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GALATIANS The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date. 1:4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, This answers the following question: {What hope is mine since Christ gave himself for my sins?} Heaven! Jesus died for my sins so that I may someday be with Him and His Father. He loves us so much that He died so that we may be with Him - if we only accept His gift and turn from evil. (DRM 9/30/01) 1:6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ for a different gospel; I live in a society that seems to like change, and I also like to do things differently occasionally. When I occasionally visit a different church, I am presented with a different way of worshipping my Lord Jesus. I have to be sure that these worship styles are truly worshipping the same Jesus that I love - thus not diverted from the gospel. (DRM 11/1/05) 1:7 . . . which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. This is the second half of a sentence with verse six
above. 1:8 But even if we [Paul] or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! That seems clear! But so many people of the world can't
tell what is the true word of God. The false teachers are so convincing to them! 1:9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. This answers the following question: {What in my life has priority over Christ? Why is this so?} Nothing in my life should be higher priority than telling people of Christ. The problem is that I have to have an income and I get diverted on "junk" to Satan's pleasure. Help me, Lord! (DRM 10/1/01) The gospel is what is in the Bible. If you are hearing
words or thoughts that are opinion or from other books, then you are not hearing
the gospel. 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. God has a plan for my life and, with earthly influences, I
also have a plan - but most likely they aren't the same. Paul is emphasizing
that he is doing what God is telling him to do - this is a bond-servant of
Christ. 1:11 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. This verse/sentence goes with verse 12 to make a complete
thought. 1:12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. This answers the following question: {How is my present response to the Gospel different from my past?} I always want to learn more about the Bible and what it tells me about how to live my life for Jesus. Before my conversion I had other things on my mind ($) and didn't understand the Bible at all. (DRM 10/2/01) According to this verse, Paul's learning came not from a school (man) but from Jesus Himself. Others in and out of the Bible have also been taught directly through the Lord and the Holy Spirit (e.g. the disciples and DLM). While I need training, I wonder Who should be the Teacher? (DRM 11/1/05) 1:18 Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas [Peter], and stayed with him fifteen days. This is part of the autobiography of Paul. It tells us
more about his history between his conversion and his proclamation of the
gospel. 1:22, 23a And I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; 23but only, they kept hearing. . . When Christ changes our hearts, in salvation and also in calling to service, our appearance doesn't change. We don't just start "glowing" from a new revelation. It occurs within our (my) heart. As we (I) speak to others about the experience, the word travels. Everything takes time! (DRM 11/1/05) 1:23 but only, they [the churches] kept hearing, "He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy." This answers the following question: {What can I do to cause those around me to glorify God?} After Paul's conversion, he learned about the Lord, then he started to preach. While I am unsure that He wants me to preach, at least I hope that the people I meet will see Christ in me. (DRM 10/3/01) 1:24 And they [churches of Judea, v. 22] were glorifying God because of me. The churches of Judea knew that God=Jesus caused the
change of Paul's heart; that's why they were glorifying God and not Paul. 2:2 And it was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain. My interpretation of this verse is that Paul found other believers of reputation and test-preached to them to be sure he was telling the gospel before going to the public. His learning was from the Word and the Holy Spirit, and he would be preaching to people. If God allows me to do this someday - I will also have to do trials like Paul did. (DRM 11/2/05) 2:4, 5 But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. 5But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. Paul called the people in verse four "false brethren." I
call them diversions and demons. Some people, distractions and demons all seem
to have the same goal - to stop us from sharing the gospel with other people in
one way or another. 2:6 But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality) — well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me. The apostles, or other people that were higher in
authority in the early Christian church adding nothing to Paul's message,
because they didn't disagree with the general principles that he expounded. 2:8 (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles), Everyone has a different gift from God. He gave Peter a ministry to the Jews (circumcised) and Paul a ministry to the Gentiles. It seems to me that He could also give me a ministry to some people group — so long as I am willing to constantly learn and grow in devotion to Him and His leading. (DRM 11/3/05) The ministry could be though this website. (DRM 1/3/06) 2:9 and recognizing the grace that had been given me, James and Cephas [Peter] and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Like today, there were disagreements in the early church.
Some thought they should only speak to the Jews (circumcised) and others, like
Paul and Barnabas, thought the Gentiles should be included. 2:10 They only asked us to remember the poor - the very thing I also was eager to do. This answers the following question: {What are some ways I can remember the poor?} The best thing that I can think of is to give to local inner-city missions that help feed the poor physically and spiritually. Helping them is better than ignoring them! (DRM 10/4/01) 2:16 . . . know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified. This is the difference between Jews and Christians. The
Jews feel they must obey the law, but we Christians feel that Christ died for
our sins. This answers the following question: {How did I become justified before God?} There is only one way to get to Heaven; by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, NOT by works. God wants us to do good works in appreciation of His gift of Jesus. (DRM 10/5/01) 2:17 But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? May it never be! This continues the thought of verse 16 above. Jesus died for our sins. He justifies us by this act before the Father; God. We, as Christians, have accepted His gift of salvation, but continue to sin. What we do after salvation has no reflection on Jesus' gift. With the Holy Spirit in us, we should confess the known sin (repent) and try to sin no more. It is a lifelong process that only He (Holy Spirit) can bring us through. (DRM 5/16/12) 2:18 "For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor." Several years ago, I had a small business and after three years of trying to make a profit, I "destroyed" or closed the business. About two years ago, I considered rebuilding what I had destroyed. Fortunately, the Lord convinced me to try to work for Him instead. I am much happier now working for Jesus. (DRM 11/4/05) 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. While this was originally written by Paul, it is easily "personalized." As a believer in the work of Jesus Christ, I can read this verse and really have the "I" mean me! It is like a statement of faith of what we (I) believe in. (DRM 6/5/09) 2:20b Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered Himself up for me. This answers the following question: {What evidence is there that Christ lives in me?} Faith is a key word in this verse and Christianity. First I accept Jesus by faith and after conversion, my life continues to grow closer to Him because of the faith that I have in Him. (DRM 10/6/01) 2:21 ". . . I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly." I generally think of the Law as the Ten Commandments. To
follow just the Law, I am being a legalist and depending on being a 'good
person' to get God's approval. This doesn't get me to Heaven. Only trusting in
the Lord Jesus as my Savior will win God's approval. My sins - failures - are
covered by Jesus' blood - death on the cross, and I must confess my sins to Him
when I am aware of them. 3:2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? This answers the following question: {What is there in my life that keeps me from obeying the truth?} Sin. An example is my worrying. The truth is that I should be trusting TOTALLY on the Lord, yet I worry. Any other works that I do without Christ are fruitless. May I be more like Him. (DRM 10/7/01) 3:6-7 Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. 7Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. God directed Abraham's path, and Abraham followed and
believed in God's direction - which is called righteousness in this verse. 3:8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "ALL THE NATIONS SHALL BE BLESSED IN YOU." When Abraham was told "all the Nations. . . " he likely thought first of the Israelite nation. How would the people of the other nations know of him, and where would their faith come from? This verse should underline the words "by faith" as the Gentiles - and also the Jews - all have to come to our Savior Jesus by faith. (DRM 11/5/05) 3:9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. This answers the following question: {For what reason am I a spiritual descendant of Abraham?} Abraham believed in God, he trusted Him. Believers are descendents of Abraham because of their faith. Unlike other religions, our faith is in Jesus Christ as our Savior, and trust in Him. (DRM 10/8/01) 3:11 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH. This answers the following question: {How has God's Law impacted my life?} All of my life I have tried to live by the Law, especially the Ten Commandments. I have failed at times and now realize that God wants me to live by FAITH and ask Him for forgiveness when I fail to keep the Law. (DRM 10/9/01) 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." [Deut. 21:23] An interesting thought! I never thought of Christ as
cursed, but now I think I understand that Christ took human form to save us and
die for our sins, in this way He was cursed for the sins he was bearing within
