Coach’s Corner

I may be weird (I heard you out there…easy…), but I look forward to opening the mail.  I always hope that there is something personal.  So I sift through the daily pile of junk mail in hopes that there is something someone sent actually just for me.  Well, the New Testament has several letters that are meant just for me… and they’re meant just for you.  All this month, we’ll be reading through several of these letters.  This week, we’re reading Galatians.  I’ve decided to sort of do an open Bible study as we go through these letters… sort of a chapter a day kind of thing.  Since I didn’t do this yesterday, I’ll include Galatians chapter 1 & 2 in this post… chapter 2 tomorrow, and so on.  You’re invited to join me in the reading/study and add your insights from this letter in the comment section.  So, here we go.

GALATIANS 1

• VS 1-3 - Apparently Paul was chomping at the bits to get to the meat of this letter.  This is the only letter he wrote in the NT (New Testament) in which he fails to affirm something or someone.  We’ve all heard the advice about the “criticism sandwhich”.  You know, say something nice, share your criticism, then share something nice again.  That’s usually pretty good advice, but sometimes you just gotta get down to business.  That’s what we see here with Paul.  Have any of you had any interesting experiences with the “criticism sandwich?”.. What do you prefer…. getting down to business or the layered approach?
• VS 6-10 - This is fascinating in light of our conclusion of ONE PRAYER.  That emphasis reminded us that we share one faith, one Lord.  Which could easily be interpreted to mean that we should never criticize anyone else.  So where does Paul get off calling down a curse on anyone who preaches something different?  Isn’t that just a little intolerant?  Rather than give my thoughts on this point, I would love to hear from any of you readers why what Paul did here is acceptable if we are called to love one another and celebrate our common faith?
• VS 11-24 - Talk about second chances… Paul actually killed Christians.  But through God’s grace, he realized that all of his religious activities were fruitless.  He could never be delivered from the power of sin through them.  Only God could forgive his screw-ups and give him the power to start over again.  I know I have tried to conquer sin in my own power before… it doesn’t work.  It is only God’s power that can deliver us.  And it is God’s grace that gives us a second chance.

GALATIANS 2

• VS 1-2 - Here’s an example of what should happen in most churches, but rarely does.  Paul went to the leadership of the church to discuss an issue.  How many churches are internally sabotaged and broken because people will talk among themselves but not to the leaders about their concerns?  Paul’s actions here show us that we should take our concerns to the leadership.
• VS 4-5 - You gotta love Paul’s fortitude here.  He gave no quarter… wouldn’t budge an inch to accomodate those who were messing with the pure truth of the gospel.  What is it about us as humans that always wants to add something to the free grace of Jesus Christ.  It’s as if we want to work for what we cannot earn.  And Paul would have none of that.
• VS 11-21 - Paul continues his boldness here when he calls out Peter’s hypocrisy publicly.  Peter isn’t just your average Joe… Peter was the guy Jesus looked at and said “Upon this rock, I will build my church.”  When we are full of the truth of God’s word, we must point out those who would subvert it.  Paul also demonstrates some lessons in public critique here.  Here are some thoughts from John Maxwell on this subject:
  1. Check Your Motive - Your goal should be to help, not humiliate.
  2. Make Sure the Issue is Worthy of Criticism - Does it really matter?
  3. Be Specific - Don’t drop hints, but clearly name the problem (this one is a challenge isn’t it?)
  4. Don’t Undermine the Person’s Self-Confidence or Identity - Make it obvious that you value the person?
  5. Don’t Compare People - Use realistic standards to measure conduct.
  6. Be Creative or Don’t Criticize - Find ways to reach a SOLUTION.
  7. Don’t Attack the Person - Critique the problem, not the person.
  8. Do Not Postpone Needed Criticism - If the issue is big, act now.
  9. Look at Yourself Looking at Others - Take the log out of your own eye.
  10. End Criticism With Encouragement - Finish on a positive note.
  • What’s the difference between what Paul did here with Peter and what he did in criticizing others in Chapter 1?

• VS 20 - “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 the faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Join the study and share what God is revealing to you.  How is he speaking to you?  What are you learning from Galatians?  What is he teaching you?  What questions are stirred in your mind?