Heading toward Gal 2

We have found that Paul refers to the doctrine or extra biblical teachings of men as being a different gospel in chapter 1.  It is what Paul is talking about throughout the book of Galatians.   So, in Chapter 2, what doctrine is it that is a bondage?  We know Yahshua was not teaching against the Law of Moses as He appealed to it and used it to establish a firm foundation of exposing error.  We know of Steven being falsely accused and Paul leaving the Pharisee doctrine and living his life based upon faith in Messiah.  Paul is teaching the same things as Messiah in that he exposes the error of adding to the Word of Elohim.  Let's take a closer look at some of Paul's teachings.

1Ti 1:8 And we know that the Torah is good if one uses it legitimately,

Rom 3:20 Therefore by works of Torah no flesh shall be declared right before Him, for by the Torah is the knowledge of sin.¹ Footnote: 1Ex. 20:20, Rom. 4:15, Rom. 7:7.

Rom 3:21 But now, apart from the Torah, a righteousness of Elohim has been revealed, being witnessed by the Torah and the Prophets, Rom 3:22 and the righteousness of Elohim is through belief in יהושע Messiah to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference,

 

1Jn 3:4 Everyone doing sin also does lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

If Paul is indeed teaching against the law, then he is teaching lawlessness.  He cannot be teaching against the very thing that sets us apart and gives us the definition of what sin is.  This is the very reason Peter tells us to be careful as Paul's teachings are very deep and difficult to understand.  What else did Paul have to say?

Rom 3:31 Do we then nullify the Torah through the belief? Let it not be! On the contrary, we establish the Torah

Rom 7:12 So that the Torah truly is set-apart, and the command set-apart, and righteous, and good.

Rom 7:14 For we know that the Torah is Spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin

Rom 7:22 For I delight in the Torah of Elohim¹ according to the inward man

The problem in today's church and belief concerning Torah observance seems to focus around just a few verses found in Gal 2

Gal 2:3 But not even Titus who was with me, though a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.

Gal 2:4 But as for the false brothers, sneakingly brought in, who sneaked in to spy out our freedom which we have in Messiah יהושע in order to enslave us,
It revolves around the issue of circumcision.  What other passages refer to this?
Gen 17:7 "And I shall establish My covenant between Me and you and your seed after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be Elohim to you and your seed after you.
Gen 17:13 "He who is born in your house, and he who is bought with your silver, has to be circumcised. So shall My covenant be in your flesh, for an everlasting covenant.
This is an outward expression of the covenant
It also has an inward expression
Deu 10:16 "And you shall circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and harden your neck no more.
Deu 30:6 "And יהוה your Elohim shall circumcise your heart and the heart of your seed, to love יהוה your Elohim with all your heart and with all your being, so that you might live,
Jer 4:4 "Circumcise yourselves unto יהוה, and take away the foreskins of your hearts, you men of Yehuḏah and inhabitants of Yerushalayim, lest My wrath come forth like fire and burn, with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds."
Is there a principle we are missing in today's churchianity?  What do we see from these Scripture passages?  Why are not all Jews who practice the Law of Moses, saved?  The principle is this:  Our circumcision must first of all take place in the heart.  Otherwise we are being motivated in following the Law for the wrong reasons. 
Rom 7:22 For I delight in the Torah of Elohim¹ according to the inward man, Footnote: 1Ps. 119:16.
Psa 119:16 I delight¹ myself in Your laws; I do not forget Your word. Footnote: 1See also vv. 24, 35, 47, 70, 77, 92, 143, 174, Rom. 7:22.

First inward obedience.  Salvation by faith.  The Jews wrongly thought by following the Law outwardly they could inherit eternal life.  Their focus was on the outward obedience without the more important inward faith in Elohim's Word.  It is the inward faith which produces the true desire to observe, keep or guard Abba El's commands out of love for Him.

1Jn 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of Elohim, when we love Elohim and guard His commands.

1Jn 5:3 For this is the love for Elohim, that we guard His commands,¹ and His commands are not heavy, Footnote: 1See 5:2, 2 John v. 6, John 14:15.

How is our love for Elohim shown?  Does mainstream churchianity teach this?  What do you believe to be true?  What you have been taught or what the Word of Elohim says?  Is Paul actually teaching against circumcision in ch. 2?  We will have to look at some more Scriture to find out the truth next time.