“Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it.” (Galatians 3:15)
Once a contract is signed, there is no going back – all parties are committed. We understand that even in human agreements, you don’t just change the parts down the road when things get difficult.
God’s covenant speaks to His commitment to us through thick and thin. He isn’t going to ditch you the first time life gets difficult. He knows you fail, He knows you sin, and He knows you need Jesus. The covenant is His promise to not lay you aside when the conditions get rough.
However, the commitment to the covenant is needed on our side, too. We aren’t allowed to just keep the verses we like and ignore the rest. The whole counsel of God must be understood by every generation because each generation must stand by His Word amid the battlefield of the culture and trials their particular generation must face. We must each individually know His Word because it is His Word for us. We cannot lay it aside or add to it when the world changes. The covenant was permanently ratified upon the cross.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: Galatians 3:10-19
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision