Saturday, March 30, 2013
Hidden in My Heart
"...endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3; NKJV)
Friday, March 29, 2013
Glory Only in the Cross of Christ
Galatians 6:11-18; NKJV
11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!
12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Thanks to the person and work of the Lord Jesus we have been set free from the bondage of sin and death. It was His person and work that accomplished this amazing feat of grace. Glory only in Him and what He did for you.
11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!
12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Thanks to the person and work of the Lord Jesus we have been set free from the bondage of sin and death. It was His person and work that accomplished this amazing feat of grace. Glory only in Him and what He did for you.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Sow to the Spirit
Galatians 6:7-10
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Everyone sows.
If you sow to the Spirit you will reap everlasting life.
If you sow to the flesh you will reap corruption.
Sow to the Spirit.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Everyone sows.
If you sow to the Spirit you will reap everlasting life.
If you sow to the flesh you will reap corruption.
Sow to the Spirit.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Fulfilling the Law of Christ
Galatians 6:1-5; NKJV
1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For each one shall bear his own load.
Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses (see Matthew 5:17-20). We are to fulfill the law of Christ by bearing one another's burdens. What a blessed thought that both laws can be fulfilled! One by Him; one by us!
1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For each one shall bear his own load.
Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses (see Matthew 5:17-20). We are to fulfill the law of Christ by bearing one another's burdens. What a blessed thought that both laws can be fulfilled! One by Him; one by us!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The Holy Spirit: Walk, Led, Live
Galatians 5:16-26
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
1. Walk in the Spirit.
2. Be led by the Spirit.
3. Live in the Spirit.
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
1. Walk in the Spirit.
2. Be led by the Spirit.
3. Live in the Spirit.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Spiritual Cannibalism
Galatians 5:13-15; NKJV
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
Our God and Father has not called us to practice spiritual cannibalism. We are not to "bite and devour one another." We are to love each other and serve each other.
Let us use our liberty in Christ to serve one another through love!
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
Our God and Father has not called us to practice spiritual cannibalism. We are not to "bite and devour one another." We are to love each other and serve each other.
Let us use our liberty in Christ to serve one another through love!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Hidden in My Heart
"...endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3; NKJV)
Friday, March 22, 2013
Through the Spirit
Galatians 5:1-6; NKJV
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.
3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.
4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
We obey the gospel by faith and we receive the remission of our sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). We are born of the Spirit (John 3:5). We wait for the hope of righteousness by faith "though the Spirit" (Galatians 5:5).
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.
3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.
4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
We obey the gospel by faith and we receive the remission of our sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). We are born of the Spirit (John 3:5). We wait for the hope of righteousness by faith "though the Spirit" (Galatians 5:5).
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Born According to the Spirit
Galatians 4:21; NKJV
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?
Why would we want to like Hagar and Ishmael? Born of the flesh? When we could be like Sarah and Isaac? Born of the Spirit?
Galatians 4:29; NKJV
29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.
Listen to the Law. Let it lead you to Christ. Be born of the water and the Spirit.
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?
Why would we want to like Hagar and Ishmael? Born of the flesh? When we could be like Sarah and Isaac? Born of the Spirit?
Galatians 4:29; NKJV
29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.
Listen to the Law. Let it lead you to Christ. Be born of the water and the Spirit.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Known By God
Galatians 4:8-9; NKJV
8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods.
9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?
Notice the wonderful difference between Galatians 4:8 and Galatians 4:9.
In Galatians 4:8 we didn't know God. In Galatians 4:9 we are known by God.
Just think...you are known by God.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
The Abba, Father Relationship
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)
›Because – the reason why anything is said to be or to be done, because, since, for that, for
›
Sons – descendant, one of the posterity of anyone; kinship
›
God – theos – context – the Father
›
Sent forth – send out on a mission to another place (control over/directing all things) – see 4:4
›
Spirit of His Son – pneuma – the Holy Spirit
›
Into your hearts – kardia – seat and center of all physical and spiritual life
›
Crying out – krazo – a primary verb; properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e. (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
In brief, the word “Abba,” as it was used by the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit, signifies the essence of what it means to have a personal relationship with GOD through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
›Because – the reason why anything is said to be or to be done, because, since, for that, for
›
Sons – descendant, one of the posterity of anyone; kinship
›
God – theos – context – the Father
›
Sent forth – send out on a mission to another place (control over/directing all things) – see 4:4
›
Spirit of His Son – pneuma – the Holy Spirit
›
Into your hearts – kardia – seat and center of all physical and spiritual life
›
Crying out – krazo – a primary verb; properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e. (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
In brief, the word “Abba,” as it was used by the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit, signifies the essence of what it means to have a personal relationship with GOD through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Monday, March 18, 2013
The Schoolmaster
Galatians 3:24; KJV
"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."
