This past Sunday we preached through Galatians 5:16-26 where Paul really stresses the importance of pressing into the person of Jesus Christ. This can be an uncomfortable place for those of us who want to have a plan to a better life or at least know how it is I can behave so that God loves me but that really is what religion will do to us. What Jesus wants from us is to realize that He loves us, that He will grow us, that He is what we really need in our lives. Hopefully this week as you go to work and spend time in prayer, reading your Bible etc... you can find ways to love Jesus.
I really didn't hit on vs. 26 which reminds us not to become conceited or envy one another. Paul really understands the way people tend to operate. People will start to feel as though they've arrived at some sort of awesome place of enlightenment or some great place where they know God better than someone else but if we review what it is we become the more we press into Christ we know that it doesn't include pride. In fact the more you press into God the more humility it builds within you. Many scholars have pointed out that in the writtings of Paul you can see this trend begin to happen. Paul in his early writings refers to himself as the least of the apostles which seems humble but puts him above lots of people. Later in his writings he refers to himself as the least of Christians understanding how great God's love for us is. In one of his last letters before his death Paul refers to himself as the greatest of sinners. As he grows closer to God his humility grows and his appreciation for the grace of God. That is what should be growing in us.
I pray that this week you will continue to grow in your love for Jesus Christ.
Bryan Axtman
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