Galatians 6 ~ Boast In Christ

Don't forget to visit my dear friend Jenilee and her thoughts on Galatians 6!

Galatians 6

Chapter Breakdown (Matthew Henry's Commentary)

1, Exhortations to meekness, gentleness and humility (1-5)
2. To kindness towards all men, especially believers (6-11)
3. The Galatians guarded against the judaizing teachers (12-15)
4. A solemn blessing (16-18)

It is hard to believe that we are coming to the end of our first book of this study, it went very fast. There has been so much that I have learned, so much that God has shown me in these six little chapters.

I love how Paul ends his letter to the Galatians. He has been rather rough on them and don't get me wrong...they deserved it. However, in this last portion we see Paul reminding them, loving them and encourage them to their first love....the real Jesus.

• 
  When a believer sins...gently, humbly help them back to Jesus
  
• Work hard and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone.
  
• If you live by the Spirit you will harvest everlasting life.
  
• Care for others, do good to everyone.
  
• He reminds them of their freedom in Christ, they are justified by faith not by works.
  
• The only thing that counts is if we have been transformed into a new creation.
  

What God Wants to Show Me Today!

The Galatians were trying to do something to please God. They had allowed false teaching to cloud their judgment and understanding of true faith. The purpose of the Christ work on the cross was to free us from the curse of sin which is revealed by the law. There is nothing that we can do to earn our salvation it is only through faith. But, lets us not forget that true faith produces fruit.

In this "Race of Life" the Galatians (and us) are reminded of some very practical steps to help them keep their eyes on the real Jesus ....

Things To Run From:
1. Falling Into Sin.
2. Thinking You Are Too Important
3. Being Misled By A False Jesus

Things That Will Help Us Run This Race:
1. Helping Struggling Believers
2. Working Hard
3. Never Giving UP
4. Doing Good to Others
5. Boasting Only In Christ
6. Being Transformed Into A New Creation.

In our world today, there are many false teachings. We can very quickly find ourselves in the same spot as the Galatians if we are not careful. We need to be cautious and vigilant that we are not entertaining a false Jesus. I have been reminded through this whole book that I must pick up my cross and follow hard after my first love. I have been justified by faith. I have been transformed into a new creation. I will reap a harvest if I do not give up. I must never let these things become jeopardized by sin and a fake Jesus.

Please, watch and listen to this video. I think it is very timely to our world today. She reminds me of Paul speaking to the Galatians; but she is speaking to our culture, our world.

May we only boast in .... The Son of the Living God, Our Redeemer, Our Savior, The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, The Beginning and the End, The Bright and Morning Star, The Most High Reigning in Majesty Sitting at the Right Hand of God our Father, Our Intercessor, Our Healer, Our Deliver, The Conqueror of Death, Hell and the Grave, Our Victorious One ....The REAL JESUS CHRIST.

Galatians 5 ~ Run Well!

Don't forget to visit my dear friend Jenilee and her thoughts on Galatians 5!

Galatians 5

Chapter Breakdown (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary)...

1. An earnest exhortation to stand fast in the liberty of the gospel. (1-12)

2. To take heed of indulging a sinful temper. (13-15)

3. Walk in the Spirit, and not to fulfill the lusts of the flesh: the works of both are described. (16-26)

I am so glad that a bunch of ladies have joined in on this Bible study. This chapter also has so much in it that it is impossible for me to cover every aspect about it in my little blog. Go check out these insights from these ladies as well. It has been fun seeing how God speaks to us differently, yet the same.

Jenilee at My Awake Journey!

Daisy at developpé...grac... becoming!

Melanie at We Chase the Son!,

Stephanie at The Hanes Family Chronicles!

Sue at Subee's Buzz!

Some Fantastic Quotes from Matthew Henry! Oh my, if you don't love these you are not awake...go get another cup of coffee and read them again. ( Don't you just love that picture of him???)

"True faith is a working grace; it works by love to God, and to our brethren."

Run, Run, Run my friend and Run well!

"The life of a Christian is a race, wherein he must run, and hold on, if he would obtain the prize. It is not enough that we profess Christianity, but we must run well, by living up to that profession."

Here we go Mr. Henry is on a roll....

"It is dangerous for Christian churches to encourage those who follow, but especially who spread, destructive errors. And in reproving sin and error, we should always distinguish between the leaders and the led....And assuredly those who persist in disturbing the church of Christ must bear their judgment."

Watch Out on this one...it is gooooood........

"Happy would it be, if Christians, instead of biting and devouring one another on account of different opinions, would set themselves against sin in themselves, and in the places where they live."

Preach it brother, my hankie is waving! If that last one didn't get you good enough this one will.....

