Readings for this week
Monday: Galatians 3
Tuesday: Galatians 4
Wednesday: Galatians 5
Thursday: Galatians 6
Friday: Isaiah 1
Saturday: Isaiah 2
Sunday: Isaiah 3
Tuesday: Galatians 4
Wednesday: Galatians 5
Thursday: Galatians 6
Friday: Isaiah 1
Saturday: Isaiah 2
Sunday: Isaiah 3
Introduction to Galatians 3-6
Chapter 3
Paul makes a defense of Justification by Faith. He talks about the experience of the Galatians, declaring them to be bewitched fools who had already been made fully aware of Christ’s crucifixion.
Paul interrogates the Galatians:
Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?
Are you so foolish to begin by means of the Spirit, but finish by means of the flesh?
Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain?
Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?
Paul then refers to the example of Abraham in making his defense of Justification by Faith. He quotes Scripture, saying that Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” He says that those who have faith are children of Abraham. He says that Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” He says that those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
Paul then talks about the curse of the Law, saying that all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse. And he quotes Scripture, saying, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” He says that no one who relies on the law is justified before God… because “the righteous will live by faith.” And he says that Scripture does not say that the law is based on faith. On the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”
Paul then speaks of Christ bearing the curse of the Law. He says that 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 pole.”
He then speaks of the blessing of Abraham. He says that Christ redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
Paul then speaks of the permanence of the promise given to “Abraham’s Seed”…Christ. He gives an example from everyday life: No one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established.
God’s promise was to Abraham’s seed – meaning one person, not many. Who is this one person? Christ!
Paul then speaks of the Law’s irrelevance for the Promise. He points out that the law that came 430 years after the Abrahamic covenant does not change that covenant. The inheritance does not come through following the law, it comes strictly through the promise God graciously made to Abraham.
Paul then addresses the purpose of the Law. First, he discussed the Law’s temporary nature.
Why was the law given at all?
It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator, even though a mediator usually implies more than one party, and God is only one.
Does this mean that the law is opposed to the promises of God?
Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin.
Why?
So that what was promised (being given through faith in Jesus Christ) might be given to those who believe.
Before the coming of this faith…
We were held in custody under the law
We were locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.
The law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.
Now that this faith has come… we are no longer under a guardian.
Paul then discussed the Law’s inferior status. First, he talks about equality in the Body of Christ, saying that in Christ Jesus...
You are all children of God through faith
All of you were baptized into Christ
You have clothed yourselves with Christ
There is neither Jew nor Gentile
There is neither slave nor free
There is no male and female
You are all one in Christ Jesus
You are Abraham’s seed
You are heirs according to the promise
Paul interrogates the Galatians:
Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?
Are you so foolish to begin by means of the Spirit, but finish by means of the flesh?
Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain?
Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?
Paul then refers to the example of Abraham in making his defense of Justification by Faith. He quotes Scripture, saying that Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” He says that those who have faith are children of Abraham. He says that Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” He says that those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
Paul then talks about the curse of the Law, saying that all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse. And he quotes Scripture, saying, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” He says that no one who relies on the law is justified before God… because “the righteous will live by faith.” And he says that Scripture does not say that the law is based on faith. On the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”
Paul then speaks of Christ bearing the curse of the Law. He says that 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 pole.”
He then speaks of the blessing of Abraham. He says that Christ redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
Paul then speaks of the permanence of the promise given to “Abraham’s Seed”…Christ. He gives an example from everyday life: No one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established.
God’s promise was to Abraham’s seed – meaning one person, not many. Who is this one person? Christ!
Paul then speaks of the Law’s irrelevance for the Promise. He points out that the law that came 430 years after the Abrahamic covenant does not change that covenant. The inheritance does not come through following the law, it comes strictly through the promise God graciously made to Abraham.
Paul then addresses the purpose of the Law. First, he discussed the Law’s temporary nature.
Why was the law given at all?
It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator, even though a mediator usually implies more than one party, and God is only one.
Does this mean that the law is opposed to the promises of God?
Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin.
Why?
So that what was promised (being given through faith in Jesus Christ) might be given to those who believe.
Before the coming of this faith…
We were held in custody under the law
We were locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.
The law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.
Now that this faith has come… we are no longer under a guardian.
Paul then discussed the Law’s inferior status. First, he talks about equality in the Body of Christ, saying that in Christ Jesus...
