Category Archives: Appeasement

Appeasement, Belief, Bible, Eternity, Grace, Justified, Protection, Righteousness, Salvation, Scripture

IF ONE, THEN THE OTHER

GALATIANS 5:4

“You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by the Law; you have fallen from grace.”

If I had a billion dollars, I would give most it away. But since I don’t have a billion dollars, I can’t do that. No one is going to benefit from my imaginary wealth. One can’t happen because the other is not reality. That’s the best I can do to draw a comparison to today’s verse (which could be a confusing one). Let’s look at what Paul is really saying.

Today’s verse is a prime example of why you can’t just read a verse out of context. Taken by itself, you may presume that someone could lose their salvation (fallen from grace). Not so fast. Look at the second phrase (you who…by the Law). Is it possible to be justified by the Law? Of course not. Paul has been preaching that this whole letter. If that is not true, then the last phrase (fallen from grace) is not true either. Paul has never taught that this was possible. We’ll see another passage below that backs that up.

APPLICATION

Look at Romans 3:20. “because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.” Ever since the Mosaic Law was handed down, man has been trying to keep it. Remember, if they failed in one aspect of the Law, they were considered failed to the whole Law. No one could achieve that – at least no one until Jesus.

A little further down in Romans 3, we read this, “27 Where then is boasting? It has been excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” You can’t get much clearer than that. Don’t you wish the Galatians had had the letter to the Romans to read? (Romans wasn’t written until several years later.) Aren’t you glad you do?

Bottom line from Paul: You can’t do anything to justify yourself. You can’t keep enough laws. You can’t do enough good. It is only through Jesus that you can be justified. It is His righteousness which gives you access to your salvation and your eternal home. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!

Only through Your Son, Jesus Christ, am I able to be called righteous in Your eyes.

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Accountability, Appeasement, Bible, Boundaries, Choices, Commands, Consequences, Freedom, Peace, Scripture

ABSOLUTELY NOT

GALATIANS 3:12

“However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, ‘THE PERSON WHO PERFORMS THEM WILL LIVE BY THEM.’”

Do you remember those times as a child or teen when you asked your parents permission to do something and the answer you got was “Absolutely Not!”? What did that mean? What right did they have to say that to you? What harm could it do to jump off the roof into a pile of leaves you had raked up? Right? Come on, mom and dad. Give me some room to explore life.

Paul uses a little Greek word for “not” here that has a stronger meaning than the English implies. Ouk is stronger than me, which is another Greek word for “not.” Don’t let me lose you here. Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, used ouk because he wanted to show that there was absolutely no way the Law could produce faith. He quotes Leviticus 18:5, which would have been familiar to his audience. This was God speaking to Moses right before He gave him some of the laws He expected them to follow.

APPLICATION

Following laws may seem easy, but it’s not. For instance, how many of you follow the law of driving the speed limit? The law is clear. It’s posted on road signs, for goodness to sake. In case you forget what the speed limit is, it’s going to show up again down the road. But as hard as you try, you will never keep that law exactly. The second you go over it, you have broken the law. You may not see immediate consequences, but you have broken the law.

Paul is trying to show the Galatians the futility of trying to keep the Law. In the same way, the second you break one of the commands listed in the Law, you have become guilty of breaking the whole Law. You may not see the consequences immediately, but they are coming one day.

In contrast, faith in Jesus removes all the consequences of our failures. When we come to Him and confess our sins and accept Him as Lord and Savior, we are freed from any and all consequences of sin. We are made righteous in His eyes. Paul says it another way over in Romans 8:1, “Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Now, that is shouting ground, people! Give God praise!

When I could not fulfill the requirements of the Law, You gave me Jesus Who could and did fulfill it all and gave me life.

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Abiding, Accountability, Appeasement, Bible, Choices, Commands, Deliverance, Freedom, Gospel, Law, Scripture

YOU CAN’T GO BACK

GALATIANS 2:18

“For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a wrongdoer.”

Millions of people make the fatal mistake of returning to past sins or past ways of living. For example, meth addicts are extremely precluded to do this. They can be in jail for a year, clean from the use of this substance, and the very day they get released they return to it. It’s like a magnet drawing them. Sadly, there are many who also come to Christ but get drawn back into old habits or sins.

