The Greatest Testimony
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 2:20 and Hebrews 13:16
Series: Comments on Galatians
There are dramatic differences from one Christian to the next — at least in the outward appearance, in how "Christian" they seem to others, or even to themselves. Some have spectacular testimonies and lives while some are not very exciting and even sometimes seem not to be Christian at all. This is one reason why the writer of Hebrews says we should not neglect to do good; it is indeed very possible for the Christian to not do good! While the Christian should endeavor to do good deeds, the most meaningful evidence of Christian faith is not seen in exterior actions. It should not be surprising that the real testimony of a Christian is the witness and guarantee of the Holy Spirit. That believer who fails time and again to look like a Christian or feel like one, but keeps her faith in Christ when she looks faithless, or does not feel like she is faithful, is a great Christian. She, and the countless like her, may have the greatest testimony of all. Despite her constant (or so it seems to her) failures, she keeps her faith, which is the greatest good one may hope to do. The ability to stay with Christ in the midst of personal weakness and even spiritual despair is a Spirit-enabled power. It is called faith. Such true faith may eventually effect an outward change as well, whether she notices or not.
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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