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RevoDevos - Day 27
Friday, July 18, 2008

Friday, July 18^th
Read: Galatians 6:7-8

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Talk about these verses for a moment about the intent for sowing.

-How do you sow to please a sinful nature? What are examples of this? Have you ever done it?
-How does the first verse link with the second? What is the connection between mocking God and reaping/sowing?

Our future is a collage of our choices. Of course, we live by the grace of God, and He empowers us and guides us—but He also gives us freedom to choose. With the choices that we make comes consequences, both good and bad. My friend calls this “the future principle.” Pretty much, what we put in, we will get out.

But let’s unpack this whole reaping-and-sowing-thing a little more. Ok so, Matt 7:16-18 tells us that we will be recognized by our fruit, which is what we reap. And that what we reap is evidence of what kind of tree we are. I mean, a thorn bush isn’t going to start growing big juicy apples, is it? What we sow is incredibly important, because we reap whatever we sow. If we sow to please our sinful nature, then that is the kind of fruit our lives will produce. I think that when we sow to please our sinful nature, it is very easy to compartmentalize our lives. Separating our sin from the rest of our life, fooling ourselves and being deceived that this part of our life is separate and won’t affect us too much. The truth is that what we sow into our life completely affects who we are, and the fruit that we will produce.

We reap in proportion to what we sow. Luke 6.38 says “for with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” I do also believe that God adds a supernatural blessing to good seed, if we sow with the right motive. But the reason I have pointed out that we reap in proportion to what we sow is this—the sowing business isn’t always easy. In fact, it can be very hard. Maybe you have experienced this. You might have a burning passion for a particular ministry, or maybe God has placed a certain person on your heart and asked you to intentionally sow into that person’s life. And sometimes that isn’t easy. We face rejection and obstacles. But, even in trouble, we should never downsize our vision. We shouldn’t downsize our sowing. Because if we pull back, and only sow a little, then only a little will be reaped.

So if, for example, you are trying to get through to your friends at school and you are experiencing a lot of rejection whenever you try to bring God up—please don’t back away. Don’t start thinking, “maybe I’ll only sow a little,” or, “maybe I will put less effort into this.” If you sow only a little, you will only reap a little.

When you feel like you are sowing and sowing, but cannot see the fruit, remember— a farmer doesn’t wake up, sow seeds, have a coffee break, and then go back to pull up all his vegetables that he sowed that morning. We reap in a different season to when we sow. So when we are investing in the lives of others, sowing into a vision God gave us, and putting goodness into our own lives— let’s remember that the faith is in the waiting. Let’s continue to carry on and find encouragement in the Word and His promises.

When you are evangelizing remember these verses because if you are evangelizing for the wrong reasons than only destruction will come of it. You must sow to please the Spirit, and in this way your will reap eternal life. Sow for the glory of God, not for the glory of self and you reap eternal life in the things that you sow.

Process:

- Is there anything in your life that you have compartmentalized, because you don’t want to have to deal with your sin? How can you start to change this, and stop sowing this sin into your life? How can you sow more good things into your life? What does God want you to be more intentional about putting into your life?

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RevoDevos - Day 26
Thursday, July 17, 2008

Thursday, July 17^th
Read: Galatians 6:3-6

If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else. For each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.

Self-evaluations are not usually very pleasant. Generally, it seems that people are naturally selfish. However, when it comes down to the actual thoughts that we have about ourselves, it is easy to become overly critical and self depreciating. We compare ourselves to our favorite singers, actors, or people in magazines. We criticize who we are even though God made each of us, “in the image of God” (Gen 1:27). While we are all human, we are all very unique. Everyone has fingers and they all take a similar shape, yet no one has the same fingerprints, not even identical twins. When we were created, God made us individuals, unlike anything He has ever created before, or ever will again. God purposely made us unique, and yet we habitually compare ourselves to everything we see, both positively and negatively. In verse four Paul writes, “Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else.” The verse makes it clear that we should not compare ourselves to others, but rather test our own actions. For example— if two children hit each other, does it matter which child hit the other first? In both cases a hurt was committed; both of them hurt the other. We could compare the two and say that “Child A” started it, making it sound worse. But “Child B” also hit someone, is there a difference? We can only find a difference by comparing the two.

It is so easy to deceive ourselves into believing things about ourselves that are not true. We can believe that we are doing well by comparing ourselves to someone who is doing much worse, and rationally believe that we must be okay in comparison. In verse three it says, “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” However, while we can engage in self deception, we can never deceive God. He knows our hearts, and He can see through the lies and walls that we build up around ourselves. We need to learn to look at ourselves through God's eyes, and not through the web of lies we build around us. This sentiment is mirrored in Romans 12:3— “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.” We need to know who we are in Christ, how God sees us, and slough off the way the world sees us, along with our judgmental and comparative nature.

In verse 6 it says that “anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.” One of the first questions you may have when reading this is if the instructor is God or whether it is a person who is teaching you. In fact it may not even matter, because we should share all good things with everyone, and when we share with one of Gods people, by extension, we are sharing with God, and he will get the benefit of those good things. It is easy to take pride in our accomplishments and to keep the spoils of those accomplishments to ourselves. However, what God wants is for us pride when it is due and to share the good things with those who help instruct us.

Process:
-What are the most common ways you deceive yourself? Make a list of all of the nagging thoughts and lies you have about yourself. Ask God to help you get rid of these lies.

- In what way does the way you see yourself hold you back from fulfilling what God asks of you? Ask God to show you how He sees you.

Make a list of what He reveals, or draw a picture. Look at it daily. Ask God to help you align your view of yourself to His.

-In what ways can you have pride according to these verses?

Who do you think of as an instructor? God, your youth pastor, maybe a friend? In some way it seems as though when we become more apart of the community of God the term instructor can become vague, as our walk is assisted by those around us. Do you think it is appropriate to think of the body of Christ as an instructor? If not, why? If so, how can you share the good things with it?

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RevoDevos - Day 25

Wednesday, July 16^th
Read: Galatians 6:1-2

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Discuss questions you have about this passage together. Here is one to get started with:

How could we be tempted if we were restoring someone else/watching out for someone else?

Have you ever given in to temptation? Have you ever been so angry you swore and cursed, maybe even punched someone out? When was the last time you said something cutting or mean, even nasty, or gossiped about a friend?

How did you feel? Guilty, ashamed, sad? Sometimes I’ve felt so stupid! I knew that I should have done better.

Did anyone restore you? Or were you left to stuff your feelings deep inside of you, and go on with your mask in place?

If you were blessed enough to experience someone who cared enough to stand with you, not against you, who prayed for you without rubbing it in, who showed you kindness and friendship when you knew you didn’t deserve it, then you know someone who fulfilled the law of Christ for you—and now you get to pass it on.

Don’t judge someone else when you see that they are in trouble. Love them instead. Why? Because The Father sent Jesus to be a friend of sinners, not a judge. He came to judge for us against evil demonic enemies and to rescue us! God knows that people mess up, because we are human and incapable of good without His help. Trying to be good for God doesn’t work, because we always fail when we do it on our own strength. Either you let Him take it out and replace it with His love and righteousness, or you’ll miss the mark again and again. He doesn’t want you to suffocate under a burden of guilt and shame, but to come back to His heart, release the sin and be healed. That’s what restoration is—restored to relationship with the Father. And that’s why we bear one another’s burdens.

Process:
-Do you have anyone to bear your burdens?

-Are you involved in authentic Christian community? How can you get plugged in?

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RevoDevos - Day 24

Tuesday, July 15^th
Read: Galatians 5:25-26

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Spend a few minutes discussing questions you have about the passage. Here are a few to get you started:

Do you find yourself being envious of other people?
Are you prideful or conceited?
How can we keep in step with the Spirit?
What other questions can you ask? Write them below:

Near the end of his letter to the Galatians, Paul discusses what it means to walk in the Spirit. Included in this, is our recent discussion on the fruits of the Spirit. Can you remember what they are? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Just after noting these nine fruits of the Spirit, Paul writes, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” So, because the Galatian believers had been made alive by the Holy Spirit (living in the Spirit), Paul admonishes them to also walk in the Spirit, which would include demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit in their lives. Walking in the Spirit would also mean crucifying 'the flesh with its passions and desires' (Gal. 5:24). So, not only does walking in the Spirit mean exhibiting positive attitudes like love and patience, but it also includes not exhibiting negative attitudes or practicing sinful behavior. As the Spirit leads, they must follow. In other words, Paul is saying that walking by the Spirit means obeying the prompting of the Holy Spirit in how we live.

This in fact is what true repentance is all about. First, we admit that we have been our own God’s preferring destructive behaviors which comes down to rebelling against God. After recognizing this, we confess and ask forgiveness, not only for these behaviors but the idea that we’ve ruled our own lives, leaving out the room for God to fill us with His Holy Spirit. Finally, we want to get on with this new life on the right foot so we ask for God to fill us with His Spirit, that once we are rooted in Him, digging deep into His loving direction, we will produce lives with the fruit listed. Hallelujah!

Immediately following his admonition to walk by the Spirit, Paul writes, "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." It is hard to tell whether this verse belongs with the preceding section on the fruits of the spirit and walking by the Spirit, or whether it belongs with the section that follows on bearing and sharing one another's burdens. It is, however, the first of a number of verses that discuss specific actions that should characterize those who are being led by the Spirit. It makes sense that it would be included in a discussion on how to walk in the Spirit. So, just as those who walk in the Spirit should demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit, they should also not be conceited, or provoke or envy one another. It is also possible, however, that Paul could have written this verse as a return to the theme found in verse fifteen, and therefore this would be a summation of his discourse on living in the Spirit. Regardless of what the precise meaning of this verse is and what section it belongs with, it is safe to conclude from these verses that a believer following the Spirit's lead will not become conceited, and will not provoke nor envy others. Walking by the Spirit is the ultimate solution to evils such as these.

Process:

- What are the fruits of the Spirit? Have you repented and been filled with The Holy Spirit? What might be a passion, or desire of the flesh, that should be 'crucified'? What does it mean to walk in the Spirit?

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RevoDevos - Day 23
Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Monday, July 14^th
Read: Galatians 5:24

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

Spend a few minutes discussing questions you have about the passage. Here are a few to get you started:

What does it mean to crucify the sinful nature within us?
As Christians, should we continue to habitually sin?
What other questions can you ask? Write them below:

The gentle rain falls on a post-soviet city around Chernobyl. When this rain falls, particles of radiation are contained within it. This rain still holds the beauty of rain that falls elsewhere in the world. Yet this rain is changed in a horribly insidious way. Sin is much of the same— it is the perversion of that which is good, true, and beautiful in our world. Sin is even so large that it affects systems. Yet in the heart of it, it is a perversion of something that is beautiful. Like lust— a misuse of a gift from God and a misunderstanding of love, twisted into some kind of half-love.

