Are Christians free or not?
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1 KJV)
Will laws like circumcision make us right with God? Is circumcision symbolic of the whole law?
Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you. I’ll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey every regulation in the whole law of Moses. (Galatians 5:2-3 NLT)
What was the Galatian heresy? Was it just circumcision or the law of Moses?
You people who are trying to be made righteous by the Law have been estranged from Christ. You have fallen away from grace! (Galatians 5:4 CEB)
What does living by the Spirit do?
But the Spirit makes us sure God will accept us because of our faith in Christ. If you are a follower of Christ Jesus, it makes no difference whether you are circumcised or not. All that matters is your faith that makes you love others. (Galatians 5:5-6 CEV)
Where did this heresy come from?
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)
How much damage can one person with an agenda do? Is there a penalty for them?
A little yeast leavens the whole lump of dough. I have confidence in the Lord you will not accept any other view. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. (Galatians 5:9-10 HCSB)
If Paul preached circumcision, why would the Jews still have persecuted him?
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. (Galatians 5:11 KJV)
Does Paul wish they would be literally or metaphorically castrated, perhaps cut off from the local congregation?
I would they were even cut off which trouble you. (Galatians 5:12 KJV)
Should we abuse our Christian freedom?
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. (Galatians 5:13 NASB)
Is love therefore the key to the spirit of the law?
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14 NIV)
What happens in churches with disputes like this, and what’s the answer?
But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:15-16 NKJV)
How does the Spirit direct us differently than our sinful nature? Is the law of Moses a Christian obligation?
The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. (Galatians 5:17-18 NLT)
What are some examples of the works of the flesh? Will these keep us out of God’s kingdom?
Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom. (Galatians 5:19-21 WEB)
What does the Spirit produce in us?
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this. (Galatians 5:22-23 CEB)
What happened to our selfish ways? How should we act?
And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are. (Galatians 5:24-26 CEV)
Freedom in Christ is not lawlessness, but the laws of Christ, summarized by the word love, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Do you want to be free? You decide!
The Church is His Body (Bible E-Course Ephesians 1)
Who are saints? Who are these “holy and faithful people” (CEB), also called “God's people” (CEV), and “God’s holy people” (NIV, NLT) that Paul is writing to? Are saints the church?
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:1-2 ESV)
Did God decide beforehand how He was going to choose His saints?
Bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing that comes from heaven. God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love. This was according to his goodwill and plan and to honor his glorious grace that he has given to us freely through the Son whom he loves. (Ephesians 1:3-6 CEB)
What do saints have? Redemption is a release effected by payment of a ransom, deliverance.
We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1:7-8 HCSB)
What has God made known to His saints?
He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him, regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. (Ephesians 1:9-10 NASB)
When will God do all He has planned?
Then when the time is right, God will do all he has planned, and Christ will bring together everything in heaven and on earth. God always does what he plans, and this is why he appointed Christ to choose us. He did this so we Jews would bring honor to him and be the first ones to have hope because of him. (Ephesians 1:11-13 CEV)
What is God’s guarantee?
The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. (Ephesians 1:14 NLT)
For what did Paul give thanks?
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. (Ephesians 1:15-16 NIV)
Why did Paul pray for the church in Ephesus?
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:17-18 WEB)
For what else did Paul pray?
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 1:19-20 NKJV)
What does Christ do while seated in the heavenly realms?
There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well. God has put all things under the power of Christ, and for the good of the church he has made him the head of everything. (Ephesians 1:21-22 CEV)
What is the church?
And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. (Ephesians 1:23 NLT)
Ordinary Christians are saints who have received redemption, deliverance, are set free from our sins in Christ through His blood. God has put all things under the power of Christ, and we are His Body. Are you also set free from your sins? You decide!
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:1-2 ESV)
Did God decide beforehand how He was going to choose His saints?
Bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing that comes from heaven. God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love. This was according to his goodwill and plan and to honor his glorious grace that he has given to us freely through the Son whom he loves. (Ephesians 1:3-6 CEB)
What do saints have? Redemption is a release effected by payment of a ransom, deliverance.
We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1:7-8 HCSB)
What has God made known to His saints?
He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him, regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. (Ephesians 1:9-10 NASB)
When will God do all He has planned?
Then when the time is right, God will do all he has planned, and Christ will bring together everything in heaven and on earth. God always does what he plans, and this is why he appointed Christ to choose us. He did this so we Jews would bring honor to him and be the first ones to have hope because of him. (Ephesians 1:11-13 CEV)
What is God’s guarantee?
The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. (Ephesians 1:14 NLT)
For what did Paul give thanks?
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. (Ephesians 1:15-16 NIV)
Why did Paul pray for the church in Ephesus?
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:17-18 WEB)
For what else did Paul pray?
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 1:19-20 NKJV)
What does Christ do while seated in the heavenly realms?
There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well. God has put all things under the power of Christ, and for the good of the church he has made him the head of everything. (Ephesians 1:21-22 CEV)
What is the church?
And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. (Ephesians 1:23 NLT)
Ordinary Christians are saints who have received redemption, deliverance, are set free from our sins in Christ through His blood. God has put all things under the power of Christ, and we are His Body. Are you also set free from your sins? You decide!
The Two Covenants (Bible E-Course 34 Galatians 4)
Living under the law of Moses was like a child under a tutor, or like a slave. How does Paul explain this?
Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave, although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. (Galatians 4:1-2 NASB)
To whom were WE slaves?
In the same way, when we were minors, we were also enslaved by this world’s system. (Galatians 4:3 CEB)
The word “law” is used in several ways in the Bible: as the entire Old Testament (John 12:34 cp. 2 Samuel 7:15-16; Micah 5:2), the books of Moses (Luke 24:44), the law of Moses (Acts 13:39), the law of faith (Romans 3:27), the law of the mind (Romans 7:23-24), the law of sin and death versus the law of the Spirit of life (Romans 8:2), the laws of our country (Romans 13:1-6), and the law of liberty (James 1:25). Which law is referred to here?
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. (Galatians 4:4-5 NIV)
What has God done for us?
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” (Galatians 4:6 NKJV)
What is the result?
Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. (Galatians 4:7 NLT)
Were Galatians turning back to slavery?
At the time, when you didn’t know God, you were enslaved by things that aren’t gods by nature. But now, after knowing God (or rather, being known by God), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless world system? Do you want to be slaves to it again? (Galatians 4:8-9 CEB)
Were worship days part of that slavery?
You even celebrate certain days, months, seasons, and years. I am afraid I have wasted my time working with you. (Galatians 4:10-11 CEV)
Do friends tell friends the truth?
Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 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 4:12-16 ESV)
What is a possible motive for legalism?
They are enthusiastic about you, but not for any good. Instead, they want to isolate you so you will be enthusiastic about them. Now it is always good to be enthusiastic about good—and not just when I am with you. (Galatians 4:17-18 HCSB)
How was Paul wanting to handle this?
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. (Galatians 4:19-20 KJV)
Does the law itself teach us about this?
Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the Law? (Galatians 4:21 NASB)
What analogy does Paul use?
For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise. (Galatians 4:22-23 NIV cp. Genesis 16:15)
What covenant was given at Mt Sinai?
…which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar—for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children—but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children Than she who has a husband.” (Galatians 4:24-27 NKJV)
Do legalists still harass true Christians?
And you, dear brothers and sisters, are children of the promise, just like Isaac. But you are now being persecuted by those who want you to keep the law, just as Ishmael, the child born by human effort, persecuted Isaac, the child born by the power of the Spirit. (Galatians 4:28-29 NLT)
Can the two covenants coexist?
However what does the Scripture say? “Throw out the servant and her son, for the son of the servant will not inherit with the son of the free woman.” So then, brothers, we are not children of a servant, but of the free woman. (Galatians 4:30-31 WEB)
Where does this come from?
But Sarah saw Ishmael—the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar—making fun of her son, Isaac. So she turned to Abraham and demanded, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won’t have it!” (Genesis 21:9-10 NLT)
Works of the law like physical circumcision, worship days or food laws are no longer necessary. The letter of the old covenant is no longer relevant to the Christian, only the Spirit of the law in loving God and neighbor. Are we justified by the law or faith? You decide!
Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave, although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. (Galatians 4:1-2 NASB)
To whom were WE slaves?
In the same way, when we were minors, we were also enslaved by this world’s system. (Galatians 4:3 CEB)
The word “law” is used in several ways in the Bible: as the entire Old Testament (John 12:34 cp. 2 Samuel 7:15-16; Micah 5:2), the books of Moses (Luke 24:44), the law of Moses (Acts 13:39), the law of faith (Romans 3:27), the law of the mind (Romans 7:23-24), the law of sin and death versus the law of the Spirit of life (Romans 8:2), the laws of our country (Romans 13:1-6), and the law of liberty (James 1:25). Which law is referred to here?
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. (Galatians 4:4-5 NIV)
What has God done for us?
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” (Galatians 4:6 NKJV)
What is the result?
Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. (Galatians 4:7 NLT)
Were Galatians turning back to slavery?
At the time, when you didn’t know God, you were enslaved by things that aren’t gods by nature. But now, after knowing God (or rather, being known by God), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless world system? Do you want to be slaves to it again? (Galatians 4:8-9 CEB)
Were worship days part of that slavery?
You even celebrate certain days, months, seasons, and years. I am afraid I have wasted my time working with you. (Galatians 4:10-11 CEV)
Do friends tell friends the truth?
Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 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 4:12-16 ESV)
What is a possible motive for legalism?
They are enthusiastic about you, but not for any good. Instead, they want to isolate you so you will be enthusiastic about them. Now it is always good to be enthusiastic about good—and not just when I am with you. (Galatians 4:17-18 HCSB)
How was Paul wanting to handle this?
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. (Galatians 4:19-20 KJV)
Does the law itself teach us about this?
Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the Law? (Galatians 4:21 NASB)
What analogy does Paul use?
For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise. (Galatians 4:22-23 NIV cp. Genesis 16:15)
What covenant was given at Mt Sinai?
…which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar—for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children—but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children Than she who has a husband.” (Galatians 4:24-27 NKJV)
Do legalists still harass true Christians?
And you, dear brothers and sisters, are children of the promise, just like Isaac. But you are now being persecuted by those who want you to keep the law, just as Ishmael, the child born by human effort, persecuted Isaac, the child born by the power of the Spirit. (Galatians 4:28-29 NLT)
Can the two covenants coexist?
However what does the Scripture say? “Throw out the servant and her son, for the son of the servant will not inherit with the son of the free woman.” So then, brothers, we are not children of a servant, but of the free woman. (Galatians 4:30-31 WEB)
Where does this come from?
But Sarah saw Ishmael—the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar—making fun of her son, Isaac. So she turned to Abraham and demanded, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won’t have it!” (Genesis 21:9-10 NLT)
Works of the law like physical circumcision, worship days or food laws are no longer necessary. The letter of the old covenant is no longer relevant to the Christian, only the Spirit of the law in loving God and neighbor. Are we justified by the law or faith? You decide!
Justified by Faith not Legalism (Bible E-Course 34 Galatians 3)
Paul explained how we are justified by grace, not works of the law. How did we receive the Holy Spirit?
You irrational Galatians! Who put a spell on you? Jesus Christ was put on display as crucified before your eyes! I just want to know this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the Law or by believing what you heard? (Galatians 3:1-2 CEB)
So then, do we obey the letter of the law after receiving the Holy Spirit?
Are you so irrational? After you started with the Spirit, are you now finishing up with your own human effort? Did you experience so much for nothing? I wonder if it really was for nothing. (Galatians 3:3-4 CEB)
Abraham was before the law. How can we learn from him?
Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? (Galatians 3:5-6 ESV)
Who are the real sons of Abraham?
The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. (Galatians 3:7 NLT)
Was this foretold?
Now the Scripture saw in advance that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and told the good news ahead of time to Abraham, saying, All the nations will be blessed through you. (Galatians 3:8 HCSB)
Abraham was blessed long before the external works of the law. Do we receive a similar blessing with Abraham?
So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. (Galatians 3:9 KJV)
What about Christians who insist on the works of the law?
For all who are of works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things written in the book of the Law, to do them.” (Galatians 3:10 NASB)
Can we rely on the works of the law to be justified?
Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” (Galatians 3:11-12 NIV)
Did Jesus pay the price to free us from the curse pronounced by the law?
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:13-14 NKJV)
Was the promise to Abraham set aside by the law?
Dear brothers and sisters, here’s an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or amend an irrevocable agreement, so it is in this case. God gave the promises to Abraham and his child. And notice that the Scripture doesn’t say “to his children,” as if it meant many descendants. Rather, it says “to his child”—and that, of course, means Christ. (Galatians 3:15-16 NLT)
How many years before Abraham was the promise made?
What I am saying is that the Law cannot change or cancel God's promise made 430 years before the Law was given. (Galatians 3:17 CEV)
Was the inheritance by the law?
For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by promise. (Galatians 3:18 WEB)
Until Christ
Why was the law added 430 years later? Until when was the law supposed to last?
What is the use of the Law? It was given later to show that we sin. But it was only supposed to last until the coming of that descendant who was given the promise. In fact, angels gave the Law to Moses, and he gave it to the people. (Galatians 3:19 CEV)
Can obeying the law make us right with God?
Now a mediator is helpful if more than one party must reach an agreement. But God, who is one, did not use a mediator when he gave his promise to Abraham. Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. (Galatians 3:20-21 NLT)
Who can be free from sin?
But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:22 NLT)
Were we in protective custody until Christ?
Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:23-24 ESV)
Until Heaven and Earth Pass
Do Romans and Galatians contradict Jesus who said that not one jot or tittle of the law would pass until heaven and earth pass (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:13; 5:1-4)? The phrase “the Law and the Prophets” refers to the two grand divisions of the Old Testament. The word “fulfill” does not mean do away with but rather to fill to the full.
Don’t even begin to think that I have come to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I haven’t come to do away with them but to fulfill them. I say to you very seriously that as long as heaven and earth exist, neither the smallest letter nor even the smallest stroke of a pen will be erased from the Law until everything there becomes a reality. (Matthew 5:17-18 CEB)
Does preserving the Old Testament include keeping even the least of its commandments? Jesus did not say the Ten Commandments, nor the 613 Commandments of the Old Testament, but “these” that is, these My commandments.
Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19 NKJV)
Is there a clue to answer the seeming contradiction?
For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:20 NIV)
Resolving the Contradiction
Is the law still relevant until heaven and earth pass away or only until Christ? Is there a contradiction? Jesus explains how the spirit of the whole law still applies in Christian living. Romans and Galatians discuss the outward works or letter of the law such as circumcision, days and foods. Another passage explains the difference.
He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit produces life. (2 Corinthians 3:6 HCSB)
Jesus clearly contradicts dividing the law into parts like a moral law that stays and civil or ceremonial laws that are erased, saying that not a jot or tittle will disappear. How? Is the law continued in spirit, discontinued in the letter, and thus transformed as the law of Christ? The biggest clue is that we are circumcised of heart, not flesh. Are we thus God’s children through faith?
But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian. You are all God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:25-26 CEB)
Are baptized Christians really one in Christ?
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ like a garment. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:27-28 HCSB)
Does Abraham’s promise from before the law was given, also apply to us?
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29 KJV)
Before the law Abraham was declared righteous by faith (Romans 4:9, 13). The new covenant is similar, by faith and not by the works of the law. The law cannot set aside the previous promise to Abraham. Do we fulfill the law by keeping the letter of physical observances or by acting in love towards God and our neighbor? You decide!
You irrational Galatians! Who put a spell on you? Jesus Christ was put on display as crucified before your eyes! I just want to know this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the Law or by believing what you heard? (Galatians 3:1-2 CEB)
So then, do we obey the letter of the law after receiving the Holy Spirit?
Are you so irrational? After you started with the Spirit, are you now finishing up with your own human effort? Did you experience so much for nothing? I wonder if it really was for nothing. (Galatians 3:3-4 CEB)
Abraham was before the law. How can we learn from him?
Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? (Galatians 3:5-6 ESV)
Who are the real sons of Abraham?
The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. (Galatians 3:7 NLT)
Was this foretold?
