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?
Friday, July 31, 2009
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?
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