Friday: Further Thought – Paul’s Pastoral Appeal
Further Thought: “In the Galatian churches, open, unmasked error was supplanting the gospel message. Christ, the true foundation of the faith, was virtually renounced for the obsolete ceremonies of Judaism. The apostle saw that if the believers in Galatia were to be saved from the dangerous influences which threatened them, the most decisive measures must be taken, the sharpest warnings given.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
“An important lesson for every minister of Christ to learn is that of adapting his labors to the condition of those whom he seeks to benefit. Tenderness, patience, decision, and firmness are alike needful; but these are to be exercised with proper discrimination. To deal wisely with different classes of minds, under varied circumstances and conditions, is a work requiring wisdom and judgment enlightened and sanctified by the Spirit of God. . . .
“Paul pleaded with those who had once known in their lives the power of God, to return to their first love of gospel truth. With unanswerable arguments he set before them their privilege of becoming free men and women in Christ, through whose atoning grace all who make full surrender are clothed with the robe of His righteousness. He took the position that every soul who would be saved must have a genuine, personal experience in the things of God.
“The apostle’s earnest words of entreaty were not fruitless. The Holy Spirit wrought with mighty power, and many whose feet had wandered into strange paths, returned to their former faith in the gospel. Henceforth they were steadfast in the liberty wherewith Christ had made them free.” — Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 385, 386, 388.
Discussion Questions:
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Summary: Having made a number of detailed and theologically sophisticated arguments, Paul now makes a more personal and emotional appeal to the Galatians. He begs them to listen to his counsel, reminding them of the positive relationship they once shared and of the genuine love and concern he has for them as their spiritual parent.
Christ being formed within us is the work of His Spirit who motivates us by the LOVE of God to produce thoughts and feelings that are the same as Jesus would think and feel. These are the basis for habit patterns which make up the Very Character of Christ in our minds and hearts. We, then, take on the duties of Christ on this Earth. We become His hands, feet, and mouth to perform the acts of God as His ambassadors in this earth.
Jesus was our example in that He received the mind of His Father (our Father) via the work of the same Spirit when He was on this earth and ministered the works of His Father to the people then.
If we are watching and don’t see the Character of Christ forming in us we need to pray and ask for His Spirit to give us His thoughts and feelings. We should keep praying until we really mean what we say when we ask for His Spirit of Love to motivate our mind.
The apostle Paul was to remind people to their former love that they once had.