248 lines
32 KiB
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248 lines
32 KiB
HTML
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<td align='left'><a href='#ch1'> 1</a></td>
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<td align='left'><a href='#ch2'> 2</a></td>
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<td align='left'><a href='#ch3'> 3</a></td>
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<td align='left'><a href='#ch4'> 4</a></td>
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<td align='left'><a href='#ch5'> 5</a></td>
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<td align='left'><a href='#ch6'> 6</a></td>
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<h4 id="ch1"><a onClick="return mV('Gal',1,'1-');">GALATIANS 1:</a><br>ORDINATION FROM GOD</h4>
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<p id="a1"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',1,'1');">v. 1</a></b> "Apostle" means "one who has been sent".
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<P> The apostleship of Paul had been challenged by false teachers They questioned his authority because he had not been ordained by men Paul was ordained directly by Jesus Christ (<a onClick="return mV('Act',9,'1-22');">Acts 9:1-22</a>) The resurrection of Christ is central to the message of the gospel His victory over death is our reason to hope.
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<p id="a3"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',1,'3');">v. 3</a></b> Grace is God's unmeritted favor. The peace Paul speaks of here is the peace of God. When we know the grace of God, then we can experience the peace of God. The title "Lord" describes our relationship to Jesus.
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<p id="a4"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',1,'4');">v. 4</a></b> Paul here describes the work of Jesus Christ for us.
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<p id="a5"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',1,'6-9');">v. 6-9</a></b> The Galatians were Gauls. They had conquered and settled the area of Asia Minor long before the birth of Christ. Paul traveled in Asia Minor on his missionary journeys. The false teachers followed Paul going into Cities after he left to challenge his authority and criticize his teaching. "Gospel" means "good news".
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<P> Paul taught the Galatians that their basis for righteousness was the grace of God. The false teachers said that a man's works made him righteous. They were putting the Galatians under the yoke of the law which was really not another gospel but a perversion of the good news that Christ had brought to man. Accursed in Greek is <i>anathema</i> which means cursed to the lowest hell.
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<p id="a6"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',1,'10-12');">v. 10-12</a></b> Paul was taught the Gospel by Jesus Christ.
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<p id="a7"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',1,'13');">v. 13</a></b> "Wasted" means "devastated."
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<p id="a8"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',1,'15');">v. 15</a></b> God's hand was on Paul's life from the moment of his birth. He arranged for Paul to be a well-educated Jew, a Roman citizen, and a man who was immersed in the Greek culture from boyhood. God knew what Paul needed to prepare him for the ministry. God creates us for His pleasure (<a onClick="return mV('Rev',4,11);">Revelation 4:11</a>). He has a specific purpose for each one of us, and we can only be fulfilled when we're serving Him according to His plan (<a onClick="return mV('Psa',17,'15');">Psalm 17:15</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Jhn',8,29);">John 8:29</a>).
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<p id="a11"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',1,'16');">v. 16</a></b> God wants us to reveal His Son to the world. He continually works in us through the Holy Spirit to mold us into the image of Christ (<a onClick="return mV('1Cr',3,18);">1 Corinthians 3:18</a>; <a onClick="return mV('1Jo',2,6);">1 John 2:6</a>; <a onClick="return mV('1Jo',4,17);">4:17</a>). "Heathen" here refers to the Gentiles.
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<p id="a14"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',1,'17-18');">v. 17-18</a></b> Paul was prepared for the ministry by Jesus Christ for three years (<a onClick="return mV('Zec',4,'10');">Zechariah 4:10</a>).
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<p id="a15"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',1,'19-24');">v. 19-24</a></b> Paul wanted the Galatians to know that his teachings were direct revelations from Jesus Christ, not doctrine from the Church leaders
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<p><a href='#toc' style='font-size:80%'>Return</a></p>
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<h4 id="ch2"><a onClick="return mV('Gal',2,'1-');">GALATIANS 2:</a><br>JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH</h4>
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<p id="a16"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',2,'1');">v. 1</a></b> <a onClick="return mV('Act',15,'1-');">Acts 15</a>.
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<p id="a17"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',2,'2');">v. 2</a></b> Paul spoke privately to the apostles, who were highly esteemed among the brethren, so that there wouldn't be a general commotion over his ministry to the Gentiles.