Now the Scripture saw in advance that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and told the good news ahead of time to Abraham, saying, All the nations will be blessed through you. (Galatians 3:8 HCSB)
Abraham was blessed long before the external works of the law. Do we receive a similar blessing with Abraham?
So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. (Galatians 3:9 KJV)
What about Christians who insist on the works of the law?
For all who are of works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things written in the book of the Law, to do them.” (Galatians 3:10 NASB)
Can we rely on the works of the law to be justified?
Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” (Galatians 3:11-12 NIV)
Did Jesus pay the price to free us from the curse pronounced by the law?
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:13-14 NKJV)
Was the promise to Abraham set aside by the law?
Dear brothers and sisters, here’s an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or amend an irrevocable agreement, so it is in this case. God gave the promises to Abraham and his child. And notice that the Scripture doesn’t say “to his children,” as if it meant many descendants. Rather, it says “to his child”—and that, of course, means Christ. (Galatians 3:15-16 NLT)
How many years before Abraham was the promise made?
What I am saying is that the Law cannot change or cancel God's promise made 430 years before the Law was given. (Galatians 3:17 CEV)
Was the inheritance by the law?
For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by promise. (Galatians 3:18 WEB)
Until Christ
Why was the law added 430 years later? Until when was the law supposed to last?
What is the use of the Law? It was given later to show that we sin. But it was only supposed to last until the coming of that descendant who was given the promise. In fact, angels gave the Law to Moses, and he gave it to the people. (Galatians 3:19 CEV)
Can obeying the law make us right with God?
Now a mediator is helpful if more than one party must reach an agreement. But God, who is one, did not use a mediator when he gave his promise to Abraham. Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. (Galatians 3:20-21 NLT)
Who can be free from sin?
But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:22 NLT)
Were we in protective custody until Christ?
Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:23-24 ESV)
Until Heaven and Earth Pass
Do Romans and Galatians contradict Jesus who said that not one jot or tittle of the law would pass until heaven and earth pass (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:13; 5:1-4)? The phrase “the Law and the Prophets” refers to the two grand divisions of the Old Testament. The word “fulfill” does not mean do away with but rather to fill to the full.
Don’t even begin to think that I have come to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I haven’t come to do away with them but to fulfill them. I say to you very seriously that as long as heaven and earth exist, neither the smallest letter nor even the smallest stroke of a pen will be erased from the Law until everything there becomes a reality. (Matthew 5:17-18 CEB)
Does preserving the Old Testament include keeping even the least of its commandments? Jesus did not say the Ten Commandments, nor the 613 Commandments of the Old Testament, but “these” that is, these My commandments.
Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19 NKJV)
Is there a clue to answer the seeming contradiction?
For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:20 NIV)
Resolving the Contradiction
Is the law still relevant until heaven and earth pass away or only until Christ? Is there a contradiction? Jesus explains how the spirit of the whole law still applies in Christian living. Romans and Galatians discuss the outward works or letter of the law such as circumcision, days and foods. Another passage explains the difference.
He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit produces life. (2 Corinthians 3:6 HCSB)
Jesus clearly contradicts dividing the law into parts like a moral law that stays and civil or ceremonial laws that are erased, saying that not a jot or tittle will disappear. How? Is the law continued in spirit, discontinued in the letter, and thus transformed as the law of Christ? The biggest clue is that we are circumcised of heart, not flesh. Are we thus God’s children through faith?
But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian. You are all God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:25-26 CEB)
Are baptized Christians really one in Christ?
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ like a garment. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:27-28 HCSB)
Does Abraham’s promise from before the law was given, also apply to us?
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29 KJV)
Before the law Abraham was declared righteous by faith (Romans 4:9, 13). The new covenant is similar, by faith and not by the works of the law. The law cannot set aside the previous promise to Abraham. Do we fulfill the law by keeping the letter of physical observances or by acting in love towards God and our neighbor? You decide!
Legalism is Sin & Slavery (Bible E-Course 34 Galatians 2)
Paul was directly taught by the resurrected Jesus, but did not act like a rebel. Instead he cooperated with the Apostles before him.
Legalism is Sin & Slavery
Where did Paul go to double check his teachings about the law and the Gospel?
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. (Galatians 2:1 ESV)
Did God inspire this journey? Why did he confine his conversation to church leadership?
