When we study history, do we find that it challenges us? I believe that if we say “yes” to that question then we are looking at history that is true. If we do not find history challenging, then either we are not really paying attention, or we are studying history that is not complete or only shows us what somebody wants us to see. As believers in Christ we may all say that we want to be challenged by the Bible. But, do we really mean that? I thought for this blog post we could spend some time looking at Galatians 5:13-26. If we read the writings of the Apostle Paul with our hearts open, our minds open, and in allowance of the Holy Spirit’s illumination then I believe we will be challenged.
Did you read the passage in Galatians? I mean as in, did you just read it? If you said, “I have read it before, so I know what it says,” then stop right now and read Galatians 5:13-26. Okay, so now you are back, and we are all on the same page. If we are honest with ourselves and let ourselves be challenged, then I think we can safely assume that there are two verses that we really like, and the rest, perhaps not so much. Verse 13 is good, it says that we are free, of course with the caveat that we do not live life in a “fleshly” way, but rather in a way that loves others through service. So, in the realm of being challenged, we like verse 13, but it does point us in a direction of service. How about verse 24, what are the thoughts on those words? We can probably look at it in a way similar to how we see verse 13. The verse starts off good, but then has the challenge.
I really think the whole verse is a challenge. Now remember that as I write these blogs I occasionally go deeper theologically, but for the most part I look to make them something that we can take and readily apply. This passage addresses the point that believers in Christ are called to put off the old and put on the new. This is a common theme as Paul writes. We find him consistently throughout his letters bringing the focus to what it means to be “in-Christ.” We all know what that means, and of course we all do it, correct? Well there is the challenge. It is easy to read this passage ,and as we look at the list in verses 19 through 21, it is easy to say, “I am glad that I am in Christ and do not do any of those things, but I know some people…” Maybe today I am writing in a bit of a “tongue-in-cheek” style (or am I?). I am writing as I always try to do, in such a way that you will be encouraged. Sometimes the encouragement comes in the form of a challenge.
Do we occasionally drift off course and fall prey to some of the temptations listed in our text in Galatians? Yes, we do. Paul also lists for us the fruits of the Spirit, so that we can be guided into what it can be like as we grow in-Christ. Following along and living in the fruits of the Spirit is not something that is easily accomplished if we are not in-Christ. If we are honest and challenged by the text as we read it, we may see here that a time of repentance and confession before Jesus is needed. We can come before the throne of grace and confidently bring our intercessions, our confessions, and our heart to the One who on the cross had our sins put to death. It is challenging to admit that sin was our focus, and at times still catches up with us and turns us. But knowing that nothing in us could have turned us from that sin, but Jesus went to the cross and handled our sin. He paid for them fully.
Is history challenging? Is our personal history challenging? Can we learn from the past? Yes, is the answer, but we can look at Jesus, and what He did, and what He has promised us, and in our challenge, we can know that we are loved, by the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.