The Struggle
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 2:17 and Romans 15:8-13
Series: Comments on Galatians
Life can be such a struggle. When I try to live by the law, it is a terrible effort. I cannot do it no matter how hard I try. Worse, because I fail, my conscience tells me that God surely does not love me as much as I had thought. When I continue to fail in my labor to live by the law, I fear God may not love a sinner like me at all, that I am worthless and condemned. That is what it is like to attempt to live by the law. The law is perfect and exacting; I am not.
Life can also be an experience of joy and peace. When I make it my aim to live through Christ, his Holy Spirit reminds me of the great love of Jesus that supersedes my pitiful attempts at being religious. He reminds me that I am justified by my Lord having fulfilled the law for me (Matthew 5:17). He reminds me in his Word that joy and peace will never come by my vain attempts to live by the law. Quite the opposite, such striving only brings sadness and struggle. Joy and peace come by believing in the One who fulfilled the law for me. This is the hope of the Christian, and peace of mind when life seems to be a struggle.
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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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