But When God...part II

For "part I" of this study click on link below:

http://rockfoundation.blogspot.com/2005/09/but-when-godpart-i.html

- We continue our study in vs 13 of Galatians chap 1 -

verse 13: "For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it."

• Before coming to Christ, people will do what they "feel" is right. This thinking almost always comes from one of these possibilities: 1) philosophical worldview, 2) religious worldview, 3) environmental/social class leanings, 4) governmental laws or mandates. We are reminded, "lean not to your own understanding...".
• We are all doing what we think we NEED/HAVE to do, when most often it is rather what we WANT to do so that we will feel vindicated or justified in what is done. "We all as sheep have gone astray, everyone has turned to their own way."
• There may not be the actual physical hurting of some Christian or of Christ (though persecution of Christians is still occurring around the world) , but selfish will is a form of persecution against Christ and the church. It shows the intolerance of the world against Christ and His body. Jesus said, "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before you".

verse 14: "...and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions."

• Some people have gotten so caught up in the "rat race" or "climbing the corporate ladder" or even "keeping up with the Jones's" that they are unwilling to break themselves to "think outside the box". Despite accusations of Christianity being narrow-minded (and yes, absolute truth is and has to be exclusive), it is the one true source that actually allows you to see passed, through and above any present circumstances there may be and supersedes any social standing or financial bracket. "He that the Son has set free, is free indeed."
• Most Christians are Christians because their parents were, the formula is also true of most non-believers. Take great care with spiritual decisions, they will have long-lasting effect on your children and grandchildren and theirs as well.

This is the end of our session today. Pray for the furtherance of this ministry. We will continue this study as soon as the Lord wills and his servant is able. Peace to you all and let the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ rest upon you.

copyright 2005. travis marshall iv

But When God...part I

Lord, I pray that this would bless the reader and establish peace in their hearts that they might stand on your Holy Word...

- text is taken from Galatians 1:10-16 -

verse 10: "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ."

• We need to ask ourselves this question: Who are we trying to please... God or Man?
• We're all enslaving ourselves to someone or at least something or even some ideal.
• There is a song that was put out a few years ago. Its lyrics are true of the way of this present age: "Some of them want to abuse you, some of them want to be abused...some of them want to use you, some of them want to be used by you."
• But Christ said, "Come to me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest." and again "My yoke is easy and my burden is light."

verse 11: "For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man."

• The apostle Peter said, "We did not follow cleverly devised tales..."
• The Bible is not a mythical book that can easily be dismissed as merely a spiritual guide.
• The "gospel" that Paul mentions was an actual eye-witness account and documented event in history, corroborated by many sources and peoples (Christian and non). The gospel of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a historically true account!

verse 12: "For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ."

• Paul was not mocking the teaching of the Word of God. (He himself was highly trained in the Scripture.) He was also not saying he was above instruction. "The word of God is for...instruction..."
• What man cannot teach, the Holy Spirit teaches. He was speaking of a spiritual encounter with the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ...this cannot be explained in human words and apprehended with human understanding. "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard...". On a smaller scale it would be like trying to explain what it's like to score a game-winning touchdown or jumpshot, or winning some kind of award that would be very important to you.

This is the end of our session today. Pray for the furtherance of this ministry. We will continue this study as soon as the Lord wills and his servant is able. Peace to you all and let the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ rest upon you.

copyright 2005. travis marshall iv