It was the secret to the victorious life of Jonathan Edwards.
It is a secret our own Chris shared two weeks ago.
It is a secret hidden in Galatians 5 and clearly proclaimed in Romans 12:1.
What if you approached everything:
eating, shopping, sex, forgiving, home-making…
not as denial, duty, or drudgery –
not as a means to satisfy your soul (for it won’t),
but as an act of worship to the One who laid down His life for you?
What will rise, after the initial pain of a little death, is a glorious resurrection:
the fruit of the Spirit expressed in Galatians 5.
Our own Chris expressed this secret so beautifully in regard to food:
I have grown in recognizing that taking care of my body is a responsible act of worship.
I can enjoy delicious things (real food in reasonable amounts when I am hungry)
as an act of worship.
When I am indulging the flesh I don’t get the satisfaction that my craving promises,
it is a bottomless pit with an insatiable me at the center.
I am quicker now to see when I am thinking that stupid pit looks like a good idea.
God isn’t in that pit.
Galatians 5 puts the same two choices that Chris expressed,
showing how they reap joy or sorrow, freedom or chains.
Romans 8 teaches the same.
But in Romans 12:1 we are told how to be led by the Spirit:
This could be a life-changing week for us, so let’s go!
Sunday:
Monday: Jonathan Edward’s Approach To Life
Tim Keller says his two main mentors have been C. S. Lewis and Jonathan Edwards, which was enough to intrigue me to learn more about Edwards. I knew Edwards fell in love with his wife, Sarah, because of her continual delight in God. Edwards wrote of her:
They say there is a young lady in New Haven who is beloved of that almighty being…who comes to her and fills her mind with exceeding sweet delight, and that she hardly cares for anything, except to meditate on him…
Sarah had been seized by the power of a great affection, and so Jonathan knew he had found the one to be his life’s companion. Edwards looked at everything through the eyes of a worshipper. His writings are challenging, but I’ve been helped by this little book:
It contains a brief but fascinating biography, and then paraphrases some of his most famous writings into easier prose. Though made famous by his sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” most of his writings are on the excellencies of Christ. He reminds me a lot of Spurgeon in his love for the Lord, his verbosity, and his word pictures. In nature he saw a typology of God — something Scripture does as well — but he took it further. For example, he saw a message in the growth of a rose, for proceeding the lush flower are many thorns. He loved nature, family, food, sex, ministry…but didn’t worship any of them — but instead, allowed these good gifts to lead him to worship God. That worship was expressed in thanksgiving, but also, in receiving these gifts according to the boundaries the Word and the Spirit impressed on his heart.
To apply this, let me give you a few illustrations.
Because I struggle with over-eating, I loved Chris’s words two weeks ago. She talked about how just the sheer variety of beautiful food (not just manna) can lead her to praise God.
When she eats to satisfy her hunger instead of to try to satisfy her soul, it is an act of worship. The result? Joy!
But if she eats to try to satisfy her soul, she falls into a pit — and God is not there. Only slavery.
3. What stands out to you from the above and why?
4. Are you familiar with Jonathan Edwards? If so, how has he impacted you?
Tuesday: It is for Freedom that you have been Set Free
5. Meditate on Galatians 5:1
A. For what purpose did Christ set us free?
B. Why does Paul tell us to stand firm?
C. If we apply this not just to being set free from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin,
can you give an illustration from your life on how doing it your way leads to bondage, but God’s
way sets you free?
6. Read Galatians 5:2-12
A. Read it slowly and summarize Paul’s main point.
B. Does anything jump out at you from this passage, and if so, why?
Wednesday: An Application to Sex
When sex is used according to His Word and Spirit, it can bring great joy. Edwards understood The Song of Songs, and saw the earthly marriage bed as a greater pointer to the joy we can have through oneness with God. Keller, drawing upon Edwards, said that the primary purpose of sex is to renew our marriage vows, to give us a fresh start. When sex is used as God intended, within marriage, and to serve the other person, it is like a beautiful river that refreshes, renews, Outside of those bounds, like a flood, it brings death.
Recently I counseled a young woman who wished her husband did not want to make love quite so frequently, for she is weary with work and little children. And though I do think there are times to abstain and to speak the truth in love, I also think there can be great joy in “laying down your life” as an act of worship. After the pain of a little death, comes joy! Sex within marriage is like a beautiful river that refreshes, renews, and brings life. When we can serve our husbands in love this way, we are worshipping God. This young woman told me later: “It’s true. It means so much to him. After a night when we made love, he wakes with a confidence and joy in his step, and that gives me joy!”
