A Little Leaven Galatians 5:9 - Equipped for Battle

For quite a while now we have been sharing the words and thoughts of Paul the apostle to the church members in Galatia. We may begin to wonder why Paul would go to such efforts to refute the teachings of the Judaizers who were attempting to convince the believers there that they must also follow the law of God as well as receiving the grace of God by faith in Jesus Christ. In chapter five and verse nine Paul gives an important reason for removing all false teaching where he wrote:

A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

Paul begins, “A little leaven...” It seems so small. Is there really any affect that such a small, tiny, inconspicuous amount will have? We might think, what difference does such a small amount of leaven make. For those who make homemade bread, they know what difference it makes. There is a bread called “friendship” bread that used to make the circuit. The idea was that a small pinch of leavened bread would be given by a friend to his or her friend, and they would introduced it into an unleavened batch of dough. Overnight that infiltrated new bread would begin to swell from the small pinch, and soon the entire new batch would be leavened as well. Leaven is like that, and so is false doctrine.

Paul goes on to tell the effect of the little leaven, “...leavens the whole lump.” In other words, just as the small amount of leaven infiltrates the bread, so does false doctrine and ways throughout a church body. Just before the children of Israel left Egypt, God instructed Moses on the idea of eating unleavened bread. In Exodus chapter twelve and verse fifteen we read:

Seven days shall you eat unleavened bread; even the first day you shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

The rule was so strict because leaven represented “sin”. Leaven was an agent of fermentation as is sin. Whenever leaven and sin are allowed to remain eventually rottenness occurs, and those who are affected by the rotten bread and sin are certain to be harmed. There was not to be one speck of leaven in their houses. They would search their houses thoroughly to be certain there was no leaven to be found. Paul knew that if any part of the doctrine of the Judaizers was left among the church members in Galatia, it was certain that the entire church could be affected by it.

The question is, “Do we have any leaven in our lives?” Are there ideas that are contrary to faith and trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation? Is there sin in any measure in our lives? Perhaps we should examine ourselves and be as David of old who wrote in the book of Psalms chapter one hundred and thirty nine in verses twenty-three and twenty-four:

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Let us be reminded again, “a little leaven leavens the whole lump.”

Next time Paul will share what happens to those who persuade the Galatians away from the gospel of Jesus Christ, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Not of Him that Calls You Galatians 5:8 - Equipped for Battle

As Paul the apostle shared with the Galatian church members, he wondered previously who hindered them in their walk with the Lord. They at one time were on the right tract, but now since the Judaizers came, they were impeded and altered in their path. Paul wanted to know who was responsible for such false doctrine, and in chapter five and verse eight he speaks directly against these false teachers. He wrote:

This persuasion comes not of him that calls you.

Paul begins, “This persuasion...” which means this deceptive persuasion and is a play on words in the Greek language as it relates to the word “obey” in the previous verse. Paul calls it a “persuasion” because he knows that those who promoted it have influenced their behavior and thinking. His inference is that just because someone may present appealing arguments and give notable reasons for their ideas does not mean that the ideas are correct ones. Many today are promoting attitudes, thinking and ways of living that are contrary to the truth. Nonetheless they persuade now as they did then.

Paul continues, “...comes not of him that calls you.” Paul makes note of the source of the persuasion. It is important to know from where a line of thinking comes. Paul's supposition is that this persuasion was not of God nor from any of His agents by whom He gave them the gospel. It must have therefore originated from the ultimate enemy of God, Satan, and any of his agents who promote ideas contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ. God called the Galatian church members unto the gospel which is appropriated to them by faith in Jesus Christ. All other influences contrary to the gospel are meant only to persuade people to believe in something that does not originate with God. These persuasions are not of Him that calls us.

Today we have many people with convincing words attempting to persuade and alter thinking about the gospel of Jesus Christ. This attempt is to remove people from the truth to believe a lie. Jesus said in the gospel of John in chapter fourteen and verse six:

I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.

These are the words of Jesus, and He is the one who “calls” us. No matter how convincing the arguments, no matter how persuasive the jargon, and no matter how emphatically or empirically spoken the words are put together, Jesus is “the truth”, and anyone who attempts to share otherwise is one whom Paul deems is in opposition to the gospel to which we have been called. May we evermore stand in the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ regardless of the convincing words of many to do otherwise.

Next time Paul will tell us the influence that a little leaven has, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Who Hindered You? Galatians 5:7 - Equipped for Battle

As Paul the apostle continues his discourse to the Galatian church members, he is attempting to convince them there is no need to return to following the law of Moses because Jesus Christ has fulfilled that law. The Judaizers, who were false teachers among them, filled their minds with ideas that they should return to the ritual of physical circumcision and following the law to be saved. Paul asks them a great question in chapter five and verse seven where he wrote:

You did run well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth?

Paul begins, “You did run well;” which means they used to be on the right tract. There was a time when they were enjoying their salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and they knew that this grace was enough to keep them growing in their walk with God. They professed Jesus Christ, and they lived according to their profession. As those who run in a race, they were forging ahead, continuing to take steps, and not letting anything impede their way. However, Paul noted that there was a difference in their running now.

