Galatians 6:17-18 NASB
17 From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Who has been causing trouble for Paul? (Galatians 1:6-7; Gal. 2:4-5, 12-14; Gal. 5:1-4, 7-12; Gal. 6:12-13)
What would make it possible for this trouble to cease? (Gal. 1:6; Gal. 3:1-7, 26-29; Gal. 5:1, 13-14, 16, 24-25; Gal. 6:8, 16)
What has Paul gone through physically and emotionally in order to bring the gospel message to the Galatians? (Gal. 1:11-24; Gal. 2:1-14; Gal. 4:8-20; Gal. 5:10-12; Gal. 6:11)
What did Paul mean by "brand-marks"? In the KJV, the word used is "mark." When I looked it up in Strong's, the number corresponding to this word was G4742. Looking that up, I found that the Greek word Paul had used was "stigma," meaning "a mark incised or punched (for recognition of ownership), i.e. (figuratively) scar of service."
How can we recognize Paul as a true follower of Jesus? (Gal. 1:1, 10-24; Gal. 2:1-9, 20; Gal. 6:17)
What does Paul pray that his brethren might have? (Notice Galatians 1:3.)
Will that be possible if the Galatians don't listen to Paul and stand firm in their faith?
If you have time today or this week, read 2 Corinthians 11-13 and compare what Paul says in these chapters to what he's told the Galatians in this letter.
Are the brand-marks of Jesus evident in our lives?
What would we endure to ensure that others would not only hear, but also live, the gospel of Christ?
Our current study of Galatians is finished.
May its message remain in our hearts, shared with our mouths and lived out in our lives! Amen.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
A New Creation
Galatians 6:15-16 NASB
15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
16 And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
What is not anything?
What is anything?
What will be upon those who will walk by this rule?
What will be upon the Israel of God?
Why is Paul talking about circumcision here? (See 6:12-13.)
What did Paul make clear about circumcision in verse 5:3-4?
How is 5:6 similar to 6:15?
Let's see what we can learn by looking at the cross-references for verse 15.
What does Paul mean by "the Israel of God"?
Let's look at the cross-references for Galatians 6:16.
15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
16 And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
What is not anything?
What is anything?
What will be upon those who will walk by this rule?
What will be upon the Israel of God?
Why is Paul talking about circumcision here? (See 6:12-13.)
What did Paul make clear about circumcision in verse 5:3-4?
How is 5:6 similar to 6:15?
Let's see what we can learn by looking at the cross-references for verse 15.
- Romans 2:26, 28 Let's read verses 25-29. What do we learn about circumcision in these verses? What kind of circumcision results in God's praise?
- 1 Corinthians 7:19 What does this verse tell us about circumcision? How is it similar to Galatians 6:15?
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 How does someone become a new creature?
- Ephesians 2:10, 15 Read verses 10-16. What do these verses teach us about Christ and circumcision?
- Ephesians 4:24 What do we learn about this new self?
- Colossians 3:10 Read verses 9-11. What do we learn about the new self? What do we learn about the circumcised and uncircumcised?
What does Paul mean by "the Israel of God"?
Let's look at the cross-references for Galatians 6:16.
- Romans 9:6 Read 9:6-8 Who are the descendants of God?
- Galatians 3:7 Who are the sons of Abraham?
- Galatians 3:29 If you belong to Christ, what are you?
- Philippians 3:3 Who are those who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh?
If believers wants peace and mercy upon them, what should be important?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Boasting
Galatians 6:14 NASB
But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
What contrast word begins this verse?
What is being contrasted with what? (See Galatians 6:13.)
What does Paul mean by "boast"?
When I looked up "boast" in Strong's, there were no listings for "boast," so I looked up these two verses in the KJV, which is the version that Strong's is based on. Here they are:
Galatians 6:13-14 KJV
13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
So, what is meant by "glory"?
The Strong's number for both of these verses is G2744. Paul used the Greek word "kauchaomai," which means to vaunt (in a good or bad sense). What does vaunt mean? Webster's defines it as "to make a vain display of one's own worth or attainments, to call attention to often pridefully and often boastfully."
Who are those who are insisting on circumcision calling attention to?
Who is Paul calling attention to?
What does Paul say that the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ has accomplished?
What does he mean by "crucified"?
The Strong's number is G4717. Paul used the Greek word stauroo, and it means "to impale on the cross; figuratively to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness."
So what is Paul saying that the cross of Christ has done to Paul's relationship with the world?
Where in Galatians has Paul previously mentioned himself or believers being crucified?
Read Galatians 2:20 and 5:24.
So, if Paul were to boast, why do you think he would boast about the cross of Christ?
If you were to boast, what should you boast about?
But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
What contrast word begins this verse?
What is being contrasted with what? (See Galatians 6:13.)
What does Paul mean by "boast"?
When I looked up "boast" in Strong's, there were no listings for "boast," so I looked up these two verses in the KJV, which is the version that Strong's is based on. Here they are:
Galatians 6:13-14 KJV
13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
So, what is meant by "glory"?
The Strong's number for both of these verses is G2744. Paul used the Greek word "kauchaomai," which means to vaunt (in a good or bad sense). What does vaunt mean? Webster's defines it as "to make a vain display of one's own worth or attainments, to call attention to often pridefully and often boastfully."
Who are those who are insisting on circumcision calling attention to?
Who is Paul calling attention to?
What does Paul say that the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ has accomplished?
What does he mean by "crucified"?
The Strong's number is G4717. Paul used the Greek word stauroo, and it means "to impale on the cross; figuratively to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness."
So what is Paul saying that the cross of Christ has done to Paul's relationship with the world?
Where in Galatians has Paul previously mentioned himself or believers being crucified?
Read Galatians 2:20 and 5:24.
So, if Paul were to boast, why do you think he would boast about the cross of Christ?
If you were to boast, what should you boast about?
Monday, September 7, 2009
Circumcision Revisited
Galatians 6:12-13 NASB
12 Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh.
Who is trying to compel the Galatians to be circumcised?
Why are they trying to compel the Galatians to be circumcised?
In verse 13, what phrase seems synonymous with "make a good showing in the flesh"?
Where else in Galatians have we seen Paul linking the flesh with the Law?
Reread Galatians 3: 2-3, 4:19-31.
In verse 13, what phrase seems synonymous with "compel you to be circumcised"?
What contrast word do you see in verse 13? What is the contrast?
If the Galatians were to be circumcised, what would they be doing in relation to the Law?
What has Paul told them about this in this letter?
Reread Galatians 2.
What example does Paul give in Galatians 2 of a person who did not feel compelled to be circumcised?
Who was opposing Paul and his companions? What was their aim?
Why didn't Paul and his companions yield to their demands?
With whom did Paul have a problem over this issue in the past?
In verse 2:16, what did Paul say about works of the Law?
From the context of this verse, what would one of those works be?
Read Galatians 3:23-26.
If someone is under faith, what isn't he or she under?
Read Galatians 4:1-7.
If you're under the Law, what are you?
What did God do to change that situation?
Read Galatians 6:12-13.
Then read Philippians 3:2-11.
Obviously the Galatians weren't the only ones who were being hounded by those who insisted that Christians needed to be circumcised in order to be right with God.
What does Paul feel compelled to let believers know?
12 Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh.
Who is trying to compel the Galatians to be circumcised?
Why are they trying to compel the Galatians to be circumcised?
In verse 13, what phrase seems synonymous with "make a good showing in the flesh"?
Where else in Galatians have we seen Paul linking the flesh with the Law?
Reread Galatians 3: 2-3, 4:19-31.
In verse 13, what phrase seems synonymous with "compel you to be circumcised"?
What contrast word do you see in verse 13? What is the contrast?
If the Galatians were to be circumcised, what would they be doing in relation to the Law?
What has Paul told them about this in this letter?
Reread Galatians 2.
What example does Paul give in Galatians 2 of a person who did not feel compelled to be circumcised?
Who was opposing Paul and his companions? What was their aim?
Why didn't Paul and his companions yield to their demands?
With whom did Paul have a problem over this issue in the past?
In verse 2:16, what did Paul say about works of the Law?
From the context of this verse, what would one of those works be?
Read Galatians 3:23-26.
If someone is under faith, what isn't he or she under?
Read Galatians 4:1-7.
If you're under the Law, what are you?
What did God do to change that situation?
Read Galatians 6:12-13.
Then read Philippians 3:2-11.
Obviously the Galatians weren't the only ones who were being hounded by those who insisted that Christians needed to be circumcised in order to be right with God.
What does Paul feel compelled to let believers know?
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Large Letters
Galatians 6:11 NASB
See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.
Who is the writer? (See Galatians 1.)
What does he want them to notice about the letters he used in writing this message?
Why do you think he's pointing out the size of the letters?
Read Galatians 4:11-20.
How might his physical condition cause a need for large letters?
How might the urgency of the situation cause a need for large letters?
What does Paul want the Galatians to know without a doubt?
If you're not sure, read aloud Galatians from the beginning until this point. Then write down the main points that Paul makes for the Galatians.
See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.
Who is the writer? (See Galatians 1.)
What does he want them to notice about the letters he used in writing this message?
Why do you think he's pointing out the size of the letters?
Read Galatians 4:11-20.
How might his physical condition cause a need for large letters?
How might the urgency of the situation cause a need for large letters?
What does Paul want the Galatians to know without a doubt?
If you're not sure, read aloud Galatians from the beginning until this point. Then write down the main points that Paul makes for the Galatians.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The One Who Sows To The Spirit
Galatians 6:8-10 NASB
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life.
9 And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.
10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
What does the one who sows to his own flesh reap?
What did Paul tell us about the deeds of the flesh in chapter 5? (See verses 19-21.)
What does the one who sows to the Spirit reap?
In chapter 5, what did Paul tell us about the character of those who live and walk by the Spirit? (See verses 22-25.)
In verse 9, Paul says "let us not lose heart in doing good," so what is he assuming about the sowing of his readers?
Why shouldn't they lose heart in doing good?
In that verse, what is growing weary synonynous with?
What does Paul promise will happen if they do not grow weary in doing good?
What will they reap?
What words indicate that Paul is about to conclude this section of thought?
To whom does he encourage the Galatians to do good?
To whom should they especially do good?
In these verses, what is there a contrast between?
Has Paul mentioned this contrast before in this letter?
See: Galatians 4:22-31 and 5:16-25.
How is Galatians 6:7-10 related to Paul's discussion of freedom from the Law?
How is Galatians 6:7-10 related to what Paul said in Gal. 6:2 and 5:14?
If you want to reap eternal life, what do you need to do?
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life.
9 And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.
10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
What does the one who sows to his own flesh reap?
What did Paul tell us about the deeds of the flesh in chapter 5? (See verses 19-21.)
What does the one who sows to the Spirit reap?
In chapter 5, what did Paul tell us about the character of those who live and walk by the Spirit? (See verses 22-25.)
In verse 9, Paul says "let us not lose heart in doing good," so what is he assuming about the sowing of his readers?
Why shouldn't they lose heart in doing good?
In that verse, what is growing weary synonynous with?
What does Paul promise will happen if they do not grow weary in doing good?
What will they reap?
What words indicate that Paul is about to conclude this section of thought?
To whom does he encourage the Galatians to do good?
To whom should they especially do good?
In these verses, what is there a contrast between?
Has Paul mentioned this contrast before in this letter?
See: Galatians 4:22-31 and 5:16-25.
How is Galatians 6:7-10 related to Paul's discussion of freedom from the Law?
How is Galatians 6:7-10 related to what Paul said in Gal. 6:2 and 5:14?
If you want to reap eternal life, what do you need to do?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Sowing and Reaping
Galatians 6:7 NASB
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
What does Paul warn the believers not to be?
What does Paul tell them about God?
"God is not being outwitted and evaded" is the way Wuest translates that portion of verse 7 in his translation.
Why isn't God being outwitted and evaded?
What is a basic principle in God's kingdom?
What does a man reap?
What did Paul mean by "deceived"?
The Strong's number for this word is G4105, and the Greek word is planao. It means to roam (from safety, truth, or virtue).
What had the Galatians believers been roaming from? (See Galatians 1:6-7.)
Where previously in this chapter has Paul mentioned being deceived?
And how did Paul tell them they could avoid this deception?
How is that advice related to what Paul tells them in this verse?
How do you think this verse relates to the previous verse about sharing all good things with those who teach you?
So, according to Paul, what is the responsibility of each believer in his or her harvest?
One of the cross-references for this verse is 2 Corinthians 9:6.
What did Paul tell the Corinthians about sowing and reaping?
How is that similar to what Paul is telling the Galatians in Gal. 6:7?
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
What does Paul warn the believers not to be?
What does Paul tell them about God?
"God is not being outwitted and evaded" is the way Wuest translates that portion of verse 7 in his translation.
Why isn't God being outwitted and evaded?
What is a basic principle in God's kingdom?
What does a man reap?
What did Paul mean by "deceived"?
The Strong's number for this word is G4105, and the Greek word is planao. It means to roam (from safety, truth, or virtue).
What had the Galatians believers been roaming from? (See Galatians 1:6-7.)
Where previously in this chapter has Paul mentioned being deceived?
And how did Paul tell them they could avoid this deception?
How is that advice related to what Paul tells them in this verse?
How do you think this verse relates to the previous verse about sharing all good things with those who teach you?
So, according to Paul, what is the responsibility of each believer in his or her harvest?
One of the cross-references for this verse is 2 Corinthians 9:6.
What did Paul tell the Corinthians about sowing and reaping?
How is that similar to what Paul is telling the Galatians in Gal. 6:7?
Monday, August 31, 2009
Share All Good Things
Galatians 6:6 NASB
And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches.
What is the one who is taught the word instructed to do?
In the previous verses, what has Paul been telling the believers?
How is this verse related to the previous verses?
Why do you think Paul has brought up this one specific responsibility?
Read Galatians 1:6-8; 4:11-16; 5:10-12.
Who taught the word to the Galatians?
What made it necessary for Paul to write this letter to the Galatians?
What might they be doing that would make it necessary for Paul to write Galatians 6:6?
Let's read a cross-reference for this verse: 1 Corinthians 9:11-14.
Here's what The Bible Knowledge Commentary by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck says about this verse:
This concept of voluntary giving to provide for the Lord's servants was revolutionary
since Jews were taxed for the support of their priests and Gentiles paid fees, made vows,
etc., to sustain their religions.
Who shared the word of God with you?
What good things might you share with them?
And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches.
What is the one who is taught the word instructed to do?
In the previous verses, what has Paul been telling the believers?
How is this verse related to the previous verses?
Why do you think Paul has brought up this one specific responsibility?
Read Galatians 1:6-8; 4:11-16; 5:10-12.
Who taught the word to the Galatians?
What made it necessary for Paul to write this letter to the Galatians?
What might they be doing that would make it necessary for Paul to write Galatians 6:6?
Let's read a cross-reference for this verse: 1 Corinthians 9:11-14.
Here's what The Bible Knowledge Commentary by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck says about this verse:
This concept of voluntary giving to provide for the Lord's servants was revolutionary
since Jews were taxed for the support of their priests and Gentiles paid fees, made vows,
etc., to sustain their religions.
Who shared the word of God with you?
What good things might you share with them?
Friday, August 28, 2009
Examine Our Work and Bear Our Load
Galatians 6:4-5 NASB
4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.
5 For each one shall bear his own load.
What contrast word begins the fourth verse?
So, what do you think is in contrast to each one examining his or her own work?
What is the person described in verse 3 doing?
What attitudes might this person have that Paul discussed in Galatians 5:26?
Why would it be necessary for such a person to lay aside these attitudes if he or she is going to be a burden bearer?
What remedy does Paul offer in verse four for getting rid of those conceited feelings?
What shouldn't we be doing when we test our own work?
Paul says that the one who examines his own work will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone.
What did Paul mean by boasting?
Didn't he just say in 5:26 that we should not become boastful?
Let's look up "boasting" and "boastful" in Strong's to see what we learn.
Boasting from Gal. 6:4 KJV--rejoicing G2745 kauchema glorying, rejoicing
Boastful from Gal. 5:26 KJV--desirous of vain glory G2755 kenodoxos vainly glorifying
So, when Paul says that we should examine our own work, we see what God has done in our lives, and we can glorify God. If we're comparing our work to the work of others, what are we seeking to do?
What does Paul say that each one shall have to bear?
Is this the same "bear" that Paul used in Galatians 6:2? If you look up "bear" in Strong's, you find that in both instances the same Greek word was used--bastazo--meaning "to lift."
Didn't Paul just say in Gal. 6:2 that we're supposed to bear one another's burdens? Why is he saying now that we should bear our own load? In the KJV, "load" is translated "burden." Let's look at these two words to see if they came from the same Greek word.
Gal. 6:5 load KJV--burden G5413 phortion an invoice (as part of freight), (fig.) task, service
Gal. 6:2 burdens G922 baros weight
The latter refers to heavy, crushing weight, that which is too much for a person.
The first refers to the responsibilities that each Christian is given by God.
Read Galatians 5:16.
What specific advice has Paul given us today for being able to do that?
If we examine our own work and bear our own load, what part of Galatians 6:1 are we doing and what part of 6:1 will we be enabled to do?
4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.
5 For each one shall bear his own load.
What contrast word begins the fourth verse?
So, what do you think is in contrast to each one examining his or her own work?
What is the person described in verse 3 doing?
What attitudes might this person have that Paul discussed in Galatians 5:26?
Why would it be necessary for such a person to lay aside these attitudes if he or she is going to be a burden bearer?
What remedy does Paul offer in verse four for getting rid of those conceited feelings?
What shouldn't we be doing when we test our own work?
Paul says that the one who examines his own work will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone.
What did Paul mean by boasting?
Didn't he just say in 5:26 that we should not become boastful?
Let's look up "boasting" and "boastful" in Strong's to see what we learn.
Boasting from Gal. 6:4 KJV--rejoicing G2745 kauchema glorying, rejoicing
Boastful from Gal. 5:26 KJV--desirous of vain glory G2755 kenodoxos vainly glorifying
So, when Paul says that we should examine our own work, we see what God has done in our lives, and we can glorify God. If we're comparing our work to the work of others, what are we seeking to do?
What does Paul say that each one shall have to bear?
Is this the same "bear" that Paul used in Galatians 6:2? If you look up "bear" in Strong's, you find that in both instances the same Greek word was used--bastazo--meaning "to lift."
Didn't Paul just say in Gal. 6:2 that we're supposed to bear one another's burdens? Why is he saying now that we should bear our own load? In the KJV, "load" is translated "burden." Let's look at these two words to see if they came from the same Greek word.
Gal. 6:5 load KJV--burden G5413 phortion an invoice (as part of freight), (fig.) task, service
Gal. 6:2 burdens G922 baros weight
The latter refers to heavy, crushing weight, that which is too much for a person.
The first refers to the responsibilities that each Christian is given by God.
Read Galatians 5:16.
What specific advice has Paul given us today for being able to do that?
If we examine our own work and bear our own load, what part of Galatians 6:1 are we doing and what part of 6:1 will we be enabled to do?
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Are You Something or Nothing?
Galatians 6:2-3 NASB
2 Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
According to verse 3, how might a believer deceive himself?
If he is deceiving himself, what might he not be capable of doing?
Let's check the cross-references for this verse.
The first one is Acts 5:36.
In this example, who claimed to be somebody?
What happened to him?
According to Galatians 6:3 was this person deceiving himself?
The second one is 1 Corinthians 3:18.
What should the man who thinks he is wise in this age do?
Why should he do that?
How was the man who thought he was wise in this age deceiving himself?
The third one is 2 Corinthians 12:11.
What does Paul say he has become?
What does he think his position was in respect to the most eminent apostles?
What does he say that he is?
Reread Galatians 5:13-6:3.
Why does Paul tell them that if they think they are something when they are nothing, they are deceiving themselves?
How does this verse relate to the ones that came before?
If we are to be burden bearers, what do we need to lay aside?
If we are to be burden bearers, how should we be walking?
2 Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
According to verse 3, how might a believer deceive himself?
If he is deceiving himself, what might he not be capable of doing?
Let's check the cross-references for this verse.
The first one is Acts 5:36.
In this example, who claimed to be somebody?
What happened to him?
According to Galatians 6:3 was this person deceiving himself?
The second one is 1 Corinthians 3:18.
What should the man who thinks he is wise in this age do?
Why should he do that?
How was the man who thought he was wise in this age deceiving himself?
The third one is 2 Corinthians 12:11.
What does Paul say he has become?
What does he think his position was in respect to the most eminent apostles?
What does he say that he is?
Reread Galatians 5:13-6:3.
Why does Paul tell them that if they think they are something when they are nothing, they are deceiving themselves?
How does this verse relate to the ones that came before?
If we are to be burden bearers, what do we need to lay aside?
If we are to be burden bearers, how should we be walking?
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Law of Christ
Galatians 6:2 NASB
Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.
Who is supposed to be doing this? (See Galatians 6:1.)
What are they supposed to be doing?
What will be the result of doing this?
What does Paul mean by "fulfill"? Let's look up "fulfill" in Strong's. It's number is G378. The Greek word is "anapleroo," and it means: to complete; by implication to occupy, supply; figurative to accomplish (by coincidence or obedience).
So, used in this context, which of these meanings would you choose as the best one?
If we read Galatians 6:2 in Wuest's expanded word-for-word translation of this verse, it reads:
One another's burdens be constantly bearing, and thus you will fully satisfy the requirements of the law of the Christ.
So, what is the law of Christ?
To investigate that question, let's look at the cross-references supplied for that part of the verse.
The first is Romans 8:2.
What two kinds of laws does this verse mention?
From what this verse says, which of these laws had us in bondage?
According to what we've learned so far in Galatians, which law would that be?
Which law set us free from the first law we were under?
What words are used to name this law?
So, what do we learn about the law of Christ from this verse?
How does this relate to what Paul has taught the Galatians so far in this letter?
Two are in James--1:25 and 2:12.
What kind of law is mentioned in 1:25?
What do we learn about this law?
What happens to those who abide by that law?
What law is mentioned in 2:12?
What do we learn about this law?
How are believers going to be affected by that law?
So, in these two verses, what do we learn about the law of Christ?
Let's write a list of those things we've learned about the law of Christ from all these verses.
Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.
Who is supposed to be doing this? (See Galatians 6:1.)
What are they supposed to be doing?
What will be the result of doing this?
What does Paul mean by "fulfill"? Let's look up "fulfill" in Strong's. It's number is G378. The Greek word is "anapleroo," and it means: to complete; by implication to occupy, supply; figurative to accomplish (by coincidence or obedience).
So, used in this context, which of these meanings would you choose as the best one?
If we read Galatians 6:2 in Wuest's expanded word-for-word translation of this verse, it reads:
One another's burdens be constantly bearing, and thus you will fully satisfy the requirements of the law of the Christ.
So, what is the law of Christ?
To investigate that question, let's look at the cross-references supplied for that part of the verse.
The first is Romans 8:2.
What two kinds of laws does this verse mention?
From what this verse says, which of these laws had us in bondage?
According to what we've learned so far in Galatians, which law would that be?
Which law set us free from the first law we were under?
What words are used to name this law?
So, what do we learn about the law of Christ from this verse?
How does this relate to what Paul has taught the Galatians so far in this letter?
Two are in James--1:25 and 2:12.
What kind of law is mentioned in 1:25?
What do we learn about this law?
What happens to those who abide by that law?
What law is mentioned in 2:12?
What do we learn about this law?
How are believers going to be affected by that law?
So, in these two verses, what do we learn about the law of Christ?
Let's write a list of those things we've learned about the law of Christ from all these verses.
- It's the law of the Spirit of life.
- It's found in Christ Jesus.
- It sets us free from the law of sin and of death.
- It's the perfect law.
- It's the law of liberty.
- Those who abide by it shall be blessed in what they do.
- We will be judged by it.
- By bearing one another's burdens, we can fulfill it.
How was Paul fulfilling this law of Christ by writing this letter to the Galatians?
Read Galatians 5:13-14 and think about those words as you go through your day.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Bearing Burdens
Galatians 6:2 NASB
Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.
This is a short verse with a lot to say, so today let's concentrate on the first part of this verse:
Bear one another's burdens . . .
To whom is Paul addressing this command?
What are they to be doing for each other?
How does this first part of the verse relate to what Paul said in the previous verse?
What does "bear" mean?
I looked up "bear" in Strong's, and it's number is G941. The Greek word is "bastazo," and it mean (literally or figuratively) to lift.
What are "burdens"?
It's Strong's number is G922. The Greek word is "baros," and it means weight.
What is weighing down this brother in Christ whom we who are spiritual are called to restore?
What are those who are spiritual supposed to do with our brother or sister's burdens?
And how are we to lift them? (See Galatians 6:1.)
By lifting them, what are we doing for our sister or brother in Christ?
Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.
This is a short verse with a lot to say, so today let's concentrate on the first part of this verse:
Bear one another's burdens . . .
To whom is Paul addressing this command?
What are they to be doing for each other?
How does this first part of the verse relate to what Paul said in the previous verse?
What does "bear" mean?
I looked up "bear" in Strong's, and it's number is G941. The Greek word is "bastazo," and it mean (literally or figuratively) to lift.
What are "burdens"?
It's Strong's number is G922. The Greek word is "baros," and it means weight.
What is weighing down this brother in Christ whom we who are spiritual are called to restore?
What are those who are spiritual supposed to do with our brother or sister's burdens?
And how are we to lift them? (See Galatians 6:1.)
By lifting them, what are we doing for our sister or brother in Christ?
Monday, August 24, 2009
Restoration
Galatians 6:1 NASB
Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted.
To whom is Paul addressing this remark?
What particular quality does Paul say that they have?
What is that type of person supposed to do to a man who is caught in any trespass?
In what kind of spirit is this restoration to be done?
And what else does Paul tell this spiritual brother to do?
Why would that be necessary?
What does Paul mean by "caught"? If we look up "caught" in Strong's, we don't find this word used in Gal 6:1. That's because the wording of this verse must be different in the King James Version, the version on which Strong's is based. If you look Gal 6:1 up in the KJV, you find that the word "overtaken" is used instead of "caught." If you look up "overtaken," you find #G4301. The corresponding Greek word is "prolambano," and it means: to take in advance, i.e. (literally) eat before others have an opportunity: (figuatively) to anticipate, surprise. Now let's see what Vine's says about this word. For this verse, Vine's says: . . . the meaning is not that of detecting a person in the act, but of his being caught by the trespass, through his being off his guard . . . The modern Greek version is "even if a man, through lack of circumspection, should fall into any sin."
How might being spiritual aid a person in not falling into any sin through lack of circumspection? What did Paul tell believers to do in Galatians 5:16?
What does Paul mean by "restore"? If we look up "restore" in Strong's, we find #G2675 next to Gal 6:1. If you look up that number, you find the Greek word "katartizo," and it means "to complete thoroughtly, i.e. repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust."
If you look up "restore" in Vine's, you find this written next to the Greek word "katartizo":
"to mend, to furnish completely," is translated "restore" in Gal. 6:1, metaphorically, of the "restoration," by those who are spiritual, of one overtaken in a trespass, such a one being as a dislocated member of the spiritual body. The tense is the continuous present, suggesting the necessity for patience and perseverance in the process."
So what are those who are spiritual biblically called to do? What should they remember before doing it?
Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted.
To whom is Paul addressing this remark?
What particular quality does Paul say that they have?
What is that type of person supposed to do to a man who is caught in any trespass?
In what kind of spirit is this restoration to be done?
And what else does Paul tell this spiritual brother to do?
Why would that be necessary?
What does Paul mean by "caught"? If we look up "caught" in Strong's, we don't find this word used in Gal 6:1. That's because the wording of this verse must be different in the King James Version, the version on which Strong's is based. If you look Gal 6:1 up in the KJV, you find that the word "overtaken" is used instead of "caught." If you look up "overtaken," you find #G4301. The corresponding Greek word is "prolambano," and it means: to take in advance, i.e. (literally) eat before others have an opportunity: (figuatively) to anticipate, surprise. Now let's see what Vine's says about this word. For this verse, Vine's says: . . . the meaning is not that of detecting a person in the act, but of his being caught by the trespass, through his being off his guard . . . The modern Greek version is "even if a man, through lack of circumspection, should fall into any sin."
How might being spiritual aid a person in not falling into any sin through lack of circumspection? What did Paul tell believers to do in Galatians 5:16?
What does Paul mean by "restore"? If we look up "restore" in Strong's, we find #G2675 next to Gal 6:1. If you look up that number, you find the Greek word "katartizo," and it means "to complete thoroughtly, i.e. repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust."
If you look up "restore" in Vine's, you find this written next to the Greek word "katartizo":
"to mend, to furnish completely," is translated "restore" in Gal. 6:1, metaphorically, of the "restoration," by those who are spiritual, of one overtaken in a trespass, such a one being as a dislocated member of the spiritual body. The tense is the continuous present, suggesting the necessity for patience and perseverance in the process."
So what are those who are spiritual biblically called to do? What should they remember before doing it?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Let Us Not
Galatians 5:26 NASB
Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
Who is us?
What aren't we to become?
From looking at the previous verses, what should make it possible for someone not to become boastful, challenging others, and/or envying others?
Galatians 5:26 NLT
Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.
Where else in this chapter does Paul mention their bad behavior?
See 5:7 and 15.
How had they been living?
What has stopped them from running well?
What does Paul seem to be saying they're doing or might be doing?
What does he warn them might happen if they do that?
What had Paul told them to do in the verse right before verse 15?
What did Paul told them to do in the verse right after verse 15?
A cross reference for Galatians 5:26 is Philippians 2:3-4. Read it.
With what kind of attitude does Paul tell them they are to regard each other?
For whose interests should they be looking out for?
A cross reference for Philippians 2:3-4 is Romans 12:10. Read it.
How does Paul tell them they should be relating to one another?
Read Galatians 5:13.
What fleshly desires have we been reading about today?
How can believers keep from turning their freedom into an opportunity for the flesh?
Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
Who is us?
What aren't we to become?
From looking at the previous verses, what should make it possible for someone not to become boastful, challenging others, and/or envying others?
Galatians 5:26 NLT
Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.
Where else in this chapter does Paul mention their bad behavior?
See 5:7 and 15.
How had they been living?
What has stopped them from running well?
What does Paul seem to be saying they're doing or might be doing?
What does he warn them might happen if they do that?
What had Paul told them to do in the verse right before verse 15?
What did Paul told them to do in the verse right after verse 15?
A cross reference for Galatians 5:26 is Philippians 2:3-4. Read it.
With what kind of attitude does Paul tell them they are to regard each other?
For whose interests should they be looking out for?
A cross reference for Philippians 2:3-4 is Romans 12:10. Read it.
How does Paul tell them they should be relating to one another?
Read Galatians 5:13.
What fleshly desires have we been reading about today?
How can believers keep from turning their freedom into an opportunity for the flesh?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Living and Walking by the Spirit
Galatians 5:25 NASB
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
What do we live by?
Who should walk by the Spirit?
What should those who live by the Spirit also do?
How do we walk?
What phrase is repeated in this short verse?
Here is Wuest's word-for-word English translation of the Greek for verse 25:
In view of the fact that we are being sustained in spiritual life by the Spirit, by means of the Spirit let us go on ordering our conduct.
I looked up "live" and "walk" for this verse in Strong's.
Live G2198 zao to live (literally or figuatively)
Walk G4748 stoicheo to march in (military) rank (keep step), i.e. (figuratively) to conform to virtue and piety
Now let's relate this verse to its context.
What has Paul just said has happened to our flesh in verse 24?
Read what Paul wrote in Galatians 2:19-20.
So, if our flesh has been destroyed, how is it that we live?
From where did we get that Spirit? See Galatians 4:6.
Who made it possible for us to obtain that Spirit? See Galatians 3:13-14.
In Galatians 1:3-5, what did Paul tell the Galatians that Christ had done for them?
Why did Paul say that Christ did that?
What are some of the deeds of this present evil age? See Galatians 5:19-21.
If you're living and walking by the Spirit, what is your relationship to these behaviors?
What does Paul remind us of in Galatians 5:16?
And what evidence will the world see if we are walking by the Spirit? Read Galatians 5:22-23.
What did Paul say others did when they saw the changes that had taken place in his life after he became a Spirit-filled follower of Christ? See Galatians 1:23-24.
As you live by the Spirit today, pray that you will also walk by the Spirit, so that others will be glorifying God because of you.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
What do we live by?
Who should walk by the Spirit?
What should those who live by the Spirit also do?
How do we walk?
What phrase is repeated in this short verse?
Here is Wuest's word-for-word English translation of the Greek for verse 25:
In view of the fact that we are being sustained in spiritual life by the Spirit, by means of the Spirit let us go on ordering our conduct.
I looked up "live" and "walk" for this verse in Strong's.
Live G2198 zao to live (literally or figuatively)
Walk G4748 stoicheo to march in (military) rank (keep step), i.e. (figuratively) to conform to virtue and piety
Now let's relate this verse to its context.
What has Paul just said has happened to our flesh in verse 24?
Read what Paul wrote in Galatians 2:19-20.
So, if our flesh has been destroyed, how is it that we live?
From where did we get that Spirit? See Galatians 4:6.
Who made it possible for us to obtain that Spirit? See Galatians 3:13-14.
In Galatians 1:3-5, what did Paul tell the Galatians that Christ had done for them?
Why did Paul say that Christ did that?
What are some of the deeds of this present evil age? See Galatians 5:19-21.
If you're living and walking by the Spirit, what is your relationship to these behaviors?
What does Paul remind us of in Galatians 5:16?
And what evidence will the world see if we are walking by the Spirit? Read Galatians 5:22-23.
What did Paul say others did when they saw the changes that had taken place in his life after he became a Spirit-filled follower of Christ? See Galatians 1:23-24.
As you live by the Spirit today, pray that you will also walk by the Spirit, so that others will be glorifying God because of you.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Crucified Flesh
Galatians 5:24 NASB
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Who has crucified the flesh with its passions and desires?
To whom do those belong who have crucified the flesh?
What have those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified?
What has been crucified along with the flesh?
Exactly what does Paul mean when he says "crucified the flesh"?
Let's look up "crucified" in Strong's. Used in this verse, it's number is G4717. The Greek word is "stauroo," and it means "to impale on a cross; figuratively to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness."
Earlier in Galatians 2:20, Paul spoke about being crucified with Christ. The number for that "crucified" is 4957, and its Greek word is "systauroo," meaning "to impale in company with (literally or figuratively)."
Read Galatians 3:13-14.
How did Christ redeem us from the curse of the Law?
How did He become a curse?
What is meant by "hangs on a tree"?
And what do we receive because Christ did that?
Read Gal. 2:20.
Who hung on that tree with Christ?
And for the person who hung on the tree with Christ, what is the result?
Read Galatians 3:26-29.
What do those who have faith in Christ Jesus become?
Read today's verse again.
In what tense is the verb?
What has been crucified along with the flesh?
One of the footnotes with this verse is Romans 6:6. Let's read Romans 6:1-7.
In the NASB version, Paul uses "sin," as he uses "passions and desires of the flesh" in Galatians 5:24.
Read Galatians 5:19-21.
What other term does Paul use for the "passions and desires of the flesh"?
As you think about Galatians 5:24, think about the enormity of what Paul has said, not only for these Galatian believers, but for you.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Who has crucified the flesh with its passions and desires?
To whom do those belong who have crucified the flesh?
What have those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified?
What has been crucified along with the flesh?
Exactly what does Paul mean when he says "crucified the flesh"?
Let's look up "crucified" in Strong's. Used in this verse, it's number is G4717. The Greek word is "stauroo," and it means "to impale on a cross; figuratively to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness."
Earlier in Galatians 2:20, Paul spoke about being crucified with Christ. The number for that "crucified" is 4957, and its Greek word is "systauroo," meaning "to impale in company with (literally or figuratively)."
Read Galatians 3:13-14.
How did Christ redeem us from the curse of the Law?
How did He become a curse?
What is meant by "hangs on a tree"?
And what do we receive because Christ did that?
Read Gal. 2:20.
Who hung on that tree with Christ?
And for the person who hung on the tree with Christ, what is the result?
Read Galatians 3:26-29.
What do those who have faith in Christ Jesus become?
Read today's verse again.
In what tense is the verb?
What has been crucified along with the flesh?
One of the footnotes with this verse is Romans 6:6. Let's read Romans 6:1-7.
In the NASB version, Paul uses "sin," as he uses "passions and desires of the flesh" in Galatians 5:24.
Read Galatians 5:19-21.
What other term does Paul use for the "passions and desires of the flesh"?
As you think about Galatians 5:24, think about the enormity of what Paul has said, not only for these Galatian believers, but for you.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 NASB
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
What contrast word starts these two verses?
How is it possible to practice love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?
With what is this fruit of the Spirit being contrasted?
Against what is there no law?
How does this relate to what Paul said in verse 18?
So, in contrast, what would there be law against?
What is Paul trying to make clear in this book for the Galatians and for all believers who hear these words?
What don't you need for living the Christian life?
What do you need for living the Christian life?
What will practicing the deeds listed in verses 19-21 not lead to?
In contrast, what will exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit lead to?
There are many good studies on the fruit of the Spirit. We're not going to take the time to study it any more in depth that what is here, but for those of you who are planning to be a part of The Gathering this fall at NW Hills, there is going to be a Beth Moore study on the fruit of the Spirit that you might like to join.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
What contrast word starts these two verses?
How is it possible to practice love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?
With what is this fruit of the Spirit being contrasted?
Against what is there no law?
How does this relate to what Paul said in verse 18?
So, in contrast, what would there be law against?
What is Paul trying to make clear in this book for the Galatians and for all believers who hear these words?
What don't you need for living the Christian life?
What do you need for living the Christian life?
What will practicing the deeds listed in verses 19-21 not lead to?
In contrast, what will exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit lead to?
There are many good studies on the fruit of the Spirit. We're not going to take the time to study it any more in depth that what is here, but for those of you who are planning to be a part of The Gathering this fall at NW Hills, there is going to be a Beth Moore study on the fruit of the Spirit that you might like to join.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The Deeds of the Flesh
Galatians 5:19-21 NASB
19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
If you want to inherit the kingdom of God, what shouldn't you be practicing?
What has Paul said earlier in this letter about an inheritance and the heirs of this inheritance?
Read Galatians 3:18, 29; 4:1-7, 30-31.
So, up to this point, what has Paul said about an inheritance and its heirs?
19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
If you want to inherit the kingdom of God, what shouldn't you be practicing?
What has Paul said earlier in this letter about an inheritance and the heirs of this inheritance?
Read Galatians 3:18, 29; 4:1-7, 30-31.
So, up to this point, what has Paul said about an inheritance and its heirs?
- The inheritance is based on a promise made to Abraham and his offspring: it is not based on the law.
- If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, and you are heirs according to promise.
- Those who belong to Christ have the Spirit of God living in their hearts because they are sons of God, and if you're a son, then you're an heir through God.
- The son of the bondwoman shall not be an heir with the son of the free woman, and we are children of the free woman.
If you practice the above behaviors listed in verses 19-21, what does it show about your relationship to God? What is a consequence of practicing such behaviors?
How can a believer keep from practicing such behaviors? What did Paul tell the Galatian believers earlier in this chapter?
How would carrying verse 16 in your heart and mind keep you confident of your freedom from such behaviors?
If (your name) walks by the Spirit, (your name) will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Under the Law or Led by the Spirit?
Galatians 5:18 NASB
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
What two things are contrasted in this verse?
If you were to draw a picture of a believer's relationship with the Spirit, what would it look like?
If you were to draw a picture of a believer's relationship with the Law, what would it look like?
When I looked up "led by the Spirit" in Strong's, I found it used in two other NT verses besides this one. Read Luke 4:1 and Romans 8:14.
In Luke 4:1, who is led about by the Spirit in the wilderness?
In Romans 8:14, what do we learn about those who are led by the Spirit of God?
When I looked up "under the Law" in Strong's, I found more than two other verses. Let's look at two in Romans and five in Galatians.
Read Romans 3:19 and 6:14.
To whom does the Law speak?
Why does the Law speak to those people?
Who is accountable to God?
When is sin your master?
When is sin not your master?
Read Galatians 3:23; 4:4-5, 21; and 5:18.
Where were we kept before faith came?
Who was born under the Law in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law?
Why did He want to redeem those under the Law?
Who is not under the Law?
Who leads those who are not under the Law?
Let's think about all those verses to see what truths come forth.
What are the two conditions of people in this world?
Which ones are led by the Spirit?
Which ones are known as "sons of God"?
What made this possible? Why aren't these people still under the Law?
Which ones are not led by the Spirit?
What are they under?
What is their master?
To whom is the world accountable?
Which choice--led by the Spirit or under the Law--leads to freedom?
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
What two things are contrasted in this verse?
If you were to draw a picture of a believer's relationship with the Spirit, what would it look like?
If you were to draw a picture of a believer's relationship with the Law, what would it look like?
When I looked up "led by the Spirit" in Strong's, I found it used in two other NT verses besides this one. Read Luke 4:1 and Romans 8:14.
In Luke 4:1, who is led about by the Spirit in the wilderness?
In Romans 8:14, what do we learn about those who are led by the Spirit of God?
When I looked up "under the Law" in Strong's, I found more than two other verses. Let's look at two in Romans and five in Galatians.
Read Romans 3:19 and 6:14.
To whom does the Law speak?
Why does the Law speak to those people?
Who is accountable to God?
When is sin your master?