This shows us something about the cross. What did the cross mean? In the time of Jesus, the cross meant to the world that He was a traitor. The cross meant that He was a criminal, the lowest and worst element of society. For His followers, who would have seen and heard of crucifixion, Jesus dying this kind of death wasn't what was supposed to happen. It was humiliating. Yet in this day and age, when we as disciples of Jesus talk about the cross we speak of it as if it was the logical conclusion to Jesus' earthly life. Paul says in this passage that we, as followers of Jesus, have done this to our sinful natures. The same shame and horror was suffered to our sinful natures. In the same way today that we look at the cross and speak of the instrument of death as a tool of life, sin is shown in its proper light. Jesus took that which was shameful and made it into something beautiful. In the same way, we crucify the sinful nature and look at what it was distorting. Instead of anger, we forgive. Instead of lusting (not just sexually, but for material things etc), we choose love. Out of the horror of that sin, we choose the beauty that is born from it.

Earlier in the book of Galatians, Paul states that we have been crucified with Christ. Therefore, we, and our sinful natures, are identified with Him in His death. As we keep looking at the cross, we understand the depth that it brings. In the horror of the cross and the beauty it brings, we see that even though His way would lead to the execution stake (the cross), Christ still says that the way of compassion, love, and forgiving our enemies, is to be taken.

A man once asked, "If there were no heaven or hell, and we simply died at the end of life, would you still follow Jesus?" On the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter, when Jesus was simply dead, was His way still good? We say yes, because Jesus teaches us what life really means, He shows us reality at its rawest, and He shows us how to live in a way that we are truly living.

So, as followers of Jesus, we embrace the cross, both as a means of following Jesus, but also as a means of killing the sinful nature.

Process:

- What beauty is being perverted in sin? Where are some places that you need to follow the cross in exchanging half-loves for full ones? Would you follow Jesus even if there were no heaven or hell? Why?

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RevoDevos - Day 22
Monday, July 14, 2008

Sunday, July 13^th
Read: Galatians 5:19-23

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Spend a few minutes discussing questions you have about the passage. Here are a few to get you started:

What is debauchery?
What are dissensions?
Can you identify with any of these acts of the sinful nature?
What other questions can you ask? Write them below:

Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom— freedom from the world and its destructive ways. We are bombarded by the world through media, consumerism, globalization, government, and war. Obviously, the list goes on, but as we know, we are not fighting a war against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Eph. 6:12)

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Eph. 13-20)

Be on guard against the schemes of the enemy, walk in the spirit of Jesus Christ, influencing and encouraging others along the way. So, put to death the sin of the flesh, and walk in the Spirit. Jesus says, "Wait for the gift my Father has promised, which you have heard me speak about. And you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all of Judea and Samaria and to the end of the Earth.” (Acts 1:4b & 8) So therefore, as we can see Jesus has left for us his Holy Spirit and with this all the fruits of the Spirit.

“It is for freedom the Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Eph 5:1)

Process:

- Are you living your life through the spirit that Jesus promised us, and the fruits of the spirit?

- Are there areas in your life that are not of the Spirit, and need to be addressed? If so, do you believe you can be free of these things?

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RevoDevos - Day 21
Saturday, July 12, 2008

Saturday, July 12th
Read: Galatians 5:16-18

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

Spend a few minutes discussing questions you have about the passage. Here are a few to get you started:

Have you felt this conflict described in this passage?
How do we live by the Spirit?
What other questions can you ask? Write them below:

Sin and the Spirit are in direct opposition. Sin is to be apart from God. The Spirit is God. And if there’s one thing that God is, He is HOLY. He is completely and fully Himself, unable to be a part of anything but Himself.

Love is good. He can be with love because He is love. He can be with joy because He is joy. He can be with us when we are in Him and He is in us. But He cannot be in the areas that are given over to sin, because sin is separate from God. He can have nothing to do with it, because it brings separation from who He truly is. The spiritual law says that the punishment for sin is death. “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 3:23a). Areas of our life that are being controlled by sin lead to death— they hurt us, they hurt others and most of all, they hurt God. Our flesh and mind are constantly vying for control, trying to cause us to do what we don’t want to do: feel fear, anger and hurt, act in selfish ways. We feel a need to protect ourselves, to appease the things like fear, anger and hurt, which are eating away at us. But the truth is—painful feelings are the precursor of an attack from the enemy. If we feel hurt by something, we automatically feel the need for justification. So we get angry, bitter, jealous, envious, prideful, rude, self-seeking etc.

But, if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 3:23). When we asked Jesus to save us from our sins, the law of death that was at work in us was abolished. We are no longer slaves to the law that says we will die. However, though our souls are safe with Christ, there is still temptation for areas of our souls, minds and bodies to live contrary to the Spirit. It is God’s desire that we continue to grow towards life-giving ways rather than ways of destruction. God’s desire is that we are open to letting Him fix us. We cannot fix ourselves. Only God can make us holy. The enemy works against us by using our hurts to tempt us into sin. Because of this, we can look for where he tries to abuse our hurts, and instead of allowing the bad reactions to take over, we can ask the Spirit to guide our reactions. We can claim the promise of God in those areas— the promise of eternal life in Christ. Jesus came that we might have life and have it to the full, (John 10:10) so He desires that we would take up ways of life, of the Spirit. He gives it to us as a gift, not as something we can earn. When we turn to the Spirit, and ask for guidance, He will surely lead us away from the law of death.

Process:

-Think of things that have hurt you recently. Are there ways that you reacted which were contrary to the Spirit? Are there ways that you reacted which were in submission to the Spirit? Go back to a time when you reacted in a way that contrary to the Spirit. Ask Jesus to take your hurt, and show you what to do with it. Ask Jesus to get rid of any sin that may have come from the hurt, and ask Him to give you love instead.

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RevoDevos - Day 20

Friday, July 11^th
Read: Galatians 5:13-15

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

Spend a few minutes discussing questions you have about the passage. Here are a few to get you started:

What keeps us from being free?
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Is this always easy?
What does it mean when Paul says “If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other”? Can you give an example of this?
What other questions can you ask? Write them below:

It was just a little fib, so it can’t hurt, right? That cookie was delicious, my parents won’t find out I ate it before supper, right? It was an innocent kiss, nothing happened. No one saw me looking, I’m okay.

God wants us to be free. All these things mentioned above (and so many more that you know about and I don’t need to mention) keep us in bondage. Let me say this again— GOD WANTS US TO BE FREE! Hallelujah! That privilege we have shouldn’t be taken for granted by continuing to live in sin. The enemy wants us to stay in sin, because then it keeps us from being active. It keeps us from advancing on the enemy’s ground.

Admitting that you need God, and allowing Him to change you is the first step. I don’t think I need to go into all the details, I believe you know them. What does Paul say? “…do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). How do we serve one another in love? Well Paul goes right onto that in verse 14, “The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

It’s pretty straight forward. Whatever you want done to you, do it to other people. But wait, I thought there were more commands, does that mean that this is all I have to do? Well, what Paul is saying is that by loving your neighbor as yourself, you will automatically follow His commands and love Him. If you love someone, do you murder them, or covet their stuff, or gossip about them, or steal from them? Of course not!

Paul warns us that if we continue “biting and devouring each other” (Galatians 5:15a), we will “be destroyed by each other” (Galatians 5:15b). There are so many rifts in the church—people holding on to stuff, not loving each other. If people just loved each other and treated each other the way they would want to be treated, the Church would be the ultimate fighting force. Satan would be trembling, even more terrified than he is already.

So—be free. Ask God to help you through temptation, and to give you the strength. I’ll give you another verse to help you with this. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) Tell the enemy to stick it! Mend broken relationships and love your neighbor.

Process:

- There is stuff in everyone’s life that they are holding onto and “rolling in the mud” with. Give it to God, get an accountability person and get free. God wants you to be free, and once you are, He will be able to do tremendous things through you. What friendships/relationships in your life have been destroyed, or are on the rocks? How about you phone them up and mend it. Keep a soft, forgiving heart toward them, remembering your own weakness as well as theirs. How can you love someone today, this week, next week, this month, this year? Make a list and go do it! There is nothing more fulfilling than loving and blessing other people.

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RevoDevos - Day 19
Thursday, July 10, 2008

Thursday, July 10^th
Read: Galatians 5:7-12

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves.

Spend a few minutes discussing questions you have about the passage. Here are a few to get you started:

What do you think it means when Paul says “you were running a good race?”
Who cuts in and keeps us from disobeying the truth?
What will the penalty be for those who throw you into confusion?
What other questions can you ask? Write them below:

Does it ever feel like there is an opposition against you, as you seek Christ more and more? Well, there most likely is! His name is Satan, and he comes to kill, destroy, and pervert everything good that comes from God. Satan is an enemy of God, and has devoted his existence to luring people into what separates them from God— sin. Satan tempts us to sin because he is fearful of the power that lives within us. As believers in Christ, we are the stronger opposition to Satan, and are therefore a threat to his plans. There are all sorts of methods that Satan uses to try to mess up our relationship with God. He may use other humans, circumstances in our lives, or spiritual walls to block us from God. Satan can even cause people to misunderstand, or miss the truths, in Scripture.

Galatians 5:7-12 agrees that there is an opposition trying to persuade people to disobey the truth. The beginning of this passage celebrates the fact that the church in

Galatia

was running a good race. The “good race” symbolizes how well the church was following God. When Satan noticed that the church was doing so well, he began to lead people in the opposite way of truth. This is very typical of Satan. Paul (the writer of Galatians) recognized the enemy’s schemes—he points out that this kind of persuasion does not come from the One who calls you (God). God is truth, and therefore He only pulls people towards truth.

This constant battle can seem heavy and overbearing, but there is hope. Galatians 3:10 says that Paul is confident that God’s people will not fall to the temptations of the evil one. This is good to know! Paul also goes on to say that those who are causing confusion within God’s people will pay a penalty. This penalty refers to the judgment of God. This is not a penalty we are to issue, but to leave up to God.

In this passage, Paul, recognizes the struggles often faced in being a believer. In this case, the message that circumcision of the heart was needed, not circumcision of the body, was a new idea that many believers found hard to accept. Paul spent multiple days in jail because of this truth. There was a definite opposition against him. Satan caused many to be blind to the truth that God gave to Paul, and made it difficult to continue ministry. Does this mean that our lives as Christians are going to be a never ending battle? Yes and no! Satan will always try and tempt us to sin, but as we grow in relationship with Christ, He will make us strong. God will teach us to resist the evil one by changing our hearts to hate sin. There will always be opposition, but God promises that He will never allow His people to be tempted beyond what they can bear. This is a good truth to live by and understand. The devil is miniscule compared to God, and although we are mere humans, we have authority over him as well.

Process:

- Is it normal that there is spiritual opposition to us knowing, and living like Christ? As believers in Jesus— do we authority over Satan? Can Satan pervert the words of the Bible?

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RevoDevos - Day 18

Wednesday, July 9^th
Read: Galatians 5:2-6

Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

Spend a few minutes discussing questions you have about the passage. Here are a few to get you started:

Why is circumcision important in this passage?
Does circumcision lead to salvation?
What is justification through works versus justification by faith?What other questions can you ask? Write them below:

In the beginning of chapter five, Paul again addresses the issue of circumcision and legalism. He essentially condemns the theology of circumcision. The legalistic Jewish teachers in

Galatia

were urging believers to be circumcised. They sought to establish conformity to external standards of behaviour, and they were using these standards to judge spirituality. Paul argues against such thought, as the requirement of circumcision changes the entire message of salvation from one of faith to one of works. Paul further argues, in verse three, that one who is circumcised in an attempt to gain God’s acceptance and earn his salvation, is therefore obligated to keep the entire law. But the Old Testament is overflowing with stories which prove that no one is capable of keeping the entire law. Thus we can conclude, as Paul states in verse two, that circumcision profits one nothing. Paul wasn’t entirely concerned with circumcision itself, but with peoples’ motivation behind circumcision. So it’s not that circumcision in itself is bad, but that the Galatians viewed it as a means of salvation and a judge of spirituality—particularly in regards to the Gentiles.

After shooting down the Galatians’ legalistic views on circumcision, and telling them off for trying to justify themselves through works, he then transitions into a discussion on justification by faith. No one is saved through works, or by keeping the law, but only by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8). As Christians, we must choose to live by faith as we wait for the full realization of our salvation. We don’t work for salvation— we wait for it. In verse five, Paul notes that we wait for the ‘hope of righteousness’ through faith. So, as we follow God in faith, we also grow in righteousness. Although we are justified through Christ’s death on the cross, and will be declared righteous on judgment day, God allows us to have a foretaste of righteousness through His Spirit who lives in us (2 Cor. 5:5). Paul furthers his discussion on faith in verse six, in noting that with faith it is possible to fulfill Christ’s command to love one another. So, faith in Christ is not just a state of mind or intellectual belief, rather, it should express itself in love. Since we, as Christians, have learned love in such great measure from Christ, our faith must also issue a genuine and self-denying love for others.

Process:

-Is circumcision necessary for salvation? Why or why not?

-What is the relationship between faith and righteousness?

-What should be the natural outflow of our faith?

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RevoDevos - Day 17
Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Tuesday, July 8^th
Read: Galatians 5:1

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Sometimes we can feel trapped, as if we have no control over our lives or ourselves. Sometimes it feels like we don’t have any choices, like we are being pressured into everything and being beaten down; a slave to a world.

Read the verse again and think about the previous paragraph. How does the verse answer to these statements?

How does this verse affect a feeling of being trapped?
Does it make the trapped feeling go away?
What does this verse offer to someone who is a slave to the world? Anything, nothing?

Well the good new is that if you’re a disciple of Jesus, then Christ has set you free. You don’t have to feel like a slave to anything. Christ has busted you out of your old life and given you a new one. So…why is it that we still sometimes feel like we are trapped in our old lives?

I remember reading once about a group of freed slaves who voluntarily stayed with their old masters. They lived in the same slave houses, worked the same tasks and kept their slave names. Some walked in short, clumsy steps, as if shackles were still bound to their feet. They were free, but they didn’t live like it.

This can happen to us when we decide to follow Jesus. Sometimes we can act like we are still slaves when we are actually free. Maybe there’s bad stuff that’s happened to you in the past that catches up with you, and brings you down. Maybe there’s a sin that you just can’t seem to get rid of. Maybe the enemy is lying to you, or trying to scare you to weaken your faith. This can cause you to live in perpetual servitude to sin.

What sorts of sin can stick with you, even after you decide to follow Jesus? Maybe before you were saved you swore, and you think it is too hard to quit using those words. It feels like an instinct to you; that is the type of sin that can make us feel like a slave to the world. How do you live a Holy life if you have that sort of baggage that drags you down?

This is the thing—Christ didn’t set us free so we can continue to live like a slave! We don’t have to stay trapped in past hurts and bad habits, struggling under the enemy’s attacks.

Through Christ anything is possible and if you put faith in him he will release you from your shackles. Those shackles can be almost anything, maybe something you didn’t even realize you had. You have to keep faith in Jesus though, some things take time and it can be discouraging. In order to break from those shackles though you have to accept your freedom and live it. If you want to live out your freedom in Christ then there are some things you can do. First, pray for strength and support. Second, talk to some godly leaders who can keep you away from the sin that enslaves you. Third, keep reading your Bible to remind yourself of what Christ has done. Stand strong against the spirit of slavery. You don’t answer to the world, you don’t answer to your own body and you definitely don’t answer to the devil. You are free and you answer only to Jesus Christ who is the Lord of all.

Process:

- Are there any areas of your life where you feel trapped? How could you be giving away your freedom? How do you plan to stand strong against the spirit of slavery?

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RevoDevos - Day 16
Monday, July 07, 2008

Monday, July 7^th
Read: Galatians 4:21-31

Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born in the ordinary way; but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a promise. These things may be taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written: “Be glad, O barren woman, who bears no Children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have no labor pains; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.” Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. At that time the son born in the ordinary way persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. But what does the Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman, and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

This illustration about Hagar and Sarah prepares us for Paul's discussion in which he says that we are to be free in Christ. Paul says in verse 31, “we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.” Paul is saying that the believer is not enslaved to the law, but rather is a child of promise who lives by faith. The child that Abraham had with Hagar represents the law that was given at Mount Sinai. The child that he had with Sarah represents the promise and the freedom of God. Paul says in verse 24, “these things may be taken figuratively.” He is not saying that the Hagar-Sarah account is an allegory in the sense that it was non-historical. He uses the events to illustrate a theological truth. The theological truth he is speaking of is the covenants— the old covenant of law and the new covenant of promise. Paul tells us that we are to be like the child of Sarah—FREE. We are not to live under the old law anymore, but by God's promise and faith. Paul even says there is a choice, we can continue to be the children of the slaves and receive no inheritance, which is God’s love and mercy, or we can be of Sarah and receive His inheritance. The choice is a beautiful example of the freedom that God gives to us freely.