You are all children of God through faith
All of you were baptized into Christ
You have clothed yourselves with Christ
There is neither Jew nor Gentile
There is neither slave nor free
There is no male and female
You are all one in Christ Jesus
You are Abraham’s seed
You are heirs according to the promise
Chapter 4
Paul then compares the Law and the Promise to slaves versus sons (heirs). Paul’s point about being an heir: If an heir is underage, he is no different than a slave . Likewise, when we were underage we were slaves to the spiritual forces of the world. But at the right time, God sent his son, a human born under the law, to redeem everyone else under the law and to make them children of God. If you are a child of God, then the Spirit of Jesus is in you. The Spirit of Jesus calls God “Daddy”. And if God is also your daddy, then you are no longer a slave, but an heir of God.
Paul then makes his appeal concerning justification by faith. Paul discusses his concern for the Galatians because of their return to bondage. He says to them, “When you didn’t know God you were slaves to things that are not gods. But now that you know God – or rather are known by God – why are you turning back?” The Galatians are observing special holidays and seasons that are contrary to the life of Christ, and Paul is worried that he has wasted his time on these people.
Paul then discusses his concern for the Galatians because of their loss of joy. Paul tells them that they should become like him since he had become like them. He remembers that previously…
They did him no wrong
He first preached the Gospel to them because he was ill
His illness was a trial to them
But they did not treat him with scorn or contempt
They treated him like an angel
They treated him like Christ himself
They would have been willing to tear out their own eyes and give them to him
But now…
They no longer bless him
They have become enemies of Paul because of the truth he spoke to them
The Judaizers…
Want to win the Galatians over
Do not have the benefit of the Galatians in mind
Want to alienate the Galatians from the Apostles
Want to win the zeal of the Galatians
Zeal…
Is a fine thing if the cause is good
Should be present at all times, and not just when Paul is around
Paul sees the Galatians as his children. He says he is in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in them. He wishes he could be with them. He wishes he could change his tone with them. They perplex him.
Paul then makes an allegorical appeal to them. He starts by asking, “Since you want to live under the law, do you even know what the law says?”
He says, “It is written that Abraham had two sons. One by the slave woman. The other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh. But his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.”
These things are being taken figuratively:
The women = two covenants
Hagar = The Sinai Covenant which bears children who are slaves
Hagar = the present city of Jerusalem, because Jerusalem’s children are slaves to the law
Sarah = the heavenly Jerusalem, who is our free mother
Isaac = you who are children of the promise
Ishmael persecuted Isaac = those born according to the flesh persecute those born by the power of the Spirit
But what does Scripture say?
“Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”
Paul’s conclusion: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.”
Paul then makes his appeal concerning justification by faith. Paul discusses his concern for the Galatians because of their return to bondage. He says to them, “When you didn’t know God you were slaves to things that are not gods. But now that you know God – or rather are known by God – why are you turning back?” The Galatians are observing special holidays and seasons that are contrary to the life of Christ, and Paul is worried that he has wasted his time on these people.
Paul then discusses his concern for the Galatians because of their loss of joy. Paul tells them that they should become like him since he had become like them. He remembers that previously…
They did him no wrong
He first preached the Gospel to them because he was ill
His illness was a trial to them
But they did not treat him with scorn or contempt
They treated him like an angel
They treated him like Christ himself
They would have been willing to tear out their own eyes and give them to him
But now…
They no longer bless him
They have become enemies of Paul because of the truth he spoke to them
The Judaizers…
Want to win the Galatians over
Do not have the benefit of the Galatians in mind
Want to alienate the Galatians from the Apostles
Want to win the zeal of the Galatians
Zeal…
Is a fine thing if the cause is good
Should be present at all times, and not just when Paul is around
Paul sees the Galatians as his children. He says he is in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in them. He wishes he could be with them. He wishes he could change his tone with them. They perplex him.
Paul then makes an allegorical appeal to them. He starts by asking, “Since you want to live under the law, do you even know what the law says?”
He says, “It is written that Abraham had two sons. One by the slave woman. The other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh. But his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.”
These things are being taken figuratively:
The women = two covenants
Hagar = The Sinai Covenant which bears children who are slaves
Hagar = the present city of Jerusalem, because Jerusalem’s children are slaves to the law
Sarah = the heavenly Jerusalem, who is our free mother
Isaac = you who are children of the promise
Ishmael persecuted Isaac = those born according to the flesh persecute those born by the power of the Spirit
But what does Scripture say?
“Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”
Paul’s conclusion: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.”
Chapter 5
Paul then offers a practical defense of Christian liberty. His argument contrasts liberty versus Law. The Law enslaves the believer. He says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Don’t let yourselves become slaves again. Christ means nothing to you if you choose the way of circumcision.” He adds that the Law obligates the believer, saying that every man who lets himself be circumcised is obligated to obey the whole law. He says that the Law alienates Christ. He says that if you try to be justified by the law you have fallen away from grace. Through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.
In Christ Jesus…
Circumcision has no value
Uncircumcision has no value
Faith expressing itself through love is the only thing that counts
Paul also says that the Law hinders growth. He says to the Galatians, “You were running a good race, but someone cut you off. Whoever persuaded you was not the one who first called you. A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough. The one throwing you into confusion will have to pay the penalty.”
He says that the Law removes the offense of the Cross. He poses, “If I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!”
Paul then contrasts liberty with license. First, he discussed the fruit of license saying “you were called to be free.” But your freedom…
Shouldn’t be used for fleshly indulgence
Should be used to serve one another humbly in love
Paul says that the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He says, “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Paul says that the acts of the flesh are obvious:
Sexual immorality
Impurity
Debauchery
Idolatry
Witchcraft
Hatred
Discord
Jealousy
Fits of rage
Selfish ambition
Dissensions
Factions
Envy
Drunkenness
Orgies
Other such things
Paul warns that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. And he says that the fruit of the Spirit is…
Love
Joy
Peace
Forbearance
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control
And he adds that there’s no law against things like this. He says that those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. And he adds that since we live by the Spirit…
Let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
In Christ Jesus…
Circumcision has no value
Uncircumcision has no value
Faith expressing itself through love is the only thing that counts
Paul also says that the Law hinders growth. He says to the Galatians, “You were running a good race, but someone cut you off. Whoever persuaded you was not the one who first called you. A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough. The one throwing you into confusion will have to pay the penalty.”
He says that the Law removes the offense of the Cross. He poses, “If I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!”
Paul then contrasts liberty with license. First, he discussed the fruit of license saying “you were called to be free.” But your freedom…
Shouldn’t be used for fleshly indulgence
Should be used to serve one another humbly in love
Paul says that the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He says, “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Paul says that the acts of the flesh are obvious:
Sexual immorality
Impurity
Debauchery
Idolatry
Witchcraft
Hatred
Discord
Jealousy
Fits of rage
Selfish ambition
Dissensions
Factions
Envy
Drunkenness
Orgies
Other such things
Paul warns that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. And he says that the fruit of the Spirit is…
Love
Joy
Peace
Forbearance
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control
And he adds that there’s no law against things like this. He says that those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. And he adds that since we live by the Spirit…
Let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Chapter 6
Paul then speaks of our liberty or freedom to love. First he discussed the responsibility we have toward the weak and sinful. If you catch someone sinning…
You who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently
You should watch yourselves, or you might also be tempted
You should carry each other’s burdens, and then you will fulfill the law of Christ
If you think you’re someone special, you’re not
Test your own actions and see if they’re worth being proud of, and don’t compare yourself to others
He then discussed responsibility toward those who are leaders. He says that “The one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction. Whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Paul then discusses the responsibility we have to do good toward all people whenever we have the opportunity, especially those who belong to the family of believers.
Paul then comes to his conclusion. First, he seeks to provide authentication of the epistle he is writing to the Galatians. He says, “See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!”
He then condemns the Judaizers. First, he discusses their motives. He says that they want the Galatians to be circumcised so that they may impress others by means of the flesh, and he adds that the only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. He says that not even those guys who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want the Galatians to be circumcised that they may boast about their circumcision in the flesh.
Paul then discusses his own motives. He says, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God. From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.”
Paul then closes with a benediction:
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.”
You who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently
You should watch yourselves, or you might also be tempted
You should carry each other’s burdens, and then you will fulfill the law of Christ
If you think you’re someone special, you’re not
Test your own actions and see if they’re worth being proud of, and don’t compare yourself to others
He then discussed responsibility toward those who are leaders. He says that “The one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction. Whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Paul then discusses the responsibility we have to do good toward all people whenever we have the opportunity, especially those who belong to the family of believers.
Paul then comes to his conclusion. First, he seeks to provide authentication of the epistle he is writing to the Galatians. He says, “See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!”
He then condemns the Judaizers. First, he discusses their motives. He says that they want the Galatians to be circumcised so that they may impress others by means of the flesh, and he adds that the only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. He says that not even those guys who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want the Galatians to be circumcised that they may boast about their circumcision in the flesh.
Paul then discusses his own motives. He says, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God. From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.”
Paul then closes with a benediction:
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.”
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comments!