When is sin not your master?
Read Galatians 3:23; 4:4-5, 21; and 5:18.
Where were we kept before faith came?
Who was born under the Law in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law?
Why did He want to redeem those under the Law?
Who is not under the Law?
Who leads those who are not under the Law?
Let's think about all those verses to see what truths come forth.
What are the two conditions of people in this world?
Which ones are led by the Spirit?
Which ones are known as "sons of God"?
What made this possible? Why aren't these people still under the Law?
Which ones are not led by the Spirit?
What are they under?
What is their master?
To whom is the world accountable?
Which choice--led by the Spirit or under the Law--leads to freedom?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Led By The Spirit
Galatians 5:18 NASB
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
When are you not under the Law?
What do you need to be led by not to be under the Law?
If you are under the Law, then what would you not be led by?
So, can you be led or under both the Spirit and the Law at the same time?
Let's see what more we can learn by looking at the cross references for this verse.
Read Romans 8:14.
What are all the people who are being led by the Spirit of God?
Read Romans 6:14.
If you are not under law, what are you under?
If you are not under the law, what shall not be a master over you?
Read Romans 7:4.
Through the body of Christ, what did we die to?
To whom were we joined?
Why were we joined to Him? What are we to be doing for God?
Read 1 Timothy 1:9.
For whom is the law made?
For whom is the law not made?
Read Galatians 5:18 once more.
How did reading the cross references increase your appreciation for all that this verse is saying to believers?
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
When are you not under the Law?
What do you need to be led by not to be under the Law?
If you are under the Law, then what would you not be led by?
So, can you be led or under both the Spirit and the Law at the same time?
Let's see what more we can learn by looking at the cross references for this verse.
Read Romans 8:14.
What are all the people who are being led by the Spirit of God?
Read Romans 6:14.
If you are not under law, what are you under?
If you are not under the law, what shall not be a master over you?
Read Romans 7:4.
Through the body of Christ, what did we die to?
To whom were we joined?
Why were we joined to Him? What are we to be doing for God?
Read 1 Timothy 1:9.
For whom is the law made?
For whom is the law not made?
Read Galatians 5:18 once more.
How did reading the cross references increase your appreciation for all that this verse is saying to believers?
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Freedom From What?
Galatians 5:13-17
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care lest you be consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
What does Paul say that believers were called to?
What does he say prevents believers from doing the things that they please?
What did Paul mean by "the flesh"?
Let's look up "flesh" in Strong's. It's number is G4561, and its corresponding Greek word is "sarx." Here's what it says: flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul [or spirit], or as the symbol of what is external, or as by the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties [physical or moral] and passions), or (specifically) a human being (as such), and it's translated with these words: carnal, carnally, carnally minded, flesh, fleshly.
What does Paul specifically teach us about the flesh?
Let's make a list.
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care lest you be consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
What does Paul say that believers were called to?
What does he say prevents believers from doing the things that they please?
What did Paul mean by "the flesh"?
Let's look up "flesh" in Strong's. It's number is G4561, and its corresponding Greek word is "sarx." Here's what it says: flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul [or spirit], or as the symbol of what is external, or as by the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties [physical or moral] and passions), or (specifically) a human being (as such), and it's translated with these words: carnal, carnally, carnally minded, flesh, fleshly.
What does Paul specifically teach us about the flesh?
Let's make a list.
- We are not to use our freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. (G 5:13)
- If we walk by the Spirit, we will not carry out the desire of the flesh. (G 5:16)
- The flesh and the Spirit are in opposition to one another. (G 5:17)
- The flesh keeps us from doing what we please. (G 5:17)
From what Paul teaches us in these verses about the flesh, what attitude would he desire that his readers have toward the flesh and its desires? What does he warn them they may do to one another if they're walking in the flesh instead of the Spirit?
Read what Paul wrote to the Romans in Romans 7:5-6. As you go through your day, be aware of this war between your flesh and the Spirit of God living within you. What do you know that should help you to better live your life today?
Monday, August 3, 2009
Freedom
Galatians 5:13-14 NASB
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
This morning I was curious about "freedom." Exactly what did Paul mean by using that word? So, I turned to "freedom" in Strong's and found that it's used twice in the entire KJV Bible, but not in Galatians 5:13. I looked up Galatians 5:13 in my King James Version and saw that it used "liberty" instead of "freedom." I looked up "liberty" in Strong's. For this verse, it's #G1657, and that corresponds to the Greek word "eleutheria," which means "freedom," legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonially.
After reading that definition, I saw why it was so important for Paul to add that last part of verse 13--to make sure that his readers knew exactly what kind of freedom he was talking about.
For what did Paul want them to use their freedom?
And if somewhere really were interested in keeping the law, what is the essence of the law?
In thinking about freedom being liberty from moral and ceremonial laws, which is what God's law is, what strikes you about what Paul is saying in these two verses?
If they truly love their neighbors as themselves, would they need an external written law?
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
This morning I was curious about "freedom." Exactly what did Paul mean by using that word? So, I turned to "freedom" in Strong's and found that it's used twice in the entire KJV Bible, but not in Galatians 5:13. I looked up Galatians 5:13 in my King James Version and saw that it used "liberty" instead of "freedom." I looked up "liberty" in Strong's. For this verse, it's #G1657, and that corresponds to the Greek word "eleutheria," which means "freedom," legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonially.
After reading that definition, I saw why it was so important for Paul to add that last part of verse 13--to make sure that his readers knew exactly what kind of freedom he was talking about.
For what did Paul want them to use their freedom?
And if somewhere really were interested in keeping the law, what is the essence of the law?
In thinking about freedom being liberty from moral and ceremonial laws, which is what God's law is, what strikes you about what Paul is saying in these two verses?
If they truly love their neighbors as themselves, would they need an external written law?
Friday, July 31, 2009
Called to Freedom
Galatians 5:13 NASB
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Who was called to freedom?
What are they not to do with this freedom?
What are they to do with this freedom?
Through what are they to serve one another?
Let's look at the cross-references for this verse. The first is Galatians 5:1.
Who made our freedom possible?
The next is 1 Corinthians 8:9.
What do we need to beware of in enjoying our liberty?
Read 1 Peter 2:16.
What does Peter tell believers to act like?
Next to "free" in the beginning of that verse is a little "a." In the footnote section for that verse, we're instructed to see John 8:32. Read John 8:32-33.
What did Jesus say makes people free?
How do you know the truth?
How can you truly be Christ's disciples?
In what does Jesus say we need to abide?
Go back to 1 Peter 2:16.
What does he instruct us not to use our freedom as?
What are we to use it as?
What do you think he means by that?
Reread Galatians 5:13. Today think about the freedom that you have in Christ. Through love, you are free to serve others and they to serve you. How might you give and receive that loving service today?
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Who was called to freedom?
What are they not to do with this freedom?
What are they to do with this freedom?
Through what are they to serve one another?
Let's look at the cross-references for this verse. The first is Galatians 5:1.
Who made our freedom possible?
The next is 1 Corinthians 8:9.
What do we need to beware of in enjoying our liberty?
Read 1 Peter 2:16.
What does Peter tell believers to act like?
Next to "free" in the beginning of that verse is a little "a." In the footnote section for that verse, we're instructed to see John 8:32. Read John 8:32-33.
What did Jesus say makes people free?
How do you know the truth?
How can you truly be Christ's disciples?
In what does Jesus say we need to abide?
Go back to 1 Peter 2:16.
What does he instruct us not to use our freedom as?
What are we to use it as?
What do you think he means by that?
Reread Galatians 5:13. Today think about the freedom that you have in Christ. Through love, you are free to serve others and they to serve you. How might you give and receive that loving service today?
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Paul's Wish for the Troublemakers
Galatians 5:12 NASB
Would that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.
In the NKJV, this verse reads:
I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
The NLT version reads:
I only wish that those troublemakers who want to mutilate you by circumcision would mutilate themselves.
Is Paul saying that he wishes these troublemakers would circumcise themselves? But aren't they already circumcised, seeing as they're insisting that circumcision is necessary for salvation?
So, Paul must mean something more than circumcision. I looked up the Greek word he used in this verse in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. Apokopto (#G609) means "to amputate; reflexive (by irony) to mutilate (the privy parts), and it's translated "cut off."
Among the cross references for this verse in my NASB was Deuteronomy 23:1. Read it to find out what amputating that particular organ would mean, according to the Law, which these troublemakers want to obey to the letter.
Reread Galatians 1:8-9.
How is what Paul is saying in these verses similar to what he's saying in 5:12?
How serious is preaching a different gospel?
Would that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.
In the NKJV, this verse reads:
I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
The NLT version reads:
I only wish that those troublemakers who want to mutilate you by circumcision would mutilate themselves.
Is Paul saying that he wishes these troublemakers would circumcise themselves? But aren't they already circumcised, seeing as they're insisting that circumcision is necessary for salvation?
So, Paul must mean something more than circumcision. I looked up the Greek word he used in this verse in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. Apokopto (#G609) means "to amputate; reflexive (by irony) to mutilate (the privy parts), and it's translated "cut off."
Among the cross references for this verse in my NASB was Deuteronomy 23:1. Read it to find out what amputating that particular organ would mean, according to the Law, which these troublemakers want to obey to the letter.
Reread Galatians 1:8-9.
How is what Paul is saying in these verses similar to what he's saying in 5:12?
How serious is preaching a different gospel?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Stumbling Block
Galatians 5:11 NASB
11 But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.
From what Paul wrote earlier in this chapter, do you think that he's still preaching circumcision? Why or why not?
Paul mentioned something about persecution at the end of chapter 4. What did he say about persecution? Who persecutes whom?
Reread Galatians 2:1-4.
Why did Paul, Barnabas, and Titus go to Jerusalem?
What seems to have been one of the issues?
If you have footnotes in your Bible, they would direct you to Acts 15. Read Acts 15:1-11.
What was the issue?
What was the resolution?
Reread the above verses.
What is the stumbling block of the cross?
Read these cross references to figure it out: Romans 9:33 and 1 Corinthians 1:23.
If Paul were preaching circumcision, would he be supporting salvation by man's efforts or by God's doing?
What does the cross represent?
Why would Christ's crucifixion be a stumbling block?
What do some people insist that salvation depends upon?
Read what Paul has previously told the Galatians in this letter: Galatians 1:3-5; 2:20; Galatians 3:13-14; 4:4-7; and 5:1.
How is it possible for a person to be saved?
11 But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.
From what Paul wrote earlier in this chapter, do you think that he's still preaching circumcision? Why or why not?
Paul mentioned something about persecution at the end of chapter 4. What did he say about persecution? Who persecutes whom?
Reread Galatians 2:1-4.
Why did Paul, Barnabas, and Titus go to Jerusalem?
What seems to have been one of the issues?
If you have footnotes in your Bible, they would direct you to Acts 15. Read Acts 15:1-11.
What was the issue?
What was the resolution?
Reread the above verses.
What is the stumbling block of the cross?
Read these cross references to figure it out: Romans 9:33 and 1 Corinthians 1:23.
If Paul were preaching circumcision, would he be supporting salvation by man's efforts or by God's doing?
What does the cross represent?
Why would Christ's crucifixion be a stumbling block?
What do some people insist that salvation depends upon?
Read what Paul has previously told the Galatians in this letter: Galatians 1:3-5; 2:20; Galatians 3:13-14; 4:4-7; and 5:1.
How is it possible for a person to be saved?
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A Little Leaven
Galatians 5:8-10 NASB
8 This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.
10 I have confidence in you in the Lord, that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.
How does Paul know that this hindrance to the Galatians obeying the truth does not come from Him who calls you? Who is Him who calls you?
Let's begin with the last question. In Galatians 1:6, Paul referred to "Him who called you." He mentions his own calling in Galatians 1:15. Who is "Him who called and calls you"?
Romans 8:28 is the first footnote in my Bible for verse 8. If you read it, you will see why Paul knows without a doubt that the One who calls us did not cause this hindrance.
So, does Paul know who's responsible for causing this hindrance?
What does he say is going to happen to the responsible party?
What did he say about this responsible party in Galatians 1:8-9?
What does Paul say happens when a little leaven gets into the dough?
What is he talking about? Let's look at the footnote for this verse--1 Corinthians 5:6. Read it.
From reading that verse, does it seem as if leavening the whole lump is a good or bad thing?
Read the next verses--1 Corinthians 5:7-8.
What did Paul tell the Corinthians to do?
Is there any old leaven in your life that needs to be cleaned out?
8 This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.
10 I have confidence in you in the Lord, that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.
How does Paul know that this hindrance to the Galatians obeying the truth does not come from Him who calls you? Who is Him who calls you?
Let's begin with the last question. In Galatians 1:6, Paul referred to "Him who called you." He mentions his own calling in Galatians 1:15. Who is "Him who called and calls you"?
Romans 8:28 is the first footnote in my Bible for verse 8. If you read it, you will see why Paul knows without a doubt that the One who calls us did not cause this hindrance.
So, does Paul know who's responsible for causing this hindrance?
What does he say is going to happen to the responsible party?
What did he say about this responsible party in Galatians 1:8-9?
What does Paul say happens when a little leaven gets into the dough?
What is he talking about? Let's look at the footnote for this verse--1 Corinthians 5:6. Read it.
From reading that verse, does it seem as if leavening the whole lump is a good or bad thing?
Read the next verses--1 Corinthians 5:7-8.
What did Paul tell the Corinthians to do?
Is there any old leaven in your life that needs to be cleaned out?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Faith Working Through Love
Galatians 5:6-7 NASB
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
In Christ Jesus, what means something?
Who had been running well?
What do you think Paul meant when he said that they had been "running well"?
From the last part of the question, what other words might you be able to substitute for "running well"?
How had they been handling the truth?
If a believer is obeying the truth, what should be seen in his or her life?
What caused Paul's listeners to not run well?
Among the footnotes for the last part of verse 6 were Colossians 1:4 and 1 Thessalonians 1:3. Read Colossians 1:3-8 and 1 Thessalonians 1:2-7. Notice for what Paul is commending each of these groups of believers.
What does Paul look for in the lives of believers?
What must have been happening in Galatia that caused Paul to write what he did?
What can you learn about your life as a believer from what you read today?
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
In Christ Jesus, what means something?
Who had been running well?
What do you think Paul meant when he said that they had been "running well"?
From the last part of the question, what other words might you be able to substitute for "running well"?
How had they been handling the truth?
If a believer is obeying the truth, what should be seen in his or her life?
What caused Paul's listeners to not run well?
Among the footnotes for the last part of verse 6 were Colossians 1:4 and 1 Thessalonians 1:3. Read Colossians 1:3-8 and 1 Thessalonians 1:2-7. Notice for what Paul is commending each of these groups of believers.
What does Paul look for in the lives of believers?
What must have been happening in Galatia that caused Paul to write what he did?
What can you learn about your life as a believer from what you read today?
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Circumcised, Yet Uncircumcised
Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
As I was reading the Old Testament verses on circumcision, I read this one in Jeremiah:
Jeremiah 9:25-26
"Behold the days are coming," declares the Lord, "that I will punish all who are circumcised and yet uncircumcised--Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the sons of Ammon, and Moab, all all those inhabiting the desert who clip the hair on their temples; for all the nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised of heart."
In looking at the cross references for Jeremiah 9:26, I found one from Leviticus, referring to the "uncircumcised of heart" part of that verse. I couldn't remember ever noticing anything about "uncircumcised of heart" in Leviticus, the book with all those laws, so I looked it up.
The cross reference is Leviticus 26:41, but to understand the context, I skimmed through Leviticus 26 up to that verse. It is the parallel of Deuteronomy 28 with the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. In verse 40, there is the beginning of a message of hope. Although God's chosen people disobey, they have a second chance. Here's verse 41:
Leviticus 26:41
41 I also was acting with hostility against them, to bring them into the land of their enemies--or if their uncircumcised heart becomes humbled so that they then make amends for their inquity
42 then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and I will remember also My covenant with Isaac, and My covenant with Abraham as well, and I will remember the land.
What does God say about the heart condition of the disobedient Israelites?
What needs to happen to their hearts?
What happens then?
And when they do that, what will God remember?
How might these verses relate to the situation of the Galatians that Paul is dealing with?
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
As I was reading the Old Testament verses on circumcision, I read this one in Jeremiah:
Jeremiah 9:25-26
"Behold the days are coming," declares the Lord, "that I will punish all who are circumcised and yet uncircumcised--Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the sons of Ammon, and Moab, all all those inhabiting the desert who clip the hair on their temples; for all the nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised of heart."
In looking at the cross references for Jeremiah 9:26, I found one from Leviticus, referring to the "uncircumcised of heart" part of that verse. I couldn't remember ever noticing anything about "uncircumcised of heart" in Leviticus, the book with all those laws, so I looked it up.
The cross reference is Leviticus 26:41, but to understand the context, I skimmed through Leviticus 26 up to that verse. It is the parallel of Deuteronomy 28 with the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. In verse 40, there is the beginning of a message of hope. Although God's chosen people disobey, they have a second chance. Here's verse 41:
Leviticus 26:41
41 I also was acting with hostility against them, to bring them into the land of their enemies--or if their uncircumcised heart becomes humbled so that they then make amends for their inquity
42 then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and I will remember also My covenant with Isaac, and My covenant with Abraham as well, and I will remember the land.
What does God say about the heart condition of the disobedient Israelites?
What needs to happen to their hearts?
What happens then?
And when they do that, what will God remember?
How might these verses relate to the situation of the Galatians that Paul is dealing with?
Monday, July 20, 2009
Moses' Last Words on Circumcision
Moses, the one to whom God entrusted His law, the one who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt--What were Moses' last words on the subject of circumcision? To find out, let's look at Deuteronomy, the book that contains his final words to the Israelites before they crossed into the Promised Land. He knew that he wouldn't be going in with them, so what did he tell them about circumcision?
Read Dt 10: 12-22.
What does Moses tell them to circumcise?
Why are they to do that?
What does this circumcision indicate?
In Deuteronomy 28, Moses sets forth the blessings and the curses. He emphasizes that if they obey God, they will receive God's blessings, and he elaborates on the blessings they will receive. If they disobey God, they will be cursed, and he specifically tells them the kinds of things that will happen to them. As chapter 30 begins, it's evident that Moses doesn't expect that they're going to escape the curses, but he offers words of hope to them. Read Dt 30: 1-6.
What does Moses tell them God will do to them when they return from the lands to which they were banished?
And what will this circumcision cause them to do?
What's the purpose of doing that?
Notice that in the whole book of Deuteronomy, these are Moses' only references to circumcision. What seems to be more important to Moses--circumcision of the flesh or the heart?
It seems to me as if the followers of Moses in Paul's day missed something . . .
Read Dt 10: 12-22.
What does Moses tell them to circumcise?
Why are they to do that?
What does this circumcision indicate?
In Deuteronomy 28, Moses sets forth the blessings and the curses. He emphasizes that if they obey God, they will receive God's blessings, and he elaborates on the blessings they will receive. If they disobey God, they will be cursed, and he specifically tells them the kinds of things that will happen to them. As chapter 30 begins, it's evident that Moses doesn't expect that they're going to escape the curses, but he offers words of hope to them. Read Dt 30: 1-6.
What does Moses tell them God will do to them when they return from the lands to which they were banished?
And what will this circumcision cause them to do?
What's the purpose of doing that?
Notice that in the whole book of Deuteronomy, these are Moses' only references to circumcision. What seems to be more important to Moses--circumcision of the flesh or the heart?
It seems to me as if the followers of Moses in Paul's day missed something . . .
Friday, July 17, 2009
A Continuing Look at Circumcision
By looking in Strong's, we can discover the other places in the Bible where circumcision is mentioned. Let's do that in order to learn more about this practice. The next place where it's mentioned after Genesis 17 is Genesis 21:4.
Who was the next person circumcised?
What is the reason given for his circumcision?
The next reference to it is in Genesis 34 in reference to the rape of Dinah, the daughter of Leah and Jacob.
There's an interesting account in Exodus 4 that I really hadn't paid much attention to previously. Read Exodus 4:24-26.
Whom is the Lord seeking to put to death?
Then what happens?
What had Moses neglected to do?
In thinking about what we've learned about circumcision so far, what do you think is going on here?
Exodus 12:37-50 contains the next reference. This one is talking about who may eat the newly established Passover.
What is necessary if a person wishes to celebrate the Passover with God's people?
Now, read Leviticus 12:1-3.
Who spoke?
To whom did He speak?
What did He say?
At this point, circumcision has officially become a part of the written law.
As I did this short study, the passage about the celebration of Passover struck me. Our acceptance of the good news of Christ is a Passover experience for us, where we leave our old life of slavery behind and enter into the freedom of a citizen of God's kingdom. In the process of that transition, our old fleshly life must be cut away, as the foreskin is cut away in circumcision.
That's what I like about digging into the Bible--new, fresh meanings surface, making sense out of things that might previously have puzzled me, helping me to better understand the way that God works and how I need to live in accordance with His ways. Alleluia!
Who was the next person circumcised?
What is the reason given for his circumcision?
The next reference to it is in Genesis 34 in reference to the rape of Dinah, the daughter of Leah and Jacob.
There's an interesting account in Exodus 4 that I really hadn't paid much attention to previously. Read Exodus 4:24-26.
Whom is the Lord seeking to put to death?
Then what happens?
What had Moses neglected to do?
In thinking about what we've learned about circumcision so far, what do you think is going on here?
Exodus 12:37-50 contains the next reference. This one is talking about who may eat the newly established Passover.
What is necessary if a person wishes to celebrate the Passover with God's people?
Now, read Leviticus 12:1-3.
Who spoke?
To whom did He speak?
What did He say?
At this point, circumcision has officially become a part of the written law.
As I did this short study, the passage about the celebration of Passover struck me. Our acceptance of the good news of Christ is a Passover experience for us, where we leave our old life of slavery behind and enter into the freedom of a citizen of God's kingdom. In the process of that transition, our old fleshly life must be cut away, as the foreskin is cut away in circumcision.
That's what I like about digging into the Bible--new, fresh meanings surface, making sense out of things that might previously have puzzled me, helping me to better understand the way that God works and how I need to live in accordance with His ways. Alleluia!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Circumcision and Abraham's Family
Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
Let's take a moment today to learn a little about the history of circumcision to help us see how it fit into the life of a Jewish person, why it was important, so important that Paul's ministry was constantly threatened by those who saw circumcision as necessary for salvation.
The earliest archaeological evidence of circumcision goes back to ancient Egypt and dates between 2345 and 2181 BC. On my biblical timeline Abraham is placed between 2000 and 1900 BC, so circumcision predates Abraham. Tomb artwork depicts circumcision in ancient Eygpt as being a rite of passage from childhood to manhood, a time when a child became a full citizen, with all the rights and privileges.
In the Bible, circumcision is first mentioned in Genesis 17. Read verses 10-14.
What is mentioned in the same verse where God commands that every male among Abraham's people shall be circumcised?
Where does God command that they are to be circumcised?
And what does God say circumcision is a sign of?
At what age are they to be circumcised?
For how long in their future are they to be circumcised?
Who else is supposed to be circumcised?
What kind of a covenant is this that is in the flesh?
What does God say about the person who is not circumcised?
What should happen to him? Why?
Read Genesis 17:23-27.
So, what did Abraham do?
Who was circumcised?
We'll continue with a bit more of the historical background of circumcision tomorrow.
Does what you read today help you to better understand why there were people in Paul's day who thought that circumcision shouldn't be left out?
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
Let's take a moment today to learn a little about the history of circumcision to help us see how it fit into the life of a Jewish person, why it was important, so important that Paul's ministry was constantly threatened by those who saw circumcision as necessary for salvation.
The earliest archaeological evidence of circumcision goes back to ancient Egypt and dates between 2345 and 2181 BC. On my biblical timeline Abraham is placed between 2000 and 1900 BC, so circumcision predates Abraham. Tomb artwork depicts circumcision in ancient Eygpt as being a rite of passage from childhood to manhood, a time when a child became a full citizen, with all the rights and privileges.
In the Bible, circumcision is first mentioned in Genesis 17. Read verses 10-14.
What is mentioned in the same verse where God commands that every male among Abraham's people shall be circumcised?
Where does God command that they are to be circumcised?
And what does God say circumcision is a sign of?
At what age are they to be circumcised?
For how long in their future are they to be circumcised?
Who else is supposed to be circumcised?
What kind of a covenant is this that is in the flesh?
What does God say about the person who is not circumcised?
What should happen to him? Why?
Read Genesis 17:23-27.
So, what did Abraham do?
Who was circumcised?
We'll continue with a bit more of the historical background of circumcision tomorrow.
Does what you read today help you to better understand why there were people in Paul's day who thought that circumcision shouldn't be left out?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
You Were Running Well
Galatians 5:6 NASB
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
8 This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.
10 I have confidence in you in the Lord, that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.
11 But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.
12 Would that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.
There's a lot here that we could discuss, but let's start with some simple observation questions.
When do neither circumcision nor uncircumcision mean anything?
What does have meaning?
Who was running well?
How do you think the first part of verse 7 relates to the end of verse 6?
What has happened to those who were running well?
Who didn't cause this hindrance?
What do you think is symbolized by the leaven and the whole lump of dough?
In whom does Paul have confidence?
What is he confident of?
Does Paul know who is troubling them?
What does he say about the one who is troubling them?
What would he like to see them do to themselves?
How does this section of verses relate to what we've read so far in Galatians?
We'll study these verses in more depth tomorrow, but for today be thinking about what "faith working through love" might look like in your life.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
8 This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.
10 I have confidence in you in the Lord, that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.
11 But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.
12 Would that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.
There's a lot here that we could discuss, but let's start with some simple observation questions.
When do neither circumcision nor uncircumcision mean anything?
What does have meaning?
Who was running well?
How do you think the first part of verse 7 relates to the end of verse 6?
What has happened to those who were running well?
Who didn't cause this hindrance?
What do you think is symbolized by the leaven and the whole lump of dough?
In whom does Paul have confidence?
What is he confident of?
Does Paul know who is troubling them?
What does he say about the one who is troubling them?
What would he like to see them do to themselves?
How does this section of verses relate to what we've read so far in Galatians?
We'll study these verses in more depth tomorrow, but for today be thinking about what "faith working through love" might look like in your life.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Through the Spirit and By Faith
Galatians 5:5
For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.
Who is waiting for the hope of righteousness?
Through what are they waiting for the hope of righteousness?
By what are they waiting for the hope of righteousness?
How does this verse relate to what Paul has just previously written? How are those he speaks of in verse 5 different from those he speaks of in verse 4?
Draw a chart with two contrasting columns. Place these items in one or the other of those columns: severed from Christ, seeking to be justified by law, fallen from grace, through the Spirit, by faith, waiting for the hope of righteousness.
What title might you give to each column?
In which column would you place Paul, those who were disturbing the Galatians, yourself?
Which column does Paul want the Galatians to choose?
My NASB Bible lists 1 Corinthians 1:7 as a footnote for this verse. Read 1 Corinthians 1:4-8.
For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.
Who is waiting for the hope of righteousness?
Through what are they waiting for the hope of righteousness?
By what are they waiting for the hope of righteousness?
How does this verse relate to what Paul has just previously written? How are those he speaks of in verse 5 different from those he speaks of in verse 4?
Draw a chart with two contrasting columns. Place these items in one or the other of those columns: severed from Christ, seeking to be justified by law, fallen from grace, through the Spirit, by faith, waiting for the hope of righteousness.
What title might you give to each column?
In which column would you place Paul, those who were disturbing the Galatians, yourself?
Which column does Paul want the Galatians to choose?
My NASB Bible lists 1 Corinthians 1:7 as a footnote for this verse. Read 1 Corinthians 1:4-8.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Galatians 5:4 Footnotes
Galatians 5:4 NASB
You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
Let's look at the footnotes that are given in my NASB Bible for this verse to see what additional insight they can give us into the meaning of this verse. As we look at these other verses, we need to keep remembering the context of Galatians 5:4 and what Paul has previously told the Galatians about law and grace in this letter.
My first footnote is: 1 Or, would be. So, I look for the 1 in the verse and see it right before "are seeking." So, I would interpret this footnote to mean that the verse could just as well read:
You have been severed from Christ, you who would be seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
My second footnote is: Hebrews 12:15. In my NASB Bible, that verse reads:
See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;
Then that verse goes on to talk about Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. Hmmm . . .
How would this example of Esau selling his birthright for a single meal be similar to this situation among the Galatians?
As the older son, what was Esau entitled to?
What caused him to fall short of his inheritance?
As followers of Jesus Christ, what were the Galatians entitled to? (See Galatians 4:4-7.)
What could cause the Galatians to fall short of their inheritance?
My third footnote is: 2 Peter 3:17.
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from you own steadfastness.
What did Peter mean by "steadfastness"?
When I looked that word up in Strongs, I couldn't find it. That means that I need to see what word the KJV used instead of "steadfastness." I discovered that it spells it "stedfastness." Its number is #G4740. When I looked it up, I learned that it meant "stability." Wanting to learn more, I looked it up in Vines. I found these definitions: "a setting firmly, supporting, fixedness, steadfastness."
Where/had Peter's readers been fixed or supported or set?
How is Peter's warning to his readers similar to Paul's warning to his Galatian readers?
Many people stew over this verse. Does it mean that believers can lose their salvation, or does it mean that the believers weren't really believers in the first place, or does it mean they hadn't reached the point where they'd made a firm decision, or . . . ? Theologians have debated this issue for a long, long time.
What do we know from what Paul has written so far? We know that you don't gain salvation by going through the law. That's a dead end road. Salvation comes through faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Nothing else is needed other than that belief. God did the work of salvation for us. As humans, we need only believe that message. We can't humanly add anything to it, and if we do, then we're not believing the message that Christ alone saves us; the message has been changed. That's what was happening with the Galatians. See Galatians 1:6-7.
You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
Let's look at the footnotes that are given in my NASB Bible for this verse to see what additional insight they can give us into the meaning of this verse. As we look at these other verses, we need to keep remembering the context of Galatians 5:4 and what Paul has previously told the Galatians about law and grace in this letter.
My first footnote is: 1 Or, would be. So, I look for the 1 in the verse and see it right before "are seeking." So, I would interpret this footnote to mean that the verse could just as well read:
You have been severed from Christ, you who would be seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
My second footnote is: Hebrews 12:15. In my NASB Bible, that verse reads:
See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;
Then that verse goes on to talk about Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. Hmmm . . .
How would this example of Esau selling his birthright for a single meal be similar to this situation among the Galatians?
As the older son, what was Esau entitled to?
What caused him to fall short of his inheritance?
As followers of Jesus Christ, what were the Galatians entitled to? (See Galatians 4:4-7.)
What could cause the Galatians to fall short of their inheritance?
My third footnote is: 2 Peter 3:17.
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from you own steadfastness.
What did Peter mean by "steadfastness"?
When I looked that word up in Strongs, I couldn't find it. That means that I need to see what word the KJV used instead of "steadfastness." I discovered that it spells it "stedfastness." Its number is #G4740. When I looked it up, I learned that it meant "stability." Wanting to learn more, I looked it up in Vines. I found these definitions: "a setting firmly, supporting, fixedness, steadfastness."
Where/had Peter's readers been fixed or supported or set?
How is Peter's warning to his readers similar to Paul's warning to his Galatian readers?
Many people stew over this verse. Does it mean that believers can lose their salvation, or does it mean that the believers weren't really believers in the first place, or does it mean they hadn't reached the point where they'd made a firm decision, or . . . ? Theologians have debated this issue for a long, long time.
What do we know from what Paul has written so far? We know that you don't gain salvation by going through the law. That's a dead end road. Salvation comes through faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Nothing else is needed other than that belief. God did the work of salvation for us. As humans, we need only believe that message. We can't humanly add anything to it, and if we do, then we're not believing the message that Christ alone saves us; the message has been changed. That's what was happening with the Galatians. See Galatians 1:6-7.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Law -- Grace
Galatians 5:4 NASB
You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
Notice the italicized words--law and grace.
What is their relationship in this verse?
If you seek to be justified by law, do you have ahold of grace?
If you haven't fallen from grace, are you seeking to be justified by law?
If we want to explore the meaning of this verse in context, it helps to remember what Paul has said so far in Galatians about law and grace.
Read the following verses and answer each question.
How is the information in each of these verses related to what Paul is saying in Galatians 5:4?
Galatians 1:6 How were they called?
Galatians 1:15 How was Paul called?
Galatians 2:9 What caused James, Cephas, and John to extend to Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship?
Galatians 2:16 By what are we not justified? By what are we justified?
Galatians 2:19 Since Paul wanted to live to God, what did he have to die to?
Galatians 2:21 What would be true if Christ died needlessly? If Christ died needlessly, what is nullified?
Galatians 3:10 Who is under a curse?
Galatians 3:11 What is evident? Why is it evident?
Galatians 3:12 What is not of faith?
Galatians 3:13 From what did Christ redeem us?
Galatians 3:17 What does not nullify the promise?
Galatians 3:18 What isn't the inheritance based on?
Galatians 3:19 What was added until the seed should come to whom the promise had been made?
Galatians 3:21 What does not impart life?
Galatians 3:24 What has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith?
Galatians 4:4-5 What did God's Son do so that we could receive the adoption as sons?
From these verses, what has Paul shown the Galatians and us about the relationship of the law to grace? How does what he says in these verses relate to what he tells them in Galatians 5:4?
You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
Notice the italicized words--law and grace.
What is their relationship in this verse?
If you seek to be justified by law, do you have ahold of grace?
If you haven't fallen from grace, are you seeking to be justified by law?
If we want to explore the meaning of this verse in context, it helps to remember what Paul has said so far in Galatians about law and grace.
Read the following verses and answer each question.
How is the information in each of these verses related to what Paul is saying in Galatians 5:4?
Galatians 1:6 How were they called?
Galatians 1:15 How was Paul called?
Galatians 2:9 What caused James, Cephas, and John to extend to Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship?
Galatians 2:16 By what are we not justified? By what are we justified?
Galatians 2:19 Since Paul wanted to live to God, what did he have to die to?
Galatians 2:21 What would be true if Christ died needlessly? If Christ died needlessly, what is nullified?
Galatians 3:10 Who is under a curse?
Galatians 3:11 What is evident? Why is it evident?
Galatians 3:12 What is not of faith?
Galatians 3:13 From what did Christ redeem us?
Galatians 3:17 What does not nullify the promise?
Galatians 3:18 What isn't the inheritance based on?
Galatians 3:19 What was added until the seed should come to whom the promise had been made?
Galatians 3:21 What does not impart life?
Galatians 3:24 What has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith?
Galatians 4:4-5 What did God's Son do so that we could receive the adoption as sons?
From these verses, what has Paul shown the Galatians and us about the relationship of the law to grace? How does what he says in these verses relate to what he tells them in Galatians 5:4?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Become of No Effect
Galatians 5:4 NASB
You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
What does Paul say has happened to those who are seeking to be justified by law?
We're going to spend some time carefully studying this verse. Today let's look at the meanings of some words, specifically "severed" and "fallen from." Since I use Strong's, I need to know what the King James Version uses. Does it use those exact words or some other words? Here's the KJV:
Christ is become of no effect upon you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Who has no effect upon those who are justified by the law?
What have they fallen from?
What does it mean to "become of no effect"? Does it mean what we might take it to mean, or does it mean something different? Let's check it out. I looked up "effect" in Strong's and discovered that this same word is also used in Galatians 3:17. So, we might want to look at that verse later to see if it would help us to better interpret what Paul means when he uses this word in this verse. I found that the number for "effect" in Gal. 5:4 is #G2673. I looked that up and discovered that the Greek equivalent is "katargeo," and it means "to be (render) entirely idle--useless."
Then I looked up "fallen" and found that its number is #G1601. The Greek equivalent is "ekpipto," and it means "to drop away, specifically to be driven out of one's course; figuratively to lose, become inefficient."
Curious, I looked this verse up in Wuest's translation to find out his word for word translation from the Greek, and it reads:
You are without effect from Christ, such of you as in the sphere of the law are seeking your justification. You have lost your hold upon (sanctifying) grace.
This word study brought to my mind an image of someone who was floundering in the water. Someone had thrown a life ring to this person, and he or she had reached out for it. Then, that person decided that he or she could make it on his or her own, so that person let go of the life ring. It's still there in the water, but it has no effect on that person.
We'll think more about this verse in another blog.
You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
What does Paul say has happened to those who are seeking to be justified by law?
We're going to spend some time carefully studying this verse. Today let's look at the meanings of some words, specifically "severed" and "fallen from." Since I use Strong's, I need to know what the King James Version uses. Does it use those exact words or some other words? Here's the KJV:
Christ is become of no effect upon you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Who has no effect upon those who are justified by the law?
What have they fallen from?
What does it mean to "become of no effect"? Does it mean what we might take it to mean, or does it mean something different? Let's check it out. I looked up "effect" in Strong's and discovered that this same word is also used in Galatians 3:17. So, we might want to look at that verse later to see if it would help us to better interpret what Paul means when he uses this word in this verse. I found that the number for "effect" in Gal. 5:4 is #G2673. I looked that up and discovered that the Greek equivalent is "katargeo," and it means "to be (render) entirely idle--useless."
Then I looked up "fallen" and found that its number is #G1601. The Greek equivalent is "ekpipto," and it means "to drop away, specifically to be driven out of one's course; figuratively to lose, become inefficient."
Curious, I looked this verse up in Wuest's translation to find out his word for word translation from the Greek, and it reads:
You are without effect from Christ, such of you as in the sphere of the law are seeking your justification. You have lost your hold upon (sanctifying) grace.
This word study brought to my mind an image of someone who was floundering in the water. Someone had thrown a life ring to this person, and he or she had reached out for it. Then, that person decided that he or she could make it on his or her own, so that person let go of the life ring. It's still there in the water, but it has no effect on that person.
We'll think more about this verse in another blog.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Circumcision and the Law
Galatians 5:2-3 NASB
2 Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you.
3 And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.
Who is speaking and testifying?
To whom is he speaking and testifying?
What two things are they told about receiving circumcision?
What has Paul previously mentioned about circumcision in Galatians? (Skim through chapter 2.)
Between what two groups do you see a tension in Galatians, chapter 2?
Is there evidence that the gospel was intended by God for just one of these groups?
Which group seems to think that might have been the case?
Of what does Paul remind this group in Galatians 5:2-3?
Paul dealt with this question of circumcision many times in his ministry among the Gentiles. Read what he wrote to the Romans, Philippians, and Colossians in these verses:
Romans 2:28-29, Philippians 3:1-11, and Colossians 2:9-12.
Do you see a parallel between the circumcision by God or man--and the birth according to the flesh or through the promise?
2 Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you.
3 And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.
Who is speaking and testifying?
To whom is he speaking and testifying?
What two things are they told about receiving circumcision?
What has Paul previously mentioned about circumcision in Galatians? (Skim through chapter 2.)
Between what two groups do you see a tension in Galatians, chapter 2?
Is there evidence that the gospel was intended by God for just one of these groups?
Which group seems to think that might have been the case?
Of what does Paul remind this group in Galatians 5:2-3?
Paul dealt with this question of circumcision many times in his ministry among the Gentiles. Read what he wrote to the Romans, Philippians, and Colossians in these verses:
Romans 2:28-29, Philippians 3:1-11, and Colossians 2:9-12.
Do you see a parallel between the circumcision by God or man--and the birth according to the flesh or through the promise?
Monday, July 6, 2009
Liberty in Christ
Galatians 5:1 NASB
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 KJV
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1 NLT
So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.
Galatians 5:1 NIV
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 Wuest
For this aforementioned freedom Christ set you free. Keep on standing firm therefore and stop being subject again to a yoke of bondage.
The beginning of this chapter seems to sum up Paul's arguments he gives in chapter 4.
Let's sum up the points Paul makes for believers.
Who set us free?
Why did He set us free?
What do we need to do now?
To what do we need to avoid being subject?
The KJV uses "liberty" for "freedom." If you look up "liberty" for Gal. 5:1 in Strong's, you find #G1657. If you look it up, you find that this word in the Greek is "eleutheria," and it comes from "eleutheros," which means "unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e. (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (generally) exempt (from obligation or liability).
My NASB version has some cross references for this verse that also deal with "liberty." If you have time, read some or all of them and think about this liberty that we have in Christ.
John 8:31-32, 36; Romans 8:15; 2 Corinthians 3:17; and Galatians 2:4, 5:13
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 KJV
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1 NLT
So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.
Galatians 5:1 NIV
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 Wuest
For this aforementioned freedom Christ set you free. Keep on standing firm therefore and stop being subject again to a yoke of bondage.
The beginning of this chapter seems to sum up Paul's arguments he gives in chapter 4.
Let's sum up the points Paul makes for believers.
Who set us free?
Why did He set us free?
What do we need to do now?
To what do we need to avoid being subject?
The KJV uses "liberty" for "freedom." If you look up "liberty" for Gal. 5:1 in Strong's, you find #G1657. If you look it up, you find that this word in the Greek is "eleutheria," and it comes from "eleutheros," which means "unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e. (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (generally) exempt (from obligation or liability).
My NASB version has some cross references for this verse that also deal with "liberty." If you have time, read some or all of them and think about this liberty that we have in Christ.
John 8:31-32, 36; Romans 8:15; 2 Corinthians 3:17; and Galatians 2:4, 5:13
Friday, July 3, 2009
Children of the Free Woman
Galatians 4:30-31 NASB
30 But what does the Scripture say?
"CAST OUT THE BONDWOMAN AND HER SON,
FOR THE SON OF THE BONDWOMAN SHALL NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN."
31 So then, brethren, we are not children of a bondwoman, but of the free woman.
If you read Genesis 21:5-10 with the previous blog, you should recognize this quote from Genesis 21:10.
Genesis 21:10 NASB
Therefore she said to Abraham, "Drive out this maid and her son, for the son of this maid shall not be an heir with my son Isaac."
In Genesis 21:12, God verifies for Abraham that what Sarah said is true--his descendants would be named through Isaac, not Ishamael. This is restating a promise that God made to Abraham in Genesis 17:19.
In the case of Paul and the Galatians, who is representing "the bondwoman and her son"?
What is Paul telling the Galatians to do to those who represent her and her son?
Why should they do that?
Who is the heir? What had Paul previously told them in Genesis 4:4-7?
Who is their mother?
Have they been born into freedom or slavery?
In my NASB version, John 8:35 is listed as a cross reference for Genesis 4:30. Read a bit more than that--read and think about what Jesus said in John 8:31-36.
How is what Jesus is saying similar to what Paul is telling the Galatians?
30 But what does the Scripture say?
"CAST OUT THE BONDWOMAN AND HER SON,
FOR THE SON OF THE BONDWOMAN SHALL NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN."
31 So then, brethren, we are not children of a bondwoman, but of the free woman.
If you read Genesis 21:5-10 with the previous blog, you should recognize this quote from Genesis 21:10.
Genesis 21:10 NASB
Therefore she said to Abraham, "Drive out this maid and her son, for the son of this maid shall not be an heir with my son Isaac."
In Genesis 21:12, God verifies for Abraham that what Sarah said is true--his descendants would be named through Isaac, not Ishamael. This is restating a promise that God made to Abraham in Genesis 17:19.
In the case of Paul and the Galatians, who is representing "the bondwoman and her son"?
What is Paul telling the Galatians to do to those who represent her and her son?
Why should they do that?
Who is the heir? What had Paul previously told them in Genesis 4:4-7?
Who is their mother?
Have they been born into freedom or slavery?
In my NASB version, John 8:35 is listed as a cross reference for Genesis 4:30. Read a bit more than that--read and think about what Jesus said in John 8:31-36.
How is what Jesus is saying similar to what Paul is telling the Galatians?
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Persecution
Galatians 4:29 NASB
But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also.
This verse mentions two different persons, he who was born according to the flesh and he who was born according to the Spirit.
In lights of what we've just been studying, who are these two guys?
Let's check our cross references to see what we learn. My cross references are Gal. 4:23, Gen. 21:9, and Gal. 5:11.
Galatians 4:23 NASB
But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son of the free woman through the promise.
Who is the bondwoman?
Who is her son? Use your cross references for this verse if you don't know.
Who is the free woman?
Who is her son?
Instead of just reading Genesis 21:9, read Genesis 21:5-10.
What happened? Who mocked whom?
Read Galatians 5:11.
Who is being persecuted?
Who is doing the persecuting?
With which son, Isaac or Ishmael, would you compare Paul?
With which son would you compare those who were causing problems for Paul and his followers?
Reread Galatians 4:29.
Is this statement true today?
Do those who believe that a person obtains righteousness with God only through his or her own effort persecute those who believe that it is only through God's intervention that a person obtains righteousness?
But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also.
This verse mentions two different persons, he who was born according to the flesh and he who was born according to the Spirit.
In lights of what we've just been studying, who are these two guys?
Let's check our cross references to see what we learn. My cross references are Gal. 4:23, Gen. 21:9, and Gal. 5:11.
Galatians 4:23 NASB
But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son of the free woman through the promise.
Who is the bondwoman?
Who is her son? Use your cross references for this verse if you don't know.
Who is the free woman?
Who is her son?
Instead of just reading Genesis 21:9, read Genesis 21:5-10.
What happened? Who mocked whom?
Read Galatians 5:11.
Who is being persecuted?
Who is doing the persecuting?
With which son, Isaac or Ishmael, would you compare Paul?
With which son would you compare those who were causing problems for Paul and his followers?
Reread Galatians 4:29.
Is this statement true today?
Do those who believe that a person obtains righteousness with God only through his or her own effort persecute those who believe that it is only through God's intervention that a person obtains righteousness?
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Galatians 4:27-28 NASB
27 For it is written,
"REJOICE BARREN WOMAN WHO DOES NOT BEAR;
BREAK FORTH AND SHOUT YOU WHO ARE NOT IN LABOR;
FOR MORE ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE DESOLATE
THAN OF THE ONE WHO HAS A HUSBAND."
28 And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise.
In the NASB, a quote all in caps indicates that it came from the Old Testament. Using the cross references for Galatians 4:27, we find that this quote came from Isaiah 54:1.
Isaiah 54:1 NASB
"Shout for joy, O barren one, you who have borne no child;
Break forth into joyful shouting and cry aloud, you who have not travailed;
For the sons of the desolate one will be more numerous
Than the sons of the married woman," says the LORD.
If you were to continue reading chapter 54, you would soon realize that the barren one to whom the Lord is speaking is Israel. Paul has taken that verse and is now applying it in this situation with Hagar and Sarah.
Who was the barren woman for a long time--Hagar or Sarah? See Genesis 11:30, 15:2, 16:1, and 17:17.
What promise did God make to Abraham concerning Sarah? See Genesis 17:15-19 and 15:4-6.
Who was Abraham and Sarah's child?
In verse 28, how does Paul refer to the Galatians, his brethren?
Whom are they like in this regard?
So, what could you call Isaac?
Isaac's birth was made possible by God's intervention, which God had promised to Abraham.
How are the sons of a married woman made possible?
Once again, Paul is making a contrast. What is that contrast?
According to this quote, how should we react to knowing that God intervenes and brings forth numerous children of promise?
In telling the allegory about the two women and in giving this quote, what does Paul hope to accomplish in the lives of the Galatians?
27 For it is written,
"REJOICE BARREN WOMAN WHO DOES NOT BEAR;
BREAK FORTH AND SHOUT YOU WHO ARE NOT IN LABOR;
FOR MORE ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE DESOLATE
THAN OF THE ONE WHO HAS A HUSBAND."
28 And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise.
In the NASB, a quote all in caps indicates that it came from the Old Testament. Using the cross references for Galatians 4:27, we find that this quote came from Isaiah 54:1.
Isaiah 54:1 NASB
"Shout for joy, O barren one, you who have borne no child;
Break forth into joyful shouting and cry aloud, you who have not travailed;
For the sons of the desolate one will be more numerous
Than the sons of the married woman," says the LORD.
If you were to continue reading chapter 54, you would soon realize that the barren one to whom the Lord is speaking is Israel. Paul has taken that verse and is now applying it in this situation with Hagar and Sarah.
Who was the barren woman for a long time--Hagar or Sarah? See Genesis 11:30, 15:2, 16:1, and 17:17.
What promise did God make to Abraham concerning Sarah? See Genesis 17:15-19 and 15:4-6.
Who was Abraham and Sarah's child?
In verse 28, how does Paul refer to the Galatians, his brethren?
Whom are they like in this regard?
So, what could you call Isaac?
Isaac's birth was made possible by God's intervention, which God had promised to Abraham.
How are the sons of a married woman made possible?
Once again, Paul is making a contrast. What is that contrast?
According to this quote, how should we react to knowing that God intervenes and brings forth numerous children of promise?
In telling the allegory about the two women and in giving this quote, what does Paul hope to accomplish in the lives of the Galatians?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Paul's Allegorical Point
Galatians 4:22-26 NASB
22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman.
23 But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise.
24 This is allegorically speaking: for these women are two covenants, one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar.
25 Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.
26 But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.
To whom do the phrases in italics refer--Hagar or Sarah?
What do we call the covenant associated with Mount Sinai?
To whom do the bolded phrases refer--Hagar or Sarah?
What covenant is associated with her?
Her child, Isaac, was the promised child, the child who would be the ancestor of the promised Seed of the Abrahamic covenant.
According to Galatians 3:16, who is that Seed?
Those who were troubling the Galatians were telling them that the Mosaic covenant had superceded the Abrahamic covenant, that's why they needed to follow the Law, not just believe in Christ's resurrection for their salvation.
So, in using this allegory about the two women, what point do you think Paul is trying to make for the Galatians? What does he want them to know?
What does Abraham's covenant with God teach us about how we are to relate to God?
Is our relationship with God something we earn?
If we're trying to earn a relationship with God, if we try to build our relationship on human effort, then whose children are we--Hagar's or Sarah's?
If we want to be Sarah's children, children of the promise, free children, then what should our relationship with God be based on?
Read Galatians 3:7.
22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman.
23 But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise.
24 This is allegorically speaking: for these women are two covenants, one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar.
25 Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.
26 But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.
To whom do the phrases in italics refer--Hagar or Sarah?
What do we call the covenant associated with Mount Sinai?
To whom do the bolded phrases refer--Hagar or Sarah?
What covenant is associated with her?
Her child, Isaac, was the promised child, the child who would be the ancestor of the promised Seed of the Abrahamic covenant.
According to Galatians 3:16, who is that Seed?
Those who were troubling the Galatians were telling them that the Mosaic covenant had superceded the Abrahamic covenant, that's why they needed to follow the Law, not just believe in Christ's resurrection for their salvation.
So, in using this allegory about the two women, what point do you think Paul is trying to make for the Galatians? What does he want them to know?
What does Abraham's covenant with God teach us about how we are to relate to God?
Is our relationship with God something we earn?
If we're trying to earn a relationship with God, if we try to build our relationship on human effort, then whose children are we--Hagar's or Sarah's?
If we want to be Sarah's children, children of the promise, free children, then what should our relationship with God be based on?
Read Galatians 3:7.
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Jerusalem Above
Galatians 4:26 NASB
But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.
With what word does verse 26 begin?
Does that indicate a comparison or a contrast?
Read the first part of the verse to the semicolon.
What is the subject of this part of the sentence?
What does Paul mean by "the Jerusalem above"?
How could you figure that out?
One way would be to look in an exhaustive concordance such a Strong's to see if Paul used that phrase in one of his other letters and then read all those references. He didn't. Another way is to read the cross-references provided in a study Bible for this section of the verse. Here are the cross-references provided in my NASB study Bible: Hebrews 12:22, Rev. 3:12; 21:2, 10.
Look up one or more of these verses.
So, what do you think Paul is referring to when he says "the Jerusalem above"?
What is Paul contrasting it with? (Read Galatians 4:25.)
What did he say about the present Jerusalem?
So, what is the contrast?
What does he say about "the Jerusalem above" in the second part of Galatians 4:26?
In Galatians 4:24, Paul starts this allegory, and he mentions two women.
Who are they?
Which one represented the present Jerusalem?
So, which one is left to represent the Jerusalem above?
So, which one is the mother of the Galatian churches to whom Paul was writing?
If she's their mother then are they slave children or free children?
Free from what? Free for what?
Read Galatians 4:1-7.
But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.
With what word does verse 26 begin?
Does that indicate a comparison or a contrast?
Read the first part of the verse to the semicolon.
What is the subject of this part of the sentence?
What does Paul mean by "the Jerusalem above"?
How could you figure that out?
One way would be to look in an exhaustive concordance such a Strong's to see if Paul used that phrase in one of his other letters and then read all those references. He didn't. Another way is to read the cross-references provided in a study Bible for this section of the verse. Here are the cross-references provided in my NASB study Bible: Hebrews 12:22, Rev. 3:12; 21:2, 10.
Look up one or more of these verses.
So, what do you think Paul is referring to when he says "the Jerusalem above"?
What is Paul contrasting it with? (Read Galatians 4:25.)
What did he say about the present Jerusalem?
So, what is the contrast?
What does he say about "the Jerusalem above" in the second part of Galatians 4:26?
In Galatians 4:24, Paul starts this allegory, and he mentions two women.
Who are they?
Which one represented the present Jerusalem?
So, which one is left to represent the Jerusalem above?
So, which one is the mother of the Galatian churches to whom Paul was writing?
If she's their mother then are they slave children or free children?
Free from what? Free for what?
Read Galatians 4:1-7.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Mount Sinai and the Present Jerusalem
Galatians 4:25 NASB
Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.
In the first metaphor Paul used in verse 24, Hagar was the covenant that proceeded from Mount Sinai. In verse 25, Paul uses another metaphor for Hagar.
What's the second metaphor for Hagar?
Read the portion of the verse between the commas.
Who or what corresponds to the present Jerusalem?
Since Hagar is the subject of the sentence, she is the one who corresponds to the present Jerusalem.
What does "corresponds to" mean?
In the King James version, it reads "answereth to." If you were to look up "answereth" for this verse in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, you would find that it means "to file together as soldiers in ranks." (G#4960)
What does Hagar correspond to?
Is this a comparison or a contrast?
How is the present Jerusalem of Paul's day related to the Mosaic (or Sinaitic) Covenant, represented by Hagar?
How are people who are represented by Hagar trying to achieve righteousness?
And what does Paul say about those who are like Hagar?
Is this what Paul would desire for his readers, the Galatians?
Read Galatians 1:6-8 and Galatians 3:1 and Galatians 4:1-7.
Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.
In the first metaphor Paul used in verse 24, Hagar was the covenant that proceeded from Mount Sinai. In verse 25, Paul uses another metaphor for Hagar.
What's the second metaphor for Hagar?
Read the portion of the verse between the commas.
Who or what corresponds to the present Jerusalem?
Since Hagar is the subject of the sentence, she is the one who corresponds to the present Jerusalem.
What does "corresponds to" mean?
In the King James version, it reads "answereth to." If you were to look up "answereth" for this verse in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, you would find that it means "to file together as soldiers in ranks." (G#4960)
What does Hagar correspond to?
Is this a comparison or a contrast?
How is the present Jerusalem of Paul's day related to the Mosaic (or Sinaitic) Covenant, represented by Hagar?