In today’s verse, Paul is still addressing Peter and the Jewish believers who are there in Antioch. He is saying that once they had come to Christ, the Law no longer held any sway over them. The sacrifices were no longer required. Circumcision was no longer needed. Kosher eating had been abolished. They were free in Christ. But they were returning or still trying to observe these guidelines in the Law. Paul said that would make them a “wrongdoer.”

APPLICATION

In Romans 14, Paul addresses at length this issue of our freedom in Christ. Take a minute or two and read that whole chapter. But let me share a couple of verses as an example. Verse 2-3 say, “2 One person has faith that he may eat all things, but the one who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him.”

I have a responsibility to myself and to others to be true to Christ, not some man-made, imposed tradition or rule. I only answer to Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 comes to mind. Do you know that verse? You should. It says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Oh, the freedom we have in Christ. I live each day to please Him. I know if I am pleasing my Master, He will take care of the rest. Others may not like my freedom in Christ. That’s okay. He does. That’s all that matters. Are you free? Have you laid down all those old laws that bound you? Or have you returned to them, thinking that by doing them you are pleasing Him? Lay them down. Live in Him.

Thank You, Lord, for freeing me from the shackles of sin and the Law.

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Abiding, Appeasement, Bible, Justified, Obedience, Reconciled, Salvation, Scripture

JUSTIFIED

GALATIANS 2:16

“nevertheless, knowing that a person is not justified by works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the Law; since by works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”

I know some believers who work so hard to do things for God. I say “believers” because I truly believe they are Christians. However, they have been taught they must work, work and work because that is how we show we love God. It is as if they had to earn points to be justified in God’s eyes. Paul blows that out of the water with today’s verse.

Paul, a former Pharisee, knew the Law backwards and forwards. He could argue the merits of the Law with the best of them. So, when he says, “knowing that a person is not justified by works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus,” he knows what he is talking about. As the saying goes Been There, Done That! Remember, Paul is addressing Peter and the other Jewish believers who had withdrawn from eating with the Gentiles. They can’t go back to keeping the Law as a means to gain salvation. It was only in Jesus.

APPLICATION

Let me ask you a question today. What are you so busy “doing” to try to please God? Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly says, “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” I have to believe when Paul penned these words in Ephesians (somewhere between 60-64 A.D), he had to be thinking of the incident here in Antioch. That is purely my conjecture, though.

There is an old hymn that says, “We’ll work ‘til Jesus comes, we’ll work ‘til Jesus comes, we’ll work ‘til Jesus comes, and we’ll be gathered home.” Great sentiment, but not required. What about the dear saints who can’t do any works? Where do they stand with Jesus? Right in His arms, just like you.

I am NOT saying we should not do anything for God. James tells us that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). But I do not believe for a second that James, being a Jew, thought he had to “do” in order to “be.” Our works are the way we show our love for God. We want to be in His service daily. Rest assured, though, that your salvation is dependent on one thing – Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Glory!

I am so thankful, dear Lord, that I am secure in my salvation based on the blood of Jesus

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Accountability, Accused, Anger, Appeasement, Bible, God's Will, Indignation, Messages, Scripture

INDIGNANT FOREVER

MALACHI 1:4

“Though Edom says, ‘We have been beaten down, but we will return and build up the ruins’; this is what the LORD of armies says: ‘They may build, but I will tear down; and people will call them the territory of wickedness, and the people with whom the LORD is indignant forever.’”

Indignation is a strong and rarely used word, at least to me. I don’t see it much, and I certainly don’t use it very often. But it does give a stronger sense of anger than just saying you are angry. I guess I have rarely, if ever, been truly indignant. What did the Lord mean when He used that word?

Edom was proud and arrogant. They were intent on rebuilding, but God says that won’t happen. He even changed their name to “territory of wickedness.” That’s pretty strong. But then the Lord goes on to say, “with whom the LORD is indignant forever.” That word means to abhor, to be enraged, to denounce. I am sure glad the Lord doesn’t feel that way about me.

APPLICATION

How do we prevent that indignation from a righteous and holy God? Yes, God is love. There is no doubt about that. And no, God does not send people to hell. They do that to themselves when they reject Him. 2 Corinthians 4:4 reads, “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

No one wants God’s indignation. At least, I don’t think anyone does. But God cannot stand with sin. He won’t tolerate it. He is righteous and holy. So, if you want to escape the indignation of God, come to His Son. He will set you free from all the entanglements of sin you are living in. He will totally wash away your sins by His shed blood.

Wow! Indignation or Freedom. There is really no choice. Why would you choose to stay in the crosshairs of God’s indignation when you can have freedom in Christ? I pray you have made that decision. I pray you have given your life to Him. If not, do it today.

Thank You, Lord, for releasing me from Your indignation and replacing it with everlasting love.

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Abiding, Appeasement, Bible, Choices, Eternity, Judgment

GOT YOUR GOAT

ZECHARIAH 10:3

“My anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the male goats; for the LORD of armies has visited His flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like His majestic horse in battle.”

Have you ever heard the expression, “Got your goat”? It commonly means to annoy or anger someone. The etymology of the phrase is not certain. Whatever the origin, to get someone’s goat is not a good thing. People who raise goats seem to like them, so it makes sense if you got their goat they would not be very happy.

All through Scripture we find goats being on the wrong side of God’s judgment. Look at this passage in Ezekiel. Ezekiel 34:17 says “As for you, My flock, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am going to judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the male goats.’” Sheep were always the ones that were chosen. Goats were turned out. They were even given the task of carrying away the nation’s sin on the Day of Atonement.

APPLICATION

In Matthew 25:31-32 we read where Jesus said, “31 ‘But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;’” 

One day Christ will come and judge between the righteous and unrighteous. I had much rather be called a dumb sheep than a smart goat, hadn’t you? He is our Shepherd and cares for us, even when we don’t know any better. I prefer the gentle coaxing of the Shepherd rather than separation that Jesus described.

The Lord told us in today’s verse that He was going to divide between believers and unbelievers, between those who follow Him and those who don’t. We have a choice. We choose who we will relate to and how we respond to them. What are you, goat or sheep? I know what I choose to be.

Lord, I choose the more docile side – sheep.

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Accountability, Advice, Appeasement, Bible, Calling, Choices, Discipline, Faithfulness, God's Will, Looking, Modeling, Scripture

ALL FOR NOTHING 

MICAH 6:15 

“‘You will sow but you will not harvest. You will tread the olive press but will not anoint yourself with oil; and tread out sweet wine, but you will not drink any wine.’” 

I have been trying to learn some more Swahili and, for the first time, some French. The app I am using has some timed lessons. If you do not finish the lesson in the time given, you have to start again. All that concentration and all that work for nothing. It can be a little frustrating. 

God told the people that all their work (sowing and treading) will be for naught. They will harvest nothing. They will not get enough oil for anointing or wine to drink. Somehow, they had to learn that all they had came from Him. Those blessings required obedience, which they had not shown. 

APPLICATION 

Are you spinning your wheels for God and getting nothing back? Well, maybe you are spinning the wrong wheels. We make the mistake all the time of “doing” for God. We think if we just stay busy He will bless us. I hate to disappoint you, but that is not how it works. What He initiates He anoints, not what you initiate. 

Now James tells us that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). God does want us to serve Him and to accomplish His plans. That requires “doing.” One person has said we have to put feet to our prayers. Just be careful to make sure you clear it with the Lord first. 

I was taught by my dad to show initiative. That is a good trait to have unless your initiative is self-driven and not God-driven. The joy of knowing that you are doing what the Lord has called you to do is so delightful. Do not spin your wheels trying to “do” for God. Stop, pray and let Him show you what it is He would have you do. 

Lord, slow me down and help me see Your grand plan for me. I want to serve where You want me to serve. 

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Appeasement, Bible, Blessing, Commands, Commitment, Contentment, Humility, Judgment, Mercy

WHAT DO YOU WANT, GOD?

MICAH 6:8

“He has told you, mortal one, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

It is hard to please someone if you do not know what they want. I remember going through the Five and Dime store in my hometown of Pelham, GA trying to find the perfect Mothers’ Day gift for my mom. In the end I got this “very pretty” sand sculpture in this glass vase. My mom probably hated it, but she kept it the rest of her life. It was not about the gift to her. It was all about the giver – me.

