Q1. Observing Special Days

[RodR]

Paul’s concern was not that the Galatians were celebrating special worship days but that their adherence to these special days was taking priority over their relationship with God. If we emphasize form over substance, any religious expression can be a movement towards legalism. It is certainly not wrong to celebrate Advent, for example, but if we think we have met our spiritual “obligation” by lighting the advent candles, we are wrong. There is nothing inherently wrong with the “church calendar” unless we associate observing the special times with our salvation or our righteousness and make it a test of fellowship. Then, it become legalism and that’s what Paul was concerned about for the Galatians.

[tammie7]

no,because they was not under bondage and they went back to bondage.Special day can become legalism

when we make it something that we have to do.

[Cocoa]

Q1. (Galatians 4:10-11) Is celebrating different special worship days essentially wrong?

No, we honour people on their birthdays with a celebration.

Why did Paul grieve over the Galatians’ observances?

The Galations were people pleasing the Jews; building the fear of man rather than the fear of the Lord. In Galations 3:9. Paul said, “But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage”. So, in essence, once they knew God, by grace, they now are losing that relationship with Him to appease the Jews and move into bondage which is away from the freedom of knowing God.

What significance did these have in terms of their movement towards Judaism?

The Galations may have interpreted being culturally approximated to the Jewish calendar with salvation. Thus heresy may have developed due to salvation being obtained by cultural closeness to the Jews – evidenced by observing traditions such as circumcision and dates- rather than what Jesus did for us.

How can we be blessed by observing special days in our era?

By honouring God for what He did! Special days are to celebrate a Special Jesus!

How can observance of special days become legalistic for Christian believers?

By placing ourselves firstly with the culture of the event, and in many instances “people pleasing” rather than by placing the grace of being “known by God” as the reason for our celebrations.

[Old Jerry]

Celebrating different special worship days is not essentially wrong. It is what on your heart that counts. If you are doing it to worship Jesus and not doing it because you think that you can be saved because you are doing it then it is wrong.

The reason that Paul grieved over the Galatians’ observance of those days is because they were doing it because they thought they had to in order to get into the Kingdom. They were moving more and more to legalism or towards Judaism.

We can be blessed by observing special days in our era by drawing closer to Jesus. If the observance brings us closer to God then that is a good thing. But if we think that we have to observe those days for our salvation, then that is bringing us to a legalistic society.

[Eudora]

Galatians 4:10-11 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Is celebrating different special worship days essentially wrong?

These non-gods that Paul mentions are who we all once upon a time served before we were enlightened in the truth.

The culture that Yahushua was born into were used to celebrating a lot of prescribed times for celebration so adding extra holidays to their holy days was probably something that they adopted easily and maybe even eagerly.

When the Gentiles observed God’s annually prescribed days, new moons, the seven feasts, the weekly Sabbaths, the Sabbatical years and the Jubilees, they may have done so out of fear and acceptance rather than relishing in the relevance and spiritual identification of them all. But these too had become subject to legalism and performance sprinkled in by the demonic powers, those weak and elemental spirits.

What significance did these have in terms of their movement towards Judaism? I do not and probably never will understand why folks think that the Holy Days that God instilled are called Jewish or part of Judaism. These days are what God called, My Feasts.

Leviticus 23:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.

He gave them to man to observe not the other way around. They do not belong to any specific culture.. They were meant to point to days that would bring about specific events in the life of Yahushua.

The fifteenth of Nisan begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is a high sabbath. It is a seven day feast to the Lord. The day following the sabbath during Passover is called the Feast of First Fruits (Leviticus 23:10-14). The Feast of First Fruits can be found in Leviticus 23:9-14.

The firstborn of both man and beast were sanctified (made holy) and presented to the Lord (Exodus 13:2,22:29). The first fruits of all the earth were presented to the Lord at His altar in praise and thanksgiving (Deuteronomy 26:1-11).

The Lord Jesus celebrated the Festival of First Fruits by offering Himself as the first fruits to all future generations. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. ~1 Corinthians 15:20-23

Passover, He gave His life on this day. On the Feast of Weeks, Jesus had already ascended but it was on this day that He sent His Spirit to mankind. This day we now observe as Penticost. In the future we will more than likely see Yahushua fulfill the Feast of Trumpets, probably when He returns and we hear the great sound of the trumpet and then when we go to the wedding supper of the Lamb and live with Him forever, this will be the celebration we have long awaited for, the Feast of Tabernacles when we live with Him in the Kingdom of God.