Paul continued, “who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth?” In other words, you were running so well, who got you off tract? There are many in the Christian walk who start off well just as those in a timed run. They look good at the start, and their efforts look the same as everyone else running in the race. However, as time goes by they divert to another path or they tire in the race. Some even stop running, and perhaps there are outside impediments that become obstacles to running. Which ever the case, Paul rhetorically desires to know who diverted them from obeying the truth.

We noted earlier in our study how the truth seems to enter on a snails back while falsehood swoops in like an eagle. For some believers, when they first accept Jesus as their Savior, everything is wonderful and they begin their race. Then time marches on. The things of God are altered, unattended, excused and removed from their lives. Now those who were once so diligent are hardly ever seen again. Those who were once “on fire” for the Lord Jesus are now barely a “smoking flax.” Who hindered them? Who or what diverted them from running their race in a manner that is in keeping with God's ways? Who, in fact, hindered them that they should not obey the truth? What weights of the world have attached themselves to them so they cannot run as they once did?

Perhaps in light of this scripture we too should examine our running to determine if we have been hindered in any way. Maybe we have tired or it could be that someone has introduced falsehood into our path. Whichever the case, let us allow Paul's question to the Galatians “who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth?” to stimulate our own running, and may we continue forging ahead with all our might in our run with God.

Next time Paul addresses the source of the Galatians misinformation, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Faith that Works by Love Galatians 5:6 - Equipped for Battle

There were those among the church members in Galatia who were convinced they needed to return to following not only the keeping of the law of God but also the rituals within it to be righteous. The false teaching Judaizers convinced them that if they practiced these ways in addition to faith in Jesus Christ, they would be saved. Paul the apostle has been dismantling their teachings by calling out those who deemed circumcision as one of those acts of righteousness. He told them that if there was a need to return to following the law of God and the act of circumcision then there was no need for Jesus, however, they, nor we, can keep the law of God perfectly, so now we hope for righteousness that will be appropriated to us when we see Jesus one day. Paul goes on to say in chapter five and verse six:

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.

Before Paul the apostle leaves the subject of circumcision he desires that his words are clearly understood on the subject. He begins, “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision:...” It is not by the outward appearance that anyone is made righteous. Those among the Galatians who thought themselves more saved because of a cutting away of the outward flesh were deceived. The word employed by Paul is “avails” which means – to be strong, to have power as shown by extraordinary deeds; to be a force, serviceable; to be able. The idea is that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision puts a person in a better position with God. No, rather, the position in Jesus Christ is what is most important.

Paul continues, “...but faith which works by love.” The work that is done has been completed by Jesus, and now faith works by means of love. It is the love of God which is poured out upon those who trust in, rely upon, and cling to Jesus Christ. It no longer is the outward observance of the law of God which justifies a person, but rather the love of God working by faith in that individual. The key component to begin to understand the doctrine of grace is that the work is all God's. God gave everyone a way by which they may become righteous before Him – that way is through Jesus Christ, and having a relationship with Him is the only way to become righteous.

Lest we be too harsh on these misled Galatian believers, perhaps we should examine our own lives and determine whether we are relying upon any outward expression within our lives for our salvation. Do we observe certain rituals, traditions, rules or patterns that make us feel more holy than others, or are we dependent upon the “faith which works by love” that is offered by God the Father? May we all meditate upon our practices and realize that our true “hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' love and righteousness.”

Next time Paul will ask the Galatians who it was that hindered them, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Waiting for the Hope of Righteousness Galatians 5:5 - Equipped for Battle

Since we are in the age of grace whereby anyone who believes in Jesus Christ may be saved, why does it seem that “righteousness” often escapes us? Do we find ourselves desiring to do the right things, think the right thoughts and wanting the right attitudes but only discover they escape us? As Paul the apostle has been addressing the church members in Galatia, we have seen him give reason after reason why our faith in Jesus Christ is our hope for righteousness. In chapter five and verse five Paul continues his thoughts in this area. He wrote:

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Paul begins, “For we through the Spirit wait...” There is no other way to receive the grace and righteousness of God than through the Spirit of God. Those who were among the Galatians that were counting on the works of the flesh such as circumcision would be counting in vain. In contrast to them Paul says and emphatic “we” and then gives the means by which they wait - “through the Spirit”.

Paul continues, “...for the hope of righteousness by faith.” There is a hope for righteousness for all who believe in Jesus Christ. Paul said in the book of Romans in chapter eight and verses twenty-four and twenty-five:

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].

There were those among the church members in Galatia who thought they could be righteous by their own efforts to keep the law of God. Paul knew this was not obtainable, and he declared that the hope of righteousness would only come by faith. Faith in the finished substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross paid for our sin and debt, and now the appropriation of righteousness will be ours one day. As Paul wrote in the book of Second Timothy chapter four and verse eight:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

There awaits a “crown of righteousness” for all who believe in Jesus Christ. Perhaps now personal righteousness seems so very distant for us, and the idea of being “righteous” may seem like an inconceivable feat, but according to the word of God it is not only available to the church members in Galatia but to all who invite Jesus Christ into their lives and love His appearing. May we all “through the Spirit” continue to “wait for the hope of righteousness” that someday will be revealed.

