15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justifiedby works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Reflection
- Paul reported his second visit to Jerusalem that his call to preach the gospel was confirmed by the original apostles (v1-10), then he defended his gospel against Judaizing tendencies by rebuking Peter in Antioch (v11-21). Paul’s opponents questioned the authenticity of the gospel he preached. But he refused to give in to the false teachings of legalism.
- Many people go to temples, burn incense, and engage in meditation, charitable deeds and generous donations in the hopes of receiving peace and prosperity. Children are often told that Santa Claus checks “his list twice to see who’s naughty or nice” in order to give them gifts at Christmas accordingly. Is there any difference between the two examples? If Santa Claus existed and had a list with your name on it, what would be the conditions to determine whether you were naughty or nice? Write them down on a piece of paper.
- How is Jesus’ gift of salvation different from them? “A person is not justifiedby works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ” (v16). Bring this list to God and thank Him that He is not like Santa. Tear up and throw the list to the garbage. Once again, thank God for all the grace gifts given you without your working for them.
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.
If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read v16 only.)
Refer to the questions in Meditation. Discuss the lyrics of “Santa Claus is coming to town”, esp. “He’s making a list and checking it twice”. Parents, this is a good time to explain God’s free and precious gift of salvation to your children. If a child wants to accept Jesus, help him/her to make the decision and pray for him/her. Write the decision on your Family Devotional Journal.
Proverbs for Today 20:28-30
28 Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,
and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.
30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil;
strokes make clean the innermost parts.