His body when He died on the cross. This is one of the foundations of my faith. I can't obey all of the 600+ laws in the Old Testament. I don't even know them all! Somehow, Jesus did not sin. He became my substitute, so long as I put my faith in Him. I praise God for opening my eyes to His incredible gift. (DRM 11/6/05) 3:14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. This answers the following question: {How have I benefited because Christ died for me?} Faith continues to be the key. After we became Christians we received the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit directs our life - hopefully to be of service to the King — Jesus Christ. (DRM 10/10/01) 3:16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, "And to seeds," as referring to many, but rather to one, "And to your seed." that is, Christ. The Law was given to Abraham and to his seed, Christ. Our job is not to obey the Law, but rather to trust in Jesus Christ in FAITH. Faith is more important than works - represented by following the Law - but our (my) goal should still be to follow the Law - knowing salvation comes by faith. (DRM 6/7/09) The Law was really given to Moses, who was a part of Abraham's seed. (DRM 11/13/09) 3:19 Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed should come to whom the promise had been made. The Law was given to Moses because everyone was sinning. The mediator [Jesus] had the angels enforce - ordain? the Law until He [Jesus] came to fulfill it personally. Now that the Law has been fulfilled, I must trust in my deliverer, my Savior, who is the only One who could be perfect. (DRM 11/7/05) 3:21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. Righteousness-salvation is not based on the Law, the Ten Commandments; but solely on faith in Christ as Savior. The question here is about the purpose of the Law - written thousands of years before Jesus was on earth. Paul points out here that following the Law does not get us eternal life in Heaven - only faith does. (DRM 6/8/09) 3:22 But the Scripture has shut up all men under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. This answers the following question: {How has the promise of life by faith in Christ impacted my life?} I no longer fear where I will go when I die - I know that Jesus Christ has saved me. With that as a basis, I should live without fear in ALL aspects of my life. (DRM 10/11/01) 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Here Paul tells us what we were like before we became
Christian believers. It we knew it or not, God was judging us by the Law - the
Ten Commandments. If we broke ANY of the Ten Commandments, we are not allowed
into the Kingdom of Heaven. 3:24, 25 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. From the time of Moses to the time of Jesus, people were
under the Law or primarily the Ten Commandments and all the other laws written
at the time. 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. This answers the following question: {What is my current spiritual condition before God?} Before Christ, people depended on the Law for their salvation. Now that Christ has come, He is our substitute for the sins that we commit, but we have to have FAITH in Him. (DRM 10/12/01) 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. This DOESN'T mean that being baptized makes a person a
Christian. 3:28 There is neither Jew or Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. This is a different way to explain how all Christian believers make up one body. Diversity is a common word used today in the city that I now live. We are all different, but living together. Christians are all different - but will live together with Christ in Heaven someday. (DRM 11/8/05) 3:29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise. I like this nice, clear summary verse. So long as we (I) have faith in Christ for eternal salvation, and all that He did for us; we will be considered part of Abraham's descendants, children of the promise and have eternal life with Jesus, Abraham and other believers in Heaven. (DRM 6/9/09) 4:1, 2 Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, 2but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. This is the background for an illustration that begins in
the next verse. 4:3 So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. In context, this refers to the time before Jesus was born
(v. 4-5). If it were the year 100 B.C., we would have no Savior and, like
children, totally dependent on others. The spiritual leadership of the day
determined our eternal destiny in the most part. 4:4-5 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Mary and Joseph were Jews, thus Jesus was born under the
Old Testament Law - the "rule book" for the Jews. Jesus lived a sinless life
under the Jewish Law and gave Himself up as a sacrifice for our sins. 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" This answers the following question: {How has God sending His Son affected my life?} How did I know I was "born again?" I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in my heart. My love for Him hasn't changed in these 15 years. Even when I fail, He forgives me, thank God! (DRM 10/13/01) This is the end verse of a complex statement explaining how people [sons] can be redeemed through the Son [Jesus]. Verse 5 shows "might" twice - indicating that a decision has to be made. Now as sons [believers], the Holy Spirit puts in our hearts the desire to worship God as Father. (DRM 11/9/05) 4:7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. This verse is dependent on verse six above. 4:8 However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. The gods of this world are far different than the God that
