Sunday, February 17, 2013

Galatians 4:12-13


12 Brethren, I beg of you, become as I am [free from the bondage of Jewish ritualism and ordinances], for I also have become as you are [a Gentile]. You did me no wrong [in the days when I first came to you; do not do it now].

In Christ we are free from all of these beggarly things. Here is a great Truth, Jesus is our Shepherd 100% of the time, Hebrews 13:5. So Jesus will absolutely cause His Bride to become free from all of the bondage of fake religion. He will lead us to the Truth and it will set us free, John 8:32. Our Husband will not allow us to be hurt in any way by anyone or anything.  

13 On the contrary, you know that it was on account of a bodily ailment that [I remained and] preached the Gospel to you the first time.

Look at what we are told here: a bodily ailment gave Paul the ability to preach the Gospel to the Galatians. 

So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [ in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength). 2 Corinthians 12:10

The Truth will set us free and the Truth is that even in infirmities the called and chosen of God are blessed. Paul was sick and it gave him the opportunity to be used by our Father to glorify His Kingdom in Galatia. All things work out for good for those who are in Christ, Romans 8:28. Faith comes from hearing the Truth, Romans 10:17, and the Truth is that even if we get sick, our Father will use us greatly. We have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to put no faith or trust in our flesh and our flesh will in no way enable or limit our ability to be used to serve the world and the Kingdom.

For we [Christians] are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit and by the Spirit of God and exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence [on what we are] in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances— Philippians 3:3

Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil one. John 17:15

Our Lord is always greater in us and He will always keep us powerful, in sickness and in health! 

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