BOASTING IN THE CROSS (JESUS) VERSUS OUR OWN SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR ACCEPTANCE WITH GOD   In closing, Paul follows the rules of good communication. Tell people what you are going to tell them; then tell them; then tell them what you … Continue reading →

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7   Each sower decides what his harvest will be for the law of the harvest is immutable. Sow a little; reap a little. Sow … Continue reading →

APPLICATION OF WALKING IN THE SPIRIT WITH OTHERS IN LOVE, MUTUAL SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” (5:26) The Greek word for conceited is “kenodoxoi” which means “vain-glorious” or “empty of honor.” Conceit … Continue reading →

THE WORKS OF THE FLESH VERSUS THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT   “So now, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will end the captivity of my people; I will have mercy on all Israel, for I jealously guard … Continue reading →

READ GALATIANS 5:16-26                                                                                           Keep in step with the spirit who continually shows us that the glory of Jesus is greater than the glory of our idols*   The cell of a simple blade of grass is far more … Continue reading →

Free at last!  “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Galatians 5:1 what is christian freedom?   Free at last!  “The common sense definition of freedom is to be able to do what you most want to … Continue reading →

Saturday: John 12:1-8 – When I really thought about this gathering what struck me was that Simon the leper (this probably means a former leper whom Jesus had healed) and Lazarus, a dead man Jesus had raised, were both gathered … Continue reading →

GRACE TO THE BARREN – “BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN”   An allegory is a narrative in which people and events teach a lesson and Paul used Genesis 16 to illustrate our … Continue reading →

IDOLS OF THE HEART- “you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.” gALATIANS 4:8   Once again Paul is telling the Galatians that trusting in the law after their salvation in Christ is no different from pagans … Continue reading →

EXPERIENCING WHAT THE GOSPEL PROMISES – SONSHIP VERSUS “EARNSHIP” – RELATIONSHIP VERSUS RULES   Law and grace are stages in God’s plan of redemption and also stages in a person’s journey to salvation. The law serves as a tutor that … Continue reading →

“What, then, was the purpose of the law?” Galatians 3:19   “God in his grace gave it (justification by faith) to Abraham through a promise.” (v.18) Paul argues with the Judaizers that a promise (from God in this case) is … Continue reading →

“FOR IN THE GOSPEL, A RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM GOD IS REVEALED, A RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT IS BY FAITH FROM FIRST TO LAST.”  ROM. 1:17   Paul continues to call the Galatians (and us) to repent of works righteousness (or performance based acceptance) … Continue reading →

HOW PERSONAL IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD? PAUL’S APPEAL TO OUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF GOD AT CONVERSION AND THEREAFTER TO KEEP WALKING IN THE SPIRIT   Before we move on to Paul’s brilliant theological vindication of the gospel (3:6-4:31) … Continue reading →