St Barnabas Daily Devotions

11 See what large letters I am using to write to you with my own hand!12 Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.14 But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[A] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.16 Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God.17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers.Amen.REFLECTIONSWritten by Paul Bogg Reading this passage, I sense the weariness of Paul’s plea to the Galatians to take his words seriously. To the hearers of these words, there is a fork in the road – either walk the way of peace and mercy with God through Christ, or walk the way of the law. But not even the people compelling them to walk the way of the law are keeping the law themselves.Recently I was talking to a non-believer, and I asked him: What would it take for you to make a decision to follow Christ? His answer was: “If I could see it, I would believe it.” The apostle Paul tells the Galatians: “Your proof is me.” Paul himself bears the marks of Jesus on his body, the physical scars of having been persecuted for Christ. He counts himself crucified to the world – and in that crucifixion, he is now a new creation. His testimony in chapter 1 illustrates this transformation – he once persecuted the church, but now is prepared to preach Christ, to the point of suffering intense persecution himself.As we come to the end of this letter to the Galatian Christians, I wonder: Does my life reflect the same transformation that knowing Jesus brings? Would believers and non-believers alike see Christ in me, crucified to the world, and living the life of a new creation?  It’s a challenging question and causes me to reflect on my day to day living. Do I bear the fruit of the Spirit, taking care to put to death the acts of the flesh and seeking to do good to others, especially the family of faith? Those would be great points to reflect and pray on now. ABOUT THE AUTHORPaul is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

9 Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.REFLECTIONSWritten by Tina Bogg I love the encouragement from this verse that trying to do daily life well, through faith in Christ, is an investment that will reap a harvest for God.Initially as I read this passage, I was thinking about all the mundane, everyday activities I do. For me that’s the continuous cycle of shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, school pickup, extracurricular activities and the everyday emotional battles of parenting. “Well-doing” – or “doing good” in the NIV (which seems a bit clearer) – in my own situation includes being intentional in providing healthy meals for the family, keeping a cleanish house and getting the kids to help, encouraging the kids to learn and try different skills and focus on effort rather than achievements.As I reflected more, however, I realised the most tiring part is actually trying to do these things with a Christ-like attitude: with patience and kindness, without grumbling, and keeping the big picture of God’s priorities in mind. This often includes the effort of many little acts of love: slowing down to listen to my daughter or read her a book instead of hurrying about finishing up the washing; or taking the time to message a friend and cook extra for someone who’s having a rough week; or taking a deep breath after being asked the same thing for the fifth time in one minute and answering without snapping; or apologising after snapping. Doing good, out of faith in Christ, takes energy and time.As I read this passage, I resonate with feeling weary, but am encouraged to not give up, trusting that the good fruit will come later and it’s not all for nothing, Your life situation might be very different to mine. What are the good things you are busy with? Paul includes a special note to do good to our brothers and sisters in Christ. With that in mind, who can you bless today with a message, a prayer, a meal or a helping hand? Let’s pray that God will continue to give us strength, energy, time, patience and perseverance to do good wherever He has placed us. ABOUT THE AUTHORTina is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

7 Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. 8 The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.REFLECTIONSWritten by Joseph TingThe beginning of this passage jumps out at me. Paul basically says: “Don’t kid yourself – God is not to be fooled or taken lightly.” We may think what we do is confined to our hearts, that only we ourselves know what is going on inside us. However, we seldom realise that every single thought, action, even inklings of thoughts, are laid bare in God’s eyes. Remember in Matthew 10:31 and Luke 12:7, God even numbers the hairs on our heads! If God cares for us so much and knows us so intimately, do we seriously think God doesn’t know what’s in our hearts? Or maybe we just forget so easily.Paul goes on to warn us that in the long term, we will bear the consequences of the decisions we make and the direction we choose – just like a farmer will eventually reap what he sows. If he sows good seeds and puts in the hard work required to nurture what he has planted, he will reap a good harvest. On the contrary, if he sows bad seeds and couldn’t care less about taking proper care of his crops, then he will reap a bad harvest.Paul tells us that our thoughts and actions are like that of the farmer. If we live to “please the flesh” – if we don’t care about walking by the Spirit of Christ, if we’re happy to follow the so-called “pleasures of today” and do whatever we please according to our sinful desires – then we will bear the consequences of our decision: death and destruction on the final day. On the other hand, if we commit to living as those who belong to Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit and in the grace of God, striving to live out the fruit of the Holy Spirit, then we will receive God’s ultimate blessing of a place in the eternal kingdom that He has prepared for us.The question is: Which path will I choose? Talk to God now about your decision. ABOUT THE AUTHORJoseph is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.4 Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else. 5 For each one should carry his own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.REFLECTIONSWritten by Rodney ClarkeWe are always comparing ourselves to each other. My generation called it “Keeping up with the Joneses” – trying not to look worse than anyone else. Some people have more or less than you. But Paul urges us not to focus on them or on comparing yourself with others, but to focus on testing your own work (v 4). Or in Hebrews 12:1, each of us is to run the race set out for us. Everybody’s journey is different, but the destination is the same: the heavenly prize God has for us in Christ (Phil. 3:14).We long for heaven, but in the meantime, we are called to bear one another’s burdens in love. What God calls us to do for each other is time-consuming and costly. But it’s about valuing others above ourselves (Phil. 2:3). I always find it difficult – how do you bear someone else’s burden without becoming embroiled in their problems? The messiness of life becomes the issue.But no person is an island. We are Christ’s disciples because we have love for one another. I don’t want to reach out, but I need to – because I in turn can’t do it alone either. In a sense I am “nothing” if I think I can keep going my own way.We are very fortunate that we have good and godly pastors and ministers who uphold us and teach us. We must look out for them as we also look out for each other. It’s all about how we live together side by side as believers, as we look forward eagerly for Christ’s return.I struggle with many things. But I don’t need to struggle with them alone. ABOUT THE AUTHORRodney is a member of our Fairifield Morning congregation.

1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.REFLECTIONSWritten by Herman TuHave you ever rebuked someone? I never have. But often when we look around at church and see sin amongst us, I want to take the speck out of my brother’s eyes and restore them in purity. But Jesus tells us to take the log out of our own eye first (Matthew 7:3-5).  So how exactly should we navigate this?Paul teaches us how to address this. Remember that the context is Paul correcting the Galatian church for adding circumcision as a requirement to become a Christian.Paul commands his brothers and sisters who are “spiritual” to restore the person caught in wrongdoing “with a spirit of gentleness”. There is a beautiful expression here of the reality that we have been made new by the Holy Spirit. Gentleness was one of the fruits of the Spirit we saw yesterday. We are no longer of the flesh but of the Spirit, so we walk in the Spirit and behave with gentleness. At the same time, even though we are of the Spirit, Paul recognises that we need to continually check our hearts and watch for the “log” in our own eyes, to guard us from deceit and jealousy.To me, that is a pretty good formula already: remembering that we are of the Spirit, restoring with gentleness, and guarding our hearts in the process.But Paul wants us to do more than restore others. He wants us to relieve their burdens. He says next: “Carry one another’s burdens,” which will “fulfill the law of Christ.” We’re to walk alongside one another, so that when a brother or sister’s sin is too heavy, you might take some of the weight off them.We have been forgiven by Christ Jesus, saved from the condemnation of sin to live freely under the Word of God. The fellow believer who sins is still a brother or sister saved by grace. Realising this enables you to thank God for his amazing love. How radical is that? It’s never you against them. It is us together against sin.Give thanks to God that we have been forgiven through Jesus, and pray for those who are navigating situations of rebuking and restoring others, that they may be shaped by the love of Christ. ABOUT THE AUTHORHerman is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.REFLECTIONSWritten by Linda VuGalatians 5:22-26 reminds me of the kind of life God desires for His children—a life shaped by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities reflect the character of Christ, and they challenge me to look inward and ask whether my daily life truly reflects Him.As a parent of two cheeky boys, there are moments when I find it so easy to act out of frustration and impatience. But this passage encourages me to pause and let the Holy Spirit guide my responses—to seek Christ’s help to respond with gentleness instead of anger, patience instead of frustration, and love instead of judgment.Verse 24 challenges me deeply: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” It’s a daily surrender, choosing God’s ways over my own desires. Each time I surrender a selfish thought or action to Christ, I experience more of His peace and His Spirit working in me. Paul calls us to “walk in step with the Spirit.” This is an ongoing process of humility and obedience. It means me depending on God and listening to him to transform my heart with His will. ABOUT THE AUTHORLinda is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20 idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.REFLECTIONSWritten by Annie DaviesWhen I read verses 19-21, with its list of the acts of the flesh, some things seem crazy – I would never do those as a Christian! Like sexual immorality, debauchery and sorcery. And yet there are other things in the list that I can struggle with sometimes, like discord, jealousy and envy. And those don’t seem that bad or serious, particularly compared to the other things listed. But Paul is very clear: “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God”. I was struck and rebuked when I read that! When I am envious of what God has given other people, that is an act of the flesh … it’s sin, and sin puts people outside of God’s kingdom! I am reminded that God really is holy, and even something that is a “small sin” in my eyes – something everyone probably struggles with – is utterly offensive to God. And if I practice those things, if I give my life over to that way of life, I will not be part of God’s kingdom. But verse 16 fills me with such a wave of hope and encouragement. Walking by the Spirit is about living by faith in Jesus, who gives us the gift of his Spirit to both cleanse us from the guilt of sin and give us a new heart and a new way to live. I am so thankful that because of what Christ has done for me, God has given his Spirit to dwell in me. He helps me not do the acts of the flesh. It is so amazing that it is not my efforts to try harder, but rather God is at work in me by his Spirit to help me walk by his Spirit. Trusting in Christ truly does set us free! It is all his work that keeps forgiving my sin, keeps me walking by the Spirit, and ensures that I can inherit the kingdom of God and be part of his people.This reminds me to pray. When I am struggling with things that are acts of the flesh, only God can help me. So I should depend on him in prayer, that he may continue his work in me. If anything from the list has struck you, why don’t you join me in praying for God’s help that we will walk by the Spirit. ABOUT THE AUTHORAnnie is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

11 Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those who are agitating you, I wish they would proceed to emasculate themselves!13 For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. 14 The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.REFLECTIONSWritten by Adam Davies“Why stop at circumcision, just keep cutting things off down there…” Gosh, Paul, is that really what you’re saying in verse 12? Whoever these people insisting on circumcision are, they must be really leading people into something terrible!But I guess that’s been Paul’s point in this chapter, right? If Paul was really still preaching circumcision, then the cross would be done away with and pointless. If we have been set free from the slavery of relying on works for salvation, to wholly relying on God’s grace through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, and then we try to insist on something else being essential for our salvation, that makes the cross pointless, and we go back to slavery of works which cannot save. If verse 12 is anything to go by, Paul seems pretty serious about this!Maybe it caused the Galatians to fight with each other about whether circumcision counted for anything, and the arguments were tearing them apart. Even with those who realised they had everything in Christ and that circumcision counted for nothing, maybe they weren’t using their freedom to care for and serve each other but seemed to be hurting each other! I wonder if it can be hard for us as well, when we’re trying to encourage people to let go of things they are relying on to get into God’s good books and instead to wholly trust in Christ for salvation. I wonder if I am ever high and mighty about it when chatting to someone who is scared about letting go of an unhelpful or ungodly tradition, instead of gently loving and leading them towards the truth of Christ? I pray that I can both be firm about salvation by grace through faith alone, and yet can correct and encourage people in a way that uses my freedom in love and service of others. ABOUT THE AUTHORAdam is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

7 You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth? 8 Such persuasion does not come from the One who calls you. 9 A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough. 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be.REFLECTIONSWritten by George MihasPaul says to the Galatian Christians: “You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?” (v7).There are so many voices in the world today, and they all claim to have the truth. Jehovah’s Witnesses claim they have the ultimate truth. Muslims believe they have the truth. The Catholic and Orthodox churches believe they are the true church, so their doctrine is the truth.What truth do we believe? As believers in Jesus Christ, we believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). He is the Lord who died for us on the cross, God’s perfect sacrificial lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). We can't add to, or subtract from, what he did on the cross.Paul also warns them with an analogy: “A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough” (v9). False doctrine spreads through the whole assembly, like yeast through bread. There are false doctrines people spread today like: “Jesus was just a prophet.”“Jesus is a created being – he is really the archangel Michael.”“God wants you to be rich. If you give me more money, God will bless you.”“You can't pray directly to God. You’re a sinner, so you need the help of the saints.”… and so on.The key truth God’s word tells us to hold onto, to protect us from false doctrine, is: We have been saved by grace through faith. It is God’s gift to us, “not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:9). We can do nothing but embrace God’s mercy towards us and cling to the cross of Christ.All praise to God!Finally, Paul says: “I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be” (v10). There is a serious warning here to the one who distorts God’s Word and takes advantage of the flock: God will not be mocked. But if we stick to the Bible, we will not be swayed or confused or easily taken advantage of. ABOUT THE AUTHORGeorge is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.2 Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.5 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love.REFLECTIONSWritten by Axel AbdalaThis passage makes me think about how Paul would have felt, as someone who had spent his life completely devoted to obeying the Old Testament law – to then be so willing to consider all his efforts as meaningless! But Paul now knows that his freedom from the law is found in Jesus Christ. Because of Christ’s death and his work in Paul’s life, he now places his value in Jesus.It’s not that God’s law was bad. It’s that no one can be justified by obeying the law (v4). Paul says you can’t even take just one part of the law (like circumcision) and make that necessary to be saved, because that means you are “obligated to obey the whole law” (v3). That’s an obligation we cannot meet.The Old Testament law is good, but as Paul says in Romans 8:3, the law was powerless to justify people because it was “weakened by the flesh.” It couldn’t free us from the punishment for our sin. That means if you try to earn salvation by good works, you end up burdened by a “yoke of slavery” and your effort is meaningless.But the good news is that Christ sets us free from that burden. As Paul continues in Romans 8:3, “what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.” That means we can become God’s children through faith in Jesus. Trying to earn salvation would be like a child trying to earn the favour of a good and loving parent by never putting a foot wrong – they can’t do it, and they don’t need to anyway! They are loved already.This reminds me that none of what I do brings me any closer to being right with God. If I try to earn salvation by my works, I am not depending on what Jesus has done for me. Instead, faith in Jesus is what has set me free from the burden of the law. Pray that God might help us to value the only thing that counts: “faith expressing itself through love” (v6). ABOUT THE AUTHORAxel is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now.30 But what does the Scripture say? “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” 31 Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.REFLECTIONSWritten by Val DewanI am the first of three sisters, and once when we were all young, a cheeky church uncle asked my dad who his favourite daughter was. Dad was diplomatic and said that he doesn’t choose favourites between his daughters. The church uncle might have been asking in jest, but in today’s passage we see that back in Genesis, there was a major difference between Ishmael and Isaac, the two sons of Abraham. It’s not that God shows favouritism, but Ishmael was the son born from Abraham and Sarah’s plan to try to make things happen by their own power and deeds, whereas Isaac was born purely as a gift of God’s grace and power.From the previous verses, Paul has been using those two children as an analogy, and today he continues the analogy and ends with a clear directive. He refers to Ishmael as ‘the son born by the flesh’ and Isaac as ‘the son born by the Spirit.’ Ishmael represents those who reject Jesus and try to earn salvation through their works (the flesh), and Isaac represents those who have faith in Jesus alone. Only those born of the Spirit through faith in Jesus will receive the blessings from God’s promise.But Paul also reminds us of Ishmael’s hostility towards Isaac, which is also an analogy for the present: ‘The son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now’ (v 29). This helped me to understand that there cannot be a way for these two opposing sides to be in fellowship with one another. Those who are free – Christians who have faith in Jesus – will be persecuted by people who are slaves to the law and reject Jesus. In verse 30, Paul quotes the words of Scripture from Genesis 21:10 – ‘Expel the slave woman and her son’ – as an instruction to no longer live under the law or continue having a legalistic worldview. There is no share in Christ’s inheritance if we live under the slavery of the law.This is an ongoing encouragement for me to truly trust in God’s promises and be free to live as God’s child, not a child of the law. Praise God because He is our Heavenly Father who delights and favours His children, and let’s keep trusting in His promise through Jesus. ABOUT THE AUTHORVal is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise.24 These things serve as illustrations, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery: This is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present-day Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written:“Rejoice, O barren woman,who bears no children;break forth and cry aloud,you who have never travailed;because more are the children of the desolate womanthan of her who has a husband.”REFLECTIONSWritten by Omar DewanDo you like rules?I like rules, because they provide me with 'guardrails' of what to do and what not to do. Rules usually come from other people’s experience and wisdom for general wellbeing – someone must have pushed the boundaries too far and suffered consequences for it.But there’s a risk that I hold so tightly to rules about the right way of doing things that I judge others who don’t do things by the same rules. If those rules don’t actually apply to them like I think they do, then my disapproval is entirely unfair.This risk is greater when I think about the Christian faith. I know that Jesus has fulfilled the Old Testament law by living a sinless life and defeating death through his resurrection. The Old Testament law exposes our sin – but by believing in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we have been declared righteous. We are not bound by the Law, but we still learn things from the Law about how to live in a way that honours God. However, I have been guilty in the past of being legalistic and negatively judging others who don’t appear to have every ‘Christian’ thing or habit ticked off.This Galatians passage today is a great reminder that we, as Christians, are not bound and condemned by the Old Testament law in the same way Israel were under the old covenant through Moses. The children of Israel under the law of Moses were like Hagar: enslaved under rules that condemned them. But just like Sarah was a free woman, we are free because we call Jesus our Lord and Saviour – free from the burden of the Law, and righteous.Let’s praise God for the fact that we are no longer bound by the Old Testament law, because Jesus has fulfilled it perfectly by living a sinless life, even to death on a cross – and, even though we are unworthy and have no chance of meeting all of the rules, we are considered ‘free’ from its consequences and can enjoy a loving relationship with the most holy God. ABOUT THE AUTHOROmar is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

Apologies that our devotions have been delayed the last few days. This is Saturday’s devotion, and it will be followed soon by today’s.—17 Those people are zealous for you, but not in a good way. Instead, they want to isolate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. 18 Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous if it serves a noble purpose—at any time, and not only when I am with you.19 My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.REFLECTIONSWritten by Bethany RowlandsI love a good bargain. In our family we get pretty excited when Weetbix is on sale. But some things that sound like a good deal are really just about promoting the company (post about our produce for your chance to win!), and the customer gets nothing out of it. The Galatian church thought they were getting a good deal: ‘Christ plus good works.’ So the church threw themselves right in! But those who were teaching this were looking for the church to praise them, not Jesus.I once lived this way too. I knew what it looked like to be a Christian: go to church, be kind and friendly to everyone, read the Bible. So I tried hard to do those things – zealously! I bought the idea that I needed to be a good person to be good enough for God. Start with Jesus, then keep a bunch of rules and you’ll be right. But you see where the logic goes wrong? This is no longer even ‘Christ plus,’ because it is no longer about Christ. Without realising it I was trying to be saved by what I did. I’d missed Jesus’ free salvation. Buying into ‘Christ plus good works’ is worse than a bargain you get nothing out of, because it takes you away from the gospel.So what’s the solution? Listen to the gospel again and again. I called myself a Christian my whole life, but one day I woke my husband up at 1am, saying, “I think I finally get grace! I can’t be good enough for God. That’s why Jesus died for me!” And that changed everything. It is so freeing to not have to be good enough. I didn’t need to look like a good, enthusiastic Christian. All I needed to do was know I needed saving and trust that Jesus’ death was enough.Good works do come from trusting Jesus. Knowing God is pleased with us because of Jesus, we can then get zealous about loving God and loving others. But pray we don’t ever replace Jesus. Pray we don’t get so enthusiastic about other things that sound good, that we stop trusting in Jesus alone. ABOUT THE AUTHORBethany is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

13 You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14 And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself. 15 What then has become of your blessing? For I can testify that, if it were possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?REFLECTIONSWritten by Vivian AbdalaWhen I think about the circumstances or situations I'm currently going through in life, I often wonder if others would even want to know about them. During conversations with friends and family, I sometimes find myself hesitating before I speak.“Does this person really need to hear this part of my life?”“Is this too much for them?”“Am I talking about church too often?”“Do I sound too intense or overly religious?”“Am I just too much?”Paul’s letter to the Galatians reminds me of times when you meet someone who you get along with, you click and become friends. They want to know more about you, they ask questions with eager interest and take you into their inner circle. However, when something switches, perhaps a conversation where your views don’t align, they begin to retreat and stay distant.That’s how I imagine Paul must have felt. At first, the Galatians welcomed him as though he were an angel of God. They showed deep affection and love to him. Yet now, they're being drawn to other teachings, and Paul finds himself treated like an enemy. In verse 16 he asks, “Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” How can someone you would have once torn your eyes out for become someone you no longer want to associate with?I reflect on this often, especially when I share that I’m a Christian. There are times when people immediately pull away. It’s a hard truth: sharing Jesus can sometimes cost us relationships. Friends I thought would be part of key moments in my life have disappeared simply because of my faith.These verses may not feel especially comforting at first, but remember what Paul said just a few lines earlier in Galatians 4:7: “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” That reminds me that even when others pull away, God never will. People may distance themselves when they learn about our faith, but isn’t it amazing to know that God will never forsake us? We are His children, and He has made us heirs. ABOUT THE AUTHORVivian is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11 I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain. 12 I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong.REFLECTIONSWritten by Gus Cameron I was at a conference last weekend and the person giving the main Bible talks was a well-known pastor in Sydney. I’ve met him a few times over the years, so I know him, but I wasn’t sure if he’d remember me because he’s the kind of person who meets lots of people. But then when we passed each other in the crowed he said, “Hi Gus!” It’s one thing to know someone, but it’s much more special to be known by them. As I read today’s passage, I was struck by how Paul can say that we are known by God – God knows each and every one of us! He knows us like a father knows his precious child, we are his sons and daughters.If he knows us like that, how can we possibly forget him? Paul’s question is: can we serve other gods? Other worthless gods that do not and cannot know us, or love us? Serving other gods is slavery because they will never give us anything good, and they cannot care about us. If we serve an idol like so many shopkeepers in Cabramatta, we’ll be giving it our time and money, but never know if it will help us. If we serve the god of money, we’ll only ever want more and never have enough. But if we serve the one true and living God, we’ll have the eternal blessing of being his child.Let’s never forget how good it is to be known by God. Pray that he’d help us by his Spirit to never turn back to worthless gods. ABOUT THE AUTHORGus is one of our Assistant MInisters.

1 What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. 2 He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father.3 So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world. 4 But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.REFLECTIONSWritten by Paul BoggOne of the best consequences of the gospel that I’ve come to appreciate more the older I get and longer I am a Christian, is that when we become Christians, God adopts us as his very own children. Today’s passage highlights how that is possible. Paul says that because God sent his very own Son, born under the law, when we accept Jesus as our Lord and choose to belong to Him, he redeems us from the law so that we may receive adoption as sons. Belonging to Jesus means God the Father adopts and treats us just like his Son, and in that adoption, there are so many graces poured out to us.  We get to call God ‘Father’ and have a relationship with him where we experience his love and comfort and protective influence.  We inherit an eternal family: brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, children, and more. And, as in today’s passage, we are reminded that we become heirs to an inheritance – and inheritance that, as it says in verse 1, means we will be the owner of everything, because we will be united to Jesus, the true heir of all things.I can’t really fathom what being a future heir and having this inheritance with Christ means. The Bible tells us that there will be a new creation, a new earth. And along with that, new bodies, no death, and the never-ending presence of God himself.  We don’t have all that yet – we are still bound to this world, full of corruption, sin, and death. So one day I anticipate there will be this magnificent revelation of what 'inheritance’ really means. But I can experience adoption today in relationship with God the Father, through hearing from his word and in prayer.  And I can also experience adoption today in relationship with his eternal family, in fellowship with all the brothers and sisters, fathers, mothers, and children who belong to Jesus.  I appreciate this experience more and more the older I get. Deepening my relationship with God, getting to know him, seeing his love and Spirit at work, sharing life, trials and events with brothers and sisters – these are all hugely satisfying experiences, and they create in me a deep-seated joy that carries me through the ups and downs of life. And for that, I am so very thankful. ABOUT THE AUTHORPaul is a member of our Bossley Park morning congregation.

26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.REFLECTIONSWritten by Nathan TingIn a way, today’s passage brings back memories of a parachute game that I used to love playing. It involved a circle of kids standing around the edge of a large colourful cloth parachute. We would all lift it up at the same time, duck under it, and pull it back down over us. It was a fairly silly and meaningless way to pass the time, but every time I played it, I recall being surrounded by delighted giggles as we were all completely enveloped by this great piece of cloth. I’m sure a lot of the kids around me would have wanted to stay covered by the parachute had we been allowed to.Though I’m no longer as captivated by colourful cloths (although they can still be quite fun), I’m glad that I can instead envelop myself with something far greater – with Christ himself. Paul says in verse 27, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” I’m glad that by accepting Christ, I have the opportunity to clothe myself daily with him. Practically speaking, this might not always be so easy while we still live in a broken world full of sin, but it is an encouragement to be able to strive towards Christ-likeness and to have Jesus as our motivator for all that we think, say and do. It’s doubly good that we’re able to do this together, striving alongside one another, for we are all one in Christ (v28). We all share in the same Spirit and have a common goal.Praise God that the good news of the gospel is for everyone in the world to hear and accept! Spend some time now praying that you would remember this gift of righteousness and that you would continue to clothe yourself with Christ. ABOUT THE AUTHORNathan is a member of our Bossley Park morning congregation.

19 Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator. 20 A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one.21 Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law. 22 But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe.23 Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24 So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.REFLECTIONSWritten by Stephen SheadGod’s commands are good. The Old Testament law of Moses is good (Romans 7:12). It shows us things about God and his character. But it can’t “impart life” and it can’t make us right with God (v 21).For Israel in the Old Testament, the law was like staying in protective custody while you’re waiting for your beautiful new house to finish being built. A friend of mine is in a similar situation – well, they’re actually staying in his mother-in-law’s place, so I’d better be careful with the comparison. But it would be crazy for them to stay cooped up there when their house was finished – that wouldn’t be the freedom they’re wanting. And now that Christ has come, it would be crazy for us to go back to the demands of the law as the thing that we think will save us.In fact, God’s law in the Bible is designed to show that we’re all, by nature, locked up in sin (v 22). But that means it is also meant to point us to Christ. When we read about all the demands on Israel, the need for endless sacrifices, how even unintentional sins cut them off from God and needed purification rituals and offerings … when we read that, the law is taking us by the hand and leading us to Jesus, and to the beautiful gospel message: “that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe” (v. 22).Rest today in the relief that we don’t have the crushing burden of God’s law hanging over us, because Jesus has come to bring us real life and certain hope. ABOUT THE AUTHORStephen is our senior minister.

15 Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ.17 What I mean is this: The law that came 430 years later does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God freely granted it to Abraham through a promise.REFLECTIONSWritten by Merry ChauWhen I turned 18 and got a job working at an ice cream store, I was pretty excited to sign myself up to my first phone contract. When I told my parents, they weren’t so impressed. I think part of this was because of the abiding nature of contracts – they cannot be cancelled or amended. Once I had signed those papers, they knew it could not be taken back. This passage tells us that God made a covenant with Abraham that cannot be cancelled or amended. But in this case, that is very good news, because this covenant was a promise to bring everlasting blessing to the Gentiles (back in verse 14).Human contracts usually have some sort of expiry date – maybe when someone is deceased, or when enough time has passed that the contract becomes void. In verse 17, we see that neither time nor the law are a factor when it comes to God’s covenant – it cannot be nullified.Verse 16 tells us that the promise was made to Abraham, and through him to Christ. It was received in faith and not by law.  It is not dependent on us for the promise to be kept – even in our sin, even when 430 years and beyond passes, God remains faithful and true to his everlasting promise, through his mercy and grace.Sometimes when I read the Bible, especially the Old Testament, I’m tempted to think that the stories no longer apply to me. But I’m reminded here that God’s everlasting covenant to Abraham at the start of the Bible still has significance for me now. It gives me great assurance that whether we are Jew or Gentile, even in our sin, and at whatever time has passed, when we are united with Christ through faith we have become heirs of this promise. ABOUT THE AUTHORMerry is part of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

10 All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11 Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” 12 The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.”13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.REFLECTIONSWritten by Rebecca LinWhen I read this passage, the language of “curse” always stands out to me because it feels like such a strong and confronting word.  But it is a reminder to me of the reality of our sin and the seriousness of thinking that we might be able to redeem ourselves in part by doing good works. There are always consequences for breaking the rules. In a game, you might miss a turn. At school, you might get a detention. On the road, you might get a fine. In more serious cases of law-breaking, you could even end up in jail. These are temporary consequences, debts you can usually pay off.  But when we inevitably break God’s law and fail to live His way, the consequence is permanent. It is death and eternal separation from God. No matter what good deeds we may try to do to make up for our rebellion against God, we will never pay off our debt. Verse 11 reminds us that “no one is justified by the law”. That’s why Galatians 3:10 rightly says that everyone who relies on works of the law is under a curse.In light of this, I am greatly comforted that in God’s kindness and mercy, our salvation is not reliant on our ability to follow the law or anything we do at all. It relies completely on Jesus’ work. Verse 13 tells us that Christ is the one who has redeemed us from the curse of the law, which he did by dying on the cross. By doing this, he has made us righteous before God, debts forgiven, relationship restored. Spend some time reflecting and praising God for the undeserved gift of grace he has given us in sending Jesus to die to rescue us from the curse of the law. ABOUT THE AUTHORRebecca is a member of our Bossley Park morning congregation.