith.

V.
Galatians 2:11-21 (NRSVue)

But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood self-condemned, for until certain people came from James, he used to eat with the gentiles. But after they came, he drew back and kept himself separate for fear of the circumcision faction. And the other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the gentiles to live like Jews?”

We ourselves are Jews by birth and not gentile sinners, yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through the faith of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law. But if, in our effort to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have been found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again the very things that I once tore down, then I demonstrate that I am a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

VI.
My attention is drawn to Paul’s claim, “… in our effort to be justified in Christ ….” He speaks of himself as a “sinner” and “transgressor.”

It seems to me that his contrast of law and faith is at the root of his words, and his passion.

Read this again and notice what he contrasts with law.

What do you hear?

Where does Paul find life? Why?

What animates your daily life?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}