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NASB | 1 John 2:3 ¶ By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 2:3 ¶ And this is how we know [daily, by experience] that we have come to know Him [to understand Him and be more deeply acquainted with Him]: if we habitually keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings). |
Subject: abide |
Bible Note: Part 2... Gal. 4:1 - "What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 So also, when we were children, we were in slavery 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 law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘‘Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. Paul’s Concern for the Galatians 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 miserable 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 somehow I have wasted my efforts on you." Gal. 5:1 - "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. 2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. 7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 ‘‘A little yeast 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 throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. 11 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 agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves! 13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." This is a lengthy series of quotes, but it is important for us to understand our relationship to the Law as Christians. The law was only intended to be a guardian over us until Christ came. It was never intended to save, or to rule over us for ever. The Galatians were being taught by the Judiazers that obedience to the Law was ALSO necessary. Certainly, their focus was primarily on circumcision, but Paul made it very clear that to 'obey' (in the sense of necessity) the Law on any point was to be made a slave to it again. Paul also clearly makes the case that there are in fact two covenants (Gal. 4.24). The newer one though is the Law, while the older one is the covenant of promise with Abraham. The problem so many today seem to have is understanding that Paul makes a clean break with the covenant of Law. Paul's point is not that we are free to sin as Christians. We now have the Spirit within us and live in accordance to His will. But, we have no relationship whatsoever with the Mosaic Law as Christians, to do so in any way makes us slaves again and is a rejection of grace. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |