Galatians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 3

Galatians 3

 

-Paul makes one of the best defenses for salvation by faith, both past (Old Testament dispensation) and present (New Testament dispensation) in all of Scripture here in chapter 3. His defense is, again, against the legalism and Judaizing that was infecting the churches of Galatia to which he calls them out for being foolish (Galatians 3:1, 3). The Spirit is the only One or thing that can give new birth to the believer, and He is the one who does the perfecting work as well (Galatians 3:3, 5, Philippians 2:13-13). No law can ever save a person; it only serves to show them where they are wrong and come short. This is the guardian (tutor, custodian) that served as a guide towards the righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:24-25). This is the valid point that Paul makes imperative here as he winds through his argument with the legalists. Abraham is the father of faith, as the gospel writer points out vividly, and was himself justified by his own faith in the promises of God primarily speaking as to the Offspring (singular) who is Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:16). Those of faith are the true sons of Abraham, both Jew and Gentile, slave or free, male or female (Galatians 3:7, 28). In him (Abraham, the man of faith), through his Offspring (Jesus Christ), the nations (the whole world) would be blessed (Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3:8). *Application* Salvation has always been a matter of faith as we can clearly see here in this passage. God cannot be pleased unless we exhibit life changing belief in Him for what He has done and what He is going to do (Hebrews 11:6). He is our hope and strength. Depend totally on His Word and His work. Jesus Christ has done it all. Enjoy His grace by simple trust.

-Paul now debunks the notion that works of the Law can save in precise language. He uses the Old Testament Scriptures for his apology (defense) using Deuteronomy 27:26 as a means of saying basically that everyone who has broken the Law is under a curse (Galatians 3:10).  Because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), no one is justified before God on the basis of the Law for the “righteous shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11).” Christ Jesus redeemed us from the Law and its curse by becoming a curse for us, for “cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree (Deuteronomy 21:23).” Therefore, those who are IN Christ Jesus are the blessing of Abraham that they might receive the promised Holy Spirit through the means of faith (Galatians 3:14). This is a ratified covenant that nothing needs to be added to or taken away from (Galatians 3:15). This also does not nullify the previous covenant ratified by God with His children Israel; it simply “fulfills” the promise given ages ago (Matthew 5:17, Galatians 3:17-21). Therefore, the Law bound us up as prisoners under sin, but God through Jesus Christ has set us free from that bondage and makes us heirs according to the promise laid from the foundation of the world (Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18, Galatians 3:23-29, Hebrews 4:3). *Application* Do not let anyone ever tell you that you can work your way to Heaven and God’s good graces. This is simply an untrue and deceptive statement that contradicts biblical Christianity. It is no wonder Paul was so upset with this false teaching because it negates the gospel, which is to be received and applied by simple faith. This is contrary to our natural way of thinking because we feel like we need to “earn” everything in this world. This is because of the curse and its laborious effects. Don’t give into the lies of Satan. Trust God to be saved on and by His plan, not your own.

 

Verse to Memorize- Galatians 3:11

Galatians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 2

Galatians 2

 

-Paul begins chapter 2 by continuing with us personal history indicating that he spent 14 years in Syria and Cilicia (this may have been primarily a stay in Tarsus, his hometown, Acts 9:11; 21:39; 22:3 and also Antioch). He then took with him Barnabas, the encourager, and Titus, who was an uncircumcised Greek believer back up to Jerusalem by revelation set before them by God (Galatians 2:2-3). Paul relates how false brothers came in at some point of their time in this region to spy out their freedoms in Christ in an effort to enforce legalistic measures on them, which Paul calls “slavery (Galatians 2:4).” Paul claims they did not yield in submission to these Judaizers even for a moment, but kept the accurate revelation of the truth for the purpose of preserving the Gentiles in complete and total faith (Galatians 2:5). Even those who seemed influential (Peter, James, John) added nothing to his requirements, which was simply the obedience of faith in Jesus Christ crucified, buried, and risen for justification from sin. God is impartial (Galatians 2:6). The only requirement these who had as their primary ministry to the circumcised laid on Paul and his party was to remember the poor, which Paul heartily agreed to do (Galatians 2:10). *Application* The freedom in Christ was important for these Gentile converts and it is important for us. Paul will go on to explain this further, but at this point it should be clear that we need to defend our freedoms from works based religious systems. Oppose those who want to eradicate the liberty you have in Christ Jesus by faith. Legalism is a false religious system, which God does not approve of.

