Devotional Thoughts on Galatians
God’s Grace
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18, ASV) When you ask someone to explain the grace of God, I am afraid that their explanations often fall short. The grace of God has been manifested from the beginning of time. It is infinite and all encompassing. In other…
The Marks of Jesus
“Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus.” (Galatians 6:17, ASV) By the end of our lives, most of us bear the scars of life. When I go to the dentist anymore, a major portion of my check-up is to see the condition of my previous…
Peace and Mercy
“And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:16, ASV) In 1983, I was sitting in a Minneapolis hotel room, reading a Gideon placed Bible. I was really trying to sort out life. My wife had previously decided to get active…
What Really Matters
“For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” (Galatians 6:15, ASV) I heard a story about a man that took a muscle-car. You know the older cars from the 50’s and 60’s that had the big V-8 engines. Well, the car had a bad engine. So, he removed the engine and did…
Having Been Crucified
“But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14, ASV) It is a repeated theme for movies and television shows where a person is in an abusive relationship. The scenario goes…
Proper Boasting
“But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14, ASV) Years ago, I was teaching an adult Sunday school class on humility. So, I began the class by giving a brief…
Contrasting Motives
“As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your…
Authentication
“See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand.” (Galatians 6:11, ASV) My first job after leaving military service was to work for a company as a project engineer in research and development. The company manufactured and converted paper into packaging and shipping containers. My job was to analyze manufacturing processes…
Never Quit
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9–10, ESV) One time I heard the pinging sound…
Sowing and Reaping (Part 2)
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7–8, ESV) In the previous post, I…
Sowing and Reaping (Part 1)
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7–8, ESV) Every farmer knows this universal…
God Is Not Mocked
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7–8, ESV) A missionary from Indonesia once…
Sharing In Truly Good Things
“Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.” (Galatians 6:6, ESV) When a man and a woman come together in marriage, something very important is to happen. Unfortunately, it often takes years to fully experience it. Let me explain. When my wife and I married, we…
Responsibility
“For each will have to bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:5, ESV) It started early on in the history of man. You will remember that Adam and Eve partook of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the only thing that Lord God gave them as a prohibition in the Garden of Eden…
Pride Hinders Love
“For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.” (Galatians 6:3–4, ESV) In a book that I intend to write someday about the pastoral ministry, I…
Loving Hands
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, ESV) Not too long ago, my wife and I were taking a walk around the community. As we went, we saw the neighbor across the street trying to get a large parcel into his house. He was an elderly fellow and the…
Loving Response to the Fallen
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1, ESV) When I was in college, I drove a 1967 FJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser. It was a robust vehicle. Before I purchased it, someone…
Walk By the Spirit
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, ESV) It has happened several times in my life where impulses made a complete difference in various situations. One time, my wife and I were on vacation. We normally took road trips on major highways since…
Quench Not the Spirit
“Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19, ESV) Most people have had this experience. The power goes out in a community on a dark overcast night. You cannot see your hand in front of your face. So, you scramble around looking for a flashlight. You do not have one handy, but you do have…
Grieve Not the Spirit
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30, ESV) In the previous devotion, I mentioned that Lewis Sperry Chafer, in his writings, had listed three essential conditions necessary in the believer’s life to experience the filling of the Spirit. These essential conditions…
Conditions for Spirit Filling
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,” (Ephesians 5:18, ESV) In the previous post we looked at a key verse regarding being filled with the Spirit. In it we saw two commands that presented a contrast for the believer. One was in the negative, “do…
Avoid Incorrect Influencers
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,” (Ephesians 5:18, ESV) As we dig deeper into the ministry of the Holy Spirit in leading us on the right path, we need to understand how this works and, more importantly our part in this. In the previous…
The Wind
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8, ESV) In John Chapter 3 we read of a conversation that Jesus had with a Pharisee named Nicodemus.…
Crucifying the Flesh
“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24, ESV) In a writing by A. W. Tozer, he gave this thought. I’ll paraphrase his sentiment like this. In every Christian’s heart there is a cross and a throne. The Christian must leave the throne and put…
Spiritual Diagnosis – Part 2
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22–23, ESV) When I was in college, I took an elective course in photography. It was in the days of cameras that used photographic film. Moreover, all the photography we did…
Spiritual Diagnosis – Part 1
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19–21, ESV) Recently…
Who Is Leading Your Life?
