COMMENTARY

Don Atkin

RELIGION OR RESURRECTION

The true nature of the gospel is often masked, even polluted, by those who try to elicit certain conduct, behavior and results from others.  Behavior modification is a social science, but has nothing to do with conversion to Christ.  While the resurrected life of Christ in us (the hope of glory) will eventually affect how we live, it does not come as a result of focusing upon our lives.  It comes through faith in the work of the cross.

For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God.  I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.  O foolish Galatians!  Who has bewitched you? – Galatians 2:19 – 3:1a.

Most of us would benefit from prayerfully reading Galatians weekly. The pressures of organized religion push us toward performance.  Witchcraft, sorcery, is a work of the flesh and results in works of the flesh.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.  For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. – Galatians 6:7-8.

Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.  – Romans 8:8.

As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. – Romans 8:14.

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. – Colossians 3:2-3.

Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—“Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concerns things which perish with the using—according to the commands and doctrines of men? 

These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.  If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  – Colossians 2:20 – 3:1.

Regardless of your church affiliation and involvement, do not be deceived.  Do not be bewitched at the expense of your true spiritual growth and development. 

I am not advocating rebellion or anarchy.  We always, at all times and in all places, are responsible for our actions and attitudes ~ the fruit that is shown forth from our lives. 

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law.  And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. – Galatians 5:16; 22-25.

These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. 

But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. 

And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. – I John 2:26-28.

God has placed gifts in the church to help us find our place and function, and to equip us for works of service.  These people will not want to use you to accomplish their ambitions.  Rather, they will want to be used up in preparing you for your destiny.

My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you. – Galatians 4:19.

Question:  Are the heavens being opened to you?

Question:  Is the life of Christ being formed in you?

Question:  Is Christ truly the Head of your fellowship?

Question:  Are you growing up into Him?

Question:  Is His life being manifested in you?

Question:  Are you discerning His voice?

Question:  Is your relationship with your Father growing?

Question:  Is prayer becoming more like breathing?

Question:  Are you living in religion?  Or, resurrection?

Question:  Does anything need to change?