Next time we will discover the way that faith works, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Fallen From Grace Galatians 5:4 - Equipped for Battle

If is it not apparent by now, we should be able to see the love and care that Paul the apostle has for the church members in Galatia. Over and over again he has made an appeal to them to understand the grace or “unmerited favor” of God and how this grace through Jesus Christ does not require that one return to the ceremonies and regiments of the law of God. However, it seems that the Galatians are persistent, and so Paul continues his discourse with them in chapter five and verse four where he wrote:

Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace.

Paul has formerly told the Galatians that if they desire to be circumcised, then they must follow the whole law. In other words, they were returning to the very attempt that showed them their need for Jesus in the first place. Paul begins, “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law;...” In other words, there is no need for Jesus Christ if a person can be justified by the law. The problem with this line of thinking is that no one can be justified by the law because no one keeps the law. The law, as we have learned from earlier passages, was to show us our unrighteousness before God. The intent of the law of God was to demonstrate our own sinfulness and our need for Jesus Christ. Only Jesus kept the law perfectly, and to seek to be justified by the law only meant certain unrighteousness again.

Paul continues, “you are fallen from grace.” If a person seeks to be justified by the law of God, he or she forsakes the grace of God. In other words, a person may choose one of two ways to be righteous. First, they may choose to be righteous by the keeping of the law. If they keep the law in every aspect and not violate it in any manner whether by spirit or by action, they may be righteous. The second way of righteousness is by faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a perfect life, and he fulfilled all righteousness. Once a person receives Jesus as their personal Savior, the grace of God is appropriated to them, and they become righteous before God. The whole idea is to establish a relationship and fellowship with God. A person must be holy and righteous to stand before a Holy and Righteous God, and if a person seeks to be justified and righteous by keeping the law, if they violate it in one point, they have violated all of it. They are fallen from the position of grace.

Paul the apostle wrote to the Romans in chapter eleven and verse six the following words:

And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

The work of righteousness has been fulfilled by Jesus Christ, and now any effort on our own to fulfill the law of God simply comes up short. We should desire to continue in the grace of God and enjoy the benefits of standing in God's grace. Rather than falling away or making void the grace of God, let us find ourselves enjoying the provision made for us through the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As the old hymn rings out, “Grace, Grace, God's grace. Grace that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace, Grace, God's grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin.”

Next time we will see what it means to wait for the hope of righteousness, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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A Debtor to Do the Whole Law Galatians 5:3 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle knew there were those among the church members at Galatia who believed that they must go through the ritual of circumcision to be saved. They also believed that those who trusted in Jesus must follow the law of God in order to be saved. Paul is addressing these members as he challenges their line of thinking. If what they are believing is true then those who are circumcised must also follow every aspect of the law of God. In chapter five and verse three Paul continues to confront them. He wrote:

For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

Paul begins this verse with, “For I testify again to every man that is circumcised,...” As though the first time in verse two was not enough, Paul makes an additional appeal to those who have submitted to circumcision. Paul who was indeed the apostle of Jesus Christ, born a Jew, and a steep follower of the law as a Pharisee, who probably knew more about the law than anyone to whom he was writing, makes a second appeal for “every man” who is circumcised to think about what he is about to declare.

Paul continued, “that he is a debtor to do the whole law.” In other words, if a man was to submit to the tradition of circumcision “for salvation” then he must also follow every aspect of the law as well. This is impossible with man, but was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. There would be no need for Jesus if we could keep the law of God, and it isn't that we might not keep one aspect of the law. No, rather, it is that we must keep every rule, law and ritual within the law. We must abide by every “jot” or “tittle” of the law if we are to be righteous before God.

Herein lies our problem We cannot keep the law of God perfectly, and although there were those among the church members in Galatia who were attempting to abide by the rule of circumcision, they would certainly fail on some other aspect of the law. If any one should think that he or she could keep the law, they also should turn to the sermon on the mount found in the gospel of Matthew in chapters five through seven to see how Jesus showed us that violation to the spirit of the law was as though we break it. To be a debtor to the law means certain failure, because we cannot keep the law. Jesus, however, did keep the whole law, and because He paid the price for our failure to keep it by dying on the cross, now our belief and trust in Him becomes all we need for salvation. We are in debt to the law no longer because Jesus Christ paid for all the debt we might ever incur.

Next time we will see what Paul has to say about falling from grace, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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The Outward Profiting Nothing Galatians 5:2 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle spent four chapters explaining to the Galatian church members how keeping the law differs from the grace of God through Jesus Christ. He has begun chapter five of his letter to them by sharing how they should stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made them free. In chapter fiver verse two Paul addresses a specific group of members within the church and explains how their lack of liberty leads to unprofitableness. He wrote:

Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

Paul begins, “Behold, I Paul say unto you...” In other words, “look, pay attention, observe” that it is Paul the apostle who is writing these words. Paul wanted these members' attention, and like a military reveille, Paul desires that they awake from their mental stupor by knowing who it is that is addressing them.

He continued, “...that if you be circumcised,...” When God made His covenant with Abraham of old, He initiated the idea of circumcision. The foreskin of males was to be cut off to symbolize the putting away of the flesh. Every male child that was born thereafter was to be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. This was a covenant for the descendants of Abraham and therefore belonged to the Jews. Gentiles were not a part of this custom unless they joined the Hebrew religion. The Galatians were Gentiles, and the Judaizers were attempting to convince them as part of following Jesus Christ that all males must be circumcised. It is this idea that Paul is addressing, and he wants them to remember just who he is that is addressing them.

Paul adds, “Christ shall profit you nothing.” In other words, there is no benefit to following Jesus Christ if there is a return to this old covenant idea. In the book of Acts of the Apostles in chapter fifteen and verse one and two we read:

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, [and said], Except you are circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

This was the beginning of the first church council in Jerusalem that addressed the idea of circumcision and following the law for righteousness before God. Paul says if these ways are true, then “Christ shall profit you nothing.” It was not as though those who were already circumcised could not profit from a relationship with Jesus Christ, but rather the notion that circumcision in and of itself was a means to being righteous before God was an error. It was by Jesus Christ that righteousness before God comes, and those who rely upon, cling to, and trust in Him stand liberated and righteous before God.

Once again we are challenged to think about ways in which we serve rules, regulations and traditions within our walk with God. Do we think certain paths other than faith in Jesus Christ must be followed for us to be saved? Are there acts of obedience with which we must comply to be righteous before God other than faith in Jesus? If not, we align ourselves with Paul, and Christ profits us. If so, perhaps we should lay aside these things and trust that God's plan for the salvation of man is best.

Next time we will see how following one aspect of the law makes us debtor to all the law, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Stand Fast in Liberty Galatians 5:1 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle spent the first four chapters of the book of Galatians telling the church members the difference between the law of God and the grace of God. Now that those who read these words know there is a difference, and in chapter five and verse one Paul begins to share how we are to live once we know this. He wrote:

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Paul gives the Galatian church members two directives in this verse. First he said, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free,...” The idea is that one must “persist, persevere, and make a firm stand” in Christ's liberty. As the old hymn proclaims, “Jesus Paid It All. All to Him I owe.” There is no more payment to be made. No amount of good works, good deeds, offerings, service, or other means of fleshly work needs to be accomplished. Jesus provided liberty, and because He did, we are set free. We must stand firm in the knowledge and life of this wonderful gift.

Paul adds secondly, “and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” There is no need to return to the former things, for they are done away. It would be a disadvantage to us once we are set free to return to a restrictive yoke. The law of God was like a yoke around the neck of an animal. It was burdensome, heavy, grievous and difficult, and to return to attempting to follow it for salvation would not be wise. Jesus freed us from the “yoke of bondage” called the law, and we have no need to return to its bindings.

As we read these words, perhaps we should take inventory of our lives and determine whether we have returned in any manner to restrictive rules or traditions which bind us rather than allow us to stand fast in Christ's liberty. Are there areas where self-imposed rules govern so strongly that if they were violated in any manner we would think ourselves “unsaved?” As we ponder these things, let us remember once again the sacrifice of Jesus Christ has been made. It is finished, and now our belief in His completed work is all that is necessary for us to be free. Let us be free indeed.

Next time we will discover what Paul says profits us nothing, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Children of the Free Galatians 4:31 - Equipped for Battle

When we consider the words of Paul the apostle to the church members in Galatia, we should keep in mind that they are being inspired by the Holy Spirit of God, and rather than only being the words of Paul, they are God Almighty's. God is concerned that people know the truth about being free from the bondage of keeping the law, and since He paid the ultimate price to set us free from the law, He desires that we know it. The Lord Jesus uses Paul's words in chapter four and verse thirty-one to finalize his example of the free child of Abraham, Isaac, and to let all who read them know they are children of the free. He wrote:

So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Paul begins, “So then, brethren,...” In other words, Paul wrote “in conclusion to this whole pattern of thought” or “since this example is so”. Paul has used the children of Abraham to demonstrate how one child, Ishmael, was a work of the flesh, and Isaac, was a work of the spirit. Isaac was promised, and Ishmael was Abraham and Sarah's efforts to fulfill that promise. Isaac was born of the spirit as God restored to Abraham and Sarah the time of life so they would have a child in their old age. Ishmael was Abraham and Sarah's effort to produce what God could only do. Isaac was born of the “free-woman” and Ishmael was born of the “bondwoman.”

Paul continues, “we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.” Like unto Isaac who was born of the free-woman, we are not children of the bondwoman, but we are born of the free. Our efforts to keep the law of God are much like the efforts of Abraham and Sarah to fulfill the promise of God. It is only a work of the flesh to do so, and it will never produce righteousness because we cannot keep the law of God perfectly. Only Jesus did that, and now because He made the sacrificial offering for our sins, we are set free. We are no longer bound to the failings of attempting to keep the law, but we are liberated unto His righteousness. Jesus paid the price, and we are the benefactors.

Again, let us remember that Paul wrote words that were inspired by the Holy Spirit of God, and it is God who desires to let us know that because of what He did, we are free. We are free to have a relationship with Him. We are free to have fellowship with Him, and we are free from the bondage that was created by attempting to keep the law of God in order to be saved. May the word “freedom” reign in our hearts today as we ponder the wonderful love of our Savior Jesus and the sacrifice He made on our behalf that we might be in a relationship with Him. Thank God we are “children of the free.”

