Faith Working Through Love: Scandal

Want to be free from worry? Want to be free from fear? Want to be free from the consumer culture we experience in America? Become a minimalist. Minimalism doesn’t mean having stuff is wrong, but the meaning that we attach to stuff is binding. This trend in American culture seeks to address the greed, covetousness, and personal identity built around material possessions. But notice that it promises the very thing Christ offers in the gospel: freedom. It presents a subtle alternative to the cross work of Christ and the sanctifying work of the Spirit.

Paul says, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” (Gal. 5:9) This proverbial saying captures Paul’s concern for the Galatian believers and for us. Those troubling them were affecting their obedience to the truth of grace, and that of the church. Paul asks the question, “who hindered you?” The word “hindered” carries the idea of throwing up obstacles, distractions, diversions, and distortions. 

The leaven is the false teaching, but how can we separate the teaching from the teacher? Those persuading believers that freedom comes in obedience to Jewish law (or other cultural alternatives) were to be confronted (like Peter, Gal. 2:11-14) and Paul does just that. 

Living in the grace of God and the work of his Spirit, is radically transformative. It will lead you to build your life around Christ and not possessions, but not out of a man-made quest for freedom. An identity in the gospel will make you love people not things. So come Sunday, and let’s discuss.