How can we be blessed by observing special days in our era? I think I just explained the answer to this.

How can observance of special days become legalistic for Christian believers? That can become legalistic if we feel that we have to do them, but in my mind, they all point to Him, why wouldn’t we want to observe them. We will in the new heavens and the new earth as it is clear from scripture. Oh yeah and Sabbaths as well being on the seventh day of the week instead of the first day of the week.

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.

And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. ~ Isaiah 66:22-23

Zechariah 14:16 ¶ And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

If anyone is interested I have written a document called “Shadows of Good Things to Come” . You can copy and paste the title into your browser and find it pretty easily. It is under eudoranachand found at wordpress

[linda bass]

Celebrating different special worship days isn't exactly wrong. Observing special worship days can be helpful to our spiritual lives and bring us closer to intimate fellowship with our Lord. However, observing holy days as a legal obligation is wrong and can lead to legalism.

Paul grieved over the Galatians observances of the holy days because they chose to adopt the Jewish calendar which was under the influence of the Judaizers. In Paul's eyes, the traditions of Judaism, accepted as ritually binding, impeded faith and excluded liberty.

We can be blessed by observing special days in our era because they can be helpful to our spiritual lives as long as they aren't observed for legalistic reasons.

Observances of special days become legalistic for believers when they become part of a ritual.

[rstrats]

linda bass,

re: "...favorite bible books: Daniel and Revelations..."

　

Any particular reason for adding an "s" at the end of Revelation?

[jahjanrod321@live.com]

Q1. (Galatians 4:10-11) Is celebrating different special worship days essentially wrong?

Celebrating different special worship days is not wrong in or of itself.

Why did Paul grieve over the Galatians' observances?

He grieved over the Galatians because they turned their backs on the gospel he preached "faith" for the legalism theory of salvation by works and also because of the physical sacrifices he had made in establishing these churches.NB: The Judaizers were selling Jesus' death short of it true significance. See, Jn 3:16

What significance did these have in terms of their movement towards Judaism?

Again they were annulling the importance of Christs' ulimate sacrifice for the sins of the world by imputing obligation to observe time, seasons and days.

How can we be blessed by observing special days in our era?

We can be blessed in observing special days; when we do so thoughtfully and not as a legal obligation.

How can observance of special days become legalistic for Christian believers?

When one take upon herself or himself a schedule of observing such as a legal requirement or mantle of righteousness.

Celebrating different special worship days is not essentially wrong

[patricia hopman]

How can observance of special days become legalistic for believers ?

Having come from a legalistic church background, I indeed know what it is to be enslaved to this legalism. No shopping on Sunday, no crafts , no Sunday swimming no matter how hot it was, etc. I felt that I was sinning and not treating the Sabbath as Holy. After Jesus was going to heal a man with a crippled hand, and being asked by the Pharisees if this was right Jesus said "it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath" Mathew 12 :12.

[Dew drenched]

Q1. (Galatians 4:10-11) Is celebrating different special worship days essentially wrong?

These observances are a tricky thing for believers. Is the observances and the practices of these special days considered the thing that we believe makes us more righteous than if we don not keep them. For example, do we need to keep the Sabbath day to be considered righteous, accepted, or in favor with God? What does it mean to keep the Sabbath day, and how close do we need to follow it that we can be sure that we are not failing in our attempts to observe or keep it? Celebration is a good word to use; when we celebrate the Lord and his victory and salvation that he himself won for us this does much to lift us up into his presence with exulting praises and worship to the Lord. They are days to celebrate the victory and liberty that we as Christians enjoy.

The gospel which we have been given is a gospel of liberty, freedom, and setting free from bondages. “You are no more a servant but a son, and if a son then an heir of God”. Much of the observances of the Christian can lead to superstitions, and ritualistic practices, bondages, heavy burdens, feeling of condemnation if not done or observed, feeling of self-righteousness and worthy performance awards or rewards if practiced right and with proper attitudes. We are treading on dangerous ground like the Galatian believers were.

Why did Paul grieve over the Galatians’ observances?

Paul says with tears and heartache, that he is afraid of them lest he has bestowed on them labour in vain. He has poured into their life of his own self and ministry that they would know the true gospel and in believing the gospel, they would experience the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. There was a great cost and persecution that went along with his efforts and ministry, “what persecutions I endured” “which came to me in Antioch and Iconium and Lystra” The Galatians who believed were marvelously saved from the bondage of sin and religions, but now they were throwing all that away and desiring or seeking to put themselves back into the same bondages the same weak and beggarly elements that have absolutely no power to bring liberty and joy and salvation , only back into the same bondages that they came out of. This caused Paul a lot of grief. Paul says “after all of my labor, you are going to go back to that life?” Martin Luther says “these words of Paul breath tears”

What significance did these have in terms of their movement towards Judaism?

