The main purpose of Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia was to counter the argument put forth by a group known as the Judaizers who believed those coming to faith in Jesus must first submit to Jewish customs, rites, and the Law before being accepted into the Christian community. This may seem like a “no-brainer” to us today, but this was the first big issue the Church of Jesus Christ faced and there was much debate, with key members of leadership on opposite sides of the issue. And what was at stake? Only the very gospel of grace offered by Jesus and taught by Paul!!!
Galatians 2.20
20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ I think it’s very important to read verse 19 to understand what Paul is saying in verse 20. Galatians 2.19 states “For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God”. What did Paul mean by this? What do you think someone with a Jewish background would think of the phrase of being “dead to the Law”? Are you dead to the Law? Why or why not?
+ What did it mean to Paul to be “crucified with Christ” and to have “Christ living in him”? What does it mean to you?
+ Why does Paul used the past tense of the verbs “love” and “give” and why is it, in this context, better than being in the present or future tense?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ If there ever was a verse that describes what “transformation” means, it is this verse:
Paul realized that on the cross, a great exchange occurred. He gave Jesus his old, try-to-be-right-before-God-by-the-law life, and it was crucified on the cross. Then Jesus gave Paul His life – Christ came to live in him. So Paul’s life wasn’t his own anymore, it belonged to Jesus Christ! Paul didn’t own his own life (that life died); he simply managed the new life Jesus gave him. (Guzick 2018)
Lord, forgive us for falling into a works mentality and trying to earn your love. At the same time, forgive us for taking your gift of salvation for granted and not striving to live holy before You and a world that is watching. Amen.
“Did the Law ever love me? Did the Law ever sacrifice itself for me? Did the Law ever die for me? On the contrary, it accuses me, it frightens me, it drives me crazy. Somebody else saved me from the Law, from sin and death unto eternal life. That Somebody is the Son of God, to whom be praise and glory forever.” (Martin Luther)
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?