Teaching Posted in October 2022

 

Doers of the Law

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and James 1:21–25

We know that we do the law imperfectly. But do we keep at it? Do we keep keeping the commandment, loving God and neighbor however imperfectly?

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The Abomination

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Matthew 24:15–16

If one holds that any other work than the cross of Jesus Christ and faith in him accounts for forgiveness of sins and eternal life, that person is Antichrist.

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The Antichrist

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and 1 John 2:18

There have been many Antichrists, and still more will follow. Anywhere anything other than Christ Jesus is required for salvation, there is the Antichrist at work. 

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The Treasury of Merit

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Titus 3:5–8

The so-called treasury of merit teaches that, if our own good works are deficient for salvation, the good works or merit of others may be applied to our accounts.

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The Man of God

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and 1 Timothy 6:11–16

We may not say it or admit it, perhaps because we do not see it, but we are in effect, claiming to be god when we take on the task of being Christ and savior.

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The Worst Infidels

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Matthew 24:3–5

Those who rely on works-righteousness for forgiveness and salvation count themselves among those antichrists who claim, “I am the Christ.”

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Bargaining Chips

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Judges 11:29–34

Our loving Father has already promised to be for us, not against us. When we try to bargain with him or make deals, we are calling him a liar.

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Putting the Father First

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Matthew 6:1–4

Our must be done to glorify the Father, not to extol self, to earn salvation. Works done in an effort to merit God’s favor are hypocritical and idolatrous.

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Fat Faith

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Deuteronomy 32:15

The issue is not faith and works; it is faith or works. There can be no good works without faith. Faith without works is slovenly and mocks the Rock of our salvation. 

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Faith Comes First

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Ephesians 2:1–5, 10

When the Holy Spirit is received through faith, the Christian begins to care for godly things, and God gives them the will and strength to do these good works.

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The Moment of Belief

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Acts 16:25–31

When it seems that you have failed at the one thing you were entrusted with, and all seems lost because you can never requite your failures, that is the very moment when you should realize there is now but one critical thing to do.

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The Commandment

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and John 6:27–30

Jesus complained that the crowds were only interested in his works instead of his word. We are much like those multitudes, and perhaps, worse.

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Reminders

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and 2 Peter 1:5–15

The slogan “faith alone” may seem overused but, as Luther insisted, we must be reminded. “We need to hear the gospel every day, because we forget it every day.”

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Making It Up

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and 2 Timothy 2:14–18

“It’s right there in the Bible. I didn’t make this up!” This is similar to what others have said: “God said it; I believe it; and that settles it.” 

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Stubborn Religion

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Romans 10:1–4

Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes in Christ Jesus, so we must submit to God’s righteousness instead of depending on our religious deeds.

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Daily Renewal

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Ephesians 4:22–24

When we look to him with trust that he loves us and forgives us then we are sorry for the sins of our old man but do not languish, depending instead upon God’s promise to renew us day by day.

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Choosing Sinners

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Romans 5:6–8

God decides for us while we are yet sinners. Every day, God decides for us, while we are still sinners. He does not pick us because we go to church, help the poor, support missionaries, or are just downright nice folks.

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In Spirit and Truth

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and John 4:23–24

We must not rely upon human inventions of religion but in Christ alone. This trust comes by God’s grace through faith, not by works of human invention.

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We’re No Help

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Romans 14:22–23

"Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." There is no way that we can work our way to salvation. Faith in Christ alone is the only way to the Father.

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Prooftexting

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Romans 2:12–25

"For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision." Outward laws without faith are sin.

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Christian Pharisees

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Acts 15:5–11

We are saved by believing in Christ Jesus, not by doing or not doing certain things. When his Spirit takes hold of a heart, his will begins to be accomplished.

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God’s Strong Arm of Righteousness

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Isaiah 59:16

God makes the rules. If humans made them, there would be requirements that depended on themselves, on their abilities and righteousness.

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The Law of Christ

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Romans 3:21–26

Quite separate from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed to us in Christ Jesus. Jesus has fulfilled the law, that we may be justified by faith.

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Weightier Matters

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Luke 18:9–14

"All who rely on works of the law are under a curse.” Those who rely upon their own deeds or goodness — Christian or not — are under a curse.

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It’s Not about That

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Romans 14:17–18

The kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking and voting; it is about righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ.

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Our Only Savior

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and John 4:7–15

When the urge to earn some merit with God strikes us, we must keep in mind the promise and blessing of Christ, our only Savior. 

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Nice Folks

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Matthew 7:21–23

What makes us good in the eyes of the Father is faith in his Son who came to save people who might be nice folks but who are not fit for heaven.

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The No-brainer

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Romans 4:15–16

The only way to avoid the curse of God's condemnation is to hold on to the promise of the blessing he gives us in Christ alone.

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The Contrast

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:9 and John 3:18–19

Those who will not believe in Jesus Christ condemn themselves to the darkness because they are determined to live in darkness instead of his marvelous light.

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Sojourning in Tents

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:9 and Hebrews 11:8–10

We too, abiding in these fleshy tents, groan toward eternity. Yet we may do so with courage and certainty, walking by faith in the Child of Promise.

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What We Need

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:9 and Luke 18:18–23

Conscience is always waiting for another commandment. It fears imperfection and damnation, and wonders, There must be something else I ought to have done.

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