May the Spirit of God help us and grant us the true revelation:
''Galatians 2:16 know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.''
Here, as we see, this statement of Paul in the 16th verse in Galatians 2 is not a standalone statement.
He had actually said this in continuation of his message, addressing certain 'behaviour' of Peter.
Now, referring to which behaviour of Peter had Paul stated this?
''Galatians 2:16 know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.''
Here, as we see, this statement of Paul in the 16th verse in Galatians 2 is not a standalone statement.
He had actually said this in continuation of his message, addressing certain 'behaviour' of Peter.
Now, referring to which behaviour of Peter had Paul stated this?
Lets go up few verses and read from verse 11:
'' Galatians 2:11, 12 When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clear in the wrong. Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with Gentiles. But when they arrived he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.''
'' Galatians 2:11, 12 When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clear in the wrong. Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with Gentiles. But when they arrived he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.''
'' Galatians 2:14,15 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, ''You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew.
How is it then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? ''
We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' know that a man is not justified by observing the law , but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.''
We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' know that a man is not justified by observing the law , but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.''
Dear God's people, in the Old Covenant it is against the Law for a Jew to yoke with a Gentile.
( Acts 10:28 He said to them: ''You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him.'')
In the above Scriptures in Galatians, we can clearly see that apostle Paul was explaining in regards to Peter's behaviour and openly opposing him:
Peter who ate with the Gentiles ( though they were considered sinners and the law forbids Jews from yoking with Gentiles), he sees the men coming from James, who belonged to the circumcision group, and separates himself from the Gentiles to be with those men.
This behaviour of Peter is not in line with the truth of the gospel.
By doing this he wanted to observe the ''Law of not yoking with Gentile sinners'' as he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.
Seeing this behaviour of Peter, Paul was enlightening that Christ died for both Jews and Gentiles and that Gentiles too are justified by their faith in Christ, as with the Jews.
''Romans 3:29-31 Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too?
Yes of Gentiles too, since there is only one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through the same faith. Do we then nullify the law by this faith?
Not at all!! Rather, we uphold the law.''
Since Peter tried to justify himself by drawing back from the Gentiles, Paul, opposing his behaviour, states in verse 16 that we are not justified by observing the law but by our faith in Christ.
Let us read further:
'' Galatians 3: 1-4 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you ? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing - if it really was for nothing? ''
These words of Paul too are said in continuation of his message in Galatians 2nd chapter, addressing the behaviour of Peter who tried to separate himself to be with the circumcised group.
Let us read further:
'' Galatians 3: 1-4 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you ? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing - if it really was for nothing? ''
These words of Paul too are said in continuation of his message in Galatians 2nd chapter, addressing the behaviour of Peter who tried to separate himself to be with the circumcised group.
Peter first eating with Gentiles: This is in line with the truth of the gospel - this act of Peter is out of Spirit.
But when men from James came, he again draws back (to the law) and separates himself from the Gentiles - this act is to justify himself by the law.
Hence Paul says in ''Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?''
Hence Paul says in ''Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?''
''after beginning with the Spirit '' - pursuing righteousness by faith, by eating with Gentiles.
''are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort ?'' - meaning, pursuing righteousness by works by separating himself and observing the Law of not yoking with Gentiles.
But dear people, no where in these portions of Scriptures in Galatians had Paul referred to the giving of tithes.
But dear people, no where in these portions of Scriptures in Galatians had Paul referred to the giving of tithes.
Now it is pretty clear to us that these writings of apostle Paul in Galatians chapter 2 and 3, purely reflect on the law of not yoking with Gentiles, spoken in regard to Peter's behaviour, and certainly does not reflect anything on the Law of giving tithes.
Let us now read again from Matthew :
'' Matthew 23:23'' Woe to you , teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites ! You give a tenth of your spices - mint, dill and cumin.But you have neglected the more important matters of the Law - justice,mercy and faithfulness. You should have practised the latter, without neglecting the former.'' ''
Well, I have heard very loud and clear from this Scripture, Jesus saying, ''Do Not Neglect Tithes,'' therefore I believe !!
Do you ?
And when I give my tithe, according to Galatians 3:5, it is an act done in Spirit given by God through my belief in what I heard.
(Galatians 3:5 Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard? )
Dear people, let not the devil deceive you with distortions any longer.
'' Galatians 5:25, 26 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. ''
Dear people, let not the devil deceive you with distortions any longer.
Give to God what belongs to God.
Let us not fall into the category of those lawless men that Peter referred in '2 Peter 3:16,17' but be of those who keep every effort to be spotless and blameless, growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Let us not fall into the category of those lawless men that Peter referred in '2 Peter 3:16,17' but be of those who keep every effort to be spotless and blameless, growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
'' 1 Thessalonians 5 : 23, 24 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. ''
If anyone still want to argue and withold themselves from giving tithes, then here is what Apostle Titus instructs us :
'' Titus 3:9-11 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the Law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.''
May God Bless this message and convict the hearts of His people.
'' Titus 3:9-11 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the Law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.''
May God Bless this message and convict the hearts of His people.
And may God grant grace to obey His commands, in awe and in reverence.
Father,that which belongs to YOU, must be given unto YOU.
Let's pray..
Father,that which belongs to YOU, must be given unto YOU.
May your Spirit help us to bring into YOUR House all that which belongs to YOU, and revere YOUR Name and YOUR commands in obedience, proclaiming YOUR loving kindness and faithfulness, to the ends of the world!
To YOU be glory and honor, both now and forevermore !
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
To YOU be glory and honor, both now and forevermore !
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
God Bless You.