God has told us exactly what He wants from us. Three things – to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with Him. Now, if you have not seen this verse before, you can’t say that anymore. You have been told what He wants. It is the same thing He wanted from His children so long ago. And just like us, they spurned Him. They wanted their own thing and their own way.

APPLICATION

So, what do you need to do? To do justice. What does that mean? It means for you to judge appropriately, correctly, righteously rather than based on your own desires or prejudices. But Micah quickly adds “to love kindness.” Some versions say “to love mercy. This is the flip side of justice. Both are necessary and both are a part of God’s character.

Finally, Micah tells us “to walk humbly with our God.” That’s the hard part. The old country song said, “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way.” We all think we are doing okay. True humility requires us to put others before ourselves. That is just not the American way.

These things God required then and required now will give us a balanced approach as we seek to serve our King. Will you trust Him in this? If He tells us to do something, we can be sure it is for our good. We may not see it as good at the beginning, but we will eventually. God is going for the long play. Can you?

I place my life in Your hands, Lord, to do with as You please.

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Advocate, Appeasement, Belief, Bible, Discipline, Encouragement, Following, Forgiveness, Grace, Heaven, Mercy, Redemption, Salvation, Scripture

FOLLOW THROUGH

JONAH 3:10

“When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their evil way, then God relented of the disaster which He had declared He would bring on them. So He did not do it.”

Follow through is a term used in a lot of sports. In golf, it is important to follow through on your swing. That means to not stop halfway through it. In basketball, follow through is applied to your shot of the basketball. Let your arms and hands follow through. And in baseball, follow through is important as a pitcher to get the full action or speed of the ball. Follow through is important.

The people of Nineveh followed through on their acts of humility and repentance. They came to Jehovah God asking for forgiveness, and He granted it. “When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their evil way…” Their follow through of what they said they would do caused the God of the universe to relent “of the disaster which He had declared He would bring on them.” They moved the heart of God.

APPLICATION

Did you know our actions today move God’s heart? When He sees us reaching out to help someone less fortunate, it blesses Him. When He watches us serve our fellow believers in church, He is well pleased. When we give to support a missionary who is serving in some foreign country, God takes that gift and blesses that person.

We don’t do these things to get God to love us, though. That’s not what this is about. God loves us – period. We do all these things because we love Him. We obey the One we love. We want to please Him. We want to see our heavenly Father smile (I’m sure He does). Do all these things just because of all He has done for you.

I learned a long time ago that I can’t outdo or outgive God. I do and I give because I want to express my love for Him. His Son was sent to die on that cross to secure my salvation. God wanted me with Him in heaven. Isn’t that awesome? He wants you there also. If you have never asked Christ into your life to be your Lord and Savior, do that today. Let the journey begin.

Father God, I love You. That’s why I obey You. That’s why I do all that I do in Your name.

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Advice, Appeasement, Bible, Blessing, Faith, Gifts, Obedience, Scripture

NO THANK YOU

AMOS 5:22

“Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; and I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fattened oxen.”

Have you ever refused a gift from someone? Maybe it was because you didn’t like the gift or because you felt it was too extravagant. Whatever reason you had, you rejected it. You didn’t want it. You didn’t need it. Gifts are not gifts until they are received, right?

God is refusing the gifts of the Israelites. Their burnt offerings and grain offerings are not going to be accepted by Him. He knew the hearts of the givers. He knew of their unconfessed sins, so He was not going to take their sacrifices as if everything was just fine. God is a God of justice and righteousness.

APPLICATION

We half-heartedly offer God our sacrifices, don’t we? We bring our tithes and offerings to Him with impure motives. We want something back. We think if we give, He will give back. Even our time is a sacrifice. Do we give that joyfully or under compulsion?

As we give our tithes and offerings or our time and energy to the Lord, let’s examine our heart reason for the gift. Do we do this out of our love for Him? Are we only wanting to please Him to get something back in return? Remember, God knows our hearts. He knows what drives us to give to Him.

I am so thankful that I can give back to Him. He blesses me in so many ways every day. I could never repay Him. I can’t even try to. So, I give just because I love Him. I give my time and resources to further His kingdom. I want to honor Him and show that He is worthy of my praise and worship. Don’t you?

Lord, please receive my offering and sacrifices as I worship You. You deserve all the praise and glory and honor given.

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