Next time we will begin a new chapter and discover how we are to be since we are free, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Cast Out the Bondwoman Galatians 4:30 - Equipped for Battle

Paul has nearly exhausted his illustration of Abraham with his two sons as representatives of the law of God and the grace of God. The law of God was represented by Ishmael and the grace of God was represented by Isaac. He has a few more references to make about these two examples as he seeks to make clear to the church members in Galatia the importance of the grace of God in the believer's life. He continued his discourse in chapter four and verse thirty where he wrote:

Nevertheless what does the scripture say? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

In our last verse Paul spoke of the flesh persecuting the spirit, and as Ishmael persecuted Isaac years before, the question becomes, “What should we do with the flesh?” Paul says, “Nevertheless what says the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son:...” Paul references the scriptures for execution. In Genesis chapter twenty-one and verses ten through twelve we read:

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, [even] with Isaac. And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son. And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in your sight because of the lad, and because of your bondwoman; in all that Sarah has said unto you, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall your seed be called.

Because Ishmael was taunting Isaac, Sarah, Isaac's mother complained to Abraham. Her desire was that Ishmael and his mother be cast out of their house. This is exactly what occurred. Paul uses this example as a reference to what should happen to the flesh nature. It should be thrown out, cast out, of a person's life, and therein to live no longer.

Paul gives the reason why this must occur by continuing his example. He wrote: “...for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” There was no way that Ishmael was going to be the heir of Abraham if Sarah had anything to do with it. She desired that Ishmael and his mother be gone, and therefore the entire inheritance would be Isaac's. God ratified her desire and told Abraham “for in Isaac shall your seed be called.” Isaac was the child of promise, and Ishmael was a work of the flesh. Isaac was to receive the inheritance, and Ishmael was to be cast out. So it is with the flesh nature. The flesh persecutes the spirit, and therefore must be cast out of a person's life. The spirit of God must reign and receive the promises of God. If we are ever to be free within our lives, we must cast out the works of the flesh and live after the spirit of God.

We are indeed descendants of the free if we live after the spirit of God. The flesh nature must be cast out, and when we receive the promise of grace through Jesus Christ there is no longer a need to attempt to live after the law of God for salvation. We live free before the Lord Jesus knowing that He has paid the price in advance for our freedom, and now we are to receive the inheritance promised by God to all who believe.

Next time Paul continues to tell us how we are children of the free, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Flesh Persecuting the Spirit Galatians 4:29 - Equipped for Battle

Paul has declared those who believe in Jesus Christ as the children of promise. We are among that group if we believe in, trust in, rely upon and cling to Jesus Christ. The Galatian church members have been persuaded by Judaizers that they should follow the law of God in addition to believing in Jesus. In Galatians chapter four and verse twenty-nine Paul continues to show the difference between the law of God and grace. He wrote:

But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him [that was born] after the Spirit, even so [it is] now.

We learned in earlier verses that Isaac was Abraham's child of promise whereas Ishmael was Abraham's child of his handmaid. From that time forward a battle has ensued. Paul said, “But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit,...” Isaac was a Divine work of God's Spirit, and his birth was only because God restored the “time of life” to Abraham and Sarah. Ishmael was a work of Abraham's flesh. When Sarah suggested that he have relations with her handmaid, Hagar, it was Abraham's attempt to fulfill the promise of God in the flesh. The result was a warring faction between the flesh and the spirit, and the results of this are seen even today.

Paul continued, “...even so it is now.” There is a war going on. The works of the flesh are constantly battling against the spirit. The flesh nature of mankind continually desires to fulfill itself, and when the spirit of man comes against it, there is war. Paul's allusion to this battle shows the difference between attempting to keep the law of God and allowing for the grace of God to be. Man's efforts through the flesh to keep the law come up short, however, Jesus, by walking in the Spirit, kept the law and fulfilled all righteousness. In other words, the law cannot be kept by the flesh so the flesh battles or persecutes the spirit of man.

Are we not like ones who are in a battle every day, especially if we are walking in a relationship with Jesus? Our flesh cries out for one thing, and our spirit cries out for the opposite? The battle within us is much like the battle of which Paul speaks, and those who are wise will realize that we cannot keep in fellowship with God by our own efforts, but we must rely upon His glorious grace to keep us there. It is God's Spirit working out His promise in us that keeps us close, and may He ever win this battle by His Spirit and by His grace, in Jesus name, amen.

Next time Paul shows us what we are to do with the flesh, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Children of Promise Galatians 4:28 - Equipped for Battle

Since we have learned from Paul the apostle along with the church members of Galatia about the significance of the promise of grace, we have seen Paul use example after example of why a return to following the law was not necessary once we have received Jesus Christ as Savior. Paul employed the illustration of the children of Abraham as his example as he showed the likeness of the law to he that was born of the hand maid and the likeness of the promise of grace to he that was born of his freewoman, Sarah. This promised child was Isaac, and Paul refers to him once again in chapter four and verse twenty-eight where we read:

Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

Let us notice first Paul's inclusion of himself with the church members at Galatia - “Now we, brethren...” It is one thing to share an idea and extend it only to others, but it is quite another when we include ourselves in the mix. Paul identified with those with whom he was sharing. This promise of God was not only to his audience but also to himself. Paul felt those to whom he was sharing as family or brothers, and as the family of God they must align themselves to the grace that God the Father offers.

