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Galatians 4 is an extremely personal section in which we see the passionate, humble, and vulnerable relationship Paul had with his brothers and sisters in the church he planted in Galatia. And in the midst of this appeal Paul explains some devastating truths about the dark nature of respectable Christian self-righteousness. Song of Commitment – Amazing GraceSome RecommendationsThe goal of the study/reflection questions is to help you get into the text and meet Christ in it, i.e., to worship and meet with God. Avoid engaging with these questions as if it’s a “quiz” where the goal is to get the “correct answer” and then move onto the next question. My prayer, goal, and hope is that the questions will help open up the Word of God – what it means and what it is saying – in order that you might meet God, experience Christ, and hear from the Holy Spirit. 1) I do recommend the full liturgy for each day. 2) If you do not have time to do all the liturgy, the devotional questions are also on page 2 below.3) Sing the song! (Really) Download the song to your phone or computer so you can listen repeatedly during the day. When we sing, our mind, body, heart, emotions, and will are all engaged in worship! If this week’s song does not appeal to you, substitute a personal favorite.4) Some weeks we will begin (Monday) with a Lectio Divina approach, Tuesday-Thursday we study the text with guided questions, and on Friday we do something a little different.5) If you are new to these Daily Worship guides, there is a Song of Commitment and Closing Prayer at the end of this document. Scripture Readings & Reflection -(See also notes above in Yellow)6 ? more weeks until I get this cast of my wrist/hand!MondayIt’s Monday morning. Take some time to quiet your heart. Give your week, your “to-do-list,” and all that lies ahead of you to God. Breathe. Take some time to rest in his presence accept his grace and embrace. Read Galatians 4:8-20.In v10 Paul references some of the OT practices that the Galatians had added to their practices/lifestyle in following Jesus. What were they?The “elementary principles of the world” (see v3 also) refers to the worship of the old pagan Greek gods. As in most cultures, the Greek gods were believed to have power over the natural elements, e.g., the sea, the sun, the weather, etc. However, what’s confusing is that the Galatians had not returned to the pagan practices of their past. They were practicing the festivals, sacrifices, and observances of the Old Testament. So, what is going on here? Read v8-10 In adding these Old Testament practices and laws, who does God say they have actually turned back to? Paul says they are really not gods, i.e. there is no god called Zeus. But, who is behind those false gods, is the father of lies, and enslaves people? So, when we trust in our own abilities, goodness, and righteousness – when we look to our own efforts in doing good Christian things to quiet our consciences, give us peace, and validate us – who are we actually worshipping/serving and who has enslaved us? Take some time to consider the implication of this. How does this impact you?Rationally? (Thinking/thoughts).Emotionally? (What feelings, positive/negative does it raise?)What Deep Desires does this connect with? (See the list in yellow and the very end of this document if you need some help with this). Volitionally? (How is God and his Word calling you to respond?)Enter into our Song of Commitment Amazing Grace and conclude with our Closing Prayer. (Both are below, almost at the very end of this document).TUESDAYRead Galatians 4:8-20.In v9, Paul qualifies his statement that “you have come to know God.” He’s not correcting himself but deliberately making a rhetorical theological point. What is it? In v9, the word “rather” probably means, “more importantly.” How does that impact what is being communicated?Reflect on and apply the following insight from Richard Lovelace to your own heart and life:Christians who are no longer sure that God loves and accepts them in Jesus, apart from their present spiritual achievements, are subconsciously radically insecure persons—much less secure than non-Christians, because [of] the constant bulletins they receive from their Christian environment about the holiness of God and the righteousness they are supposed to have. Their insecurity shows itself in pride, a fierce defensive assertion of their own righteousness and defensive criticism of others. They come naturally to hate other cultural styles and other races in order to bolster their own security and discharge their suppressed anger. They cling desperately to legal, pharisaical righteousness, but envy, jealousy and other branches on the tree of sin grow out of their fundamental insecurity. How does this relate to Galatians? i.e., truly grasping that being “known by God” is more important than “our seeking to know God”?How does your own spiritual insecurity lead you to trust in self-righteousness? Talk to God about what you have read and pondered today. Ask him to secure your spiritual identity in his love and knowledge. Enter into our Song of Commitment Amazing Grace and conclude with our Closing Prayer. (Both are below, almost at the very end of this document).WEDNESDAY Read Galatians 4:8-20.What brought Paul to the Galatians? From Paul’s description of their response, what insight can we gleam about how people often react to/feel about their own weaknesses, struggles, and suffering?Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. What does this (Galatians & 2 Corinthians) teach us about suffering and thwarted plans? Can you see how this has operated in your life? Ask God to speak to you about this dynamic in your life. How might today, or struggles/setbacks you are currently facing be different if you could embrace knowing God and his grace as the most important thing.Enter into our Song of Commitment Amazing Grace and conclude with our Closing Prayer. (Both are below, almost at the very end of this document).THURSDAYRead Galatians 4:8-20. Review v10-20. What characteristics of healthy relationships can you draw from these verses?How would you compare your closest Christian relationships with these? How would you say your church community compares to these? How do you feel about the phrase and the calling to “speak the truth in love”? How does today’s passage give a fuller picture of what that might look like and involve? Consider how you could be a more vulnerable and passionate priest to your brothers and sisters in Christ? Pray for closest Christian friendships. Ask God to protect them and deepen them? Enter into our Song of Commitment Our Great God and conclude with our Closing Prayer. (Both are below, almost at the very end of this document).FRIDAYIn Galatians we have seen that our “obedience” and our self-trust can very easily become idols. One way to identify our potential idols in this regard is in the answer to the question, “How do I know I am a good person?” Read Galatians 4:8-20.Reflect on and apply the following insight from Richard Keyes personally A careful reading of the Old and New Testaments shows that idolatry is nothing like the crude, simplistic picture that springs to mind of an idol sculpture in some distant country. As the main category to describe unbelief, the idea is highly sophisticated, drawing together the complexities of motivation in individual psychology, the social environment, and also the unseen world. Idols are not just on pagan altars, but in well-educated human hearts and minds (Ezekiel 14). The apostle Paul associates the dynamics of human greed, lust, craving, and coveting with idolatry (Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5). The Bible does not allow us to marginalize idolatry to the fringes of life. . . . It is found on center stage. What idols is God calling you to repent of and how are you doing in seeing that your relationship with, trust, and worship of those idols is actually serving Satan? Enter into our Song of Commitment Our Great God and conclude with our Closing Prayer. (Both are below, almost at the very end of this document).------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Full LiturgyOpening Prayer O God, Eternal King and Father of all mercies,whose light divides the day from the nightand turns the shadow of death into the morning: To know you is eternal lifeand to serve you is perfect freedom:Drive far from us all wrong desires,incline our hearts to keep your law,and guide our feet into the way of peace;that we may do your will with cheerfulness during the day,and when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ, our risen and reigning Lord,to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.Confession Father God, we confess to you with hope. You are the one who brings life from death.Daily, we are in need of resurrection. We try to bring life for ourselves and our loved ones. We try to feel alive by our own efforts, plans, and wills.Lord, fill us with true life. We confess to you that our efforts, our plans, and our wills just bring further death.Lord, fill us with true life. We confess our doubts in the resurrection of Christ. We doubt that the abundant life and resurrection is possible for ourselves. Our thinking is too small; we do not expect much change in our lives.Lord, fill us with true life. You promise us spiritual transformation, life abundantly, and resurrection from the dead. Forgive us for expecting only small changes in our lives.Forgive us for expecting too little and doubting your ability to bring the dead back to life.Lord, fill us with true life. We long to know the power of Christ's resurrection here and now.As we confess our sins, remind us of your grace and open our hearts to ask for more. Remind us of that glorious day when you will transform us completely, bring beauty from ashes, and clothe us with new bodies that can stand fully in your holy presence.Absolution (Romans 8:1-2)There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.IntercessionPray this week for your own self, your community, church, city, and this world to know the resurrection of Jesus in accepting the good news of the gospel. Scripture Readings & Reflection -See notes above in yellow. 6 ? more weeks until I get this cast of my wrist/hand!MondayIt’s Monday morning. Take some time to quiet your heart. Give your week, your “to-do-list,” and all that lies ahead of you to God. Breathe. Take some time to rest in his presence accept his grace and embrace. Read Galatians 4:8-20.In v10 Paul references some of the OT practices that the Galatians had added to their practices/lifestyle in following Jesus. What were they?The “Elementary things of this world” (see v3 also) refers to the worship of the old pagan Greek gods. Like in most cultures the gods are believed to have power over the natural elements, e.g., the sea, the sun, the weather, etc. However, what’s confusing is that the Galatians had not returned to the pagan practices of their past. They were practicing the festivals, sacrifices, and observances of the Old Testament. So, what is going on here? Read v8-9 In adding these Old Testament practices and laws, who does God say they have actually turned back to? Paul says they are really not gods, i.e. there is no god called Zeus. But, who is behind those false gods, is the father of lies, and enslaves people? So, when we trust in our own abilities, goodness, and righteousness – when we look to our own efforts in doing good Christian things to quiet our consciences, give us peace, and validate us – who are we actually worshipping/serving and who has enslaved us? Take some time to consider the implication of this. How does this impact you?Rationally? (Thinking/thoughts).Emotionally? (What feelings, positive/negative does it raise?)What Deep Desires does this connect with? (See the list in yellow and the very end of this document if you need some help with this). Volitionally? (How is God and his Word calling you to respond?)Enter into our Song of Commitment Amazing Grace and conclude with our Closing Prayer. (Both are below, almost at the very end of this document).TUESDAYRead Galatians 4:8-20.In v9, Paul qualifies his statement that “you have come to know God.” He’s not correcting himself but deliberately making a rhetorical theological point. What is it? In v9, the word “rather” probably means, “more importantly.” How does that impact what is being communicated?Reflect on and apply the following insight from Richard Lovelace to your own heart and life:Christians who are no longer sure that God loves and accepts them in Jesus, apart from their present spiritual