I went up according to a revelation and presented to them the gospel I preach among the Gentiles—but privately to those recognized as leaders—so that I might not be running, or have run the race, in vain. (Galatians 2:2 HCSB)
Was the commandment to be circumcised still valid in the flesh or in the letter of the law?
But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: (Galatians 2:3 KJV)
Is there a spiritual application of the law?
When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. (Colossians 2:11 NLT cf. Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4)
Did false brethren want to enslave Christians?
Yet it was a concern because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy on our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. (Galatians 2:4 NASB)
Did Paul give in to these legalists?
We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. (Galatians 2:5 NIV)
Was Paul impressed by titles or positions in the church?
But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. (Galatians 2:6 NKJV)
Were there different targets in their outreach ministry?
Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles. (Galatians 2:7-8 NLT)
Did they accept them as coworkers?
and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, those who were reputed to be pillars, gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision. (Galatians 2:9 WEB)
Was there a reminder of something important? Is this far less quibbling over minutia than some Christian discussions?
They asked only that we would remember the poor, which was certainly something I was willing to do. (Galatians 2:10 CEB)
Was Peter corrected on a point?
When Peter came to Antioch, I told him face to face that he was wrong. He used to eat with Gentile followers of the Lord, until James sent some Jewish followers. Peter was afraid of the Jews and soon stopped eating with Gentiles. He and the others hid their true feelings so well that even Barnabas was fooled. (Galatians 2:11-13 CEV)
Are elders to be publicly corrected?
But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. (1 Timothy 5:20 NIV)
What was Paul’s specific correction of Peter?
But when I saw that they were deviating from the truth of the gospel, I told Cephas in front of everyone, “If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel Gentiles to live like Jews?” (Galatians 2:14 HCSB)
What specific point was Paul leading up to?
We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Galatians 2:15-16 KJV)
Does that mean that we can freely sin?
But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Far from it! (Galatians 2:17 NASB)
How would he prevent being a sinner, by obeying the law all over again, or something else?
Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. (Galatians 2:18-19 NLT)
How are we then to live?
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 NKJV)
Does the law define true righteousness?
I don’t reject the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing! (Galatians 2:21 WEB)
The Apostles agreed with Paul, that going back to the letter of the law does not make us righteous. In fact, rebuilding the legalistic bondage of the law makes us sinners and slaves. The law is good, but it no longer defines righteousness, faith does. Do you have faith? You decide!
Legalism is Sin & Slavery
Where did Paul go to double check his teachings about the law and the Gospel?
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. (Galatians 2:1 ESV)
Did God inspire this journey? Why did he confine his conversation to church leadership?
I went up according to a revelation and presented to them the gospel I preach among the Gentiles—but privately to those recognized as leaders—so that I might not be running, or have run the race, in vain. (Galatians 2:2 HCSB)
Was the commandment to be circumcised still valid in the flesh or in the letter of the law?
But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: (Galatians 2:3 KJV)
Is there a spiritual application of the law?
When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. (Colossians 2:11 NLT cf. Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4)
Did false brethren want to enslave Christians?
Yet it was a concern because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy on our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. (Galatians 2:4 NASB)
Did Paul give in to these legalists?
We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. (Galatians 2:5 NIV)
Was Paul impressed by titles or positions in the church?
But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. (Galatians 2:6 NKJV)
Were there different targets in their outreach ministry?
Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles. (Galatians 2:7-8 NLT)
Did they accept them as coworkers?
and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, those who were reputed to be pillars, gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision. (Galatians 2:9 WEB)
Was there a reminder of something important? Is this far less quibbling over minutia than some Christian discussions?
They asked only that we would remember the poor, which was certainly something I was willing to do. (Galatians 2:10 CEB)
Was Peter corrected on a point?
When Peter came to Antioch, I told him face to face that he was wrong. He used to eat with Gentile followers of the Lord, until James sent some Jewish followers. Peter was afraid of the Jews and soon stopped eating with Gentiles. He and the others hid their true feelings so well that even Barnabas was fooled. (Galatians 2:11-13 CEV)
Are elders to be publicly corrected?
But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. (1 Timothy 5:20 NIV)
What was Paul’s specific correction of Peter?