Paul continues, “...as Isaac was, are the children of promise.” Isaac was the promised child of Abraham through whom God knew the messiah would descend. Paul says we all, as family and brethren are God's kids. Those who have received the promise of grace become the children of promise. This promise is available to everyone everywhere, and as the promise of prodigy was given by God to Abraham, so the promise of the grace of God has been provided by Jesus. There is only one separation from the family of God and that is disbelief in the sacrificial offering of His Son Jesus as payment for our sins. If we believe in, trust in, rely upon and cling to God's son Jesus, then we are the children of promise too.

Next time Paul shows us the battle between the flesh and the spirit, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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More Children Galatians 4:27 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle is declaring to the church members of Galatia the superiority of the doctrine of grace over the law of God. As we have studied before, it isn't that the law is not good, but people could not keep the law because of their sinfulness. Grace is the unmerited favor of God, and because Jesus died upon the cross, rose from the dead, and paid the penalty for us who could not keep the law, now by simply believing in Him we can be saved. Paul has employed an example of how Abraham's wife Sarah bore him a son of promise whereas Abraham's hand maid bore him a son of the flesh. In Galatians chapter four and verse twenty-seven Paul goes on to say more about the benefit of this son of promise. He wrote:

For it is written, Rejoice, you barren that bear not; break forth and cry, you that travail not: for the desolate has many more children than she which has an husband.

Sarah, Abraham's wife, was not able to bear children for a long time. In fact, she was ninety before she birthed her son Isaac. Paul wrote, “For it is written, Rejoice, you barren that bear not; break forth and cry, you that travail not:” This would be unusual behavior for a woman who could not have children. Most women who suffer from barrenness have great difficulty being in that state. However, Paul employs a quote from the book of Isaiah in chapter fifty-four and verse one:

Sing, O barren, you [that] did not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you [that] did not travail with child: for more [are] the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, says the LORD.

Because the timing of God was different than the timing of Sarah and Abraham it did not mean that the promise of a son would not come. No rather there was greater benefit to this son than any other that might have been born from Abraham. They just could not see it yet.

Paul continued, “for the desolate has many more children than she which has a husband.” Abraham and Sarah had many children, descendants, through Isaac, and although Sarah was desolate for a while, a whole race of people came from her. The doctrine of grace is like this. Both Jew and Gentile now have opportunity to have a relationship with God through grace. The law of God was limited to the Jews and to those who would follow them. The law of grace is open to everyone. Paul is emphasizing to the church members in Galatia who are Gentiles that the law of God was to the Jews, and the only reason they are included in the salvation plan of God is because the grace of God allowed it to be so. There are indeed more children, descendants, of grace than there are of the law of God.

Ethnocentric behavior will allow any society to believe themselves superior to others, however, when grace arrived, ethnocentrism fades, and inclusion prevails. We should realize that the sacrificial substitution of Jesus Christ for our sins is also available to everyone, everywhere, regardless of their culture and background. When we realize this we too shall “break forth into singing, and cry aloud” Jesus Saves, Jesus Saves to everyone, everywhere, Jesus Saves!

Next time Paul will show us how we are the children of promise, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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The Mother of Us All Galatians 4:26 - Equipped for Battle

If we were trying to convince the Galatian church members that attempting to follow the law of God and its requirements was a return to incompleteness, how would we approach it? Perhaps if we think about it long enough we are happy to know that the Holy Spirit chose Paul the apostle for the words rather than us. The point is that the law of God shows all of us our sinfulness because we are not able to keep it. If we could keep the law, we would have no need for the grace of God through Jesus Christ, but because we fail to abide by it, we need Jesus in our lives. Paul shows us our common bond in Galatians chapter four and verse twenty-six where he wrote:

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

In contrast to the bondage of the law, Paul said, “But Jerusalem which is above is free,...” There is liberty in heaven. The writer of Hebrews wrote in chapter twelve and verse twenty-two of that book:

But you are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels...

As an allegory once again, Paul employs Jerusalem to illustrate heaven. In heaven there is no violation to the law, and therefore there is no sin. In heaven it is free, and no one is in bonds. Rather than being bound as those tied down by the law, liberty reigns, and we are free indeed. As Jesus said in the eighth gospel of John in verse thirty-six:

If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

Paul continued, “...which is mother of us all.” In other words, we are born into the heavenly Jerusalem the moment we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. He makes way for us to be born into the Kingdom of God, and the grace He extends in effect births us into the company of those in heaven.

God desires a relationship and fellowship with everyone in the world. He extends His grace through the sacrifice of his son Jesus to all who will simply receive His wonderful gift of salvation. When this gift is received, we are born into the Kingdom of God, and our place is made and waiting in heaven. This idea is one of the most liberating among people, and those who ascribe to it are free and free indeed.