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<p id="a18"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',2,'4-5');">v. 4-5</a></b> Paul had defended the gospel of grace and hadn't submitted himself to the teachers who tried to make Jews out of the Christians He hadn't gone to Jerusalem for guidance from the elders there, but to state his case. He felt very strongly that the Gentile Christians should maintain the liberty they had in Christ.
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<p id="a19"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',2,'6-9');">v. 6-9</a></b> Paul explained to the Galatians that there was no established spiritual hierarchy in Jerusalem constituting a spiritual authority over the whole Church He wanted them to see that the Christian Jews were no closer to God than the Christian Gentiles Cephas is another name for Peter.
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<p id="a20"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',2,'13');">v. 13</a></b> "Dissimulation" here refers to "hypocrisy".
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<p id="a21"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',2,'16');">v. 16</a></b> Justification before God comes by faith in Jesus Christ (<!-- <a onClick="return mV('Act',5,1);">Acts 5, 7, 11</a>--><a onClick="return mV('Rom',4,5);">Romans 4:5</a>)
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<p id="a23"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',2,'17');">v. 17</a></b> <a onClick="return mV('Rom',5,20);">Romans 5:20-21</A>; <a onClick="return mV('Rom',6,1,2);">6:1-2</a>, <a onClick="return mV('Rom',5,8);">8:22-23:</a> <a onClick="return mV('1Cr',15,'54-57');">1 Corinthians 15:54-57</a>.
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<p id="a25"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',2,'20');">v. 20</a></b> The basis for our relationship with God is His unmerited grace God wants us to trust Him for our salvation rather than rely on our own righteousness of faith <a onClick="return mV('Hbr',11,6);">Hebrews 11:6</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Eph',2,8);">Ephesians 2:8</a>). Our salvation is the work of God: He drew us to Himself, gave us faith and imputed the righteousness of Christ to us . Christ established the basis for salvation with His death on the cross. As we Identify ourselves with Him by making Him our Lord, we share in His death resurrection, and life. Now we walk in the Spirit rather than in our corruption.
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<p id="a28"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',2,'21');">v. 21</a></b> We do not frustrate the grace of God when we accept His numerous gifts; we establish the grace of God in our lives. Our righteousness isn't based on our keeping the law but on the righteousness of Christ through faith. The faith that brings this righteous standing before God is the faith that manifests itself in the works of God (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',6,2);">Romans 6:2</a>; <a onClick="return mV('1Jo',3,9);">1 John 3:9</a>). We shouldn't misuse the grace of God as an excuse to continue in sin (<a onClick="return mV('1Pe',2,16);">1 Peter 2:16</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Jud',1,'4');">Jude 4</a>).
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<p><a href='#toc' style='font-size:80%'>Return</a></p>
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<h4 id="ch3"><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'1-');">GALATIANS 3:</a><br>THE PROMISE TO ABRAHAM</h4>
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<p id="a32"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'1');">v. 1</a></b> The righteousness we have through Christ is complete; it cannot be improved upon.
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<p id="a33"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'2');">v. 2</a></b> We come to God on the basis of what He is, not on the basis of what we are. The door is always open to us when we approach Him on the basis of His grace, but rarely open when we approach Him on the basis of our righteousness. If we can fellowship with God in a love relationship, why would we ever choose a legal relationship instead? The gift of the Holy Spirit isn't an earned blessing.
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<p id="a34"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'3');">v. 3</a></b> Paul relates the spirit to our faith and the flesh to our works. Our faith produces fruit, not fleshly works. Fruit is the natural result of relationship (<a onClick="return mV('1Cr',11,'28-31');">1 Corinthians 11:28-31</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Mat',12,33);">Matthew 12:33</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Jhn',15,8);">John 15:8</a>). God doesn't require us to do works we hate to do. He endows and equips us for a particular ministry in the Body of Christ. When we fulfill our ministry, it's natural and comfortable for us (<a onClick="return mV('2Cr',5,14);">2 Corinthians 5:14</a>). God doesn't acknowledge or reward the works of our flesh. He wants to see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, which is the product of believing and abiding in Jesus (<a onClick="return mV('Jhn',15,'1-8');">John 15:1-8</a>). When we received Jesus, God justified us and imputed the righteousness of Christ to us. Our works of the flesh do not add anything to our relationship with God. He is pleased by our faith (<a onClick="return mV('Hbr',11,'6');">Hebrews 11:6</a>).
