I would like to propose a question. Who is Paul refering to in Galatians when he says, "we"?
"But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gosple contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed." (Gal 1:8)
Because it seems that we, who are drawn to the gospel of Christ and believe and receive the Spirit because of it, need to always be vigilant in determing that the gospel we receive is not perverted. We have the right and obligation to point out ways in which we are taught to turn aside from the gospel of Christ by those who are in positions of authority. If we are being troubled by the authority for living the gospel, why should we submit to any yoke other than to the yoke of Jesus Christ which we first received?
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery." (Gal 5:1)
And what is the gospel of Christ that we first received? Wasn't it to be servants of one another in love and not to bind under the law?
"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Gal 5:14)
When the law hinders me in loving my neighbor, I think there is a flaw in the interpretation of the law. Just like the early Christians were persecuting the Gentiles because they were not circumcised. They were letting a law get in the way of loving their neighbor. Paul even had to repremand Peter for not standing up for the Gentiles and their right to remain uncircumcised (Gal 2:11-16)
"Are you so foolish? Having begun with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh?" (Gal 3:3)
I wonder why so many Christians think it is OK to act in unloving ways to people whom they judge to be sinners when our only concern should be love.
"Owe one another nothing, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." (Rom 13:8)
And while I believe it is right to discuss what is good and what is bad, no man should be bound by another's scruples.
"For why should my liberty be determined by another man's scruples? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?" (Gal 10:29-30)
Now I am speaking as if to adults, for all children are obligated to follow the will of their parents and not determine for themselves. But honoring parents is different when one becomes an adult. With respect you listen, but you act according to your own conscience.
". . . for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their faculties trained by practice to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrines of Christ and go on to maturity, not again laying the foundation from dead works and of faith toward God, with instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment." (Heb 5:14-6:1-2)
I don't know about you, but I don't feel as if I need to be breastfed anymore, yuk! I respectfully decline because I am an adult.