achievements, are subconsciously radically insecure persons—much less secure than non-Christians, because [of] the constant bulletins they receive from their Christian environment about the holiness of God and the righteousness they are supposed to have. Their insecurity shows itself in pride, a fierce defensive assertion of their own righteousness and defensive criticism of others. They come naturally to hate other cultural styles and other races in order to bolster their own security and discharge their suppressed anger. They cling desperately to legal, pharisaical righteousness, but envy, jealousy and other branches on the tree of sin grow out of their fundamental insecurity. How does this relate to Galatians? i.e., truly grasping that being “known by God” is more important than “our seeking to know God”?How does your own spiritual insecurity lead you to trust in self-righteousness? Talk to God about what you have read and pondered today. Ask him to secure your spiritual identity in his love and knowledge. Enter into our Song of Commitment Amazing Grace and conclude with our Closing Prayer. (Both are below, almost at the very end of this document).WEDNESDAY Read Galatians 4:8-20.What brought Paul to the Galatians? From Paul’s description of their response, what insight can we gleam about how people often react to/feel about their own weaknesses, struggles, and suffering?Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. What does this (Galatians & 2 Corinthians) teach us about suffering and thwarted plans? Can you see how this has operated in your life? Ask God to speak to you about this dynamic in your life. How might today, or struggles/setbacks you are currently facing be different if you could embrace knowing God and his grace as the most important thing.Enter into our Song of Commitment Amazing Grace and conclude with our Closing Prayer. (Both are below, almost at the very end of this document).THURSDAYRead Galatians 4:8-20. Review v10-20. What characteristics of healthy relationships can you draw from these verses?How would you compare your closest Christian relationships with these? How would you say your church community compares to these? How do you feel about the phrase and the calling to “speak the truth in love”? How does today’s passage give a fuller picture of what that might look like and involve? Consider how you could be a more vulnerable and passionate priest to your brothers and sisters in Christ? Pray for closest Christian friendships. Ask God to protect them and deepen them? Enter into our Song of Commitment Our Great God and conclude with our Closing Prayer. (Both are below, almost at the very end of this document).FRIDAYIn Galatians we have seen that our “obedience” and our self-trust can very easily become idols. One way to identify our potential idols in this regard is in the answer to the question, “How do I know I am a good person?” Read Galatians 4:8-20.Reflect on and apply the following insight from Richard Keyes personally A careful reading of the Old and New Testaments shows that idolatry is nothing like the crude, simplistic picture that springs to mind of an idol sculpture in some distant country. As the main category to describe unbelief, the idea is highly sophisticated, drawing together the complexities of motivation in individual psychology, the social environment, and also the unseen world. Idols are not just on pagan altars, but in well-educated human hearts and minds (Ezekiel 14). The apostle Paul associates the dynamics of human greed, lust, craving, and coveting with idolatry (Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5). The Bible does not allow us to marginalize idolatry to the fringes of life. . . . It is found on center stage. What idols is God calling you to repent of and how are you doing in seeing that your relationship with, trust, and worship of those idols is actually serving Satan? Enter into our Song of Commitment Our Great God and conclude with our Closing Prayer. (Both are below, almost at the very end of this document).Song of Commitment – Amazing Grace Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,That saved a wretch like meI once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now, I see.T'was Grace that taughtmy heart to fear.And Grace, my fears relieved.How precious did that Grace appearthe hour I first believed.Through many dangers, toils and snareswe have already come.T'was Grace that brought us safe thus farand Grace will lead us home.The Lord has promised good to meHis word my hope secures.He will my shield and portion beas long as life endures.When we've been here ten thousand yearsbright shining as the sun.We've no less days to sing God's praisethen when we've first begun.Closing Prayer O God, Eternal King and Father of all mercies,whose light divides the day from the nightand turns the shadow of death into the morning: You know that I am a hungry and thirsty person who is desperate to be satisfied. Show me this day what gluttony looks like in my life:that I see where I over consume looking for comfort and hoping to feel alive, that I might grow in appreciation for the Cross of Christ. Fill me with your love and patience that I might be more truly free.Guide my heart and feet in the way of serving you and suffering for the gospel so that:I might be freed from the tyranny of self-service,your Spirit might fan into flame embers that have grown cold, entering into the resurrected life you secured for me, I might live more fully alive. List of Deep DesiresDistorted/Deceptive DesiresDistorted desires: you long for impact and you take control or manipulate to get it or you long for intimacy and you look to pornographyDeceitful desires: when you look to any material, experiential, positional, or relational desire to satisfy a deep desire.? Only God can truly satisfy a deep desire.Godly Deep DesiresPurpose, to be part of something larger, transcendenceRelationship: to love and be loved, to pursue and be pursued, (to be noticed, wanted, desired, etc.) community, familyImpact, significanceHonor, respect, valued, understoodTo protect and provide, to be protected and provided for, securityTo come through: duty, to hear “well done”Beauty and creativityJustice and freedomPeace, wholeness, completion, home ................
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