How are people who are represented by Hagar trying to achieve righteousness?
And what does Paul say about those who are like Hagar?
Is this what Paul would desire for his readers, the Galatians?
Read Galatians 1:6-8 and Galatians 3:1 and Galatians 4:1-7.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Achieving Righteousness
Galatians 4:22-24 NASB
For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman.
But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise.
This is allegorically speaking: for these women are two covenants, one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar.
Which woman does Paul use to represent this covenant bearing children who are to be slaves?
How is Abraham getting a son through Hagar similar to people trying to achieve righteousness through the Law? (See Galatians 3:2.)
Read John 3:1-18.
How is what Jesus is telling Nicodemus similar to what Paul is telling the Galatians?
For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman.
But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise.
This is allegorically speaking: for these women are two covenants, one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar.
Which woman does Paul use to represent this covenant bearing children who are to be slaves?
How is Abraham getting a son through Hagar similar to people trying to achieve righteousness through the Law? (See Galatians 3:2.)
Read John 3:1-18.
How is what Jesus is telling Nicodemus similar to what Paul is telling the Galatians?
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Children of the Mount Sinai Covenant
Galatians 4:24 NASB
This is allegorically speaking: for these women are two covenants, one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar.
What does Paul say that this Mount Sinai covenant is bearing?
Does that fit everything Paul has told us so far in Galatians about the Law--that those who follow it are in bondage?
Was there a purpose for this bondage? (Galatians 3:23-24)
The NASB version says they were "kept in custody under the law." The KJV uses "kept under the law." If you look up "kept under" in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, you find that "kept under" corresponds to #G5432, meaning "to be a watcher in advance, to mount guard as a sentinel, to hem in, protect, keep as with a garrison."
Read Galatians 4:1-7. What do we learn about this slavery? Is there hope for those who are in this slavery?
This is allegorically speaking: for these women are two covenants, one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar.
What does Paul say that this Mount Sinai covenant is bearing?
Does that fit everything Paul has told us so far in Galatians about the Law--that those who follow it are in bondage?
Was there a purpose for this bondage? (Galatians 3:23-24)
The NASB version says they were "kept in custody under the law." The KJV uses "kept under the law." If you look up "kept under" in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, you find that "kept under" corresponds to #G5432, meaning "to be a watcher in advance, to mount guard as a sentinel, to hem in, protect, keep as with a garrison."
Read Galatians 4:1-7. What do we learn about this slavery? Is there hope for those who are in this slavery?
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Mount Sinai
Genesis 4:24 NASB
This is allegorically speaking: for these women are two covenants, one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar.
From where does Paul say one of the covenants proceeds?
What happened there? (Exodus 19-24)
What did God give Moses?
Read Exodus 19:5-6. What did God make with His people there?
What responsibility did the people have?
What did Moses tell God's people about this experience in Exodus 20:20?
In Exodus 24:12, what did God tell Moses He was giving him?
Why did God say that He had written these things for His people?
From these passages, what do you learn about God's desire for His people? What does He want them to be? What is His desire for them? What gets in the way of their being all that He desires? How can God help them to realize what gets in the way?
This is allegorically speaking: for these women are two covenants, one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar.
From where does Paul say one of the covenants proceeds?
What happened there? (Exodus 19-24)
What did God give Moses?
Read Exodus 19:5-6. What did God make with His people there?
What responsibility did the people have?
What did Moses tell God's people about this experience in Exodus 20:20?
In Exodus 24:12, what did God tell Moses He was giving him?
Why did God say that He had written these things for His people?
From these passages, what do you learn about God's desire for His people? What does He want them to be? What is His desire for them? What gets in the way of their being all that He desires? How can God help them to realize what gets in the way?
Friday, May 29, 2009
Two Covenants
Galatians 4:24a
This is allegorically speaking: for these women are two covenants
What is the first metaphor in this allegory?
Has Paul mentioned two covenants previously in Galatians? (Galatians 3:13-18)
What two covenants are mentioned in those verses?
Which of those covenants came first?
Who is mentioned in relation to that covenant?
What repeated word do you see associated with that covenant?
What is the role of faith in that covenant?
What do you learn about the inheritance?
Which covenant came 430 years later?
What is its effect on that which is associated with the earlier covenant?
Paul compares the bondwoman and the free woman to these two covenants. Think about what you know about these two women. If you've forgotten, I included some passages for review.
Which woman would you pick to go with the earlier covenant, the one that has to do with an inheritance and promise? (Gen. 17:1-8, 19; 18:9-14; 21:1-3)
Which woman would you pick to go with the later covenant? Did anything related to her and her activity nullify the promise made originally to the other woman? (Gen. 16:1-4, 15-16; 17:20-22; Gen. 21:6-13)
Where do you see faith and inheritance playing a role in the lives of these two women?
This is allegorically speaking: for these women are two covenants
What is the first metaphor in this allegory?
Has Paul mentioned two covenants previously in Galatians? (Galatians 3:13-18)
What two covenants are mentioned in those verses?
Which of those covenants came first?
Who is mentioned in relation to that covenant?
What repeated word do you see associated with that covenant?
What is the role of faith in that covenant?
What do you learn about the inheritance?
Which covenant came 430 years later?
What is its effect on that which is associated with the earlier covenant?
Paul compares the bondwoman and the free woman to these two covenants. Think about what you know about these two women. If you've forgotten, I included some passages for review.
Which woman would you pick to go with the earlier covenant, the one that has to do with an inheritance and promise? (Gen. 17:1-8, 19; 18:9-14; 21:1-3)
Which woman would you pick to go with the later covenant? Did anything related to her and her activity nullify the promise made originally to the other woman? (Gen. 16:1-4, 15-16; 17:20-22; Gen. 21:6-13)
Where do you see faith and inheritance playing a role in the lives of these two women?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Two Women/Two Covenants
Galatians 4:24-26 NASB
This is allegorically speaking:
Paul is telling us what's coming next--an allegory. Paul doesn't use many allegories in his letters. This is the only one in Galatians.
So, what's an allegory? A simple definition is that it's an extended metaphor? From English class you might remember that a metaphor is a comparison between two things where you don't use "like" or "as" in the comparison. "God is a rock" would be a metaphor. The writer would be comparing qualities of God to the qualities of a rock. The writer doesn't want you literally thinking that God is actually a rock, otherwise you might start worshiping stone idols! Since an allegory is an extended metaphor, that means that you will find more than one metaphor in it.
As you read Paul's allegory, be thinking: what are the metaphors? We'll discuss these metaphors in a future blog.
This is allegorically speaking: for these women are two covenants, one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar. Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to the present Jerusalmen, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.
Who are the two women? One is named by Paul in this allegory; the other is mentioned, but not named. From what you previously read, who would she be?
What metaphors can you find? Why do you think Paul is making these comparisons?
This is allegorically speaking:
Paul is telling us what's coming next--an allegory. Paul doesn't use many allegories in his letters. This is the only one in Galatians.
So, what's an allegory? A simple definition is that it's an extended metaphor? From English class you might remember that a metaphor is a comparison between two things where you don't use "like" or "as" in the comparison. "God is a rock" would be a metaphor. The writer would be comparing qualities of God to the qualities of a rock. The writer doesn't want you literally thinking that God is actually a rock, otherwise you might start worshiping stone idols! Since an allegory is an extended metaphor, that means that you will find more than one metaphor in it.
As you read Paul's allegory, be thinking: what are the metaphors? We'll discuss these metaphors in a future blog.
This is allegorically speaking: for these women are two covenants, one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar. Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to the present Jerusalmen, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.
Who are the two women? One is named by Paul in this allegory; the other is mentioned, but not named. From what you previously read, who would she be?
What metaphors can you find? Why do you think Paul is making these comparisons?
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
According to the Flesh/Through the Promise
Galatians 4:23
But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh,
Who was the bondwoman? Who was her son?
What does it mean that he was "born according to the flesh"?
To check our definition, let's look at a few other places where Paul uses this same phrase:
Romans 8:1, 4, 5, 13
So, what does it mean that he was "born according to the flesh"?
and the son of the free woman through the promise.
Who was the free woman? Who was her son?
What does it mean that he was born "through the promise"?
Where else does Paul mention a promise in this letter? (Galatians 3:13-14, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 29)
So, what does it mean that he was born "through the promise"?
How long has it been since God spoke to Abram in Genesis 3:12:1-4 and the birth of this son "through the promise" that we can read about in Genesis 21:1-5?
Do you think sufficient time had passed for Abraham and Sarah to both realize that they weren't going to have a child "according to the flesh"?
So, when they finally had a child, what did they have to realize?
In the next verses, we'll be thinking about why Paul was making this point for the Galatians.
Read Galatians 3:1-6. Think about your spiritual birth. Was it "according to the flesh" or "through the promise"?
But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh,
Who was the bondwoman? Who was her son?
What does it mean that he was "born according to the flesh"?
To check our definition, let's look at a few other places where Paul uses this same phrase:
Romans 8:1, 4, 5, 13
So, what does it mean that he was "born according to the flesh"?
and the son of the free woman through the promise.
Who was the free woman? Who was her son?
What does it mean that he was born "through the promise"?
Where else does Paul mention a promise in this letter? (Galatians 3:13-14, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 29)
So, what does it mean that he was born "through the promise"?
How long has it been since God spoke to Abram in Genesis 3:12:1-4 and the birth of this son "through the promise" that we can read about in Genesis 21:1-5?
Do you think sufficient time had passed for Abraham and Sarah to both realize that they weren't going to have a child "according to the flesh"?
So, when they finally had a child, what did they have to realize?
In the next verses, we'll be thinking about why Paul was making this point for the Galatians.
Read Galatians 3:1-6. Think about your spiritual birth. Was it "according to the flesh" or "through the promise"?
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Bondwoman and the Free Woman
Galatians 4:22 NASB
For it is written that Abraham had two sons . . .
Actually, did you know that Abraham had more than two sons? (Genesis 25:1-2)
But for the purposes of this illustration, we're concerned with his first two sons, the ones he had after a long time of no children. Who were these two sons?
What were the circumstances of the birth of the first son?
Was this the son that God had talked about when He spoke to Abraham in Genesis 15:4?
one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman.
Who was the bondwoman? Who was her son?
Who was the free woman? Who was her son?
If you were to look up "free," you'd learn that it means unrestrained, as a citizen in contrast to a slave. When you hear the word "unrestrained," what does it remind you of that we read in Galatinas 3:23?
Why do you think Paul used the terms "bondwoman" and "free woman" instead of their names?
Now, reread Galatians 3:2-6. Do you see any relationship between Galatians 4:22 and these verses?
What has God promised you? Will God's promise to you be fulfilled by the Spirit (divinely) or by works of the Law (humanly)? How will knowing the answer to that question help you to live your life?
For it is written that Abraham had two sons . . .
Actually, did you know that Abraham had more than two sons? (Genesis 25:1-2)
But for the purposes of this illustration, we're concerned with his first two sons, the ones he had after a long time of no children. Who were these two sons?
What were the circumstances of the birth of the first son?
Was this the son that God had talked about when He spoke to Abraham in Genesis 15:4?
one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman.
Who was the bondwoman? Who was her son?
Who was the free woman? Who was her son?
If you were to look up "free," you'd learn that it means unrestrained, as a citizen in contrast to a slave. When you hear the word "unrestrained," what does it remind you of that we read in Galatinas 3:23?
Why do you think Paul used the terms "bondwoman" and "free woman" instead of their names?
Now, reread Galatians 3:2-6. Do you see any relationship between Galatians 4:22 and these verses?
What has God promised you? Will God's promise to you be fulfilled by the Spirit (divinely) or by works of the Law (humanly)? How will knowing the answer to that question help you to live your life?
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Saga of Sarah and Hagar #1A
In how many ways can Paul say it? What do you get if you put yourself under the Law? Let's see--the curse of the Law, bondage to the elemental things of this world, slavery to those things which by nature are no gods . . . What person in his or her right mind would want that? It's easy to see why Paul was so puzzled by their behavior.
Yet, is it any different today? Christ offers us exactly what He offered the Galatians. And what was that? Let's see--redemption from the curse of the Law, adoption as sons of God and heirs of God's promised inheritance, the Holy Spirit, justification by faith in Christ, God's love and deliverance, etc., etc., etc. Who wouldn't want all that?
Our next couple of studies will focus on Hagar and Sarah. Be thinking about what their saga teaches us about faith and Law, slavery and freedom . . . what other contrasts come to mind?
Do you have any questions or comments that you'd like to share? Post them here.
If you have ideas for how I could improve lessons or discussions, e-mail me with those. Thanks!
God bless you as you seek His will and share His love!
Carolyn
Carolyn
Yet, is it any different today? Christ offers us exactly what He offered the Galatians. And what was that? Let's see--redemption from the curse of the Law, adoption as sons of God and heirs of God's promised inheritance, the Holy Spirit, justification by faith in Christ, God's love and deliverance, etc., etc., etc. Who wouldn't want all that?
Our next couple of studies will focus on Hagar and Sarah. Be thinking about what their saga teaches us about faith and Law, slavery and freedom . . . what other contrasts come to mind?
Do you have any questions or comments that you'd like to share? Post them here.
If you have ideas for how I could improve lessons or discussions, e-mail me with those. Thanks!
God bless you as you seek His will and share His love!
Carolyn
Carolyn
Monday, May 11, 2009
A Prayer As We Begin
Oh, Lord,
Watch over us as we continue our study in Galatians and as I learn how to guide others in Bible study over the computer. Help us to keep our focus on You and what You want us to gain from this study. Let your Holy Spirit be our guide as we continue through the book of Galatians, and show us to apply these truths to our lives. We commit this study to Your glory.
In Your Name,
Amen
Watch over us as we continue our study in Galatians and as I learn how to guide others in Bible study over the computer. Help us to keep our focus on You and what You want us to gain from this study. Let your Holy Spirit be our guide as we continue through the book of Galatians, and show us to apply these truths to our lives. We commit this study to Your glory.
In Your Name,
Amen
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