September 16
Isaiah 22:1-24:23 | PS 60:1-12 | Prov 23:15-16 | Gal 2:17-3:9
We all try to prove our point by quoting this or that. We all do it. We cite our sources to dismantle opposing viewpoints. While the opposing side does the same thing. Interestingly, both sides tend to ignore the other viewpoints and citations. We are trying to prove our point, trying to appear right in the eyes of others by fashioning our own law. God’s law is perfect. Every other law and argument has flaws. But this is how one seeks to justify themselves. Also, when it comes to God’s laws, many like to quote certain portions while ignoring other sections, seeking their own version of righteousness. But this is not how any are justified or declared righteous before our God, as Paul wrote in Galatians 2:16, “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”
Faith as defined in Hebrews 11:1, reads, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” In Ephesians 2:8-9, we read, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Our standing before God has nothing to do with how “good” we are, how closely we adhere to some of the laws, etc. Our standing is based on the finished work of Jesus Christ, and our acceptance of His payment, not some hybrid of a little of Him and a little from us. It is time that this is called out for what it is. The world parades around in their goodness, pointing to this good trait or work or that, hoping no one recognizes that bad trait or act. Christians like all others are flawed, but declared righteous through Jesus Christ, as it is written in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Paul continues along this line in Galatians 2:20-21, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” And again he emphasizes this point in 3:2-3, “This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?” It’s time that we stop with our lists that make us look good. Any who feel they will go before God with a list will be declared unrighteous. Having faith means believing and fully trusting in Him, not ourselves. Aren’t we all tired of trying to look like something we are not? Righteous in Him, not in our flesh.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: