CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Isaiah 19:1-21:17
Galatians 2:1-16
Psalm 59:1-17
Proverbs 23:13-14
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1uOH599
Commentary by Pastor Michael White:
Paul’s desire for the early church was that they would be “…justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified” (Gal 2:16). There will always be pastors, preachers and teachers who advocate for a return to the law. In the early church, Paul confronted Peter directly for refusing to eat with Gentiles (in essence, maintaining that he was too holy to eat with sinners). I believe Paul would take the same approach with any Christian who claims to be more holy than another Christian today! We are justified by faith, and not by works. It is therefore impossible to earn favor with God, because Jesus Christ has already earned it on our behalf. The reality is that no good work can reconcile us to God because no man can be justified by works – only faith. So whatever you’re doing to try and earn God’s favor, just stop. Only two things are required: “…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Rom 10:9).
Prayer:
Father, help me to REST in the finished work of the Cross. There is nothing I can do to earn more favor with you, because Jesus already earned infinite favor on my behalf. Help me to take joy in my relationship with You, and rest in everything You have done for me!