4You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Last week Jordan gave us an opportunity to have some fun and see the difference between keeping the law and keeping no law at all. We discovered that no matter how we play the game, with or without rules, we always want to win and our selfish desires consume us.
For those that try to make themselves right before God by keeping the law there is nothing but death and slavery awaiting them. And for those that seek freedom above all else, they too will find an equally unfortunate end. But for those that have a “faith [in Jesus Christ] expressing itself through love” and do not seek to justify themselves but rest in Christ’s righteousness, they have a reason to hope and an incomparable freedom.
Our hope and freedom lead us to repetitive acts of love and service towards one another. It is a hope that we have the privilege of sharing with others as the one true Gospel of Jesus Christ, the gospel of freedom. Are you reflecting this love in your relationships with your Christian brothers and sisters? Are you reflecting this hope in your relationships with your non-Christian friends and family? Where is your faith, in Christ’s righteousness or your own?
This week we will be discussing Gospel Character at The Burke's - 10412 Cascade Falls Court, Owings Mills, MD 21117. Please remember to bring a copy of the participants guide with you on Wednesday.
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