Truth or Preference?

Scott Beyer
06/22/23 - Bulletin

“And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.” (Galatians 5:3)

            Circumcision was THE issue in the early church, and congregations left and right were plagued by the potential for division over this issue.  Why?  Simply put – it is was an issue of authority and precedent.

            Circumcision was an Old Testament Jewish commandment, and it was a requirement for a Jew, but when Christ came, He instituted a new law – Christ’s law – found in the New Testament.  Which law were they supposed to follow?  If circumcision was accepted as necessary, they needed to take the rest of the stuff, too.  Animal sacrifice, Sabbath keeping, festivals, temple, priest system, etc. were all required as well… they didn’t get to cherry-pick; it was all or nothing.

            So where is the application for us today?  Circumcision isn’t really a debated topic anymore because everyone has accepted it is an individual choice and not a doctrinal obligation.  But there are other things we are tempted to bind on people today.  Human traditions have constantly been a struggle for God’s people – we must be careful to discern the difference between individual judgment and the issues of doctrinal truth which are universal.  Unity in Christ requires us to make careful examination between issues of Scripture (right and wrong) and preference.  Church unity can be shattered by our preferences being treated like necessities just as much as Scriptural necessities being treated like preferences.

            Let’s make sure that in matters of truth we stand unflinchingly and in matters of preference we show constant flexibility to meet the needs of each generation.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Galatians 5:1-9

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. 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?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. 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

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