-Paul goes into an incident to prove his point on legalism. When Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch, Paul had to oppose him to his face because of Peter’s condemned hypocrisy in this area of Judaizing. Peter had been eating and partaking of the freedoms of Christ with the Gentile brothers, but when certain men came from James, who were legalistic Jews, Peter became afraid of their stance and withdrew in separation from the Gentile party. The rest of the Jews followed suit with him in their hypocrisy even to the point that Barnabas was led astray (Galatians 2:11-13). Paul, seeing that this was wrong and not in step with the gospel truth, told Cephas before them all basically that it was wrong to live like a Gentile with them and then switch around to try to force the Gentiles to live like Jews according to the Law because of man pleasing (Galatians 2:14). Paul’s statement in verse sixteen, “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 by works of the law no one will be justified,” says it all. *Application* Paul was right to expose the hypocrisy in this situation. His focus was on sharing the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, not following man-made traditions and requirements of the Law, which are a pointing to Christ, not a means of justification for salvation. The real issue here is works based forgiveness. We can never be justified apart from the righteous grace of Christ Jesus through His work on the cross. Make sure people understand this as you share your faith with them. There are many in our world that still believe they must try and work their way to Heaven. This is simply not true and the truth needs to be revealed. Be bold in the freedom which has set you free!

-In the remaining verses of this passage, the author denounces the notion that this liberty in Christ makes one free to go on sinning with no repercussions. Christ died so that we might die to ourselves and live in Him by His strength given to us by His Holy Spirit. Paul’s point is that he, and we, have been crucified with Christ. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life that 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).” This is resurrection life by the Spirit of God. We should never nullify the grace of God by trying to work for our salvation. “If righteousness were through the Law, then Christ died for no purpose (Galatians 2:21).” *Application* Though we still live in the flesh and are burdened with the capacity to sin while we walk in these earth suits, the Lord is ever present with us by His Spirit and will give us the needed power and authority to overcome temptation and live according to the righteousness of Christ. Christ is our life (Romans 5:10; 6:23, Philippians 1:21, Colossians 3:4)!

 

Verses to Memorize- Galatians 2:16, 20

Galatians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 1

Galatians 1

 

- This letter is one of Paul’s first works in his early years of being a missionary. The letter is characterized by expressions of intense feelings, demonstrations of concern as a pastor, and warnings of serious consequences. It is a reliable Pauline writing in his classic style written somewhere in the late 40’s AD, after Paul’s first missionary journey through the region of Galatia. Most scholars conclude that Paul wrote this defense of freedom in Christ before the Jerusalem Council since there is no mention of it precedence in the letter (Acts 15). It would be logical for him to use this item if it had been yet decided by the church authorities. Included here in Galatia would be cities of Asia Minor such as Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. We know these places had some strong reaction to Paul’s message of Christ (Acts 13:50; 14:2, 19) and apparently some Jewish Christians entered these areas and began to teach the believers in Christ that they must submit to Jewish law. This strict adherence to Mosaic rules was a false teaching that is at the heart of Paul’s message to the converts in Galatia. These false teachers are known as Judaizers, and their teaching is known as “legalism.”

-The doctrinal section of Galatians teaches that believers are accepted by God through faith in Jesus Christ and not by works (2:16). Paul explains to them that God had not given the Mosaic law as a means of justification but to prepare them for the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ (3:23-24). He places the work of the Holy Spirit as the power that allows for believers to keep God’s perfect law and walk in righteousness (5:5). Therefore, Paul fights a monumental battle, which maintains the free gift of God for salvation apart from works of the law. *Application* We can then see this book as a literary coherence in its thematic contrasts: the true gospel vs. a false gospel, faith vs. works, law vs. grace, liberty vs. legalism, sonship vs. slavery, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit vs. the desires of the flesh. Ponder these issues as you read Paul’s letter to the Galatians

-After his staple introduction and greetings that upheld his apostleship directly from God through Jesus Christ, who has been resurrected to eternal life, he proclaimed peace and grace upon the readers and a quick theology on Christ’s work. Paul then quickly pronounces his astonishment with the Galatians turning away from the truth he had delivered to them about Jesus Christ to a different gospel (Galatians 1:6). Some had come and troubled them with a distorted gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:7). The apostle is quick to pronounce his anathema on these deceivers claiming that even if we (his team) or an angel from Heaven should preach a contrary gospel, let them be accursed by God (Galatians 1:8-9). *Application* This reminds me of the false teaching in our time with the Morman cult. A so-called angel from Heaven came and gave a different revelation about Christ that we see in the ancient Scriptures and has led many down the wrong road theologically. Deception is real and must be recognized with all diligence and vigilance. Paul takes a strong stand against false teaching and so should we. Heaven and hell depend on it.

-Paul makes a phenomenal statement: “For am I seeking the approval of man, or of God (good question to ask ourselves, right?)? 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).” *Application* What a strong message we need to meditate on here. Our natural desire is to please man and we do want to live peaceably with each other as an admonition of Scripture (Romans 12:8). However, there come many points in our life when we must choose to fear and obey the Lord rather than man in the directional pull that is upon our lives (Acts 5:29). Take the stand that the Lord wants you to take. Have courage to do the right thing and leave the results up to God. He will take care of you. Depend on His strength and protection. Abide in His will. You are His servant bought with a price (1 Corinthians 7:23).

-Paul now develops his call and authority in the Lord by recounting his testimony with his readers in Galatia (Galatians 1:11-24). His emphasis is on how it was solely the Lord’s work in him that has given him his apostleship and that he did not rely on man, but Jesus Christ’s revelation (Galatians 1:12). *Application* There is nothing like hearing from the Lord and knowing that you are sanctified and called out for a specific purpose in His will. In order to understand that will, there is simply no other substitute for quality and extended time in His presence. Take the time for solitude with God, like we see that Paul did. You will have purpose and direction from Him alone that nobody can refute! Seek the approval of the Living God. Let nothing else suffice.

 

Verses to Memorize- Galatians 1:10, 12

2 Corinthians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 9

2 Corinthians 9

 

-The gifts of generosity by the saints of Corinth is developed in this passage. Paul wants nothing of exaction (act of demanding to obtain, payment obtained by force) from them. He realizes that God loves a cheerful giver that is generous from the heart with the abundance that God has blessed (2 Corinthians 9:7, 11). The point is made abundantly clear: “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6).” “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness (2 Corinthians 9:10).” These are the things that produce thanksgiving to God in overflowing measures (2 Corinthians 9:11-12). It also gives God His proper glory as His treasures are shared rather than selfishly consumed (2 Corinthians 9:13). Christ is the expression of the ultimate and inexpressible (indescribable, not able to put into words) gift because of His coming in love, sacrificial death on the cross, burial, and blessed resurrection unto eternal life, which “gives” us everlasting hope (2 Corinthians 9:15). *Application* Seed gifts multiply the Kingdom of God. His inexpressible gift sets the tone for us to be generous in what we sow with the material, social, mental, and spiritual gifts we have been given from the Heavenly Father. The Bible promises that we will always reap what we sow, so sow bountifully and abundantly the righteousness of God from the heart good farmer (Galatians 6:7-9). In other words, we will always have a multitude of reasons to be thankful when we distribute the goodness of what God has originally given us. Give!

 

Verse to Memorize- 2 Corinthians 9:7, 15

2 Corinthians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 13

2 Corinthians 13

 

-In his last chapter of this letter, Paul gives his flock some final warnings to help them examine and test their faith and realize the concept of Jesus Christ IN them (2 Corinthians 13:5). He begins by reiterating a law from the Torah that every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). Paul says he will not spare the sinners on his third visit to them to prove that Christ is speaking in him (2 Corinthians 13:1-3). God is not weak in dealing them, but powerful. Paul gives the example of how Christ was crucified in weakness, but His resurrected life is lived in power and authority by which he as an apostle now lives (2 Corinthians 13:4). Because of this power living inside the Christian, they are expected to examine and test all measures of faith and practice to prove their allegiance and oneness with the Savior (2 Corinthians 13:5-7). The apostle says that we as believers can do nothing against the truth of the Lord and severe discipline will come in his use of authority for the purpose of building up, not tearing down, if he comes finding chaos and sin (2 Corinthians 13:8-10). He asks them for restoration (there had been much conflict and sin), to comfort one another, to agree with one another (a constant Corinthian issue), and live in peace (2 Corinthians 13:11). After short greetings he tells his readers to have grace, love, and fellowship in the Trinity (2 Corinthians 13:12-14). *Application* Self examination will keep us in line with the truth of God. We need to test ourselves constantly to see if we are abiding in the faith that has saved us and made of a child of God set free from sin. If we are failing this test, repentance and restoration is required to bring us back into proper fellowship with our King and live in His glory. This is what the Lord desires for each of us. Live in Christ and obey His directions!

 

Verse to Memorize- 2 Corinthians 13:5

2 Corinthians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 12

2 Corinthians 12

 