created us. 4:9b how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? This answers the following question: {What attitudes and desires in my life tempt me to turn away from God?} I get diverted from my plans all the time. In every room of the house there is something waiting to be done. Ever so slowly I try to sell or throw out these items. I need His help! (DRM 10/14/01) 4:13 but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time; God gives us different motivations to tell others of His love for them. For me, I think it's "aging." We become more aware that our time left on earth could be small - and we want to make a difference in others' lives. Paul's affliction was his motivation. I think I need more encouragement to embolden me. 4:14 . . . and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself. While wheelchairs weren't invented then, it was a way that
I could interpret this verse. Paul's physical trial caused the Galatians to have
to make some type of special accommodation for him - causing extra effort - and
he was thankful for their efforts. 4:15 Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. Some people wonder what Paul's thorn in the flesh (2
Corinthians 12:7) was. I can see two clues in Galatians today. In Galatians
6:11, Paul referred to his bad eyesight, and in this verse he refers to others
donating their eyes to him. He must have been going blind. 4:16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? There is still something within me that stops me from
witnessing to others. 4:19, 20 My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you — 20but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. Paul was writing to his "children" in Galatia, and would rather be with them in person. He apparently liked his role as teacher, and wonders here how they are growing in faith. I think he fears that they are being taught incorrectly. I must be careful who I listen to also - as there are many false teachers whose "mission" seems to be confusion. (DRM 11/11/05) 4:22-23 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the freewoman. 23But the son of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the freewoman through the promise. God promised Abraham a son, but Abraham couldn't wait, so
went ahead and had a son through his bondwoman, Hagar (Gen. 16:15). This was
through the fleshly desire. In time, God fulfilled His promise and Sarah had a
son, which eventually became the nation Israel. 4:29 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 refers to Isaac and Ishmael. Ishmael was born of Abraham's flesh to Hagar - now the Muslims - and Isaac was born to Sarah - according to the Spirit of God - now the Jews - Christians. Ever since that birth, these two groups never agreed. Still, I believe that individually all can come to trust in Jesus as Savior. (DRM 11/12/05) 4:30 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 FREEWOMAN," Ever since Abraham asked Hagar to bear his son, the world
has never been the same. Hagar was the bondwoman here and Sarah was the
freewoman; from which came Isaac then Jacob - who is also called Israel. Paul's argument is that just as Isaac was the child of promise to Abraham and Sarah, so those who trust in Christ by faith are also the children of promise. As such "all" (4:26) people of faith are (a) free from bondage to paganism (4:8), (b) free from bondage to Jewish legalism (4:5) and (c) free from any other teaching that seeks to draw those of faith back into the "yoke" of works (5:1) to earn salvation. {From Word of Life diary comments} 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. This answers the following question: {How am I experiencing the freedom that is found in Christ?} Before I became a Christian, I was a slave to sin - perhaps selfishness. Since that time I have also sinned - but asked for forgiveness when I was aware of my sin. His forgiveness is my freedom. (DRM 10/15/01) 5:2, 3 Behold, I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. Fleshly circumcision is only an outward act that the Jews
did to show their commitment to God. This good work shows the attitude of the
heart of the person. Today it is done in the first 10 days of a boy's life, so
it's the parents decision, not the child's. We don't get to Heaven as the result
of good works, nor the works of the parents. 5:4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. I think the question here is motive. If I think that just following the Old Testament Law will get me to Heaven, I am deceived - the only way to Heaven is through the Savior - Jesus Christ. In appreciation for His grace of allowing me entrance, I willingly try to be good and follow His law - but know He will forgive me if I ask Him to - when I fail - but I keep trying. (DRM 11/13/05) 5:5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. The verses before and after this verse remind me/us that
we are to live by faith, through grace, and not the Old Testament Law, which
includes works. 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. Circumcision was an outward expression of devotion to the
Jewish Law. Since Christians are trusting totally in Jesus Christ to cover our
sins, it is not necessary to follow the customs and traditions of Jewish Law.
In the Old Testament circumcision was required for men to
become Jews. After the first generation, this was/has been decided by the
parents and was performed during the first few days of a boy's life. 5:7, 8 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. [Re: 5:7} This answers the following question: {What hinders me from excelling in my Christian faith?} I could re-write 10/14/01. Who diverts me? Probably Satan or his demons who keep telling me to put things off - do it later. I need the Lord to give me determination to "keep on track" to work for His glory. (DRM 10/16/01) In previous verses, Paul was emphasizing that following
the Law is not necessary, but rather grace is what is the basis of our faith.
5:9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. Leaven=yeast is great for making bread rise, but never used as a positive in the Bible. Like in bread, a little yeast makes a lot of difference. In people, a little criticism or disagreement on a minor point can cause a church split if it continues. The source of this type of leaven is Satan, the master of deceit. I (we) must be careful not to say anything that would cause this type of conflict. Don't let Satan use us as leaven in a church. (DRM 6/15/09) 5:10 I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is. Paul, in his letters and his preaching to the churches,
was teaching how to be a follower of Christ. He was teaching the truth, do
didn't want people to adopt any other view. 5:12 Would that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves. There are always people who have different views than mine. My first job is to listen carefully to see if my view is wrong. If that is not the case, then I must give them to the Lord and let Him correct them in due time. I shouldn't let these other people trouble me so much. (DRM 11/14/05) 5:13 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. When I think of freedom in USA, I think of being able to
do and say whatever I want. With government monitoring all of our moves now, it
seems that freedom is leaving here. 5:14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." This answers the following question: {In what ways am I serving others without concern for my interest?} Sin. I can't think of many. Occasionally I take my neighbor to events she doesn't want to drive to. I feed my friends when they help me - but I don't serve enough. (DRM 10/17/01) 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. Verse 15 makes no sense without verse 14. 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. This answers the following question: {Why is it so vital for me to walk in the Spirit, today?} Temptation is caused by the fleshly desire to do evil things. Sexual sins are a prime example. Regenerated Christians have the Spirit in them. I should let Him direct me away from temptation. (DRM 10/18/01) The war goes on within our souls. Once we ask Jesus to enter our lives, the Holy Spirit enters and the fleshly spirit [inspired by Satan?] opposes the desires of the Holy Spirit. We must choose who will win each battle. My life is a series of these battles. I must make the right decisions continuously to stay on the Lord's side. (DRM 11/15/05) 5:17 For the flesh sets it 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. This must happen to everyone at some time or another. . .
5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. The moment I (we) became Christians, the Holy Spirit
entered our body and has taken control. This may sound scary, but He (Holy
Spirit) is directing us on how to live a God-honoring life. We are led by the
Holy Spirit. 5:19-21 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21envying, 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. This answers the following question: {Which deed of the flesh is most difficult for me to conquer?} From the list, it is obvious that envying what other people have is the most difficult for me. I'm sure that there is a reason that the Lord didn't give me these things - and must do His will and not worry about others. (DRM 10/19/01) 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. This answers the following question: {How am I going to practice more of the fruit of the Spirit I need most?} I think I need love most. Being lonely most of the time, I need to be with people more. If I show them kindness, goodness and gentleness, perhaps they will show me love. (DRM 10/20/01) 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. The desires and passions of the flesh are listed in verses 19-21 above. These desires should be put to death - crucified in followers of Christ, thus they are the same as sins. When I have a problem, like an outburst of anger; listed here, it is a sin that I must confess, repent and try to correct with the help of the Holy Spirit living in me. (DRM 11/16/05) 5:25-26 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. [Re: 5:25] This answers the following question: {How does my life demonstrate that I am Spirit filled?} To walk in the Spirit means to be trusting in the Lord, and NOT my own desires. When the Holy Spirit tells me to do something, no matter how uncomfortable, I should do it. (DRM 10/21/01) This first verse is like yesterday's comment - since the Holy Spirit is in us, as Christians, we are to walk in the direction He leads us. We are not to say we are better than others (boastful) or trying to prove others' faith (challenging) or trying to do better than someone else to hurt them (envying), which are common things that the world does today. (DRM 6/17/09) 6:1 Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. . . This answers the following question: {How do I respond when another Christian is caught in sin?} If the person is someone I know, I should talk gently to him/her about the error of their way. The hard part for me is finding another Christian to share with. (DRM 10/22/01) 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ. This answers the following question: {How can I bear another's burden today?} Offering to help someone is not always enough. They don't agree to it. Actually helping, sometimes without advance "warning" is what people need when they are overburdened. (DRM 10/23/01) All Christians belong to one body - of Christ, and as brothers and sisters in this family, we should care more about each other. God has given each of us different gifts/abilities, and that should remind us of our dependence on each other. When my "brother" or "sister" in Christ sins or has a burden, I should be praying and helping them toward their restoration. (DRM 11/17/05) 6:3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me (Phil.
4:13). I can't change the world on my own, without His help. 6:4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. Reality strikes! How much have I really done to help God's Kingdom? How many people have come to Christ for salvation due to my witness? I don't know. Some ministries do know and can boast of their success, but they should not belittle the smaller ministries or individuals who also successfully bring people to the knowledge of the Savior. (DRM 6/18/09) 6:5 For each one will bear his own load. This short verse is in conjunction with verses three and
four above. 6:6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor When we have a particularly good encounter with someone else concerning our "spiritual walk," we should share our experience with others of the faith to encourage them that good things are happening in our lives and will happen to them also. (DRM 11/5/86) This answers the following question: {How am I supporting those who teach me God's Word?} The pupil should encourage the teacher. If it is a small group - encouragement can be verbal. If larger, then a note or letter of appreciation would help the teacher know that the Word's getting through. (DRM 10/24/01) 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. You can't hide things from God, He knows all. If I (you) were to do something that we know God wouldn't be pleased with, how could you hide it? You can't!!! If I were to sow or tell others a falsehood, then God would know - and others would also do the same for me (reap what is sown). We must think before we speak! (DRM 6/19/09) 6:8 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. This answers the following question: {What type of seed am I sowing among my friends?} Unfortunately, when I don't feel well, people know it, and that does not lead to good "sowing." Praise the Lord, on other days I feel His presence and sow good Spiritual seeds - hopefully more often. (DRM 10/25/01) 6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. The Lord wants us to help those who are in need. Quite
often I feel that I haven't done enough. This is something that has to be done
over a period of time. 6:10 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. This answers the following question: {How will I carry out God's opportunities for service today?} Doing good deeds for ALL people, not starting disagreements and showing the love of Christ. Let others see the love of Christ THROUGH me. May I be transparent where they can see Christ's love. (DRM 10/26/01) We have limited time here on earth, as our real home is Heaven; where God chose us before we were born - and where we, as believers in Christ, will be going soon. Since this time on earth is so short - why argue? Besides bringing others with me to Heaven, I should be as helpful as possible to believers and unbelievers alike. (DRM 11/18/05) 6:11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. Some people wonder what Paul's "thorn in the flesh" (2
Corinthians 12:7) was. I think this verse could be the answer. 6:12 Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. During Paul's time it was debated if a convert to
Christianity needed to have circumcision, like the Jews would have in their
religion. With this not resolved, some people/disciples suggested that
circumcision was needed as they were fearful of persecution from the Jews. 6:13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh. The people of the circumcision are the Jews. This attack
seems to be directed to their leaders, their priests. Paul was dealing with a legalistic Judaism seeking to impose the demands of the law upon people who had, by faith, embraced grace in Christ. This legalism was intended to pull those followers of Christ back into a performance-oriented approach to pleasing God. Our service to God is to come from an overflowing heart of appreciation for His love for us. (from Our Daily Bread, INSIGHT 1/7/15) 6:14 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. This answers the following question: {What should be my priorities as a Christian?} I should only boast in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. That means I should be more willing to tell people of Him. There is no higher goal. May God use me. (DRM 10/27/01) Like Paul wrote here, I should never boast about any of my accomplishments, as Jesus=God is truly the One who works through my life. When I boast, He should get the credit. My earthly desires should be dead and only heavenly desires remain - this is still hard for me to do. (DRM 11/19/05) 6:15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. In today's world, there are many ways that a person can change different parts of their outward appearance - but that doesn't change their heart's attitude toward Jesus the Messiah. Circumcision is an outward change, but we need an inward change to be a part of God's family - a new creation. (DRM 6/20/09) 6:16 And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. This refers to verse 15 about the act of circumcision.
Paul was stating that this act was unnecessary for salvation. The "rule" stated
here was about the Jews who still felt circumcision was necessary. He was
wishing them peace and mercy. |