Hi everybody!
Today will be my inaugural post as I contribute to this summer’s bible reading so I hope you enjoy!
We’ll be starting with the final chapter in 2 Corinthians, as well as the first two chapters of Galatians.
Diving into chapter 13 of 2 Corinthians where Paul gives some final words to the believers at the church of Corinth to whom he was writing to. Here, he admonishes them for seeking proof that he (Paul) was a true apostle of Christ and had been given the authority to speak and go forth in His name. Paul rebukes them and instead turns the tables, asking his audience to examine their own faith. In 2 Corinthians 5 Paul writes “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? –unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” These words are powerful, and invites us to think about our own faith. I believe it is a good reminder to constantly examine yourself, to be checking your faith and be sure that you are in God—so that also God is in you.
Moving forward to Galatians, this letter was also written by the apostle Paul who directed the epistle to all of the churches in Galatia. In the first chapter, Paul speaks to those who are turning away from the gospel. He reminds the believers not to follow those who would preach a gospel that conflicts with the one that they had received. Further, he calls on the unlikely example with Galatians 8 with “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” In doing so, he illustrates that no matter how impeccable someone’s credentials, if the doctrine differs from God’s truth—this person’s lies should not be listened to. What does this remind us of? As we travel through the stages of life—from middle school to high school, high school to college, we will meet and hear words from teachers and professors and others with degrees and titles and other amazing credentials. But we must be sure to listen to them in light of God’s Word and Truth. As the apostle Paul tells us, if something doesn’t stack up we should be quick to discern for ourselves anything that conflicts with what we know as truth. So be watchful!
The second chapter of Galatians is truly an interesting one, as not only does it give us insight into Paul’s ministry, but an amazing testimony to what it is to truly live as a Christian. In it, Paul speaks of his travels with Barnabas to Jerusalem where he met with the apostles Peter, James and John. Initially, there was some conflict and confusion, as many questioned Paul’s ministry and did not believe that he had the authority of Christ as did the other apostles. However, through the preaching of the gospel and the building of the church through Paul’s effort, the leading apostles could only conclude that God’s grace was responsible and He had indeed given Paul the authority. Paul also touches on justification at the end of the chapter where he writes this in Galatians 20 with “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This is such an incredible verse. When a person trusts in Christ, they spiritually participate with the Lord in His crucifixion and His victory over sin and death. Basically, He died for us and we died with him into our new lives as followers of Christ. That’s some powerful and amazing stuff.
So for me, I see three main points coming from these chapters that can all relate to one another. First, examine your faith. Test yourself. Be constantly vigil in the strength and vitality of your faith. Second, be wary. No matter the credentials of individual, always check if their words and the ideas they speak to you conflict with the Truth. Third and finally, as believers it is no longer us who live, but Christ who lives in us. Jesus died for our sins. Therefore, we must examine our faith and check the gospel of others because we have died to Christ and through his love and sacrifice we now live through Him.
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