Salvation comes by faith in Christ’s work, not by unsuccessfully filling the law.
It was important for Paul to continue to explain Christ’s finished work of salvation in context to Jewish law.
God’s rescue plan has always been Jesus.
Throughout the ages people have unsuccessfully tried to ear favor with God.
Do no trust good works- only Christ.
People all around the world are still trying to earn salvation for favor with God.
Father, thank you for Jesus, who is far superior to any law.
Paul opposes Judaizers and Peter and stands on the Gospel to set them straight.
Its very important that Paul stays consistent with the message to the Gospel being for all people.
Jesus’ sacrifice is enough.
It’s easy for people to slip into the heresy of trying to add to the finished work of Jesus.
I want my life to be so Gospel saturated that when squeezed Jesus comes out.
There are always factions trying to insert their pet additions to the Gospel. Stand!
Father, thank you for taking the initiative to reach out to me first. May I never try to improve or earn Jesus’ finished work.
Paul shares his credentials and his testimony.
Faithful Jewish readers/hearers would have been familiar and impressed with Paul’s resume.
God had his hand on Paul long before Paul had any clue.
Men are skeptical, especially when there is is a rough past.
I should be thankful for God’s providence throughout all of my life.
People need to be reminded of God’s sovereignty and provision even in our imperfect lives.
Father, thank you for your wise providential hand on me- long before I could even begin to appreciate or love you.
There is only room for one Gospel.
Religious sects were the norm and Paul is clarifying what true Christianity is and what it is not.
God’s rescue plan is inclusive and exclusive.
It is easy for people to revert back to their old ways and patterns.
I want to please God by being faithful to his message.
Despite what people want to hear, what people need to hear is an accurate rendering of the Gospel.
Jesus, you are more than enough. Help me stay fettered to your good news in all things.
Paul wraps up his letter with thank you’s and a final word of caution.
These listed names add to the validity and personal appeal of this letter.
God is honored by his followers loving each other well and serving faithfully.
The flip side of Christ-serving unifiers are self-serving dividers.
Be commendable for the glory of God.
What is celebrated is repeated. Honor those who have been a blessing in your life and watch the blessing grow.
Father, help me be your faithful unifying servant.
The gospel is for you but it’s not JUST for you.
Here is another example of Paul encouraging Christ-followers from different cultures to focus on what they have in common- Jesus.
God is glorified when his followers are unified in him.
Apart from being transformed by Christ, people pretty much do what seems right to further their own interests.
Continue pursuing my own relationship with Jesus and be faithful in every chapter of life.
Unity should be a big deal with us because it is a big deal to God.
Father, help my pursue unity with other Christ-followers and endure faithfully till the end.
Keep the main thing the main thing.
The various cultural backgrounds of Jews, Gentiles (Roman & Greek) make this a very timely topic.
God deems the Gospel greater than any cultural tradition.
People tend to make themselves the standard for righteousness. Self-centered much?
Try to promote peace and rest in Christ’s freedom.
Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide immature believers the same way he guided you. Focus on abiding in Christ!
Father, thank you for the way you show patience towards me. Help me do the same to others.
God is interested in transforming our character to show himself to others. This is far beyond what we do down to who we are.
The notion of submitting to the Roman government was tough.
God cares deeply about our transformation.
We are sleepy- a little lazy in our pursuit of holiness and even God himself.
Put on the Lord Jesus. Don’t make plans to sin.
Our sinful hearts buck against any kind of authority.
Father, thank you for transforming grace.
God has not abandoned Israel- but salvation for the majority of the Jewish people is yet to come.
This chapter reads like a description of the transformed life (v. 2).
This description matched up with the reputation of early Christ-followers making Jesus’ words in John 15:8 & John 15:12 ring true. Christ-followers are recognized by their love.
Mankind is in desperate need of transformation.
I need continuous transformation so I can be equipped and willing to serve others with the gifts God has given me.
Too many people miss out on the transformed life.
Gather, thank you for continuing to remake and reform me for your good pleasure & purposes.
God has not abandoned Israel- but salvation for the majority of the Jewish people is yet to come.
Ironically, this line of thought in verses 1-12 pairs up nicely with Deacon Stephen’s first and last sermon in Acts 7.
God goes to great lengths to reveal himself.
Human wisdom and understanding falls short.
Always be thankful for God’s kindness towards me.
Just because someone’s heart was hard toward God in the past does not mean their attitude is the same today.
Wise Father, your ways are perfect.
