Summary:
We are all created differently, but what should be consistent is the reflection of Christlike character, transformed by the Holy Spirit through God's grace. This is not about following a list of rules but about living by the Spirit, constantly being transformed into Christlikeness. Others will then be encouraged to let go of the power of the flesh in their lives and to grow more and more, daily, in the power of the Spirit, as they too are transformed into Christ's likeness.
Galatians 5: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm, therefore, and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Look, I, Paul, tell you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. Again, I testify to every man who becomes circumcised that he is under obligation to keep the whole law. You are estranged from Christ, you who are attempting to be justified by the law; you have fallen from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly await the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough. I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will think nothing different, but the one who is confusing you will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.
Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case, the stumbling block of the Cross has been abolished. I wish that the ones who are disturbing you would also castrate themselves. For you were called to freedom, brothers; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will never carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, for these are in opposition to one another, so that whatever you want, you may not do these things. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am telling you in advance, just as I said before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh, together with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."
Here, two poles are exposed: what characterizes a life without God and what characterizes a life with God, walking by the Spirit. This letter is written to people who have known Christ, who are in Christ, and who have salvation. However, some of them now want to return to a justification, or a state of peace with God, by following the Old Testament law. This is not only true for the Jews but also for some Gentiles, who seek to justify themselves by lists of things to do and things to avoid—checking off tasks daily. The thought is that if one fulfills a certain number of tasks, they are a good Christian, and if they avoid other things, they are not Christian.
This is a legalistic mindset, and Paul addresses it, especially in the context of a portion of the church coming from a Jewish background, where circumcision is seen as one of the most important marks of a true believer. For them, circumcision is a sign indicating whether someone is with God or without God. Paul contests this, stating that it is not circumcision that marks a true believer and follower of Christ who walks by the Spirit. Instead, it is the visible characteristics that arise from the transformation of the Holy Spirit, which restores the sinner into the image of God.
This transformation, through the constant work of the Holy Spirit, becomes visible in the life of the one who follows Christ. It is not a matter of checking off lists of what is allowed or not allowed; it is about walking daily with the Spirit to be transformed. This transformation, visible both in the individual and the community, is the true mark of a believer. The conflicts among the group are also addressed here: it is not about one culture or tradition being better than another. Unity in Christ, motivated by love from the Spirit, is what makes the true people of God.
The identity of the people of God is a new identity in Jesus Christ, no longer based on previous cultures or group distinctions—whether Jew or Gentile, Belgian or American, or any other identity. The core identity is centered on Jesus Christ as the one Savior. Being in Christ, through the work of the Spirit, defines the true people of God.
The true people of God are those whose transformation is visible not only in their individual lives but also in the life of the group, bound together by the love of Christ. This outworking of the Holy Spirit is what truly identifies the people of God. It is essential for us to embody this transformation because we serve as models. What we seek to communicate is in line with the work of the Holy Spirit at the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral levels. This transformation is observed by those around us.
Whatever is required of others must first be done by us. Otherwise, as indicated in Matthew 23, there is hypocrisy. When our actions do not align with what we say and teach, it becomes apparent to others. They observe our lives, and this inconsistency is easily detected. It is possible to teach the Word of God but not live according to it, and this is always noticed. Therefore, our role is crucial—we are to be models for others, just as Paul tells the churches in 1 Corinthians 11:1:
"Become imitators of me, just as I am of Christ."
This is not an expression of pride. Some might accuse Paul of being proud, but upon examining his heart, it is clear that he speaks of a role all of us must embrace. We are called to live according to Christ's character by the transformation of the Holy Spirit. This is evident in Paul’s life, and he encourages others to follow Christ as he does. He does not claim to be without sin but acknowledges his effort to follow Christ and walk by the Spirit. This is why he can confidently say, "Be imitators of me," to the extent that he follows Christ. When he falters, he admits it, but in principle, Paul strives to follow Christ, and this becomes the reality of his model for others to follow. We, too, are called to be models in this way.
Jesus contrasts this model with that of some Pharisees. Not all Pharisees were bad, but many were teachers who did not practice what they preached. As recorded in Matthew 23, Jesus addressed the crowds and his disciples, saying:
"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on the seat of Moses; therefore, do and observe everything they tell you—good teaching and doctrine—but do not do as they do, for they tell others what to do and do not practice it themselves."
This is hypocrisy, stemming from pride. Jesus explains that they place heavy burdens on others without lifting a finger to help. Their actions are done to be seen by people—they widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels, seeking the place of honor at banquets, the best seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called 'Rabbi' by others.
Jesus instructs:
"You are not to be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father in heaven. Nor are you to be called teachers, for one is your teacher—the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
This passage is not about rejecting the role of a teacher or being called a teacher. Rather, it addresses the motivation behind the title. It critiques the desire for self-importance, where one believes they are better or more important than others and expects honor from them. This is the sin of pride, which Paul categorizes as a work of the flesh. Pride, the first sin in Genesis, leads one to desire a position not called by God. In contrast, humility gives a realistic picture, valuing others as they are.
By God's grace, one person holds a particular role, and another, with a different function, holds the same value. It is a consideration of the value of others. This is not about despising oneself but recognizing, "I am this by God's grace, and you are that by God's grace; we have the same value." If respect is desired, one must offer respect first.
This contrasts with the attitude of some Pharisees, who live according to the flesh and, due to pride, seek to elevate themselves above others. They want appreciation and honor from others but do not honor others themselves, because their heart is filled with pride. This is the opposite of the walk by the Spirit. Each day presents a choice to walk by the Spirit. This is a daily practice, not only for personal transformation but also to serve as models for others. When our teaching aligns with how we live, those around us will see the work of the Holy Spirit in us, transforming us. This will inspire others not to mimic our personalities but to desire the character of Christ, which is reflected in us through the work of the Holy Spirit.
We are all created differently, but what should be consistent is the reflection of Christlike character, transformed by the Holy Spirit through God's grace. This is not about following a list of rules but about living by the Spirit, constantly being transformed into Christlikeness. Others will then be encouraged to let go of the power of the flesh in their lives and to grow more and more, daily, in the power of the Spirit, as they too are transformed into Christ's likeness.
Human beings are made in the image of God, and that is His character. This transformation into Christlike character is the goal, and this is what was shared today.
Let us pray:
Thank you, Lord, for your word and for who you are to us. Thank you for creating us in your image. Holy Spirit, thank you for constantly working to transform us into your image so that we can be models for others to follow. The value and worth of others are equal to ours by your grace, and we want to respect and value them. May we walk together on this path of transformation, both in word and deed. Thank you for helping us to practice what we preach every day, so that others may be inspired and enter this same process of constant transformation by the Holy Spirit. May we all grow into a Christlike character, living the gospel in both spirit and action.
Thank you, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
Comments