For those of us who are single, our abstinence is a way to worship God — and that does lead to joy and peace. Philips paraphrases 2 Corin. 4:17 as: These little troubles (which are really so transitory) are winning for us a permanent, glorious and solid reward out of all proportion to our pain.
7. What stands out to you from the above? Is there an application for your life?
8. Read Galatians 5:13
A. What does Paul tell us not to do?
B. What does he tell us to do?
C. How is serving one another an act of worship?
D. How could you apply this in your life?
Thursday: The Entire Law Summed Up
The law does not have the power to save us, but it does have the power to drive us to Christ, For remember, we are caterpillars in a ring of fire. We can’t do it, but the gospel and His Spirit have power. If we melt our hard hearts with the gospel, and live by the Spirit, we will experience the power to obey.
9. Read Galatians 5:14
A. What single command sums up the whole law?
B. How do you show love for yourself?
C. How could you show this kind of love to the people in your path today as an act of worship?
10. Read Galatians 5:15
A. When we give into the flesh, it may seem like an answer, but it leads to destruction. How is this
expressed in this verse?
B. How is it an act of worship to forgive and to love the one who has hurt you?
Friday: The Expulsive Power of A New Affection
Because idols cannot be removed, but only replaced, it is vital that we follow Romans 12:1 with Romans 12:2.
The main ways I renew my mind are through Scripture, music, reading good books, listening to good sermons and fellowship. It truly has been good for me to read the thoughts of saints who have gone before, and to see their common thread of living a life of worship. We’ve looked at many saints during this journey, and we are not done.
11. We’ve looked at Luther’s preface to Galatians, Oswald Chambers, Eugene Peterson, Francis Schaeffer, and Jonathan Edwards. Share one thought from one that you found very helpful.
12. How do you renew your mind? How could you do better?
Saturday:
13. What is your take-a-way and why?
On a personal note I’m filming The Jesus Who Surprises Monday and Tuesday in Columbus, Georgia. Speaking at their church Wednesday night. Please pray for:
- Anointing for all of us: me, the cameraman, the 21 women giving testimonies
- Protection from the enemy
- That we would truly glorify God
- If it pleases Him, so good weather for outdoor filming along the Chattahoochee river.
- Traveling mercies home
I’m writing this in the Atlanta airport, waiting for flight to Columbus! I am thankful for you!
165 comments
I love the opening of this week, Dee! I see myself in that photo of the woman at the kitchen sink washing her dishes and looking out the window as I have a big window right in front of my sink, with the woods behind our house. I have seen deer; birds come to the fir tree right by the window; I can see my flowers in the summer. I am glad you are using Chris’ wonderful words about enjoying delicious things as an act of worship.
“What if you approached everything: eating, shopping, sex, forgiving, home-making….not as denial, duty, or drudgery – not as a means to satisfy your soul (for it won’t), but as an act of worship to the One who laid down His life for you?”
Chris tells us what happens when we try to get our souls satisfied through food (or anything other than God) “When I am indulging the flesh I don’t get the satisfaction that my craving promises, it is a bottomless pit with an insatiable me at the center. God isn’t in that pit.” I am anxious to learn and practice “the secret” this week! Prayers for you this week, Dee, for the filming in Georgia!
Thank you dear Susan. I know you are like the woman at the window! 🙂
This morning I was waking up and looking at Facebook,
I came across this from Desiring God
”If you spend time with someone because you have to, it’s demeaning. If you spend time with someone because you want to, it’s honoring. The same goes for God. He wants us to enjoy him.”
Which led me to close Facebook and come here.
I have definitely tasted and seen that the Lord is good, but it is a daily choice moment by moment isn’t it?
To choose the better thing.
I haven’t actually read much Jonathan Edwards but have been influenced by his teachings as those I listen to have leaned heavily on his teachings. Probably most significantly quite a few years ago the pastor we had at the time preached a sermon using many excepts from Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.
I was greatly impacted that morning, the weight of my sin felt heavy and real to me, and thereby the greatness of my rescue and God’s kindness became much much more precious to me. It was a shift in my spiritual life.
Lovely post, Chris. So glad to hear of the shift. And I love this:
”If you spend time with someone because you have to, it’s demeaning. If you spend time with someone because you want to, it’s honoring. The same goes for God. He wants us to enjoy him.”