Paidagogs (schoolmaster) denotes a slave whose duty it was to take care of a child until adulthood. The "tutor" (NKJV) escorted the child to and from school until adulthood, but didn't actually do the teaching of the child. "Schoolmasters" were often harsh disciplinarians, causing those under their care to yearn for the day in which they would be free from their custody.
The Law of Moses had the function of leading the Jews to Christ. Once the Christ came and the faith was revealed, the function of the Law was completed. The law brings us to Christ where we are justified by faith.
"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."
Paidagogs (schoolmaster) denotes a slave whose duty it was to take care of a child until adulthood. The "tutor" (NKJV) escorted the child to and from school until adulthood, but didn't actually do the teaching of the child. "Schoolmasters" were often harsh disciplinarians, causing those under their care to yearn for the day in which they would be free from their custody.
The Law of Moses had the function of leading the Jews to Christ. Once the Christ came and the faith was revealed, the function of the Law was completed. The law brings us to Christ where we are justified by faith.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Hidden in My Heart
"...endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3; NKJV)
Friday, March 15, 2013
Read the Word with Confidence
Galatians 3:15-18; NKJV
15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.
16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.
17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.
18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Consider the authority and accuracy of Jehovah's word in Galatians 3:16. An argument is made concerning a singular and a plural word (seed; seeds). We have an accurate text that is authoritative! Read His word with confidence!
15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.
16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.
17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.
18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Consider the authority and accuracy of Jehovah's word in Galatians 3:16. An argument is made concerning a singular and a plural word (seed; seeds). We have an accurate text that is authoritative! Read His word with confidence!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
The Promise of the Spirit
Galatians 3:10-14; NKJV
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them."
11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."
12 Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them."
13 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"),
14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Question: How do we receive the promise of the Spirit?
Answer: Though faith.
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them."
11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."
12 Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them."
13 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"),
14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Question: How do we receive the promise of the Spirit?
Answer: Though faith.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Receiving the Spirit
Galatians 3:1-9; NKJV
1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?
2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
4 Have you suffered so many things in vain — if indeed it was in vain?
5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? —
6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.
8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed."
9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
Question: Does one receive the Spirit by the works of the law?
Answer: No.
Question: Does one receive the Spirit by the hearing of faith?
Answer: Yes.
Hear the conclusion of Galatians 3:1-9!
Don't turn away from the true gospel to another gospel. When we hear and obey the gospel of Christ we receive the Spirit. The Spirit is supplied to those who live by faith.
1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?
2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
4 Have you suffered so many things in vain — if indeed it was in vain?
5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? —
6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.
8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed."
9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
Question: Does one receive the Spirit by the works of the law?
Answer: No.
Question: Does one receive the Spirit by the hearing of faith?
Answer: Yes.
Hear the conclusion of Galatians 3:1-9!
Don't turn away from the true gospel to another gospel. When we hear and obey the gospel of Christ we receive the Spirit. The Spirit is supplied to those who live by faith.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Galatians 2:20
Galatians 2:20; NKJV
"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."
“And he who does not take his
cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.”
(Matthew
10:38; NKJV).
What
did the word “cross” mean to this first-century audience?
The
Symbol. In Matthew 10:38, Jesus
is not speaking of the “cross” of a difficult situation, a chronic disease or a
nagging spouse. I have heard devotional
sermons spiritualizing the “cross” to mean everything from a cranky
mother-in-law to a leaky roof. But this
is not what the word “cross” communicated to Jesus’ first century
audience. It did not call to their minds
the idea of long-term difficulties or troublesome burdens. It did not even evoke thoughts of Calvary because the Lord had not gone to the cross yet,
and they did not understand that He would.
The
Instrument. Christ’s first-century
audience thought of a cruel instrument of torture and death. They thought of dying in the most agonizing
method known to man. They thought of the
poor, condemned criminals hanging on crosses by the roadside. Doubtless they had seen men executed in that
fashion. The Hasmonean ruler Alexander
Jannaeus crucified 800 Pharisees (103-76 BC) and the Roman general Varus broke
up a Jewish revolt by crucifying 2000 Jews on a single day in Jerusalem (6 AD). It was customary for the condemned to carry
their cross to the place of execution.
And it was a one-way journey.
The
Call of Christ. Jesus’ listeners
knew He was asking them to die for Him.
They knew He was asking them to make the ultimate sacrifice, to
surrender to Him as Lord in every sense.
A
Life of Daily Self-Denial. Jesus
is not teaching salvation by martyrdom.
The Lord was not advising the disciples to try and get themselves killed
for Him. He was referring to a pattern,
a direction, a lifestyle. “I affirm,
by the boasting in which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily” (1
Corinthians 15:31; NKJV). Genuine
disciples do not shrink back, even in the face of death. When confronted with a decision between
serving self and serving the Lord, the true disciple is the one who chooses to serve
the Lord, even at great personal expense.
Conclusion. Take up your instrument of
death. Crucify yourself. Allow Christ to live in you. Live your life by faith in the Son of God,
who loved you and gave Himself for you (Galatians 2:20).
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Right Hand of Fellowship
Galatians 2:1-10; NKJV
1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me.
2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.
3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.
4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage),
5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6 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.
7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter
8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles),
9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.
"The right hand of fellowship" signified the Apostles' recognition of Paul as a teacher of the true gospel and partner in the gospel of Jesus Christ. If Paul wasn't a true brother teaching the true gospel, James, Cephas and John would not have extended to him "the right hand of fellowship."
Fellowship is not to be extended to those who teach "a different gospel" (Galatians 1:6; NKJV). Let us learn, obey, follow and teach "the gospel of Christ" (Galatians 1:7; NKJV). Let us extend "the right hand of fellowship" to those who do the same.
1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me.
2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.
3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.
4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage),
5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6 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.
7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter
8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles),
9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.
"The right hand of fellowship" signified the Apostles' recognition of Paul as a teacher of the true gospel and partner in the gospel of Jesus Christ. If Paul wasn't a true brother teaching the true gospel, James, Cephas and John would not have extended to him "the right hand of fellowship."
Fellowship is not to be extended to those who teach "a different gospel" (Galatians 1:6; NKJV). Let us learn, obey, follow and teach "the gospel of Christ" (Galatians 1:7; NKJV). Let us extend "the right hand of fellowship" to those who do the same.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Hidden in My Heart
"...endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3; NKJV)
Friday, March 8, 2013
The Gospel Paul Preached
Galatians 1:11-17; NKJV
11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.
12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.
14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace,
16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
The gospel Paul preached was revealed to him by Jesus Christ. He didn't write it himself. It wasn't taught him by another person.
The gospel Paul preached was the gospel of Jesus Christ, revealed to him by Jesus Christ Himself. We can have confidence that the gospel Paul preached is the gospel that will lead us to Jesus because He received it from Jesus.
11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.
12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.
14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace,
16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
The gospel Paul preached was revealed to him by Jesus Christ. He didn't write it himself. It wasn't taught him by another person.
The gospel Paul preached was the gospel of Jesus Christ, revealed to him by Jesus Christ Himself. We can have confidence that the gospel Paul preached is the gospel that will lead us to Jesus because He received it from Jesus.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Why the Gospel of Christ Matters
Galatians 1:1-10; NKJV
1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
2 and all the brethren who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,
7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
To turn away from the gospel of Christ to a different gospel is to turn away from Him. The facts, commands and promises of the gospel of Christ matter. If you turn away from the doctrine of Christ, you are turning away from Him.
1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
2 and all the brethren who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,
7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
To turn away from the gospel of Christ to a different gospel is to turn away from Him. The facts, commands and promises of the gospel of Christ matter. If you turn away from the doctrine of Christ, you are turning away from Him.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Greet
Philippians 4:21-23; NKJV
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.
22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Greet - aspazomai - to enfold in the arms, to salute, to welcome (Strong's); to draw to oneself, to salute one, greet, bid welcome, wish well to (Thayer's).
Greetings to every saint who reads these words of the Spirit!
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.
22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Greet - aspazomai - to enfold in the arms, to salute, to welcome (Strong's); to draw to oneself, to salute one, greet, bid welcome, wish well to (Thayer's).
Greetings to every saint who reads these words of the Spirit!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
God's Work Done God's Way
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Philippians 4:19-20; NKJV)
When God's work is done God's way it will never lack God's supply.
When God's work is done God's way it will never lack God's supply.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Contentment and Christ
Philippians 4:10-13; NKJV
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Contentment has to do with satisfaction. Is it possible to be satisfied with your state in life, whether you have a lot or a little? If you have Christ strengthening you, then all things are possible.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Contentment has to do with satisfaction. Is it possible to be satisfied with your state in life, whether you have a lot or a little? If you have Christ strengthening you, then all things are possible.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Hidden in My Heart
And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me,
and also of the king's words that he had spoken to me. So they said,
"Let us rise up and build." Then they set their hands to this good
work. (Nehemiah 2:18; NKJV)
Friday, March 1, 2013
Meditate on These Things
Philippians 4:8-9; NKJV
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.
9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
If we mediate on these things and learn and receive the Apostolic doctrine and do them, the God of peace will be with us.
If we think on other things and we don't learn and receive the Apostolic doctrine and do them, the God of peace will not be with us.
Mediate on these things...
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.
9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
If we mediate on these things and learn and receive the Apostolic doctrine and do them, the God of peace will be with us.
If we think on other things and we don't learn and receive the Apostolic doctrine and do them, the God of peace will not be with us.
Mediate on these things...
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