Scripture:
Galatians 2:21
21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose
Observation:
Paul has his first disciple Titus with him in his first journey. He goes and encountered several things God. He encounters the pillar apostles at work and even sees Peter being a bit wishy washy when it comes to his ministry. Titus is impacted in a negative way and Paul calls Peter out. He then makes sense of it all to Peter and explanation to Titus through a law themed explanation! He understands that it is the Grace of God through Jesus that gives us life, not a law or rule. He comes to the conclusion that righteousness and acceptance is through Jesus and if it could have been obtained another way Jesus died for no reason.
Application:
I think about the fact that if righteousness could have been obtained through an act of constantly being obedient to a law that Jesus literally died for no reason. So I spend my life getting down on myself for my lack of living up to a standard, pursuing God’s acceptance by following rules, having maturity in how well I perform in God’s eyes. Though some of these things are ok with gauging maturity based on obedience, they can’t gauge justification and salvation. What I mean for me is that the things I do don’t earn me a seat at the table, I’m already there because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This is something I know and have preached to myself constantly. This morning I take the burden of the law off my shoulders and receive the free gift of salvation and live in response to it. Christ died so that I could have life, not so that I could live as if he did not die.
Prayer:
God, forgive me for pursuing righteousness through works. Let’s my works show your greatness and growth in me rather than me prove you in me. Forgive me for not trusting you and help me Jesus die to me and live in you.