But when I saw that they were deviating from the truth of the gospel, I told Cephas in front of everyone, “If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel Gentiles to live like Jews?” (Galatians 2:14 HCSB)
What specific point was Paul leading up to?
We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Galatians 2:15-16 KJV)
Does that mean that we can freely sin?
But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Far from it! (Galatians 2:17 NASB)
How would he prevent being a sinner, by obeying the law all over again, or something else?
Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. (Galatians 2:18-19 NLT)
How are we then to live?
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 NKJV)
Does the law define true righteousness?
I don’t reject the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing! (Galatians 2:21 WEB)
The Apostles agreed with Paul, that going back to the letter of the law does not make us righteous. In fact, rebuilding the legalistic bondage of the law makes us sinners and slaves. The law is good, but it no longer defines righteousness, faith does. Do you have faith? You decide!
The Church's Mystery (Ephesians 3)
Are God’s ways a mystery? Is gentile inclusion in the church part of that mystery? What consequence did Paul face for preaching the good news to gentiles?
This is why I, Paul, am a prisoner of Christ for you Gentiles. (Ephesians 3:1 CEB)
Who chose Paul for this mission?
You have surely heard about God's gift of undeserved grace in choosing me to help you. In fact, this letter tells you a little about how God has shown me his mysterious ways. (Ephesians 3:2-3 CEV)
When was the mystery of Christ made known?
When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. (Ephesians 3:4-5 ESV)
What is that mystery?
The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (Ephesians 3:6 HCSB)
What was Paul’s call to service?
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. (Ephesians 3:7 KJV)
What was Paul’s call to service?
To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8 NASB)
What else did Paul’s service involve?
and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. (Ephesians 3:9 NIV)
Is the church a display of God’s wisdom even to those in heaven?
God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 3:10 NLT)
Is this all because of Christ?
according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. (Ephesians 3:11-12 NKJV)
What did Paul encourage them to think about his persecution?
So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored. (Ephesians 3:13 NLT)
How did Paul pray?
For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:14 WEB)
To whom do we owe our existence?
All beings in heaven and on earth receive their life from him. (Ephesians 3:15 CEV)
What was Paul’s prayer for them?
I ask that he will strengthen you in your inner selves from the riches of his glory through the Spirit. (Ephesians 3:16 CEB)
Why?
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17 ESV)
To understand what?
may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:18-19 HCSB)
How much more is God able to do than we can ever imagine?
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21 KJV)
The church has a mystery that God uses to teach even angels in heaven about his wisdom. Do we understand that great mystery or do we still separate ourselves from others? You decide!
This is why I, Paul, am a prisoner of Christ for you Gentiles. (Ephesians 3:1 CEB)
Who chose Paul for this mission?
You have surely heard about God's gift of undeserved grace in choosing me to help you. In fact, this letter tells you a little about how God has shown me his mysterious ways. (Ephesians 3:2-3 CEV)
When was the mystery of Christ made known?
When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. (Ephesians 3:4-5 ESV)
What is that mystery?
The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (Ephesians 3:6 HCSB)
What was Paul’s call to service?
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. (Ephesians 3:7 KJV)
What was Paul’s call to service?
To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8 NASB)
What else did Paul’s service involve?
and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. (Ephesians 3:9 NIV)
Is the church a display of God’s wisdom even to those in heaven?
God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 3:10 NLT)
Is this all because of Christ?
according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. (Ephesians 3:11-12 NKJV)
What did Paul encourage them to think about his persecution?
So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored. (Ephesians 3:13 NLT)
How did Paul pray?
For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:14 WEB)
To whom do we owe our existence?
All beings in heaven and on earth receive their life from him. (Ephesians 3:15 CEV)
What was Paul’s prayer for them?
I ask that he will strengthen you in your inner selves from the riches of his glory through the Spirit. (Ephesians 3:16 CEB)
Why?
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17 ESV)
To understand what?
may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:18-19 HCSB)
How much more is God able to do than we can ever imagine?
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21 KJV)
The church has a mystery that God uses to teach even angels in heaven about his wisdom. Do we understand that great mystery or do we still separate ourselves from others? You decide!
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