They were becoming full fledged Jews in every way. “You observe”, means they were intent on practicing the days and months and times and etc. and watching that nothing was overlooked or undone. They were scrupulous in their observances. A merely legal or ritual religion always develops such scrupulousness (Vincent). These believers were slip back into bondages that chocked the life out of them.

How can we be blessed by observing special days in our era?

We must focus on Christ and on the cross and on the liberating power of the cross. We celebrate the greatness of God and his great victory and accomplishments. Gathering on special days with brothers and sister in the Lord to fellowship around him is a great blessing. Gathering on special days to celebrate the lord encourages in the faith, builds up our faith and joy, we can enjoy the victories of fellow believers. Family days such as Christmas and Easter strengthen us as families in our faith and love for one another. Romans 14:1-8 shows how we are free to celebrate unto the Lord special days and feasts when you celebrate around the Lord and not simply the scrupulous observances of rituals and ordinances to gain God’s approval and favor.

How can observance of special days become legalistic for Christian believers?

When they become requirements of performance based righteousness. Example; Lent rituals, ritualistic church attendance, mass rituals,

[wifee]

1a)Not essentially wrong if it is with worshipful heart, but is wrong if going is seen as legal obligation.

b)Paul grieved as celebrating certain days was reverting back to pagan ways,placed them under curse of Law, not freedom of grace, forgiveness &salvation in Christ.

c)Galation’s adopting Jewish day’s of worship re Jewish calendar, is a step back towards bondage system Judaism from which they’re freeof Judaism.

d)Blessing only when offering worship out of love for our Lord with fullheart

e)Not having right worship heart motive on these days e.g doing so to gain favour,as duty,similar to legalism.

[RD35]

_{When observed thoughtfully celebrating different worship days are not wrong.}

 

_{Galatians observed different days as a legal obligation or as mantle of righteousness .}

 

_{The Galatians became acceptable to the Jews when they followed the customs of Judaism.  They thought by doing so they became righteous in the eyes of god too.}

 

_{When we celebrate certain days to remember the goodness of God and our festivities are in line with the word of god, then we are blessed by the special days in our era.}

 

_{When these special days become ritually binding upon us and through observing them if we think that we become righteous then observance of such days can become legalistic.  If we think that by observing special days we become acceptable into Christianity then it become legalistic.} 

[Thanking Joan]

Celebrating special worship days essentially is not wrong as long as they are meant to worship and give glory to the Lord. If they are used for entertainment and anything to please self and people there is no point in such celebrations

Paul grieved over the Galatians observances because they were going back to observing such celebrations as they did while they were still pagans. It would enslave them to legalism than ebing set free by the grace of God.

The significance this had in movement towards Judaism is that they would again get into the law of observing such things and would mean getting back to be enslaved to law.

We will be blessed by ibserving special days in our era only and only when we keep Jesus as the centre of our worship and celebration.

Observance of special days can be legalistic for Christians if they are made compulsory to observe and made a law to celebrate such days. It then becomes legalistic.

[JoanG]

It is okay to celebrate special days as long as they hold a personal meaning for you and connects you closer to God. You should not celebrate because someone is forcing you to do it. Paul felt that the Galatians were only worshipping because they were ordered to. They did not have any ties to the worship. It was like a false thing to do because it did not bring any glory to God or meaning for them. They were forcing themselves to act like Jews as far as the law goes. But their hearts were not into it. I feel that it is beneficial to observe special days. We need a chance to have a special connection  to God on those days. However, our hearts and souls need to be into it. It has to be an act of faith and not an act of obligation.

[lighthouse2014]

Q1. (Galatians 4:10-11) Is celebrating different special worship days essentially wrong? Why did Paul grieve over the Galatians’ observances? What significance did these have in terms of their movement towards Judaism? How can we be blessed by observing special days in our era? How can observance of special days become legalistic for Christian believers?

Celebrating special worship days may not be wrong provided we do not use it as a legalistic way to salvation. These special  days could possibly help us if we observe them thoughtfully.

Paul grieved over the Galatians observances because the Judaizers had moved in and told the Galatians that to be saved they would have to observe the Jewish customs and practices. Paul had taught them that only through Christ and him alone could salvation be had.