3. What stands out to you from the above and why?
OH MY…This is so what I need. Chris’ story indeed and how she is helping us and me to see His gifts to us differently. It is going beyond just turning but finding our delight and satisfaction in Him first and seeing everything around us as a gift from Him..and so we partake in worship with these gifts rather than seeking to fill our souls with them. If He is our delight, we won’t seek these as a means of fulfillment. I tend to stumble in this so just seeing Chris’ passion for Him encourages me so..like the Shulamite encouraged the maidens! (so wonderful how these weekly blog studies are complimenting my time in Dee’s He Calls study. SO love how He kisses me this way.) I want to be like Chris, and John Edwards wife!! And I want the thorns in my life to produce beautiful roses.
This is so Rebecca — filled with hunger and enthusiasm!
Rebecca I am totally squirming to be placed in the category of Jonathon Edwards wife!
I know myself to be fickle.
I agree with Dee, your enthusiasm is lovely 🙂
What stands out to me: “He loved nature, family, food, sex, ministry…but didn’t worship any of them — but instead, allowed these good gifts to lead him to worship God. That worship was expressed in thanksgiving, but also, in receiving these gifts according to the boundaries the Word and the Spirit impressed on his heart.”
I love Jonathan Edwards too, and I’m tempted to buy this book but for now I’ll add to my list!
Actually, I have taped to my desk on a little slip of paper that’s been there several years, a quote from Jonathan Edwards that our dear Chris shared with me years ago: “In all your course, walk with God and follow Christ as a little, poor, helpless child, taking hold of Christ’s hand, keeping your eye on the mark of the wounds on his hands and side, whence came the blood that cleanses you from sin and hiding your nakedness under the skirt of the white shining robe of his righteousness.”
Dee–so thankful He led you to Galatians. This has truly been the balm I very much needed to hear again right now.Praying for traveling mercies!
Lizzy,
This song by Audry Assad reminds me of this Jonathan Edwards quote that you have posted. It starts out with these lyrics:
All my devotion is like sinking sand.
I’ve nothing to cling to but your sweet hand.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Yo_5KRQtI
What a lovely picture from Edwards!
Thanks so for your prayers. Was truly a God Hunt that I got an earlier plane out of Milwaukee before the predicted snowstorm hit!
What stands out to me?
The photo of the woman at the sink, a daily familiar place for each one of us. And so, this week each time I am at my sink I will think about the community of spirit we have here and will be reminded to look up and recognize His presence and His goodness to me. (Like Chris, I started out on Facebook this early morning and thankfully quickly shifted over to this blog.)
Dee, your words under this photo are timely, for sometimes I am afraid of the “little death” and that keeps me in chains.
What will rise, after the initial pain of a little death, is a glorious resurrection:
the fruit of the Spirit expressed in Galatians 5.
Last night I watched the movie Amistad, a true story of pre-civil war slavery. Although I had to turn my eyes away from some of the horrific graphics, there was a scene in the movie where the main character (a slave) in a courtroom scene cried out from the depths of his soul for freedom. Oh how we are meant to have freedom from these chains that bind us.
Thank you, Dee, for patiently leading us there.
You are a joy here, Nila. Great parallel with scene from Amistad!
Nila–love this and joining in it with you “And so, this week each time I am at my sink I will think about the community of spirit we have here and will be reminded to look up and recognize His presence and His goodness to me. “
3. What stands out to you from the above and why?
1.“What will rise, after the initial pain of a little death, is a glorious resurrection:the fruit of the Spirit expressed in Galatians 5.”
So much truth to the statement, often we keep a big pain, trying to avoid a small pain, or inconvenience.
2.The verse Romans 12:1This has been on my heart for a week.
3. When she eats to satisfy her hunger instead of to try to satisfy her soul, it is an act of worship. The result? Joy! But if she eats to try to satisfy her soul, she falls into a pit — and God is not there. Only slavery.”
Much wisdom to meditate on and apply.
4. Are you familiar with Jonathan Edwards? If so, how has he impacted you? No, he is totally new to me.
I know in my head what I should do. Unfortunately, I don’t do it. I spent 3 weeks in communion with God versus food. This week I have struggled. I am going to try my best to rectify that this coming week.
BTW, Dee I looked ahead to tomorrow and am confused. Shouldn’t this say the opposite thing?
“When she eats to satisfy her hunger instead of to try to satisfy her soul, it is an act of worship. The result? Joy!”
In in other words, I eat to satisfy hunger I’m appealing to myself, not God. Joy would be if I eat to satisfy my soul, right? Please help me understand.
Laura–I think* (Dee will correct me if I’m off!) that eating to satisfy hunger is the right thing because it is letting food simply be food, meant to fuel the body, and recognizing it cannot fill the soul. When we eat to try to satisfy our soul, we are trying to use food in a way only designed for God–only He can satisfy our soul. Same with any “good thing”–if we look to it to fill what only God can (our soul) then we have made it an idol.
Sorry if I just confused more!
Thanks Lizzy!
It’s confusing, but I did mean what I said. Food was meant to satisfy hunger not our souls, so when we use it in the right way, the way God intended, it is an act of worship. Worship being giving God’s His worth, doing things that way He told us to do them. Food was not intended to be a god who could fill up our empty souls, but when we use it as God intended, for genuine hunger, it is pleasing to Him.
But I know it sounds confusing. Ah, I see below Lizzy already explained this!
Okay then! Thank you for your explanation.
5. Meditate on Galatians 5:1 A. For what purpose did Christ set us free?
Christ set us free for freedom! We are set free from the power and the penalty of sin, from the law of sin and death, set free from our guilt and condemnation, set free of slavery!
B. Why does Paul tell us to stand firm?
Because our default is to become enslaved again in self-righteousness. It is not enough to hear the truth once–we must preach the Gospel to ourselves daily, for we so quickly revert to making our own idols, wanting to be our own god. We must stand firm, guarded against lies, clinging to the truth.
C. If we apply this not just to being set free from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin, can you give an illustration from your life on how doing it your way leads to bondage, but God’s way sets you free?
When I am not willing to forgive someone who has grieved me and is not repentant, or when I criticize, even if only in my heart, someone who sins before me, I am crawling up into the judge’s throne, declaring my own presumed righteousness, failing to see the log in my own eye. From that seat of Judge, I have to recount all the ways I am “above” this other person and, in order to maintain any (false) sense of superiority, I become enslaved to not letting anyone see me sin in the same way!
Instead, when I remember the Cross, I may notice their sin and then be blinded by the weight of my own, recognizing I am no better than they, we are both desperately in need of mercy. And from this place, bowed at the true Judge’s throne, I know I cannot rest in my own goodness, but only the One who is perfect—and that truth brings true rest.
The part about forgiving someone and crawling up into the Judge’s throne – so good, Lizzie. I needed that.
Like Miriam, I appreciated your answer to C too Lizzy.
What stood out?
I loved the picture of the woman standing smiling though deep in thought at the sink. Chris’ wonderful words speak to a deep need in my heart just now. I need this so much! I am crying out to Jesus like blind Bartimaeus “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Feelings come and feelings go, but I need to worship.
Praying for you, Dee, as you travel and film and speak. Blessings and anointing for you all!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The phrase that stood out to me the most was the following portion of Edward’s quote: He loved nature, family, food, sex, ministry…but didn’t worship any of them — but instead, allowed these good gifts to lead him to worship God. It stood out to me because I am so prone to worship the created thing rather than the creator…prone to try and satisfy my soul at these shallow wells instead of coming to the well of living water!
2. Are you familiar with Jonathan Edwards and if so, in what way has he impacted you?
I read Edwards in a religion class I took in college and remember being impressed with what he had to say…although I could not tell you anything specific now.
3. What stands out to you from the above and why? – Another good study is ahead, thanks Dee for all you do or us, to help us grow and understand God’s Word. I love Chris’ quote, I never really thought of it like that before, that when I do anything to satisfy my soul, and not in worship, God is not there. I also like how before the beautiful rose is born, there are thorns. It helps me to know that I will have thorns as I grow into a beautiful child of God.
4. Are you familiar with Jonathan Edwards? If so, how has he impacted you? – I don’t really know anything of Jonathan Edwards other than our pastors quoting something of his once in a while in their sermons.
What if you approached everything:
eating, shopping, sex, forgiving, home-making…
not as denial, duty, or drudgery –
not as a means to satisfy your soul (for it won’t),
But as an act of worship to the One Who laid down His life for you?
Whoops! This is a great challenge & reminder. Thanks Dee, & so glad u beat the snowstorm!! I’m going to wash the dishes now….as unto the Lord! 🙂 🙂
3. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Oh wow! I come here and my soul has been refreshed already and we are just on Day 1!
What stands out to you from above and why?
