Martin Luther said that parents are not to be deprived of their honor because of their conduct or their failings. In the context of our recent study on the Haustafel Texts, this shows the principle of respecting the office and seeking to serve others as if we were serving God himself.

Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians to deal with incorrect teaching as to the identity and work of Christ they were receiving from false teachers. These false teachings had caused this church to look to themselves for salvation. Paul reminds them of the Gospel and prays fervently for them while boldly proclaiming the truth of salvation in Jesus alone. Paul emphasizes the reliability of the saving work and Word of Christ. He reminds them of the certain hope for the future, freely given to them by God through Christ.

What should the Christian's attitude be toward the government? Romans 13 states we are subject to governing authorities on earth because God has instituted and assigned these authorities for our good. These authorities/rulers are God's servants and they are to fear and be reverent toward God. When we resist these authorities, we are resisting God. But, if these rulers are a terror to good conduct and tyrannical toward God, what then is a Christian to do? This is the subject of this teaching.

Vicar Doughty provides the background of this letter and discusses the first four verses of chapter 1. Christ is declared as Creator and Redeemer. Paul describes how Christ relates to His creation and the new manner Christ offers humanity to relate to God. An outline of this epistle is attached.

A few key verses from the conclusion of Paul's letter to the Galatians:

5:14: For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

5:24: Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

6:4-5: Let each one test his own work for each will have to bear his own load.

Chapter 5 covers questions such as what would it mean for the Galatians Christians to return to the Law? What does it mean to be "In Christ"? What is the offense of the cross? What are Christian freedoms? How do we truly love one another?

How are Christian husbands and wives to conduct themselves in a fallen world? How important is external adornment when compared to what God wants adorned? Is the popular notion of �soulmate� within a marriage supported by scripture? A wife who possesses a calm and gentle spirit is of great worth in God�s sight. �Does feminism belong in a marriage?� Pastor explains why �Disneyfication� can damage a marriage relationship. In scripture, God says both husband and wife have duties, and happiness is not what God wants, He wants holiness! Husbands are to treat wives with understanding and thoughtfulness [33:00]. Hiding faults and praising what she does well is the way to honor her. If married couples are looking for �a pill�, it should be a red-pill that causes each to know the vocational duties God gives them in scripture.

Pastor reminds us to "think like Paul", who summarizes the key purpose of this letter: "We are being delivered from this present Evil Age into the Age which is to come" (Galatians 1:3-4) by faith in Christ Jesus, not by the Law. Before faith in Christ came, we were held captive under the Law, imprisoned until the coming of faith. The Law could not give life. Faith in Christ Jesus gives life.

Paul goes on to use an allegory [44:30] to contrast the Abrahamic and Sinai covenants using two women, Hagar and Sarah and their sons to these two covenants. Hagar and Ishmael are Mt. Sinai, representing the law. Sarah and Isaac are Mt. Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, representing the gospel.

This is a picture contrasting slaves and freemen. Pastor skillfully uses two stacks upon which he lays images to describe each. We are to realize where we are and where the bad guys are and cast out the slave woman.