Thursday 29/11/12

Galatians 5:25-26 ESV

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

As believers, we live by the Holy Spirit of God, under His guidance, His protection, His providence. It means we also must walk by Him, following His leading, obeying His commandments, studying His Word.

The most important commandments to obey is 

_ do not be conceited: do not be prideful, thinking yourself better than others but be humble and respectful.

_ do not provoke one another, causing hurt and angry, but be considerate and gentle.

_ do not envy one another, comparing yourself with others - what they have but we don't, but rejoice with what we have and rejoice with others what they have.

Wednesday 28/11/12

Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Walking with God, following His leading, and obeying His commands have great rewards. Moreover,God's rewards are thoroughly enjoyable and have no hidden cost. They are the fruit of the Spirit listed above

_ love, joy, peace: the spiritual happiness that comes not from following the carnal flesh, but from following God and His way. The true happiness

_ patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness: the inner strength that seeks nurture and growth, not escape or oppression. The true strength

_ gentleness, self control: the self mastery that regulate one's mood and reaction in moderation and in love. The true mastery

So the fruit of the Spirit will give us the true happiness, the true strength, and the true mastery. Aren't they what we all desire? The good gift from God, thoroughly enjoyable and contains no hidden harm

Tuesday 27/11/12

Galatians 5:19-21 ESV

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

This is a long list of the works of the flesh. It gratifies the flesh's desires in a cheap,  immoral, and harmful manner:

_ sexual immorality, impurity and sensuality: wrong gratification of sexual desires

_ idolatry and sorcery: wrong worship, worshipping wrong gods, wrong mysticism.

_ enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy: not loving our neighbors and not contented with what we have

_ drunkenness and orgies: wrong gratification of eat & drink & socializing needs.

Those are the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the vanities of life. They are the wrong & cheap ways to gratify the needs & enjoyments God has placed in our bodies. We must gratify them in a right, safe, loving and peaceful ways of God.

Monday 26/11/12

Galatians 5:16-17 ESV

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

There are two opposing forces within our heart and generate our desires: the Spirit and the flesh.

The Spirit of God generates in us Godly desires for our good, which creates in us the good fruit as in Galatians 5: 22-23 ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

The flesh generates in us fleshy desires which cause our ruin as in Galatians 5:19-21 ESV

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Therefore, we must walk by the Spirit and tune ourselves to His leading. We must refrain from following the flesh. We cannot win alone, we must seek help from God by praying for strength to overcome and for forgiveness when we fail. At the same time, we must walk by the Spirit and do what He want us to do. So overtime, we develop habits of doing what are right in the Spirit and resisting the flesh. This will become easier and more natural, and bring us closer to God overtime.

Friday 23/11/12

Galatians 5:13 ESV

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

God gives us freedom, but God's freedom demands responsibilities and limitations. It means we are free to serve others and to do good. It doesn't mean we are free to follow the flesh.

So we do not need to fear the law of this world as we do what is good, for there is the higher law of God which gives us freedom. But even when the worldly law permits us to do what's wrong to God, we are free to not do.

Wednesday 21/11/12

Galatians 4:1-3 ESV

I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.

When we accept Christ as our Lord & Savior, and receive the salvation of God, we are adopted as God's children. However, we are no different from a slave because we are still a child, still enslaved to the elementary principles of this world. Thus we do not have much difference.

However, as adopted children of God, we do have privileges. We are ministered by God's servants - the angels. We also receive teaching from God's Word - the Bible - and from the Holy Spirit - the counselor God has given us. They are to guide us and help us grow and mature to be a full pledge children of God. Thus we need to grow & mature to receive more power & privilege from God.

Tuesday 20/11/12

Galatians 3:28 ESV

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

As Christian, we are all one and equal in Christ. There is no differentiation. Christ does not care where we are from (Jew nor Greek), whether we are rich or poor (slave nor free), or even male or female. We are the same and equal in Christ. More than that, we are as one, a united group with same value, same spirit, and the same Lord.

So we should not treat other Christian differently. We should neither think ourselves higher or lower than others. We are one, and the same, in Christ.

Monday 19/11/12

Galatians 3:10-11 ESV

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith."

The law requires us to keep everything written in them. If we violate even a small law, we become a trangressor and cannot be justified before God. Therefore, none is justified by the law. We can only be justified by faith in God and in the blood of Jesus Christ.

Then the righteous shall live by faith. We do good because we are already justified, because we love God and what is good, and because the Holy Spirit prompts us to. We don't do good to be righteous or to be justified.

Sunday 18/11/12

Galatians 3:4 ESV

Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?

An interesting question from Paul, what have we suffered for doing God's work? Are they too much to bear? Are they long, or just a while? Are they vain, or in the end produce good result?

Personally, I think while we do face many difficulties in life, they are for our own good, to correct our weaknesses, to help us learn and grow, and experience more things in life. Generally our difficulties are caused by our lack of wisdom & skills, not by God.

We do suffer some for God. People may persecute us in His name. That's because we live in the world, and it is evil. But as we suffer and pray, God gives us joy in suffering, and strengthen our faith. We love the world less, as we saw its unreasonableness, and love God more. That's good for us.

God may want us to do some things for Him, and they are difficult to us, like going from Egypt to the Promised Land. Like with the Israelites, it is a difficult journey, but it's good for us. God provides us all the way, and helps us overcome the difficulties. Eventually, it helps us build up our faith, know God more, and get better things in life. So it's not in vain.

So eventually, as the Bible says, all things will work together for our good. We only need to brave the difficulties, pray fervently, obey God's commands and do our best under God instructions.

Friday 16/11/12

Galatians 3:2 ESV

Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?

God gives those who believe in Him the Holy Spirit, who acts as our counselor, teaches us and reminds us of God's Word, prompt us to pray, and help us to follow God's way. We receive the Holy Spirit not by the law, but by hearing the Gospel with faith. The Holy Spirit is our guide in understanding and following the law of God, not the other way.

Thursday 15/11/12

Galatians 2:10 ESV

Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

The Bible wants us to remember the poor, what does it mean?

I think it means to help and provide the poor around us their daily bread, to meet their need for this day in God's name, as in Matthew 25

Matthew 25:34-36, 40 ESV

Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'  And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

The Bible says whoever give to the poor lend it to God, He will repay. And even our wealth and ability to make wealth comes from God, anyway.

Tuesday 13/11/12

Galatians 2:16 ESV

yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

We cannot be saved by works of the law, because none of us can keep to the law consistently from the heart. The Pharisee aspires to keep the law, but they just keep the visible part and ignore the inner part - justice, mercy, and the love of God. They all become hypocrites, make a show of follow the law, but are not.

We are justified before God by our faith in Jesus Christ. And as we study God's Word and mature in the faith, we bear more fruit of the Holy Spirit - love, patience, joy, peace, meekness, gentleness, self control. The fruit will enable us to do good work, not for our salvation, but because we enjoy doing.

Friday 09/11/12

Galatians 2:5 ESV

to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

Truth is more important than conformity. We must not submit ourselves to falsehood for the sake of peace, security and uniformity in conformity. Here Paul was describing his fight against those who want to introduce Judaism custom into the Gospel of Christ, where we are saved by faith, not by following Judaism custom. He did not submit to their pressure, even when some other apostles, even Peter, were scared. Similarly, we must stand up for the truth, if we know that it's plainly wrong. God will vindicate us.

But we need to be sure that it's wrong. And fight politely and honorably. And be confident of our understanding and our conviction before God. Otherwise we are the troublemaker. Fight well so that if we are wrong, we lose well.

Thursday 08/11/12

Galatians 1:3-4 ESV

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

The Bible said our current human world is evil and corrupted by sins. Human do not live as God has designed us to live. In general, people do not live in love, of God and neighbors. People do not walk in the way of love, patience, kind, not envy, not boast, not consider ourselves better than others. People do not seek righteousness and rejoice in the truth, but they enjoy wicked deeds and falsehood. Is there anyone of us can claim to have never sin, to keep God's way consistently? No, none can. The world we live in, the present age, is evil. And we contribute our part in that. Thus all of us have fall short the glory of God.

By right, we cannot live in God's presence and must go to hell with the evils. However, God has sent Jesus Christ to come and die for our sin, so in Him we gain acceptance and righteousness with God. With that we can know God as our Heavenly Father, able to pray to Him, receive His guidance and blessings, and live eternally in His presence.

Delivery from sin, knowing God and living in His presence,ldeparting from worldly life and learning the better way to live, gaining eternal life with Him and other brothers and sisters in Christ forever. That's the free grace of God in Jesus Christ, purchased by His blood and sacrifice on the cross

Tuesday 6/11/12

Galatians 1:10 ESV

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

The Bible always warns us the danger in seeking the approval of worldly men (and women) to gain their favors. To get their approval, we must be like them, follow them, do what they do, participate in their activities. This means we must excel in their way, such as in gaining wealth and power, in drinking and partying, and in other worldly deeds. Seeking their approvals will lead us out of Godly way to sin.

In contrast, we should seek the approval of God and rejoice in His blessings. The Bible says God's rewards give us joy and peace, and unlike worldly favors, they have no side effects or hidden dangers. With His infinite richest, God can give us many things. He gives in the right time and in right measure, to help us mature and avoid spoiling us. In His way is safety and providence, stability and peace, love and joy, and no hidden cost.

Matthew 6:33 ESV

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Monday 5/11/12

1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Faith, hope, love are the three highest Christian virtues. All things, including visions, tongues and knowledge, have limited use and they will pass away for a new one. But faith, hope, love will abide forever. Among them, the greatest thing is love.

Love is also the greatest commandments of God.

Matthew 22:37-39 ESV

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Thus love is the greatest virtue, the greatest commandment, and the greatest thing to have and to cultivate.

Saturday 03/11/12

1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

Who will we then see face to face, then know fully? Who are we now seeing in a mirror dimly and knowing in part? Who has fully known us?

I think the Bible is talking about God here. We now know God dimly and in part, so there are many things we don't understand. Many mysteries, failures, confusions and sufferings we don't know why God let it happen, so we have to take it by faith. We must trust in God's goodness that all things happen for our good.

Later, when we go to God's kingdom, we will see God face to face and know Him fully as He has always fully known us. Then our faith will become knowledge. We can know for sure and clearly the truth of God.

Friday 02/11/12

1 Corinthians 13:11 ESV

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.

Here Paul describes the process of maturity. From a child lacking manner (childish in word), lacking knowledge (childish in thought), or lacking wisdom (childish in reason), we gradually and mature. As we learn manner, knowledge and wisdom, we give up our childish selves and become adult.

We do not born with a disposition to love. Human are born with sinful nature, selfish, impulsive, ... Human sinful nature is the completely opposite of love. It can be said as follow:

Human nature is impulsive. It is selfish. Human nature is envious and boastful. It is arrogant and rude.

Human nature is irritable and resentful. It does not rejoice in the truth, but rejoice in wrong doing.

Human nature cannot bear much, easily lose hope, and easily quit.

So we need to grow and mature in love. That's the way and the glory of God, in which we are called to follow as those who are created in His image and His children.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.