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<p id="a40"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'5');">v. 5</a></b> The fruit is produced in our lives not because of our righteousness, but because of faith (<a onClick="return mV('Act',3,'1-16');">Acts 3:1-16</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Mat',5,16);">Matthew 5:16</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Jam',5,17,18);">James 5:17-18</a>).
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<p id="a44"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'6');">v. 6</a></b> Abraham is acknowledged as the father of those who believe. Righteousness was imputed to him because of his faith, not because of his actions. What Abraham believed was demonstrated by what he did. Our actions must also be in harmony with what we believe.
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<p id="a45"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'7');">v. 7</a></b> Abraham is the father of a spiritual race of people, rather than a physical race.
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<p id="a46"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'8-9');">v. 8-9</a></b> The covenant blessings God gave to Abraham are ours also through faith.
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<p id="a47"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'10-11');">v. 10-11</a></b> The law condemns the man who tries to be justified by it.
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<p id="a48"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'12');">v. 12</a></b> The law is concerned with works, not with faith.
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<p id="a49"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'13');">v. 13</a></b> The New Testament emphasizes what God has done for us. The Church has made the mistake of emphasizing what we should do for God. We have moved from the life of faith, grace, and spirit to the life of law, works, and flesh. We've gone from blessing and victory to a life of rejection and defeat (<a onClick="return mV('1Pe',1,'3-5');">1 Peter 1:3-5</a>). The law was intended by God to show us our inadequacy and our need of Him; it was never intended to make men feel righteous (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',7,7);">Romans 7:7</a>, <a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,24);">Galatians 3:24</a>).
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<p id="a53"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'14');">v. 14</a></b> We cannot receive the Holy Spirit by the works of the law. We receive the Holy Spirit by our faith in Jesus Christ.
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<p id="a54"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'15');">v. 15</a></b> God confirmed His covenant with Abraham. The law, which was added 430 years later, didn't void the original covenant (<a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'17');">v. 17</a>).
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<p id="a55"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'16');">v. 16</a></b> The blessing of Abraham is Jesus Christ and the fellowship with God that He makes possible.
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<p id="a56"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'17-18');">v. 17-18</a></b> God's covenant with Abraham concerned the Gentiles. The law was for Israel. Therefore, the covenant with Abraham wasn't affected by the law.
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<p id="a57"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'19');">v. 19</a></b> The law is good and holy. Obedience to the law provides a life of blessing. The law is the standard that God is conforming us to. Our relationship with God is established on faith, not on our obedience to the law. Our faith is a constant while our experience (obedience) is a variable. The law was necessary before Christ came to give man a covering for his sins so he could relate to God.
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<p id="a58"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'21');">v. 21</a></b> If the law could make us righteous, God wouldn't have sacrificed His Son (<a onClick="return mV('Luk',22,42);">Luke 22:42</a>).
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<p id="a60"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'22');">v. 22</a></b> <a onClick="return mV('Rom',3,23);">Romans 3:23</a>
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<p id="a62"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'23');">v. 23</a></b> The law kept people at a distance from God with the priest as mediator.
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<p id="a63"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'24');">v. 24</a></b> The schoolmaster in the Greek culture was the household servant who escorted the child safely to the place of instruction. The law taught us where we failed to meet God's standards. It made us realize how our sins separated us from God and how impossible it was for us to be righteous on our own. The law showed us our need for Christ. When we're justified, God imputes righteousness to us just as if we had never sinned.
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<p id="a64"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'25');">v. 25</a></b> After the law has driven us to Christ, it has finished its work in us (<a onClick="return mV('Mic',6,8);">Micah 6:8</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Mat',5,48);">Matthew 5:48</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Jhn',16,'7-11');">John 16:7-11</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Mat',12,'31-32');">Matthew 12:31-32</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Isa',53,6);">Isaiah 53:6</a>). The power of the Spirit and our love for Christ combine to keep us on the path of righteousness now.