We are given the choice when Paul asks who we want to be under the law.

Lets think about the verses for a moment.

-Discuss what you know about Covenants.

-The two Covenants presented to us in this passage are the original between God and the Jews from Mount Sinai. This Covenant has expansive details on how to live accordingly to that Covenant. The second Covenant comes from Jesus and is much more simple, giving freedom to all who ask for it. This Covenant is based less on stringent laws and more on Love. Try comparing the New Testament Covenant of Jesus and the Old Testament Covenant of God.

-Based on all you talked about between the two is it a hard decision to pick between the two? The first truly is a sort of slavery to law, and so Paul makes it seem much more glorious to be under the second, which is of Jesus.

Verses 28-29 says, “Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. At that time the son born in the ordinary way persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now.” This pretty much says it all. We are believers in Christ, and we may be persecuted. Maybe you already have been persecuted at school or work maybe even by your own family. When Paul says in verse 30, “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman's son,” it does not mean to actually get rid of these people, but to get rid of the law and live freely. However, this does not mean that we can just do whatever we want and think, “Well I refuse to live under the law, so I can do what I want.” It's right that we do not live by the law, but we do live by Jesus Christ and we must remember that He tells us to live holy lives.

Process:

- Why do you think some people choose to still live under the “law”? Could the story with Sarah and Hagar reflect some of the problems facing organized church today, for example— legalism (being under the law)? Do you see any areas in your life where you may still be living under the old law or where you may be a little legalistic?

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RevoDevos - Day 15

Sunday, July 6^th
Read: Galatians 4:12-20

I plead with you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you. My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

The truth hurts a lot of the time. It especially hurts when someone is telling you something that they see in you, that is not glorifying God. Words of correction are not always the best, and a lot of the time, we don’t receive them very well. The people in

Galatia

knew God, but were turning away from Him and going back to their old ways. Paul was the apostle that had to bring the truth to them. I am sure you can guess how the people of

Galatia

reacted towards Paul. Galatians 4:14- 16 says:

Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

So as you can see, the people of

Galatia

did not like the fact that Paul was being truthful. They didn’t receive it very well at all. In fact, they were pretty much ignoring what he was saying. But this isn’t what God wants. The Lord desires growth in us and the Lord desires us to be good followers of him. If there was no discipline in our life and no correction, where would we be? God disciplines those He loves.

Think about the verse and how it applies to you.

When Paul says that the people of

Galatia

would have torn out their eyes this is a direct reference to Jesus who says, paraphrased, if your eyes make you wonder from God pluck them out. Are you ready to pluck your eyes out, please don’t physically do this, so that you will not be distracted from the Lord? What sorts of things can cause you to be distracted?

Is there something in your life that you are more zealous for than God? If so this can alienate you from God, just as it did to the people of

Galatia

.

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? (Heb 12:5-7).

So when correction and discipline come your way, embrace it, know that it is from God and God desires us to grow closer to Him and sometimes this requires the hard truth.

Process:

- Has someone ever told you the truth bluntly? Did you receive it? Do you find it hard giving a word to someone that requires being completely honest and can possibly hurt that person? Is there anyone that you need to be honest with today? If so, pray about it and then go do it.

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RevoDevos - Day 14
Saturday, July 05, 2008

Saturday, July 5^th
Read: Galatians 4:8-11

Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.

Spend a few minutes discussing questions you have about the passage. Here are a few to get you started:

Should we continue to be a slave to the world?
Do you find yourself going through the motions?
How are we freed from this bondage?
What other questions can you ask? Write them below:

Have you ever gone to one of those wacky youth weekends? I’ve gone to a bunch. They always start with all the girls who haven’t seen each other since the last shindig screaming, then running, then embracing, then screaming more, then jumping up and down. It is a good time getting together for a weekend of spiritual pump. I remember being at one of these winter retreats where something happened when the speaker was talking. Next thing I know we’re singing, “I have decided to follow Jesus [x3]… No turning back, no turning back.” I’m up there kneeling at a bench weeping with two close friends. After wiping my tears and eating lunch I was on my way home— a new person!

The only problem was that I didn’t really change after that event. The next week I would be stuck in the same old habits and experiences--lying to my parents, not getting along with my siblings, manipulating my friends and trying to fit in by doing the wrong things. It turned out that my songs were a lie. How could I do this? The speaker’s talks, the worship team’s songs and my friends’ prayers didn’t mean much for me.

Maybe the Galatians weren’t much different than me. Before Paul, they were stuck in habitual sin— slaves of their culture and cults. They had truly experienced God and His truth, however, Paul saw them entering slavery again. BUT— the new slavery wasn’t exactly old habitual sin. The slavery was following a list of religious rules: what to eat, what not to eat, what to wear, when to wash. If they kept the right rules they could be accepted. What a miserable way to live— always looking over your shoulder to fit the ‘new status quo.’ They lost their identity with God, caring more about what people thought than living in response to God.

Could it be that when people come to us, the body of Christ, we make them enter a form of slavery too? A kind that is just as bad as doing all the wrong things to ‘fit in?’ In your youth group do you have any social rules that you get people to follow rather than let them figure out what God is saying to them and respond to it?

Maybe this was my problem. I don’t think I was really taught how to respond to God. I know I had an encounter with Him, but, I wasn’t taught to know Him and live a new life directed by Him. I tried on my own to do what was right but didn’t allow the Holy Spirit to guide me in a new spiritual life. No wonder I failed. Real obedience comes from knowing God and doing what He says - not trying to be like everyone else or following a list of do’s and don’ts.

Process:

- Do you know God? Do you ask Him what He wants you to do? How can you know what God wants? Do you do it?

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RevoDevos - Day 13

Friday, July 4^th
Read: Galatians 4:1-7

What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

Spend a few minutes discussing questions you have about the passage. Here are a few to get you started:

What is an heir?
How were we in slavery under the basic principles of the world?
How did Christ redeem those under the law? Who were “those under the law?”
What other questions can you ask? Write them below:

Congratulations, you have inherited $10,000. You can do anything with it. Oh, I can see it now: movies, new clothes, those shoes that you have always wanted, maybe a new computer and a few games. WAIT ONE MINUTE! There is a catch. You can’t get that money until you’re 18 years old. Darn! Still a few more years left.

You see, the Galatians were like that— they were spiritual children, not adults. They had stopped following the original message that Paul had preached. They had gone astray and were following a different message. Some had slipped back into their old sinful lives and others believed the Jewish believers when they said that they had to follow the Jewish law, in addition to believing in Jesus, their Savior. When they did this, they weren’t maturing as Christians. They were staying as children—they were enslaving themselves. The Galatians were not allowing themselves to be free in Christ.

Just like Paul wanted for the Galatians, God wants us to be free. He wants us to fully reach and take hold of what He has to give to us. We might have slipped into old sin or maybe we think that there is more we need to do to be saved or maybe we are just going through the motions of church. Guess what—there is hope! See Christ came that you may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b). He came to redeem all of us who are under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons (Galatians 4:5). All we need to do is repent and turn to God and follow Christ. John 1:12 says it all—“Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

Repent of that sin. Believe that there is nothing more that you can do and allow God to change you so that you don’t find yourself caught in the trap of just going through the motions. Cry out to Him, “FATHER, I love You. I want to serve You. I want to be Your child. I want to do whatever You want me to do.”

When we are mature enough God gives us huge blessings and gifts. We have reached the age when we can have our inheritance. God then gives us the $10,000 (so to speak). Believe that God wants to do this. Believe that He can transform your life. Believe that He can make it whole, and full, and amazing.

“So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4:7)

Process:

-Do you believe that you are a child of God, a co-heir with Christ? Find someone who can disciple you and help you grow into your identity in Christ. What might be causing you to still be immature, and not be ready to take hold of what God wants for your life? You know what it is.

- Are you just going through the motions? Ask God to change your heart and give you joy and a new passion for the things He desires.

Posted By: Anonymous at 10:44 AM : Link : 0 Comments

RevoDevos - Day 12
Thursday, July 03, 2008

Thursday, July 3^rd
Galatians 3:26-29

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Spend a few minutes discussing questions you have about the passage. Here are a few to get you started:

What makes us sons of God?
What does it mean to clothe yourself in Christ?
How are we all one in ChristWhat other questions can you ask? Write them below:

Now here's one of my favorite passages, a classic. Some top notch truth from Paul the Apostle, a true slave of Christ.

The truth is this: YOU'VE GOT IT, you've got the award freely given to all men. It don't matter who you are, where you come from, what school you went to, or who your daddy is— it's all for you. As long as you believe with faith, you've got those nice white robes they talk about in Revelation, you're on the Highway of Holiness that Isaiah talks about, and you have received all those spiritual blessings you hear about in Ephesians. Yep, it's all yours through faith in Christ, baby. In other words, you believe in the Son of God, and you become a son of God. It's that simple. Ain't no thing but a chicken wing, know what I'm sayin'? It's no longer like it was

A long time ago, God caught up with this guy Abraham and told him about all the promises He's making for the Jews. And now, through Christ, a Jew, all can become heirs according to those same promises. Isn't that something? Talk about grace, jeepers. But don't get cocky. Only by Christ is this possible, and God can take us out of the tree as quick as he grafted us in— keep Christ and keep salvation… but that's another passage..

Now, let's talk about this oneness that the apostle tells us about. It's quite a beautiful thing. Did you know that you're one in spirit with the Living God? Again, you obtain this by faith in the Son, Jesus. It’s part of the package deal. It's as though we were once split apart from God, and Christ is the stitches that reconnect us with God. It's a bit hard to explain, but I'll make it easy for you: through Christ you are RIGHTEOUS children of God, and brothers and sisters with one another. You've got a whole new family— it doesn't matter what color your skin is, or where you come from— you've got brothers and sisters right now. God has put you in a brand new family.

He has made everything new. God was sad when Adam and Eve broke His command, because it meant separation. We don't have a God of separation, but a God of reconciliation—so He sent His Son to make us one with Him. That's how much He loves us. And through that blood that was shed we have oneness, get it? Good—because that's the truth, Ruth.

Process:

- Do you have faith in the Son of God? No, really. Look into yourself, don't just say it because you're suppose to, be honest with yourself and with God, don't be afraid to look deep within yourself. Ask yourself "Do I really believe?" Meditate on that for a while and come up with the right answer, for your own sake. What have YOU learned from this passage? It's one thing to read a bunch of mumbling from some guy you don't know, another thing to hear your own take on something, meditate and express. What does Holy Spirit bring to YOUR beautiful God-created mind? And finally, how are you going to apply this Scripture?

