Scripture: But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! Galatians 2:17
Observation: The conversation of faith vs. acts can be confusing and sometimes it seems Paul is squarely on the side of 'faith' to the point that he believes all compliance with Jewish law is thrown away, and that all standards of the law are to be discarded. However, this verse clarifies that stance. Paul is saying ... 'If people who believe in Jesus and know the law behave like those who don't know the law, does that mean the law is to be disregarded? Absolutely not!'
Jesus himself said he came to fulfill the law, not destroy it. He also said no letter of the law will be removed or destroyed. Jesus fulfilled the ritual laws, while maintaining the spiritual and moral laws.
Application: I am not a Jew. However, I know the laws - or at least a current-day application of the law - and therefore am expected to apply them along with my faith. This is not about Jewish customs and rituals, but about moral alignment. How does this apply to others? How does this apply to those who believe in Jesus but don't know the laws? That is not my issue. I am to serve Jesus as Jesus himself has laid upon my heart, and his relationship with others is theirs to work out.
The better I apply God's standard of living to my life, the better relationship I will have with him.
Prayer: Lord, I see your truth in my life every day. May I look to your precepts and instructions every day, and walk humbly with you. Amen.
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