Next time Paul will share how Jerusalem from above is different from the one on Earth, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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In Bondage Galatians 4:25 - Equipped for Battle

When Paul the apostle began to share with the church members in Galatia, he had difficulty believing that they would leave the doctrine of the grace of God for the teaching of the Judaizers who were promoting the keeping of the law. The people of Galatia could not keep the law in the first place which showed the necessity of the grace of God through Jesus Christ, and to now return to the very pattern they could not keep was bewitching. Paul is using the example of the two sons of Abraham to demonstrate how the law is binding and grace sets them free. He continues his thoughts about Hagar in chapter four and verse twenty-five where he wrote:

For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

Paul begins, “For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is...” Paul makes reference to the place where Moses received the ten commandments from God. On mount Sinai Moses met with God for forty days. During his visit, God gave Moses the ten commandments. Paul is saying this is what “Jerusalem” follows to this day. Those in Jerusalem who had not received Jesus Christ as their Savior, and those who were promoters of the law such as the Judaizers were represented by Hagar who was the bond maid. The law was binding and put people into bondage in the same manner as Hagar.

Paul goes on to say, “and is in bondage with her children.” Those who are under the law are not only in bondage themselves, but they also pass their beliefs on to future generations. Traditions often pass from one generation to the next, and thus was the case with the attempt to keep the law of God. Until Jesus came and fulfilled the law, there was no other way for people to relate to God. However, now that Jesus has come, fulfilled the law, and set free all who believe in, rely upon, cling to, and trust in Him, though they once were bound, they are now set free from the law and live under grace.

In the gospel of John in chapter eight and verses twenty-one and twenty-two Jesus said:

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If you continue in my word, [then] are you my disciples indeed; And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

When we receive the grace of God, bondage has to flee, and we are set free. The key is “continue in my word” which makes us disciples who are free and free indeed. We endure bondage no more, and we bask in the grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Next time Paul will share how Jerusalem from above is different from the one on Earth, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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An Allegory Galatians 4:24 - Galatians 4:24

When we consider Paul's writings to the church members of Galatia, we should note how he repeats his theme over and over again. Paul is very concerned about these dear people following false teachings being presented by Judaizers. They taught that the law of God and its ceremonies must be kept in addition to receiving the grace of God through Jesus Christ. Paul saw this as a return to the very law they could not keep in the first place. In Galatians chapter four and verse twenty-four, Paul continues to explain his concerns with an allegory where he wrote:

Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Hagar.

Paul begins, “Which things are an allegory:...” Our first question might be, “What things?” The answer is the things that he just wrote. Paul wrote in verses twenty-one thru twenty-three:

Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he [who was] of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman [was] by promise.

An “allegory” is a symbol, type, emblem or figure that declares or represents something else. For every New Testament principle there is an Old Testament story, figure or symbolism. Paul says that the two children born unto Abraham through Hagar, his bond maid, and Sarah, his wife, serve as types of the the law and the grace of God.

He continued, “for these are the two covenants: the one from the mount Sinai...” Paul simply declares that these two sons are like unto the “two covenants” of God. He refers to when God gave Moses His law or “Ten Commandments” upon Mount Sinai. (Read Exodus chapters nineteen and twenty for more information.) Paul said the law “genders to bondage...” The idea is that the law has a proclivity to birthing “bondage” in a person. Like slaves entrapped and captured in their actions and behavior, the law has a tendency to bind its followers. In other words, those who attempt to follow the law are captured by the very law they endeavor to keep.

Paul declares, “this is Hagar.” Hagar was the bond maid of Sarah, and although it was Sarah's idea that Abraham have a child through her, Hagar was not a free woman. She was bound under the law of a servant, and so her child was also born under this bondage. Thus was the law of God. It isn't that the law was flawed, for it is not, but rather it was the recipients of the law who were in error. Because people could not keep the law, it had a tendency to bind, restrict, gender bondage. Although it leaves us hanging in the middle of a thought, Paul notes this part of the allegory in this verse, and will continue his thoughts in tomorrow's verse. For now we shall be sufficed by thinking about the effects of the law.

We must keep in mind that although Paul is writing these words, they are inspired by the mind of Almighty God. It is God who is using Paul to share with us the value of the doctrine of His grace. If we listen intently, we will hear the voice of God behind Paul's words encouraging us to accept His loving grace and see the law for what it truly was – the means by which we see our own sinful nature, and look to Him for redeeming grace. What an awesome God we serve, and what a loving Savior we have in Jesus Christ. Paul the apostle becomes an allegory himself as he shares the necessity for the truth of God and His grace to be known.

Next time Paul will tell us more about Hagar and how she relates to the law, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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By the Flesh or Promise Galatians 4:23 - Equipped for Battle

As Paul the apostle continues with his example of Abraham, we can almost imagine his readers' thoughts as he references their patriarch and his descendants. Paul is attempting to show them how the law is binding, but grace is liberating. He wrote in chapter four and verse twenty-three:

But he [who was] of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman [was] by promise.

Paul begins, “But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh:” When Abraham received the instruction from his wife Sarah to conceive a child through her handmaid Hagar, Ishmael was born. However, Ishmael was not the promised son as told to Abraham by God. God did a miracle in restoring the youth of life to both Abraham and Sarah, and they had a son they named Isaac. (These events can be seen in Genesis chapters sixteen through twenty-one.) Ishmael was born of Sarah's handmaid who was a bondwoman, and his birth was Abraham and Sarah's attempt to help God fulfill His promise. In other words, they attempted to fulfill the promise of God through fleshly efforts. This, however, was not the promised child.