-Paul continues his defense of his authority as an apostle by relating visions and revelations that he received from the Lord in the third heaven. We see Paul’s hesitancy to boast with the use of the third person here in his writing. He is trying to win the confidence of this wayward bunch of believers from Corinth by explaining how close he had become with the Holy Spirit and the things he has experienced in His presence. This was done for building them up and giving them a reason to trust in his authority as a leader of that congregation. Paul had heard things that no man may speak in this heavenly realm (2 Corinthians 12:4). This experience left him weak in his own strength and totally dependent on the oneness he had with Christ for direction, purpose, and authority (2 Corinthians 11:9). He also shares how God had allowed “a thorn in the flesh” to be given him to keep him from boasting and becoming conceited because of these revelations (2 Corinthians 12:7a). This “thorn in the flesh” has been a matter of debate amongst scholars and Christian believers down through the ages. Was this a physical impairment of some kind? Was it a spiritual affliction of demonic nature that tormented him continually drawing him to utterly and totally depend on the Lord in every moment? From the text it is says that this thorn was a messenger of Satan to harass and humble (2 Corinthians 12:7b). There is a reason for this ambiguity. *Application* No matter what the situation, whether physical, emotional, social, or spiritual, the Lord will also give us certain “thorns in the flesh” to buffet us and draw us closer to Himself in utter dependence and reliance. God always wants us to trust in Him beyond our own means and measures. His ways are higher than ours and He will do just about anything to help us abandon going down the road of conceit, pride, and selfishness. Be thankful for the “thorns in the flesh” of your life for this reason. His power is made perfect in our weakness. Give Him the glory! Be content in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:10). When you are weak, you are strong in Him!

-Paul now makes his final appeal for his apostleship and their sanctification with his readers in Corinth. Even though he is nothing on his own strength, he pleas with them for commendation because of the signs, wonders, and mighty works that the Lord was able to perform through him in their midst (2 Corinthians 12:12). He reiterates how he and others (Titus among those) had never been any kind of burden to them in their coming. He relates it to the proper family structure where the parents save up for the children and not vice versa (2 Corinthians 12:14). He was glad to spend and be spent for their progress because of his great love for them and their souls (2 Corinthians 12:15). Paul says he took advantage of no one by deceit (2 Corinthians 12:16-17). In other words his ministry to them was pure and unadulterated. His purpose in coming to them was totally pure in the sight of God, and his team always spoke in Christ for their upbuilding (2 Corinthians 12:19). Paul’s fear is that all the pains and suffering he encountered on their behalf would be for naught. His concern was that there would still be the original problems of quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder (2 Corinthians 12:20). The apostle fears that when he comes again he will be humbled by God before this group of believers causing him to mourn because of their lack of repentance from impurity, sexual immorality (pornia, prostitution, fornication), and sensuality (aselgia, licentiousness, debauchery, insolence, audacity) that they had practiced (2 Corinthians 12:21). *Application* Be appreciative of those who have poured into your life and spiritual development. In most cases they have had to have extended patience and longsuffering to see you through to any amount of growth. It would be a great idea to go back and tell these special people in your life just how much they meant to you in helping you along the way to greater peace and understanding in Christ whether they be parents, teachers, pastors, relatives, or friends. It will encourage them, as Paul needed in this passage, and show them your love and admiration. Don’t delay in doing this.

 

Verses to Memorize- 2 Corinthians 12:7, 9

2 Corinthians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 5

2 Corinthians 5

 

-The concept of Kingdom is paramount in this hopeful chapter that gives us a glimpse into the afterlife in the heavens. We groan in this earth suit that is being destroyed by the corruption of sin and this depraved world, but our anticipation is fixed on better things through Christ Jesus our Lord. He will clothe us with life eternal and He has given us His Holy Spirit as a guarantee of the good and awesome things to come (2 Corinthians 5:5). While we live in this life, we walk by faith, not sight having good courage knowing that it is our privilege to please Him in all ways whether present or away (2 Corinthians 5:7-9). We all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ and will receive what is due for what we’ve done in the body, whether good or evil (2 Corinthians 5:10). As I take it, this is a rewards judgment and not the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). This particular judgment is the same one referred to in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15. *Application* The Holy Spirit is our guarantee of salvation. If He is indwelling us we have a secure future with Him in the afterlife thanks be to Christ Jesus who paid the price for our sins (Job 33:4, Romans 8:2, 1 John 5:12-13). Remember that there is a judgment coming and we will be exposed for everything done in this life in thought, word, and deed. Live with the end in mind.

-Because of these facts, we now have a ministry of reconciliation as believers in Christ Jesus filled with His Holy Spirit as ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Paul says this starts as we know the fear of the Lord and out of that reverence we persuade others with love and compassion (2 Corinthians 5:11, 14). This is new life as a new creation of God that we may no longer live for ourselves but for Him who for sin’s sake died and was raised (2 Corinthians 5:15, 17). “For our sake He (the Father) made Him (the Son) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him (Christ Jesus, the Holy Spirit) we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).” *Application* There are sooo many great spiritual truths in this chapter it would take a lifetime to mine them out and understand fully. We can rest in the fact that God loves us enough to give us His limitless grace and humble Himself to the point of death to take our iniquity away. We can praise the God of the Universe forever because of His great and mighty promised gift of salvation! Further, we have opportunity to minister to others who need to know of this faith life and the hope it brings! Be ambassadors for Christ!!!!

 

Verse to Memorize- 2 Corinthians 5:7