Category Archives: Commands

Bible, Commands, Love, Relationships, Scripture, Testimony

THROUGH LOVE

GALATIANS 5:6

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.”

I’ve been married now for over 38 years. I have to admit that I haven’t always been the best husband. I could have done things better. I could have spoken kindlier. But through Christ’s power, I have improved. I do things for my wife because I love her, not to gain her love. I want to serve her because of my deep love for her. I think that is the biggest lesson I have learned these past 38 years.

Paul makes this statement in today’s verse – “faith working through love.” Albert Barnes described this in this way, “The true faith is that which is seen in benevolence, in love to God, in love to all who bear the Christian name; in a readiness to do good to all mankind. This shows that the heart is affected by the faith that is held; and this is the nature and design of all genuine religion.” I like that. And then we have this observation – “Faith makes a man seek to do the will of Christ; love tells him what that will is.” (Elliott’s Commentary for English Readers)

I believe this is exactly what Paul was telling the Galatians.

APPLICATION

Love – they say it’s what makes the world go round. But what kind of love. It’s definitely not worldly love. The only true love is the love of Christ. Look at 1 John 3:23. “This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.” Loving each other is not a suggestion. It is a commandment. We have to love one another.

Jesus told us this in John 13:34-35, “34 ‘I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.’” How can you argue against that?

What is sad is so many believers don’t love each other. It’s no wonder the world looks at us and writes us off. If we, as believers, cannot love each other, how in the world can we love the lost in this world and lead them to Jesus? Today, seek out someone who needs your love and show them. You will be blessed.

Father, help me love those around me today with Your love.

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Abiding, Bible, Choices, Comfort, Commands, Decisions, Following, Grace, Law, Scripture

CASTING OUT

GALATIANS 4:30

“But what does the Scripture say? ‘DRIVE OUT THE SLAVE WOMAN AND HER SON, FOR THE SON OF THE SLAVE WOMAN SHALL NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN.’”

In our recent move from Chattanooga to Knoxville, my wife and I did some “casting out.” We got rid of furniture that would not fit in our new home. We got rid of clothes that we had not worn or did not fit anymore (I will not say why, lol). And we cast out household stuff that we just did not have room for anymore. All these things didn’t  make the cut, so to speak. Downsizing meant things had to go.

Paul quotes Genesis 21:10 in today’s verse. I mentioned 21:9 yesterday in my blog. Paul continues the story of Ishmael and Isaac (Hagar and Sarah) and uses this story to point out why the old law could not coexist with the grace of Christ. There was no room for the old way in their new faith. It just did not fit. Paul was not rejecting the Jewish people. He was rejecting what those Jewish believers were trying to insert into their faith in Christ.

APPLICATION

Before you get all self-righteous and say, I would never do that, you might better check out your way of living in Jesus. Do you demand people do certain things? Do you put your church’s traditions above doing what the Word says? What does God require of us? We are told that in 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?” We don’t need a bunch of rules and regulations to tell us to do that.

I noticed a bottle the other day on my desk. Can you make out the name on it? It says “Purity.” It’s a brand of eyeglass cleaner my eye doctor gives to her patients. Don’t you wish we had a spiritual eyeglass cleaner so we could see more clearly. Oh wait, we do! He’s called the Holy Spirit. If we will just listen to Him, He will tell us what to keep and what to cast out, how to live pure lives.

As you go through your spiritual closet, look for those things that just don’t fit God’s Word. Look for the old, worn out excuses you have hanging up that you continue to put on every day. Throw out those things that hold you back from living the victorious Christian life. You will be all the better for it, He promises.

O Lord, I want to have only what will draw me closer to You.

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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, Bible, Circumcision, Commands, Godliness, Heart, Scripture

IT’S NOT ABOUT THE OUTWARD

GALATIANS 2:3

“But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.”

Okay, I am not going to make this blog all about circumcision. First of all, it’s kind of an uncomfortable topic. Am I right? I didn’t have a voice in that personally. It happened when I was a baby. It is done outside of Judaism simply as a health and hygiene choice. It meant a lot more in the Jewish faith.

Why does Paul even bring this up? Because it was important for the Gentile churches he was writing to understand that this rite of circumcision was not required of them. Titus, being a Greek, was not forced to get circumcised when he accompanied Paul back to Jerusalem. The leaders of the church, all Jews at the time, did not believe that was necessary for salvation.

APPLICATION

What are you being coerced to do to be a “better” Christian? Is that why you attend church every time the doors are open? Do you feel compelled to go to that ladies’ luncheon or to the men’s breakfast to appear engaged in the church? There is nothing you can do on the outside to improve your life spiritually. You don’t earn brownie points by doing certain things or not doing others.

Romans 2:28-29 say it well, “28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from people, but from God.” It is totally an inward thing. Paul knew Titus loved the Lord his God. He didn’t need to prove that by getting circumcised.

So many religions are based on works and earning your way into a higher plain or nirvana or whatever they call it. You can rest in the fact that as a believer you are saved through the precious blood of the Lamb and nothing else. Yes, we need to obey His commands. Yes, we should strive to live holy. Just don’t fall into that trap of having to do. Just be!

Father, thank You for circumcising my heart, for sealing me with Your Spirit.

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Abiding, Affection, Bible, Choices, Commands, Friends, Gospel, Neighbors, Scripture

UNKNOWN

GALATIANS 1:22

“I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which are in Christ;”

In this day of Facebook, Instagram and other social media, it is harder and harder to not be known. People leave a digital footprint all over the place. You may not know somebody personally, but you are friends on the internet. I have friends all over the world, most of whom I have met. But there are some whom I have never met in person. I am known to them, but I am also not really known by them.

Paul stated in today’s verse that the churches of Judea (outside of Jerusalem) did not know who he was. He had not visited them. There were no pictures of Paul being circulated. He could have walked into any of those churches, and they would not have known who he was. Sure, his reputation as a Christian persecutor had spread quickly, but they did not know Paul, especially this new Paul who had been converted and was now preaching Jesus.

APPLICATION

Let me ask you a question. Who knows you? I mean, who really knows you? Do your neighbors know you love Jesus? I have to admit that a lot of the people who live on my street do not know me. Oh, they know I am the guy who drives by in his white pickup. They may have met me at an HOA meeting, but they don’t really know me.

Today’s verse has convicted me that I need to get to know my neighbors, not so much for me, but for them. I need to find out who they are spiritually. I have been placed where I live for a purpose. I have been given the opportunity to be a witness for Jesus right on my street. Would you pray for me that I could be a better neighbor and reach out to those who are literally all around me?

In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus asks the question – who proved to be a neighbor? If we answer as the lawyer did, we will get Jesus’ reply. Luke 10:37b “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the same.’” We are commanded to take the healing balm of the Gospel to those around us. Will you join me in reaching your neighbors for Jesus?

Forgive me Father for not being more “neighborly” and reaching out to those who are all around me.

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Accountability, Bible, Clarity, Commands, Scripture, Testimony, Truth

THE BRACKETS

GALATIANS 1:1

“Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through human agency, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead),”

I entitled this devotional “The Brackets.” No, I’m not talking about the CFP (College Football Playoffs) or March Madness (NCAA Basketball Tournament). I am talking about those statements you make that are used to clarify a point. That’s what I did above. I wanted to make sure you knew what CFP and March Madness stood for. We do this all the time in conversation. We may not use the brackets in our speech, but they are there to clarify.

We see the same thing in the first verse of Galatians, which we are starting today. Paul begins this letter to the Galatians, whom we will describe later, by clarifying his position as an apostle. He says very clearly that he was appointed by Jesus and the Father. He even states it was God the Father who raised Jesus from the dead. He wants to remove all doubt of his authority to address them on the matters in this letter. Hang on, it’s going to be a great study.

APPLICATION

Are there some things in your life that need clarifying? We all have some. I know I do. We have to clarify why we said something to someone. We have to clarify why we did a certain thing. That’s okay. It’s good to be clear. Jesus even tells us so in Matthew 5:37. “‘But make sure your statement is, “Yes, yes” or “No, no”; anything beyond these is of evil origin.’”

James says something similar in James 5:12. “But above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you do not fall under judgment.” Clear, simple remarks are always best. Then, if need be, clarify it to make sure you are understood.

I heard the story of Winston Churchill when he addressed the students at Harrow School on October 29, 1941. He began the speech by saying, “…never give in, never give in, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.” That’s pretty clear, isn’t. Nor should you give in to anything or anyone. Let the Lord lead the way this new year.

Father, I thank You for a new year. Help me be clear in all I say and do and when necessary I should clarify.

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Accountability, Belief, Bible, Commands, Forgetting, Joy, Law, Obedience, Scripture

REMEMBERING THE IMPORTANT STUFF

MALACHI 4:4

“‘Remember the Law of Moses My servant, the statutes and ordinances which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel.’”

I have to admit that my memory is slipping a bit. I make a lot of lists to keep me from forgetting stuff. I am thankful for that Note app on my iPhone. I work hard at memorizing Scripture because I believe that will help my memory. But I still forget things that are important to me or others (Sorry, Chris).

The statute and ordinances which the Lord is referencing in verse 4 were not unknown to the people. They had heard them from the priest and scribes. They probably did not have their own copy, but they were expected to know and obey them. These had been around since Moses. That’s a long time. There was no excuse for forgetting them.

APPLICATION

Joshua 1:8 tells us, “‘This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success.’” This verse is the third verse we memorize in the Every Man A Warrior study. It is key to what we teach about Scripture.

While we are not under the Law anymore as Christians, we still have to obey the Lord’s commands all through Scripture. For instance, Deuteronomy 6:5-7 still applies to us today. “‘5 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.’”

If we will remember God’s commands and obey, we will be blessed. If we don’t, we run the risk of falling into sin which always has its consequences. I have heard it said, “Joy never precedes obedience.” So, remember His commands, obey them and receive joy. We all want more of that, don’t we?

I have joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. Thank You, Lord

P.S. For my frequent followers, I will be taking a short break when we finish Malachi in two days. I will pick back up on January 1. Pray that the Lord shows me where to go to next in our daily study.

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Abiding, Belief, Bible, Commands, Following, God's Will, Intimacy, Marriage, Salvation, Scripture

THE WRONG MARRIAGE

MALACHI 2:11

“Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the LORD which He loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god.”

There are a lot of marriages that should never happen. People who jump into a marriage often jump out. Some people think if they live together first, they will have a better chance of staying married. You know, the old take the car for a spin first mentality. Those marriages often don’t make it either. So, what’s the secret?

Well, we see in today’s verse one think is obviously a problem. The priests had married foreign wives, which had been strictly forbidden long ago. Why was this banned? Because they brought in their idols and corrupted the people. The priests were given even stricter marriage laws than the people. Leviticus 21:13-15 tells us, “‘13 He shall take a wife in her virginity. 14 A widow, or a divorced woman, or one who is profaned by prostitution, these he shall not take; but rather he is to marry a virgin of his own people, 15 so that he will not profane his children among his people; for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.’” Pretty clear, huh?

APPLICATION

So, how does this apply to us today? Well, we may not bring idols into our homes, but we can be unequally yoked with someone. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” If you want to read more on that, read verses 15-18. Wow!

When we marry someone who is not a believer, they will almost always weaken our faith, not strengthen it. But Carl, I can win them to Jesus. Then do that before marriage, not after. When we are married to a fellow believer, our priority is Jesus. As we grow closer to Him, we grow closer to each other. You won’t find that kind of spiritual intimacy with a non-believer.

So, what do you do if you find yourself in lopsided marriage? Go to the Word. Ask the Lord how you can lead your spouse to Jesus. Of course, pray daily for your spouse’s salvation. Most of all, exhibit Jesus to them. Live like you know Jesus. Your behavior and lifestyle will do so much toward leading them heavenward. There is always hope. Believe.

Father, I praise You that You have given me a loving spouse who loves You more than she does me.

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Allegiance, Bible, Calling, Commands, Decisions, Following, God's Will, Messages, Scripture

GOD’S MESSENGER

MALACHI 2:7

“‘For the lips of a priest should maintain knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of armies.’”

I surrendered to full-time ministry at seventeen-years-old. Shortly after my salvation I heard God’s call on my life. I have to say that I didn’t really understand what that meant. Here I was a teenager who has given his life to serve the Lord wherever He may lead. Through all these years (I’m in my 45th year of service) I have never doubted His calling. It hasn’t always been easy, but I have always been one of His messengers.

In part two of my memory passage (Malachi 2:6-7), the Lord reminds the priest of two other responsibilities – that his lips should preserve knowledge and that people should come to them for instruction. Why? Because they are His messengers, sent according to His direction to lead the people of Israel. That was a weighty role and one not taken lightly.

APPLICATION

2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” The Greek word for “ambassadors” there means a trusted and respected ambassador who is authorized to speak as God’s emissary. So, we are given this responsibility as believers in Christ.

Therein lies the rub. Did you see what that word meant? It said an ambassador is to be a “trusted and respected” person. That’s where so many of us fall short. We don’t live our lives worthy of this calling. We don’t live trusted and respected lives. We don’t represent our God as we should with our lives, so our messages fall short.

I try to make sure my life is reflective of the Gospel every day. Do I always succeed? To be honest – no. Some days I fall short. I am not as Christlike as I should be. But I know my talk is only as affective as my walk. The same is true of you. Be God’s messenger. Be worthy of His calling.

I am honored to be Your messenger, Lord. Help me walk worthy of that calling.

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