Calendar Date: Novembre 19 Day of the Year: 323
Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Galatians 1–4
Christianity—Is it Rules or a Relationship?
From childhood, some of us were raised with a bunch of rules. They may have been in our homes, schools, or churches. They provided security by letting us know what behavior was expected. By conforming to them, we sought to please our parents, teachers, or other leaders. Did the keeping of rules and traditions give us joy and a relationship with those in authority? Or, did it just “keep them off our backs,” so to speak?
The Role of the Old Testament
Jewish people kept the Old Testament Law (often referred to as the Law of Moses and the prophets). Their priests were teachers and also helped with the sacrifices for sins. Before Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, if a Gentile (non-Jew) wanted to become a Jew, he had to be circumcised and obey the Law given by Moses.He would then become a Jew in almost every sense. He would keep their traditions, present animals for sacrifice at the tabernacle or temple, and attend all the appointed feasts. Every week and on the feast days, Israelite men and Jewish proselytes would keep the Sabbath days holy, set apart to the LORD.
A New Sect Arises with New Rules
Between the Old and New Testament writings (or covenants), a new priestly sect arose, the Pharisees. They interpreted the Law and composed a detailed legalistic system for keeping it. If Jews or converted Gentiles legalistically and faithfully held the Law “as properly interpreted by the Pharisees,” attended the synagogues regularly, observed all the traditions, and gave their tithes to the temple, they were righteous. Are men and women righteous by conforming to religious rules and ceremonies?
The Difference of Christianity
Christianity was a threat to the whole Jewish religious system. Christians were persecuted because they followed a relationship with Christ and not all the rules. Because of this harassment, many Jewish believers sought compromises.
They started teaching the new Christian believers they must also be circumcised and keep Moses’ Law to be made righteous in God’s sight. In Paul’s letter to the Galatian believers, he said, “Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ” (Galatians 6:12, NIV).
What is the motivation for keeping rules, ceremonies, and traditions in today’s religious circles? Is it to appear to be righteous? Is it to avoid persecution or malicious talk by ministers and church members? Adding to the grace of God brings no favor with him—it’s a grievous error!
At this time of controversy, Paul writes to the Galatian believers,
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ (1:6, NIV).
Paul Refutes Legalistic Teaching
The Galatian Christians are being pressured to conform to the regulations of the Law of Moses and the Pharisees from which Christ has freed them. Paul composes the letter of Galatians to refute their false teaching.
In a very logical manner, Paul presents his argument. “We who are Jews by birth and not ‘Gentile sinners’ know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 2:15-16, NIV). Jewish believers could be sure of this because the promise of being justified by faith came to Abraham before the Law of Moses was even given (Galatians 3:6).The Law does not nullify the promise of faith. It was put into effect to restrict wrongful behavior and bring order by having a standard based on God’s holiness. The Law, however, cannot bring righteousness. Much like a stop sign, the Law only points out wrong behavior. In obedience to God, by faith, the Jews brought sacrifices to make amends for their sins, of which the Law made them guilty. They did this until Jesus came and was the ultimate sacrifice to take away sins.
Jesus Provides Righteousness Through Faith
Now the Apostle Paul tells the Galatian believers (and us), “You are all sons of God [children of God] through faith in Christ Jesus,” (Galatians 3:26, NIV). Christ is the one perfect sacrifice to satisfy God’s righteousness. A relationship with Christ, therefore, trumps all religious practices. This does not mean we no longer obey God’s moral laws; they are still God’s standards of righteousness. However, we can abide by them because of God’s grace and presence in our lives. We live to please God, our heavenly Father.
Discussion
If you have been a rule keeper in a religious sense, thinking it pleases God, you may have some difficulty believing and applying this lesson What is wrong with adding rules and traditions to our relationship with God?
Who established rules for right behavior, and how are they significant today?
Which pleases God more, particular attention to rules, or a relationship with God? Explain.
Endnote: the Law of Moses refers primarily to the books of Exodus–Deuteronomy
Focus Verse: Galatians 3:26 (NIV) “You are all sons of God [children of God] through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod (the author)
Looking Ahead: We have freedom from being bound by traditions and religious rules, but what does freedom in Christ really mean? Find out in our next lesson.
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