Note for 2024/04/14 - Galatians 2:15-21 KJV

Galatians 2:15-21 KJV 

[15] We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, [16] knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. [17] But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. [18] For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. [19] For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. [20] I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. [21] I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. 

https://bible.com/bible/1/gal.2.15-21.KJV

Note for 2024/04/14 

Friends, these notes I send to you, they are less than the scriptures, of course. What is of true worth, is found in the scripture added above. 

Here in Galatians 2, we find Paul giving more context of what was happening in the early church. These men, followers of Jesus Christ, who stood in witness of His Life, here among mankind. You can say that there was doctrine contention among them too. But of men and also Christ, Who is above all? If then Jew or Gentile, are we not all justified by what Christ did on the cross? These matters are so complex that there were debates among the Apostles about it; to be circumcised or not, if the Gentile should receive it; and if upholding the law is required? I simply consider the Words of Christ, I keep the sermon on the mount in sight. Christ said that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, and He did, perfectly. As the Jew came to GOD at first through circumcision, so we come to Faith through Christ Jesus. A new covenant He made with us. Did GOD then change? Is He now somehow in favor of sin? And what of cleanliness and holiness? What the Jew held outwardly, we hold inwardly. So is the circumcision now brought to the heart. We cut off those unwanted things, that is against the Word of GOD. So is it not just the act of murder that is sinful, but even the thought of it, even any form of hate. 

We, who have walked in the way, know that it is not of ourselves that we overcome transgressions. We know we are guided by the Holy Spirit within. We know the fight against our human nature. We know of the guidance to forgiveness, when the heart and mind is set on revenge. It is of GOD that we succeed, where once, we may have failed. We also know the forgiveness we received, where we failed. Did Christ then die for us alone, or also for those that transgress against us? We know the struggle, so we too can forgive as we were forgiven. 

How then, do we guide others? We guide them to Him Who guides us. For the Same Spirit that called out to me at night, will call unto all He please. Salvation is of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior; by the Holy Spirit, the Father sent to us in His Name. For us it remains a mystery, whom GOD will call and for which purpose. When we stand before God, our friends will not be there to help with answers. But I am convinced that the Spirit that guides me now, will be there to testify on my behalf. That inward pull to do what is right, that is now in me; will be with me forever. 

So, yes! I do get frustrated, as I stand in witness of people judging one another. For I know the Spirit in me calls on forgiveness. I know that the Spirit in me pleads with me for patience, mercy and compassion for those I find myself with. And I am not yet perfect, for I consider my own words and deeds and often find myself falling short. But as I forgive others, I also forgive myself and permit me as I permit others another chance to get it right. The question remains within, as somewhat of a measure; do I heed man or GOD? This measure is found in the Word of GOD, and it is by His Word and by His Spirit that we are guided to understanding. Wisdom is of the LORD, so I know it is that which I listen to, and it comes from learning to do what is righteous. The Word of GOD changes us inwardly, where offense is replaced with love. So, when I am offended, I ask myself, why? 

Is it strange for a sinner to sin? Is it strange for man to fail? Then why does it offend me so? However, it offends me more, when I stand guilty of it. So it has become a matter of purging, and most troublesome that which brings fleshly pleasure. For then the heart and mind wants for that it shouldn't. 

I remind myself that we are called to be overcomers. What must we overcome then? If then any control is needed, it is self-control and not to give in to every fleshly pleasure. Nor is it to condemn one another. 

GOD is in control, and I am on the right way if I stand in agreement with His Will. So the Spirit pleads with us inwardly, to obey and love. We then hear the pleading for each other. In a manner of expression, to answer within, "what if that was me?" And when the sinner is identified, I remember, that is who Christ died for, sinners. Sinners, like me. Then I am filled with hope, for those I find but also for myself. 

Friends, it is all about perspective. In Whose perspective do we stand? When filled with the Holy Spirit, Who do we represent? Of which Kingdom do we come then? Grace and Mercy will overcome, and in Love, a multitude of Sin is covered under the Blood of God's Lamb. For me and also, for you. 

Who then rules and reigns within you? 

May the Most High GOD Bless and Keep you, in the Name of Jesus Christ. 

Shalom 

YouVersion Bible Verse of the Day 

1 John 4:4 KJV 

[4] Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 

https://bible.com/bible/1/1jn.4.4.KJV 

Psalms in View 

Psalm 83:18 KJV 

[18] That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, Art the Most High over all the earth. 

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.83.18.KJV 

Psalm 23:2-3 KJV 

[2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. [3] He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.23.2-3.KJV