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<p id="a70"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'26');">v. 26</a></b> "Children" here means "placed as a son." <a onClick="return mV('Jhn',1,12);">John 1:12</a>.
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<p id="a72"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'27');">v. 27</a></b> When we're baptized, we bury the old life of the flesh and begin a new life in Christ (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',6,'3-7');">Romans 6:3-7</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Jhn',3,'6-7');">John 3:6-7</a>).
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<p id="a75"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',3,'28');">v. 28</a></b> Jesus Christ removes the distinctions that divide people into superior and inferior groups.
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<p><a href='#toc' style='font-size:80%'>Return</a></p>
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<h4 id="ch4"><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'1-');">GALATIANS 4:</a><br>FREEDOM FROM THE LAW</h4>
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<p id="a76"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'2');">v. 2</a></b> "Tutors" here refers to "guardians." "Governors" here refers to "stewards." The law was a guardian for the children of Israel. They were the heirs of many promises from God, but they had to wait until the time chosen by God for them to enter into the full inheritance.
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<p id="a77"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'3');">v. 3</a></b> "Elements" here refers to "elementary things," the "basic fundamentals." Being under the law is being in bondage (<a onClick="return mV('Act',15,'1-31');">Acts 15:1-31</a>).
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<p id="a79"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'4');">v. 4</a></b> God sent His Son from His presence in heaven to the earth to redeem fallen man (<a onClick="return mV('Jhn',17,'5');">John 17:5</a>).
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<p id="a80"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'6');">v. 6</a></b> The Trinity works in harmony (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',8,16);">Romans 8:16</a>).
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Jesus often used the intimate word "Abba" when speaking of His Father.
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<p id="a82"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'7');">v. 7</a></b> We need the restraints of the law when we have a primary relationship with God. When we mature to a love relationship with Him, we no longer need the law. Where there is a strong love relationship, there is no need for laws. Love fulfills the law (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',13,10);">Romans 13:10</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Mat',22,'37-40');">Matthew 22:37-40</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Jhn',13,35);">John 13:35</a>; <a onClick="return mV('2Cr',9,7);">2 Corinthians 9:7</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Eph',1,18);">Ephesians 1:18</a>).
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<p id="a88"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'8');">v. 8</a></b> <a onClick="return mV('Rom',6,20);">Romans 6:20</a>.
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<p id="a90"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'9');">v. 9</a></b> We know God only because He has revealed Himself to us (<a onClick="return mV('Job',11,7);">Job 11:7</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Jhn',6,44);">John 6:44</a>). The law is weak because it can only diagnose our problems; it cannot cure them.
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<p id="a92"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'10');">v. 10</a></b> The days the Jews observed were the Sabbath days, the months were the new moon feasts, the times they observed were the annual festivals, and the years they observed were the sabbatical years.
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<p id="a93"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'12');">v. 12</a></b> Paul begged the Galatians to walk in grace as he did, rather than live under the law.
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<p id="a94"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'13-14');">v. 13-14</a></b> Paul once described his physical problem as a "thorn [stake, literally] in the flesh" (<a onClick="return mV('2Cr',12,7);">2 Corinthians 12:7</a>). "Temptation" here refers to the "testing."
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<p id="a96"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'15');">v. 15</a></b> Paul's reference here to the Galatians giving him their eyes could indicate that he had eye problems; or, he could be describing the depth of their love for him.
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<p id="a97"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'16');">v. 16</a></b> <a onClick="return mV('3Jo',1,'4');">3 John 4</a>.
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<p id="a98"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'17');">v. 17</a></b> The false teachers were very affectionate toward the Galatians.
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<p id="a99"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'19');">v. 19</a></b> This is the only time Paul used the endearing term "my little children" in his letters. The Holy Spirit works in us to conform us into the image of Christ (<a onClick="return mV('Eph',4,13);">Ephesians 4:13</a>).
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<p id="a101"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'20');">v. 20</a></b> Paul wished the Galatians to know that he was softening his tone at this point.
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<p id="a102"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'23');">v. 23</a></b> Ishmael, the son of the servant Hagar, was the child produced by fleshly efforts to fulfill God's promise. Isaac, the son of Sarah, was the child of faith.
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<p id="a103"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'27');">v. 27</a></b> Paul quotes this Scripture to demonstrate that there will be many more converts to God through His grace than through the law (<a onClick="return mV('Isa',54,1);">Isaiah 54:1</a>).
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<p id="a105"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'28');">v. 28</a></b> Paul relates the Christian to Isaac, the child of promise.
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<p id="a106"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',4,'29');">v. 29</a></b> The false teachers were persecuting Paul just as Ishmael had mocked Isaac.
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<p><a href='#toc' style='font-size:80%'>Return</a></p>
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<h4 id="ch5"><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'1-');">GALATIANS 5:</a><br>RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH</h4>
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<p id="a107"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'1');">v. 1</a></b> Paul here urges the Galatians to hold to the sound doctrine he had taught them, rather than being confused and caught up in every new wind of doctrine (<a onClick="return mV('Eph',4,'11-14');">Ephesians 4:11-14</a>).
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<p id="a107"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'2');">v. 2</a></b> Paul points out the futility of being circumcised or doing any other work to try to assure salvation or righteous standing with God. No religious ritual can ever save us.
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<p id="a109"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'3-4');">v. 3-4</a></b> If a man is circumcised in order to be saved, then he is responsible for the whole law, because he has established a legal relationship with God (<a onClick="return mV('Jam',2,'11');">James 2:11).
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<p id="a111"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'5');">v. 5</a></b> <a onClick="return mV('Phl',3,'4-9');">Philippians 3:4-9</a>.
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<p id="a113"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'7');">v. 7</a></b> <a onClick="return mV('1Cr',9,24);">1 Corinthians 9:24</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Phl',3,14);">Philippians 3:14</a>.
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<p id="a116"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'8');">v. 8</a></b> The doctrine taught by the false teachers wasn't from God but from men. Many of the cults put people under bondage to their laws. Their leaders are often very convincing speakers. We need to evaluate the teachings we hear in light of what the Bible says (<a onClick="return mV('1Th',5,21);">1 Thessalonians 5:21</a>).
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<p id="a118"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'9');">v. 9</a></b> If we move just slightly away from pure doctrine, we can go further away as we try to reconcile our beliefs.
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<p id="a119"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'11');">v. 11</a></b> The Cross offends people, because when Christ sacrificed Himself for the sins of every person, He became the only way to God. People are bothered by the narrowness of one way; they prefer to think that man can somehow effect his salvation through a wide choice of roads to God.
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<p id="a120"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'13');">v. 13</a></b> We're no longer slaves to our flesh, sin, and Satan when we're born again (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',6,'1-');">Romans 6</a>; <a onClick="return mV('2Ti',2,26);">2 Timothy 2:26</a>). We're also free from the law. Now we must exercise our freedom so that we're not brought back into bondage (<a onClick="return mV('1Cr',6,12);">1 Corinthians 6:12</a>).
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<p id="a123"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'16');">v. 16</a></b> "Walk" here refers to our "manner of life." When our spirits are in union with God, we're alive. When our spirits are not in union with God, we're dead (<a onClick="return mV('Eph',2,'1-3');">Ephesians 2:1-3</a>). One of the signs that a man isn't in fellowship with God is his conformity to the world (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',12,12);">Romans 12:12</a>; <a onClick="return mV('1Jo',2,15);">1 John 2:15</a>; <a onClick="return mV('2Cr',6,17);">2 Corinthians 6:17</a>). God communicates with us through our spirits (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',8,'16-17');">Romans 8:16-17</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Jhn',4,'23-24');">John 4:23-24</a>). The spirit confirms that we belong to God (<a onClick="return mV('Jhn',14,20);">John 14:20</a>) and opens our understanding of spiritual things (<a onClick="return mV('1Cr',2,'14-15');">1 Corinthians 2:14-15</a>), teaching and instructing us . When we walk in the Spirit, we allow Him to rule our minds and control our thoughts (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',8,5);">Romans 8:5</a>). We feed on spiritual food to keep our spiritual man strong (<a onClick="return mV('Job',23,12);">Job 23:12</a>). If we program our minds with spiritual things, then the Spirit overflows from our lives. When we walk in the Spirit we have fellowship with God (<a onClick="return mV('1Jo',1,'7-');">1 John 1:7</A>). We have joy, peace, understanding, and patience. We also have strength and power over the flesh with the ability to see the consequences of following the fleshly life (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',8,6);">Romans 8:6</a>).
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<p id="a136"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'17');">v. 17</a></b> The conflict between the flesh and the Spirit is common in the life of the believer. God has given us instincts and desires that are part of our natural function. When our fleshly instincts try to rule us, then the struggle with the Spirit begins (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',7,'19-25');">Romans 7:19-25</a>). Sometimes it seems that we're overwhelmed by our fleshly desires (<a onClick="return mV('Mat',26,41);">Matthew 26:41</a>), but God uses our weak areas to show us His strength (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',7,'24-25');">Romans 7:24-25</a>). When we ask Him for help, He is right there with the power to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We cannot reform our flesh; it must be crucified (<a onClick="return mV('Gal',2,20);">Galatians 2:20</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Rom',6,6);">Romans 6:6</a>) We must continually reckon our flesh dead and buried as new temptations occur. God works on us from the inside out, not from the outside in. While we try to practice self-control, God is teaching us Spirit-control.
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<p id="a142"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'18');">v. 18</a></b> <a onClick="return mV('Rom',8,14);">Romans 8:14</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Psa',40,8);">Psalm 40:8</a>; <a onClick="return mV('2Cr',3,3);">2 Corinthians 3:3</a>.
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<p id="a146"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'19');">v. 19</a></b> These works of the flesh all deal with sexual sin (<a onClick="return mV('1Cr',6,'15-20');">1 Corinthians 6:15-20</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Rom',1,'21-27');">Romans 1:21-27</a>). "Uncleanness" is "immorality."
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<p id="a149"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'20');">v. 20</a></b> Idolatry is worshipping God in ways that He doesn't sanction. Many people offer the works of their flesh to God as worship. God doesn't reward the works of the flesh. The meaning of the word translated "witchcraft" here encompasses the use of hallucinogenic drugs. Wrath is an ungovernable temper given to explosions. One who strives is self-seeking. An example is the politician who seeks office to gratify his ego rather than to serve the people.
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<p id="a150"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'21');">v. 21</a></b> Our Christian life should be wholehearted and intense, not a borderline experience (<a onClick="return mV('1Cr',9,24);">1 Corinthians 9:24</a>).
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<p id="a152"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'22');">v. 22</a></b> The contrast here is between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Our fruit is nurtured and cultivated by God (<a onClick="return mV('Jhn',15,1,4);">John 15:1, 4</a>). The Spirit is the dynamic power of God working in our lives to bring forth fruit (<a onClick="return mV('Act',1,'8');">Acts 1:8</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Rom',8,14);">Romans 8:14</a>). The word "love" here is the Greek word agape, the unselfish spiritual love that comes from God. The rest of this verse describes agape (<a onClick="return mV('1Cr',13,'1-');">1 Corinthians 13</a>). The fruit of the Spirit is agape (<a onClick="return mV('1Jo',3,14);">1 John 3:14</a>). Joy is the consciousness of God's love. Peace is more than the absence of conflict. True peace is only possible when agape exists. Gentleness is sensitivity to the needs of others. Love is the strongest motivator for goodness. Agape causes others to have faith in our word; it makes us trustworthy. Meekness is humility. The people who are humble don't tell you they are. Temperance is moderation. The fruit of the Spirit should be flowing from our lives for the building up of the Body of Christ (<a onClick="return mV('Jam',1,'22-24');">James 1:22-24</A>).
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<p id="a158"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'25');">v. 25</a></b> Living in the Spirit begins when we are born again. Walking in the Spirit means that we are conscious of God's presence with us at all times. An awareness of God's presence helps us to be obedient to Him and to avoid evil. If we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh (<a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'16');">v. 16</A>). Walking in the Spirit is walking in love.
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<p id="a159"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',5,'26');">v. 26</a></b> The glory and praise of men soon passes. Making a show in the flesh provokes others and causes envy. We should conduct ourselves in a way that leads people to glorify God for our actions (<a onClick="return mV('Jhn',3,'29-30');">John 3:29-30</a>).
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<p><a href='#toc' style='font-size:80%'>Return</a></p>
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<h4 id="ch6"><a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'1-');"><a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'1-');">GALATIANS 6:</a><br>CHRISTIAN CONDUCT</h4>
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<p id="a161"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'1');">v. 1</a></b> We are to reach out to help and lift the brother or sister who falls. We should show compassion and understanding, remembering that we also are tempted.
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<p id="a162"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'2');">v. 2</a></b> Paul tells the Galatians to lift the burdens from each other in Christian love (<a onClick="return mV('Jhn',13,34);">John 13:34</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Mat',22,'36-40');">Matthew 22:36-40</a>). The false teachers were adding to the Galatians' burdens by putting them under the law.
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<p id="a165"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'3');">v. 3</a></b> <a onClick="return mV('Rom',12,3);">Romans 12:3</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Jam',1,'22');">James 1:22</a>; <a onClick="return mV('1Jo',1,'8');">1 John 1:8; <a onClick="return mV('1Cr',4,7);">1 Corinthians 4:7</a>.
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<p id="a170"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'4');">v. 4</a></b> Paul suggests that we examine the motivation behind our works to determine whether we did our best. We shouldn't judge our works in comparison to the works of others, but in comparison to our ideal in Jesus Christ (<a onClick="return mV('Luk',18,'10-14');">Luke 18:10-14</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Jhn',16,'8-11');">John 16:8-11</a>).
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<p id="a173"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'5');">v. 5</a></b> Paul uses a different Greek word here for "burden" than the word he used in <a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'2');">verse two</a>. The "burden" in <a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'2');">verse two</a> is the same as used in <a onClick="return mV('Act',15,28);">Acts 15:28</a>. The "burden" here in <a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'5');">verse five</a> is similar to a "back pack."
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<p id="a175"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'6');">v. 6</a></b> The Lord blesses those who give cheerfully and willingly to Him (<a onClick="return mV('Mal',3,'8-12');">Malachi 3:8-12</a>; <a onClick="return mV('Phl',4,17);">Philippians 4:17</a>). Unfortunately, some people try to take advantage of Christians by begging for money, as if the work of God depended on men's donations.
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<p id="a178"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'7-8');">v. 7-8</a></b> We mustn't make allowances for our flesh (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',13,14);">Romans 13:14</a>). Many people fool themselves into thinking that they can live to please their flesh and have a good relationship with God, too.
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<p id="a180"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'9-10');">v. 9-10</a></b> We shouldn't be so concerned about our own pleasure or comfort that we overlook the people in need who are all around us.
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<p id="a181"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'12-13');">v. 12-13</a></b> <a onClick="return mV('Act',15,10);">Acts 15:10</a>.
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<p id="a183"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'14');">v. 14</a></b> We shouldn't glory in ourselves when God chooses to use us in some way (<a onClick="return mV('1Cr',1,'29');">1 Corinthians 1:29</a>). We have to come to the cross in our own personal walk and experience. We must be dead to the world and to the desires the world stirs up in us.
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<p id="a185"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'15');">v. 15</a></b> Outward rituals like circumcision don't alter our standing with God. He closely observes our inward lives for signs of consecration.
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<p id="a186"><b><a onClick="return mV('Gal',6,'17');">v. 17</a></b> Paul was tired of defending his teachings and ministry. His faithful and committed conduct. his willingness to suffer beatings and imprisonment for his testimony, and the abundant fruit from his ministry should have been enough to dispel any doubts that arose when the false teachers attacked Paul's teachings.
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<p><a href='#toc' style='font-size:80%'>Return</a></p>
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<br><br><br>
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<div class="cite" style="margin-bottom:0px;">
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<p class="cite"><b>Used With Permission</a></b> </p>
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<p class="cite">©
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<a href="http://www.twft.com/" target="_blank">The Word For Today</a>. We thank Chuck Smith, <a href="http://www.twft.com/" target="_blank">The Word For Today</a> and <a href="http://www.calvarychapel.org/costamesa/" target="_blank">Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa</a> for their permission to utilize this work.</p>
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