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:18, ESV) Leadership means a lot. In most cases it means everything. In my adult life, I have served in various leadership positions. I also have worked under many leaders. Some of the leaders I have served under and observed…
The Great Battlefield
“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians 5:17, ESV) Conflict has been a constant theme throughout history. We are now in the playoff…
Living in Freedom Having Victory
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, ESV) Once time I was teaching a seminary class on Systematic Theology. The particular lesson was on the theology of the Holy Spirit. I happened to site Galatians chapter 5 verse 16 in the class. I…
Freedom and The Power of Love
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘“’You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:13–15, ESV) In 1985, Huey Lewis and the News released a hit song…
Making Impact
“I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!” (Galatians 5:12, ESV) Well, it is in the Bible so we need to discuss it. When I was in the army, we went on a field exercise in Bavaria. One of my jobs as the Battalion Maintenance Officer was to follow the convoy with my maintenance…
Twisted Truth
“But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.” (Galatians 5:11, ESV) One of the great ploys of kids and adults in an effort to get their own way is that of the twisted truth. My kids trapped me up…
Recompense for the Agitator
“I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.” (Galatians 5:10, ESV) My first assignment in the United States Army was as a tank platoon leader. I took over the platoon and discovered that we were only…
Believer’s Response
“I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.” (Galatians 5:10, ESV) When I worked as a manager in the printing industry, I was responsible for the quality of the products produced. One critical area was ensuring…
A Little Leaven
“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” (Galatians 5:9, ESV) In high school biology, one of the projects we had was to grow a yeast culture. It was an interesting project. Frankly I do not remember all the details of how we did this today, but I do remember sampling the culture every day and…
Start Well Continue Well
“You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you.” (Galatians 5:7–8, ESV) One time I was watching a track and field event on television. It was a distance race. One of the runners was way out in front. As he rounded the bend for…
What Matters
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:6, ESV) When I worked in field engineering, I would very often have to travel by plane to various destinations. When I got to the destination airport, I would rent a car. At the rental area I…
What are we waiting for?
“For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.” (Galatians 5:5, ESV) None of us like to wait. We tent to be an impatient bunch, or perhaps it is just me. As I drive down the road, I experience so many people are breaking the speed limit, weaving in…
Oil and Water
“You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” (Galatians 5:4, ESV) Certain things will not mix together. On my boat, I have a filter that is designed to remove water from the gasoline. Basically, it is a simple device. The filter has a bowl…
Debtors’ Prison
“Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law.” (Galatians 5:2–3, ESV) Up until the mid-1800’s, Western Europe had established debtor’s prisons. They were locked work houses…
A Freeing Relationship
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1, ESV) Alexis De Tocqueville, a French philosopher visited America in 1831 to understand democracy in our country. He has often been quoted as saying, “America is great because America is good, and if…
Casting Out (Galatians 4:30-31)
“But what does the Scripture say? ‘Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.’” (Galatians 4:30, ESV) On occasion in life, we must do the most uncomfortable things. One of these is cleaning up messes. Right after Hurricane…
Persecution and Conflict
“But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.” (Galatians 4:29, ESV) In October this year, 2023, we watched news reports of a horrific scene in Israel. It was on the seventh of October that Hamas…
Born Free (Galatians 4:28, 31)
“Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.” . . . “So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.” (Galatians 4:28, 31, ESV) In 1966 a movie came out titled “Born Free.” It was based on a real-life couple, Joy and George Adamson, who raised an orphaned lion…
Faith Brings Hope
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I pray many blessings for you all. You are all deeply loved and appreciated. (I had a problem with the video on this latest post. So, I have now re-posted.) “But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.…
Faith Brings Hope
“But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written, ‘Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.’” (Galatians 4:26–27,…
A Tale of Two Cities
“Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.”…
Born Again to Freedom
“For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants.” (Galatians…
Spiritual Anguish – Galatians 4:18-20
“It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!” (Galatians 4:18–19, ESV) Oh, the pain of child rearing. When I was young, I…
Motives – Galatians 4:16-17
“So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them.” (Galatians 4:16–17, NASB95) In life we do things for a reason. Behind the reason is a motive. Motives are very important. However, there are good…
Heart of the Pastor – Gal 4:12-16
“What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:15–16, ESV) I believe that many parishioners have no clue about the true heart of the…
Why Abandon the Perfect Gift
“But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?” (Galatians 4:9, ESV) It is Christmas time. It is a time where we exchange gifts.…
Adopted Sons
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4–5, ESV) Many people are very interested in their ancestry or genealogy. I have dabbled into it on…
Escape From Slavery
“In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.” (Galatians 4:1–3, ESV) Throughout the world and throughout history, slavery has been practiced by different cultures. In some cases, there have been good masters who treated their slaves fairly. However there have been other cases where…
Oneness – Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28, ESV) A Pew Research Center report from January 18, 2011 indicated at 75% of Americans are active in one kind of group or another. Many are active…
Graduation From Guardianship
“So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian,” (Galatians 3:24–25, ESV) I have to say that I was blessed growing up. We had a good home. Oh, it was not perfect,…
Conflict Yes or No – Gal 3:21-22
“Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”…
Why the Law?
“Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.” (Galatians 3:19–20, ESV) In recent history, the progressive movement promoted a…
The Promise (Galatians 3:15-18)
“Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as…
Covenant Continuity
“so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.” (Galatians 3:14, ESV) It is now November and we are getting ready for Christmas. In the old days, or let us say some time ago, they made Christmas tree lights with…
Faith and False Hope
For some reason the video with my morning post did not get embedded. So, here it is.
Faith and False Hope
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight…
Privileged Heritage
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with…
Reasoning
“1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye…
Matter of the Heart
“Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3, ESV) We all have been raised in a do society. It is a culture in which we must do things to improve ourselves. Often when I pastored, people would come to me and say things like…
The Gift of God
“Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?” (Galatians 3:2, ESV) I was teaching a Bible study to a group of single adults one Friday evening. We read through a passage in the Book of Acts where Peter was preaching to the…
Divine Purpose
“I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” (Galatians 2:21, ESV) When I was a young man, I had many pursuits. I had many dreams. I dreamt of being a multi-millionaire. I dreamt of being a great military leader. I dreamt of…
The Power of Grace
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if…
A Higher Call
“But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live…
Becoming Two Peas in One Pod
“We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because…
Gentle Timely Confrontation
“But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”” (Galatians 2:14, ESV) One of the difficult…
Chain Reactions
“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise…
The Empire or the Ekklesia
“Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” (Galatians 2:10, ESV) Sometimes in our zeal to build the church we can turn the church into an empire rather than the gathering of people who are in need. When we do this, we will fail in our effort…
Lines of Demarcation
“and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.” (Galatians 2:9, ESV) In the mid-seventies, I served in the United States…
Freedom or Slavery
“Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.” (Galatians 2:4–5,…
Further Affirmation
“Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in…
To God be the Glory
“And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.” (Galatians 1:22–24, ESV) Fanny Crosby wrote a beautiful hymn that…
A United Front
“Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.” (Galatians 1:18–20, KJV) In military operations, espionage is often used…
Plan From Heaven
“But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were…
Power of the Testimony
“For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.” (Galatians 1:13–14, ESV) It is very…
Divine Quality
“For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11–12, ESV) When I was a young man, my dad got…
Men Pleasers
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, ESV) It seems that most people like to be accepted by others. We like to be liked. Years…
Harsh But Appropriate
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”…
A Perplexing Problem
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:6–7, ESV) During my days of ministry, I…
Grace and Glory
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1:3–5, ESV) When I was in Savannah, our…
Grace and Peace (Galatians 1:3-5)
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1:3–5, ESV) John Newton described himself as a…
A High Calling (Galatians 1:1-2)
“Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:” (Galatians 1:1–2, ESV) In June 1974, I was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. When I…
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Renewing the Heart 