|
"AFTER STARTING IN SPIRIT ARE
YOU
NOW BEING
What was the underlying reason for
the questions the apostle
Paul knew that their faith had
become retrograde, that they risked losing the privilege of "powerful
works" by the Spirit of God among them. (3:5). Their backward
step had manifested itself in their desire to return to ritualistic works of
Law. But the Mosaic Law, as Paul reminded them, was but a temporary measure, a tutor
pending the arrival of the "seed", Jesus Christ. (3:16,24).
He explained that no one is ever declared righteous before God due to works of
Law, nor did it have the power to bestow life. (3:21). Prior to the
arrival of the "seed" Jesus Christ, they were guarded under
Law
pending the revelation of faith Though blunt, Paul's first question to the Galatian congregation on this matter was to the point. He asked: "Who is it that brought you under evil influence?" (3:1). He knew that evil influence manifests itself through willingly receptive individuals, and that whoever was responsible for bringing them under such evil influence would be judged. (5:10 NEB). Paul wanted the Galatian congregation and future congregations to be aware of the destructive path taken by those born merely in the manner of flesh. (4:29). Paul said to them: "They zealously seek you (paying court to you), not in a fine way (not with honest intentions), but they want to shut you off [from me], that you may zealously seek (pay court to) them." (4:17 NWT. See NEB footnote). The underlying cause of their deviation from the faith was resentment of those "born in the manner of Spirit". (4:29). To those today clinging to ritualistic works of Law, deviating from true faith to receive glory from others, I say: You will all be refined out by the "sieve of worthlessness". Those remaining are precious, and cannot be shaken through. (Isaiah 30:27,28).
26/11/85. |
.