"The works of the flesh are many and manifest. And these sins will shut men out of heaven. Yet what numbers, calling themselves Christians, live in these, and say they hope for heaven!"

And then He knocks it right out of the ball park with this...

"And it is not enough that we cease to do evil, but we must learn to do well!"

Okay, take a breather, let it soak in...We just got a full message preached to us by Pastor Henry!

What God Wants To Show Me Today!

Wow, this chapter is amazing! What really stood out is... here we see how much our life is like a marathon race. And in this chapter we learn so much as to how to run and not fall, to keep focus and not run off track, the things that weigh us down and the things that stregthen us!

Faith in Christ gives us the freedom to run, the law causes us to stumble and hold us back. False teachings get us going in the wrong direction; the True Gospel points us to the finish line. Our water is loving God and loving others... it will carry us on. Sin weighs us down and causes us to stumble; but a life submitted to God and bears fruit will bring us to the finish line with hands held high and bringing glory to King of Kings.

"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Gal. 5:25

Live in Freedom, Run Well, Glory in God!

I have blogged about most of the Fruit of the Spirit, enjoy!

love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control.

Galatians 4 ~ True-Born Heir

Don't forget to visit my dear friend Jenilee and her thoughts on Galatians 4!

Galatians 4

Here is the chapter breakdown (Tyndale Commentaries)
1. The difference between son and infant (1-11)
2. A personal appeal for better relations (12-20)
3. An argument from rabbinic's (21-5:1)

Chapter four is once again full of wonderful things to learn. We see the idea of adoption again in the first third of the passage. I love that part.

The next two thirds Paul voices his concern for the Christians of Galatia. Verse 11 Paul says, "I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you." Verse 20 says, " I am perplexed about you." Can we say, "Ouch?!" Verses 12-20 show the human condition. They loved Paul when he first came the heard the "Good News" and loved Paul greatly. Then while he was gone they lost that zeal for God's truth. It is just like us, if we are not vigilant in our faith it will start to decay...possibly even collapse.

This chapter is wrapped up with a comparison of Hagar and Sarah. Those who are under the law are like Hagar's descendants, in bondage. Sarah's descendants who are under grace....are free.

What God Wants To Show Me Today!
I can not escape this idea of adoption. It is such a wonderful idea for us as Christians. I really love what God showed me yesterday in chapter 3. I think chapter 4 takes this idea even deeper today. In Tyndale's Commentary it pointed out something in verse 6 that took it to a whole new level for me. This idea of how we are adopted and the Spirit makes us true-born children. We see all three parts of the trinity working in our salvation...too cool!

Galatians 4:6-7 (New Living Translation)

5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

The commentary focuses on the word Spirit in reference to the Holy Spirit. Read this carefully...
"For it is by the Spirit in our hearts that we are assured of our sonship of God...

Romans 8:16 (New Living Translation) 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. and are so enabled to pray with confidence. "

The commentary goes on to say, " It is not strange, therefore, that the Spirit is here described as the Spirit of the Son. This is no confusion of the two persons of the Trinity, but simply a recognition of the close link between the two which exists in Scripture. It is by the Spirit that Christ lives in our hearts.

Ephesians 3:16-17 (New Living Translation)16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

I love the idea of the Trinity here working out our salvation. We see God as Father, Christ as redeemer and the Spirit as the power all working out our adoption papers. My mom has a quote she loves, "God loves us the way we are, but too much to leave us that way." When we are adopted, we are not left the same; but we are transformed by the Spirit as true-born children.

What an amazing process...the day of our adoption!

Galatians 3 ~ I Am A Star!

Don't forget to visit my dear friend Jenilee and her thoughts on Galatians 3!

Galatians 3
Chapter overview (directly from Tyndale N.T. Commentaries)...

1. Introduction (vs. 1-6)
2. Abraham's Faith (vs 7-9)
3. Who is under the curse? (vs. 10-14)
4. Does the law annul promise? (vs. 15-18)
5. What is the purpose of the law? (vs. 19-29)

Whew...hang on folks, fasten your seat belts it about to get very deep here in Galatians 3! I am almost at a loss as to where to start. Yikes, this is some deep, deep, can I say it again deep theology going on in these 29 little verses. I could probably write a book about it this; but, there are some smart people who already have. So, I will sum up for our purposes; so I can get to the part that really grabbed a hold of me tonight.

Basically, Paul starts this chapter as if he were a parent scolding a child. It is time to put these Galatians in time out and have them write sentences....I am saved by grace not by works....100x's! They have allowed themselves to be led astray and Paul is correcting their path. Sometimes, we need that in our own lives....sometimes we need to be put in time out, get a lecture and write sentences until we get it in our hearts.

