Being Bound To Law
In Galatians 2: 3 it says that Titus, whom Paul had brought with him, was being compelled to be circumcised. In verse 4 it tells us who was trying to get Titus to be circumcised. It was the false brethren that were trying to do this. Who were these false brethren? Who was it that Paul went back to Jerusalem to speak to because they had gone back under law? It was the apostles and disciples of Jesus Christ. It was those that had walked and talked with Jesus.
In verse 4 it also says what their purpose was. It was to bring them back under the bondage of the law. They came in privily (means they came alongside) to spy out this liberty that Paul had and preached as well, which he had in Christ Jesus. The reason they came alongside of them was to bring them back under bondage. The bondage they wanted them back under was the bondage of the law. They tried their best to get Paul to circumcise Titus so obviously circumcision was the main order of the day for them.
In verse 5 he says quite clearly that they did not subject themselves to such bondage of the law of circumcision. He makes it clear they did not submit to this, not even for an hour. The reason he was not interested in subjecting anyone or himself for that matter to this law of circumcision the apostles were now preaching, is so the truth of the gospel might continue. So we see here Paul makes it clear if the law is being preached, the truth of the gospel can not be preached. That is the bondage they were trying to bring him back under.
If anyone is trying to bring you back under even one law, in this case it was the law of circumcision but nowadays it would be a different law I am sure, but even so, if you go under the subjection of even one law, the truth of the gospel can not be preached. One law nullifies the truth of the gospel. The gospel is not law. The gospel is grace and peace. If anyone is telling you about all the rules and regulations and laws you have to follow, then they are plain and simple not telling you the truth of the gospel.
Can we for a moment imagine what would have happened to Paul’s message to the ones that had been listening to him if he had succumbed to what the apostles were trying to get him to go back under? I believe the truth of the gospel would have ended that day because Paul was raised up to bring the truth of the gospel of grace and peace. You cannot preach law and the grace and peace of God. That’s not possible. The law nullifies the gospel of grace and peace. They do not mix any better than oil and water.
Those of us that have heard and accepted this gospel of grace and peace must be steadfast in this truth that has been revealed to us. We must stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has set us free and not be moved to go back under any bondage. The people around us would never see this truth if we followed what the apostles were trying to get the people of Paul’s day to follow. They were trying to get people back under bondage by bringing in the law again. Stand fast in your liberty. The liberty of the gospel of grace and peace.
You are so right Roy. We must stand fast in the liberty that has set us free. good post
Roy thank God for liberty in Christ and there is no one or nothing that can change that.I also thank God for your articl;es about that liberty.
Love in Christ Dan
Thanks for the comments Cliff and Dan. It is great to be free.
As you said Roy, to spy out this liberty that Paul had and preached as well, which he had in Christ Jesus. The reason they came alongside of them was to bring them back under bondage. Of course that was the reason they came along side. But Paul had taught them so well he couldn’t understand why they where being seduced after what he had taught them
We have to remember that Paul wasted the church of Christ. And he was not going to let even those who walked with Christ seduce them again.
Paul as not to many know murdered believers in Christ but the lord forgave him because of his ignorance. Now that is a hard thing to take Roy. Because if it had happened to your or my son would we have trusted such a man who killed those we loved? But the Gospel has such power in Christ to forgive and has forgiven all. Because of what Christ has done on behalf of us all. This is how mighty this Gospel really is Roy. We within ourseleves can not fathom the height, depth and breath of it. Until the spirit of grace reveals it to the heart and mind. And when he does it is joy unspeakable and full of glory.
What a Savior we have full of grace and truth.
kenneth.
Ps roy.Why i did not spell to well is it is 2am in the morning here in belfast my friend.And i can hardley see the computer screen.Its true.
kenneth
Forgive me my friend?
Thanks for the comment Kenneth. Excellent points you bring out as always. Don’t worry about the spelling. It has been fixed.
Was the blog designed by yourself? it is so likeable!