Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5
Early Christian teachers from Jerusalem, attempting to undo Paul’s message of salvation by faith alone, were major trouble makers for the early church. They believed that all new believers must accept and adhere to Jewish laws. They took letters of introduction/commendation from the church authorities when they traveled or moved from town to town. One of the arguments these ‘leaders’ raised was, “Who is Paul?” for Paul had no such letter of recognition.
Paul’s response is that the Cross’s work of grace is written on our hearts, a story easily read in our countenance and actions. The law written on stone and tablet, held people to condemnation, the law of love is a living testimony to the presence of the Holy Spirit transforming each of us into the image of Christ.
Men set standards for men, often exploitive or too lofty to attain, removing Godliness as the desired outcome. Beware of people that ask more of you than God does. True spiritual freedom from the bondage of sin is found in the secret Paul knew. We answer to God and God alone. Everything else will take care of itself because EVERYTHING we need is found in Him.
Love,
Gretchen