Paul continued, “but he of the freewoman was by promise.” When Sarah, who was then ninety years old, and Abraham, who was then one hundred years old enjoyed the birth of their son Isaac, they knew that not only was he the promised child of God, but he was a miracle. These things just did not happen in the natural, and since it caused both Abraham and Isaac to laugh at such a promise, they gave Isaac his name which means “laughter.”

Paul has employed a wonderful example of the difference between the law and grace. Grace seems almost too good to be true, and if we think about it, it seems almost laughable. Though the terrific price for the grace of God was fulfilled in the death of Jesus on the cross, the benefits of it go beyond our natural ability to understand. It is, however, available to everyone who will simply receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Without grace, everything is a work of the flesh. Righteousness is at best “self-righteousness”, and “self-righteousness” is not sufficient to fulfill perfection required by God. No, the work has been completed, and Jesus Christ did the work. Now by believing in Him and His finished work, we receive the grace of God and enjoy the promise of Salvation. Fleshly efforts fall short of the glory of God, but the grace of God extends to the greatest of need. May we evermore appreciate the work of the promise of God and put aside all efforts of the flesh that attempt to complete what is already finished.

Next time Paul will tell us these examples relate to God's two covenants, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Bondmaid and Freewoman Galatians 4:22 - Equipped for Battle

After reading and studying as many verses as we have thus far, we might think that Paul has convinced the church members in Galatia that following the false doctrine of the Judaizers was not a good idea. However, as though he needed to share more, Paul wrote that he desired to be with them because he was now in doubt of them, and he began to challenge to those who returned to following the law rather than walking in God's grace. He continues his appeal with an example of Abraham as he wrote in chapter four and verse twenty-two where he wrote:

For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

Paul refers to scriptural references for his persuasions - “For it is written, that Abraham had two sons,...” In Genesis chapter sixteen and verses three and four we read:

And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

And in Genesis chapter twenty-one and verse two we read:

For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Paul referred to these two sons in this manner, “the one by a bondmaid” or as in the original Greek it reads, “the one by the bond maid”, and “the other by a freewoman” or as in the original Greek it reads, “the one by the free woman.” By the terms Paul employs, we can easily pick up on the implications expressed. When we think of those in bonds, we think of limitations, restrictions and regulated behavior. When we think of being free, we think of liberty, autonomy, license and power of choice. The inference is that one side is binding and the other side is liberating. If we are picking up on Paul's example, we will note that he is relating the gospel of grace to being free and the following of the law as being binding. Paul once again desires that the church members in Galatia would choose the way of being free. The question becomes, if there is opportunity, which would we lean towards if we had a choice? Hopefully by now even we know enough to choose grace.

Of course there is much more for Paul to reveal to us in his example in the verses ahead, but suffice it for now to have us leaning toward the free side, and as we do, we will align ourselves with the abundance of the grace of God available to us through Jesus Christ.

Next time Paul will tell us more about the bond maid and free woman so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Do You Hear the Law? Galatians 4:21 - Equipped for Battle

Over and over again we have been studying the words of Paul the apostle to the church members in Galatia. Since Judaizers have infiltrated their fellowship with false teaching that declares they must follow the law of God in addition to experiencing the grace of Jesus Christ, Paul has appealed to them upon the basis that they could not keep the law of God in the first place. This is what made it necessary for Jesus Christ to come and sacrifice Himself on the cross for their sins. However, it seems that the Galatians just do not get it as Paul adds to his words in chapter four and verse twenty one where he wrote:

Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?

Religious systems and their rules are hard to break even when faced with the truth. Traditions and ceremonies that have been carried on for years are not easily altered because people rely upon them so deeply. Paul begins with this rhetorical reference, “Tell me, you that desire to be under the law...” Paul doesn't make his appeal to all the church members, but rather those who “desire to be under the law.” The implication is that there are some among them who are not following this doctrine. This is probably the reason Paul was notified about the dispute in the first place. Generally there will be factions within a body of people who have different methods and ways in which they believe things should be done. More than likely there were those in the church at Galatia who gladly accepted the grace of Jesus Christ without following the traditions and ceremonies of the law, and there were those who returned to the law after being persuaded by the Judaizers.

Paul asks, “do you not hear the law?” Jesus said often, “You that have ears, hear” or “Let him that has ears, hear.” The idea is that words can be listened to but not understood. The noise of utterance is made, but the true meaning is absent in the receiver's mind. Paul endeavors to have his readers think about what they are following. The law brought bondage and condemnation, not because the law was bad, but because those who were attempting to follow it could not do so. Basically the law shares perfection, and those who attempt to keep it come up short. The law says, “you can not do this”, and the grace of God says, “Jesus can.”

As we venture into this new section of scripture, we will find Paul using an allegory to appeal to the minds of those who are following the Judaizers' teachings. As he employs Abraham as an example we will find Paul once again using every means possible to convince them of the error of their ways. When we read this example perhaps we should consider our own methods of belief and see if we align ourselves in any manner which depends upon the keeping of the law of God versus relying upon the grace of Jesus Christ. Rather than be elevated in our own minds above the Galatians we can evaluate whether we have “ears to hear” and align ourselves to the doctrine that Jesus Himself would have us keep.

Next time we will see Paul bring Abraham into his persuasive writing, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore