Why is Galatians relevant?
Paul’s letter addresses the first controversy of the early church, the relationship between the Christian Jews and the Christian Gentiles. Paul strongly presents his case that the people embrace unity in Christ, no matter what their social distinctions, by saying they were deserters of Christ for turning from the truth. (Galatians 1:6-9)
Because Christians have been freed from bondage to our sinful nature, we now have the path of holiness open to us, not in our own strength but by God’s empowering grace in each of our lives. In Chapter 5, Paul compares a list of walking in sin and the fruit of the Spirit when we allow the Spirit to work in our lives. Sadly, we can struggle between a legalistic attempt at earning our salvation by works and self-righteousness or having a devil-may-care attitude about our sin.
Why is Ephesians important to us?
One of the profound theological truths is found in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For we have been saved through grace by faith and not of ourselves; it is a gift from God, not of works, that no man may boast.” Ephesians covers a wide range of moral and ethical behaviors designed to ensure that believers are living up to our heavenly calling. When Paul presents the benefits we receive in Christ, we at times may ask ourselves whether our lives truly reflect that reality as it should.
The latter half of Ephesians states that Christian growth occurs primarily in community with others. Our walk is to be characterized by unity, holiness, love, wisdom and perseverance in spiritual warfare.
Submitted By Bob Sidlinger