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RevoDevos - Day 11
Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Wednesday, July 2^nd
Read: Galatians 3:19-25

What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator. A mediator, however, does not represent just one party; but God is one. Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christthat we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

Spend a few minutes discussing questions you have about the passage. Here are a few to get you started:

What are transgressions?
What is a mediator? How do you think the angels acted as a mediator?
What does it mean that the whole world is a prisoner of sin?
What does is mean to be justified by faith?
What other questions can you ask? Write them below:

The law never made us righteous, or gave us life. When we were still walking in darkness, our forefathers became mediators between God and man. They did this in order to point the way to the true Mediator who was to come— and who is now sitting at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. Our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, our Humble King, Jesus Christ.

After coming out of Exodus our Father knew that we needed direction. God always disciplines those He loves. In order to keep us from falling into our transgressions, the law had been given to us. God knew that He would send His Son into the world as Light that shines in a dark place, and now that light is here. A new covenant has been given us, which has made the old one obsolete. The old law was not perfect—otherwise we would still be under it. However, Jesus Christ is perfect, and we too can now be perfect in Christ, and have a place reserved for us with Him in Heaven.

Process:

- Are there still those who believe they are under the old law? How can we deliver the message of belief—that Jesus has come, and brought with Him a new covenant for those who still walk in darkness? Do you believe that you can become perfected in Christ through His covenant and promises?

Posted By: Anonymous at 2:25 PM : Link : 0 Comments

RevoDevos - Day 10
Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Tuesday, July 1^st
Read: Galatians 3:15-18

“Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

Spend a few minutes discussing questions you have about the passage. Here are a few to get you started:

What were the promises spoken to Abraham?
Who is the seed that is referred to?
What other questions can you ask? Write them below:

God never revokes his promises. In this passage, Paul is trying to explain that the establishment of the Mosaic Law does not negate the covenant God made with Abraham, four hundred and thirty years later. He explains it by giving the example in verse fifteen, “Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside, or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case.” What Paul is saying is that just as you can't set aside promises you make with others, or change the terms after the promise has been made, so God did not change His mind and do away with the promises that He made to Abraham when the laws were given to Moses. For example, if you were to borrow a thousand dollars from the bank, and sign a contract, you would likely not be able to go in three years later and say, “Hey, about that loan, can I just pay back, let's say, fifty dollars and call it even?” I think it highly unlikely that the bank would let you change your terms after the contract has been signed, especially years later. So it is with God. When God makes a covenant it is forever and it will never be revoked.

His promises are not given lightly. So, although the promises given to Abraham were given prior to the laws given to Moses, they were not revoked when the law is given. He says in verse seventeen, “What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.” God's promises are everlasting, and unchanging.

It is easy to be caught up in legalism, and trying to follow the law in order to gain God's approval. Yet we know that we are saved by the grace of God, through Christ Jesus, the same grace that was promised to Abraham. It is irrational to believe that simply following the law can save us. It’s kind of like trying to pay someone for a gift that has already been paid for. God fulfilled His promise through Christ. Our inheritance of being a part of God's family does not depend on the law, “For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in His grace gave it to Abraham as a promise,” (Gal 3:18). Let us not get so caught up in following the law, that we forget the promise God fulfilled through Christ, and the subsequent grace that was given to us as a result.

Process:

-Think of any promises you made to others that you have broken. How is changing or breaking promises in opposition to God's character? Read Matthew 5:37. What does Jesus say about making promises?

-How have you been caught up in trying to earn your salvation through works? List ways that you try to earn the free gift of God, and ask Jesus how this affects both yourself and Him. Ask Him how you can change your motives.

-Has God ever asked you to promise Him something? In accepting Jesus, we are covenanting ourselves to God, giving our lives to Him. What kind of promises has God asked of you as a result of your covenant with Him through Jesus?

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RevoDevos - Day 9

Monday, June 30^th
Read: Galatians 3:10-14

All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Spend a few minutes discussing questions you have about the passage. Here are a few to get you started:

What is the Book of the Law?
What does it mean to live by the law?
What does it mean that Christ became a curse for us?
How do we receive the promise of the Spirit?
What other questions can you ask? Write them below:

Due to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we no longer live by the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. This statement is easy to say, but it can be hard to understand. The Law, given to Moses by God, was given as guidelines for the Jewish people. These guidelines said how the Jewish people were to live, and spelled out clearly what the different sins were. Because the Jews did not have a Saviour (Jesus) yet, it was important for them to understand sin, and how it would keep them from relationship with God.

When Jesus died on the cross for the sin of the world, the law was broken. The prophet Habakkuk prophesied, before the birth of Jesus, that once the Saviour had come and died, the righteous would begin to live by faith. This is contrary to the law because the law in not based on faith. Although faith was involved in following the law, it was not solely based on it. The Jewish people had faith that God would be with them if they followed the law, but most of the experience was based on following the rules.

Deuteronomy 27:26 states that anyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law will be cursed. This verse seems to cause confusion because it says that if we do not continue to follow the Law, we are cursed. So, how does Jesus’ death deliver us from the curse?

When Jesus had died, all the sin of mankind died with him. This sacrifice destroyed the wall between man and God, and took away sin’s power. Because of this, man no longer needs to rely on the law to live according to God’s will. It is through faith and relationship with Jesus Christ that we are saved.

Before the law was instituted, Abraham believed in God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. This is why the scriptures say that all nations will be blessed by Abraham. Jesus died so that the blessing given to Abraham would be open to all. And through faith in Jesus, we are open to receive His promised Spirit that writes His law in our heads, and on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33).

Process:

-Does the law still have any significance today? What caused the breaking of the law? Because of Deuteronomy 27:26, are all who do not follow the law cursed?

Posted By: Anonymous at 10:32 PM : Link : 0 Comments

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