The Galatians then go to school. Paul begins to teach them salvation theology 101. We get a history lesson through Abraham and we learn about how God had this all planned out. We are reminded that we are all under the curse. Remember, there is none righteous...no not one (Romans 3:10)! Christ paid our debt by dying on the cross and taking our sin. He then conquered death through His resurrection.

Verses 15- 18 got a little confusing for me; but I will try to sum it up in one sentence...
Basically, Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise....the law's purpose reveals our need for Him.

Okay, this is getting a little long so....
What God Wants To Show Me Today!

Tonight, I went to an "Adoption Shower". A family in our church adopted a girl (12) and a boy (14) from China. We had such a good time. They were so fun to watch as they hugged everyone before they even opened their presents. They have been here in the USA for about two months. Their world has been dramatically changed. Two months ago they lived in a Chinese orphanage and today they have a family and church family who adore them here in the U.S.

When they got their children over there all kids had were literally the clothes on them. Mom and Dad had to bring them all new clothes or buy them there in China. Two months ago they belonged to China and had nothing...two months ago they then became the children of the Moore's forever and were given a future.

This really helped me understand verses 23 - 29. I was once like these kids who were adopted. I lived in the world, my orphanage, and my guardian was the law. My guarding showed me that there was a better way to live but as hard as I tried to obey all the rules I could never leave on my own. Then Jesus came and provided away for me to leave. When I had faith in Him, I was adopted by Him forever. I got new clothes, I have a hope and a future. I now journey with Him to our new home which will someday be in heaven. I am now a part of the promise that was given to Abraham...

I am one of the stars!
(ok crying now)

Galatians 2 ~ When Conflict Happens!

Don't forget to visit my dear friend and her thoughts on Galatians 2!

Ahhh I am so tempted every time to type Galations....it is wired in my head. Grrr

Galatians 2

Tyndale New Testament Commentary outlines Galatians very nicely. I like outlines. They really help my fully understand ideas and thought processes. Here is the outline found in this commentary:

1.The Argument from Experience (chapter 1 - 2:21)
2.The Argument from Theology (chapter 3 - 5)
3. The Argument from Results (5:2-6:18)

Remember that he is making the argument for justification by faith!
Justification is the act of God whereby humankind is made or is accounted just, or free from guilt or penalty of sin

chapter overview...
2:1-10 Paul's relationship with the church leaders in Jerusalem
2:11-16 Paul confronting Peter
2:17-21 Death and New Life

What God Wants To Show Me Today!
I have to admit this chapter kind of frustrated me today. For some reason, I kind of had this picture of the early church just being so wonderful and didn't have much conflict like churches do today. Needless to say, this chapter rocked my little world. Conflict existed back then, even between to heavy weights of early church Peter and Paul, you don't get much more amazing then them. I mean there is nothing like reading Paul getting all up in Peter's face, seriously verse 11! Watch out Peter!

The main issue was that Peter began to treat the Gentiles diffrent when the Jewish Christians came into the picture.

Hahahaha this picture made my laugh. I do not think that Peter and Paul's relationship was this hostile. Thank goodness they were able to work things out in a more civil way. Man can you imagine what would have happened if they didn't work it out? I am glad God has everything under control. God was not surprised by these guys he knew that they were the men for the job; even though human eyes may say, "What in the World?????"

As a church leader I need to remember two things!

1. From Peter I learn.....
That being a leader doesn't give me the right to be all "holier than thou". I need to remember to whom I belong. I am a servant of the most high. I am saved by grace through faith. I am no better than anyone else and I must preach the same gospel to everyone. The gospel does not change from person to person.

2. From Paul I learn.....
I need to stand up for what is right. I need to watch out so that I am not swayed from the truth by those in authority. I need to preach the "One True Gospel".

Paul ends this chapter with these powerful verses....

20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

Wow, I never want what Christ did be for nothing!!!! I am sure that is what Peter knew in his heart as well. The Gentiles where not under the law...they were given grace just like the Jews. I love this verse...

Romans 8:3 (New Living Translation)
3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

Christ longs for us to be in His family(John 3:16); but our sin keeps us separated from Him (Romans 3:23). Jesus died so that we could be given grace(II Cor. 5:21), He paid our debt (Romans 5:8). When we have faith in Jesus (Romans 10:9-10), His grace pays our debt. He died because He loves us. There is nothing we could do to earn that love! We are just humans. What could we really ever do that would be good enough or big enough to earn the love of God (Eph 2;8)? The answer is we can't. So, God steps in and provides a way for us through His Son. He does this because He loves us we are His creation, His handiwork, His masterpiece.

Thank you Jesus! I am forever grateful that you did not die for nothing! I am made right with you through faith! Your grace covers me!

Galatians 1 ~ Only 1 Good News!