These Judaizers had come into Galatia and convinced the new believers that they had to observe their laws and customs in order to be saved. This was moving the new converts to legalism, which is what they had been freed from.

Observing special days in our era can be a blessing because we focus our attention on Christ and pray he will help us live a holy life.

However, observance of special days can become a legalism if they are demanded for the completion or addition to salvation.

[Annie343]

CELEBRATING SPECIAL DAYS: No it is not wrong.  However we are set  free by Christ to live a life of righteousness not outward performances;  Otherwise this observance is imposing to observe the various Jewish days of worship (it is adoption leading to legalism); this is observing as a legal obligation or mantle of righteousness to be seen in God's eyes as being acceptable

GRIEVING OVER OBSERVANCES: He was disgusted because of the danger of turning to the law - saying that Christ is of no value - so they are thinking they can earn some merit in the sight of God; the Judaizers were alienating them from Paul's influence (evil intentions and selfish motivation); they were being deceived (exercising no discernment)

SIGNIFICANCE IN TERMS OF MOVEMENT TOWARDS JUDAISM: by turning back to the law they were giving up the relationship with God and returning to bondage - being drawn into a legalistic religious system; evidence of their strict observance of Jewish religious days (going back); every one who follows Judaism is required to keep the whole law which was never required for the Church

BLESSED BY OBSERVING SPECIAL DAYS:knowing the motives, purposes, and understanding the true significance; to be seen as works of love; can be helpful in the Christian stages of life

OBSERVANCE BECOMING LEGALISTIC: by trying to become justified by the law (being alienated from Christ); not continuing to obey the truth; Christ is not everything (focus); doing this of observing as if they were required by God or could earn favor with Him

[Jonathan Edwards]

Special days of worship are not essentially wrong.    The error is making them conditions of salvation.

Paul was grieved due the Gentile Christains accepting customs and ordinances that were for the Jews.   These Jewish special days are not essential for salvation.   It made no sense for Gentiles in Galatia to get involved with the details of Jewish observations of Sabbath, sabbatical years and the Jubilee years..  They were not centered on Christ the Captain of our salvation. 

Christ is our Joshua in the order of Melchizedek.   He has gone on before us so we can have access to the Holies of the Holiest.  To add on to what Christ has done on Calvary is very sad.   We are a holy priesthood NOW, not bargain basement left overs.   We are seated in heavenly places with Christ NOW.

There are seasons of times when we need to concentrate on spiritual matters.  We are not adding to Christ's atonement.   We need times to sequester ourselves just like Moses and the Prophets throughout the Bible.   Special days and various fasting can  be serious hindrances if we think that our salvation depends on them.   I went to a religious college, chapel services were mandatory morning, noon and nite.   A good regulated schedule is important but we cannot pass irrevocable laws on everyone to follow our unique regulas. I am all for discipline no doubt.   Christ must be ALL and ALL.

[Krissi]

I am Anglican. One of the reasons why I love the Anglican church is it's liturgy -- one of the things I bristle at, however, is their slavish focus on the church calendar. I can understand why Jewish Christians wanted the order and familiarity of their past religious lives. There's a predictability in a calendar that's comforting, particularly in times of upheaval. 

Having said this, the order and predictability of a church calendar inhibits spiritual expression. There's no deviation and very little spontaneity. Since the service is centred around the eucharist, not the sermon, the minister has little leeway in crafting a message that's not connected to the calendar. I know Christians of a looser, more libertarian worship style -- many evangelicals and charismatics -- who don't find the church calendar inhibiting. In my opinion,  they've experienced the other extreme, toeing disorder in their services. Thus, a bit of order seems like a relief, perhaps.

The Galatians wanted order. They wanted the comfort and familiarity of knowing where they were in the year, and a meaning attached to the meaning of the passing of time. These are human concerns, not necessarily spiritual ones. 

We can be blessed by remembering the life of Christ as expressed throughout the year as long as we don't slavishly pattern our lives according to festivals and holy days. I'm reminded that Mardi Gras, the disgusting sex-and-alcohol reverie in New Orleans and many, many other places in the world, is a rebellion against the days of Lent -- in essence, it's a rebellion against a false order imposed on the church by it's hierarchy. 

I'm to the point where I don't want to think about the church calendar. I don't find it helpful in worship and don't want my thoughts to be channeled by the "approved" ways of worship. I need more irregularity! I need spiritual spontaneity but I wish ... I really wish, that there was, somewhere, an well-proportioned balance between order and spontaneity, between seeing Christ as timeless and remembering His walk on earth.