Focus
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 2:12 and 2 Corinthians 7:8-11
Series: Comments on Galatians
It is no wonder George Fox, founder of the Religious Society of Friends, had a problem with ritual. To be sure, he objected merely because he believed rites led to coldness in religion. As Luther notes, they can also lead to error — cold, hard error such as Peter's at Antioch (Galatians 2:11–14). The season of Lent, for example, may be a time of deep reflection and sorrow that leads to repentance. It might just as easily be a time that leads one to the error that the following of a ritual like fasting leads to a heavenly reward. Abstention from food — as some give up meat or chocolate for Lent — does not save us. Nevertheless, such sacrifices can lead to contrition and greater dependence upon the one who does save us. Whatever your observance, make Christ the focus, not your religious practice.
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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