I am so excited. I am joining my dear friend, Jenilee, in a Bible study. Over the next 20 days we will be studying Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians. Today is the first day of our study; so come along and join us as we study God's Word!

Galatians 1 "Only 1 Good News"

There is a few things I want to cover regarding Galatians before we get started. I will be using Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, Matthew Henry's Commentary and others for reference; just so you know I am not just making this stuff up.

~Galatians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul.
~It was written to the church in the Roman Province of Galatia
~The letter was written because the church of Galatia was teaching something other than the Good news of Jesus and the freedom He brings through faith in Him.
~The central theme is "Justification through Faith!"

Overview of Chapter 1

Verses 1-3 open the letter from Paul the apostle. It is his formal greeting to the church in Galatia. We also see in verse three the "Good News" in a nutshell....

3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. 5 All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.

Verses 6-10 Paul begins to declare what the problem is of the church of Galatia. They have turned away from the original teachings of Jesus Christ. They have allowed other guidance to seep in and direct them onto a wrong path. As we dig into Galatians, it will become clearer what the right instruction is "Justification by Faith" and the wrong training is "Salvation through works."

Verses 11-21 We see this chapter end with the beginning of Paul's personal testimony. He writes about his zealous heart as a Jewish leader, his radical salvation and his process of becoming an apostle of Jesus Christ.

There is one verse that really jumped off the page...

10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

This verse may seem strange to some; but to me it made a big impact. I love Paul's heart and I want to follow his example. So many times, I find myself trying to please people when in actuality I only need God's approval.

As humans, we strive so much in our lives and it is so easy for us to fall into old patterns of doing deeds to win favor. We always love that A+ on a paper we worked hard for. We love the accolades from a spouse. We work hard for promotions. We work, work, work to receive approval. That ends up being the Galatians big problem they begin trying to earn their way into heaven by following the law.

Getting God's approval is not by anything I do...I can never "do" anything to make things right with Him. The only thing that can make me right with God is faith in Jesus Christ: faith that He died for me, faith that He conquered death and the grave, faith that He rose again, faith that He alone is the one that can save me. I can only be made right with God through faith. I love this definition of faith.....

Hebrews 11:1 (New Living Translation)
1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

I admire Paul's boldness in dealing with the church of Galatia. He is compelled to preach the truth to please God. I want to make God happy. As I have faith in Him, I will bring joy to His heart. I am thankful for the free gift of salvation through His son Jesus the "Only One Good News". I am so thankful I do not have "do" anything to receive salvation....I could never "do" enough.

I will have faith and .....

GEPC ~ Bible Study

Whoo Hoo! My friend (Jenilee at My Awake Journey) and I have decided to do another online Bible study. We have done one before (month of Proverbs) and it was a lot of fun and very challenging for me. I am so excited and I am already getting ready for it. So here are the detials if you would like to join in or just follow along.....

• We will be studying Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians (GEPC)!



• We will be looking at one chapter per day for 20 days.



• Anyone is welcome to write their own thoughts, link up with us or just follow along.



• We will start Nov. 1st and go until Nov. 20th



• Grab the button and put it on your blog





<center> <a href="http://getjoy.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="The Goodwin Family" src="http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/jenilee220/GEPCsm.jpg" /></a></center>


• Make sure you check out my friend Jenilee's thoughts on her blog as well!

I am so excited! It was so much fun doing a month of Proverbs with her and I am sure this is going to be great exploring GEPC! I can't wait to see what God is going to show us. So check us out during Nov. 1-20 and join in on the fun as we explore God's word and learn more about Him!

We will...

Also I want to give a shout out to my friend, Peter Flaherty, who took that beautiful picture in our button. He is a fantastic photographer and was so kind to give me permission to use it. Thanks Peter!

Galatians 1 ~ Only 1 Good News!
Galatians 2 ~ When Conflict Happens!
Galatians 3 ~ I Am A Star!
Galatians 4 ~ True-Born Heir
Galatians 5 ~ Run Well!
Galatians 6 ~ Boast In Christ
Ephesians 1 ~ Sealed!
Ephesians 2 ~ I Am Now A....
Ephesians 3 ~ Home!
Ephesians 4 ~ What Does The Christian Look Like????
Epesians 5 ~ Godly Marriage
Ephesians 6 ~ Putting on the Armor!
Philippians 1 ~ Heaven, My Home
Philippians 2 ~ Joy of Living for Christ
Philippians 3 ~ Where Is Your Treasure?
Philippians 4 ~ Joy!
Colossians 1 ~ Christ Is Our All!
Colossians 2 ~ The Picture of Christian Living!
Colossians 3 ~ Get Dressed!
Colossians 4 ~ Be Found Diligent!