Chris’ words “taking care of my body is a responsible act of worship.” That Sarah was seized by the power of a great affection. Edwards looked at everything through the eyes of a worshiper and we should allow all good things, be it nature, family, food and sex etc to lead us to worship God. And I so fall short of these things but would like to be more of a true worshiper of God.
4. Are you familiar with Jonathan Edwards? If so, how has he impacted you?
Not much. I have read some quotes of his but am not familiar with his life and works.
4. Are you familiar with Jonathan Edwards? If so, how has he impacted you?
I have heard his name here and elsewhere, but I have not studied him. Is he the one associated with the “Great Awakening” here in the US? If so, then I know that was a real revival for the country back in the 1800’s or so?
5. Meditate on Galatians 5:1
A. For what purpose did Christ set us free?
We were set free so we didn’t have to live by the law anymore; for us to have everlasting life.
B. Why does Paul tell us to stand firm?
He tells us to stand firm because there are those who will try to sway us back to our former ways.
C. If we apply this not just to being set free from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin, can you give an illustration from your life on how doing it your way leads to bondage, but God’s way sets you free?
I was so free the last month, feeling calm and peaceful as I strived to not worry about food, but only focus on Him. The minute I was finished with the fast I was doing, I began to fret and was more concerned about eating what I wanted to eat and instead of feeling peaceful and calm, I was torn up inside again! It’s crazy! I want that nice feeling back 😔. I guess I will have to go back on the fast for that to happen…
Interesting about the fast, Laura!
5. Meditate on Galatians 5:1
A. For what purpose did Christ set us free?
Freedom from the yolk of slavery of the power of sin, which starts with thinking we can earn favor with God..It leads to all kinds of sin.
B. Why does Paul tell us to stand firm?
Firm in the Gospel, so that we don’t submit to that yolk of slavery again.
C. If we apply this not just to being set free from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin, can you give an illustration from your life on how doing it your way leads to bondage, but God’s way sets you free?
So with my oldest son and his view of life. I used to engage just about daily in long conversations that would get heated and passionate at times in an effort to change his thinking when all the while he was out to change mine. As time went on I became depressed and literally sick to my stomach at all the influences out that I can’t protect him and his brothers from. I began to feel like a colossal failure as a parent and started becoming in bondage to my control idol thinking their bad decisions in life were as a result of something i did wrong. As if I have that much power! I started seeing that my control idol was in force and I wasn’t trusting His control. I can and should offer wisdom and intervene when they need correction but I CAN’T change hearts or minds about Jesus only God can, and when they get older on their own I will be here to offer advice if they ask or need it, but when they become adults I have to let go.
So I let go and am trusting God with him and continue to love and pray for him although I do have times when I hear stuff from him and I cringe! When I stopped doing that, our relationship became better and God set me free from being responsible for everything. It was way too much to carry and God doesn’t want me to carry all of that. He wants to carry it. God is totally setting me free from thinking if anything goes wrong with decision making when they turn 18-19 and they become prodigal, or worse yet, reject Jesus that it is all my fault. He reminded me that this is their journey and not mine and when they become adults and make those decisions for themselves I need to continue to trust Him with their hearts as I let go of them not having that much influence over them anymore. The absolute best thing I can do is pray for them fervently, trust that God can do amazing things in their hearts as He has with mine and millions of others, and to be there for my boys, and just love them.
Rebecca…love your response to C. It is so hard to let our children go. It is so true that God’s got this and He can do amazing things in their hearts!
From Rebecca about controlling her oldest son:
It was way too much to carry and God doesn’t want me to carry all of that. He wants to carry it.
Excited to see what God will do, Rebecca.
Your response to C sounds very much like faith working itself out in love Rebecca 🙂
5. Meditate on Galatians 5:1
A. For what purpose did Christ set us free?
“It was for freedom that Christ has set us free…”. I think that means that I am now set free from ritualistic worship based on a sense of duty, to true worship that comes from a heart of love. The Ten Commandments were to my old man, a set of rules that I struggled to keep. Now they have become an invitation to draw close. For example, Thou shalt not bear false witness, becomes…you are set free to be witnesss of my great love for you; Thou shalt not covet, becomes…I have set you free to enjoy all things as an act of your love and worship to me.
B. Why does Paul tell us to stand firm?
Paul tells us to stand firm because he knows the battle Satan will attempt to engage us in to pull us back in to the fearful mindset of our former slavery.
C. If we apply this not just to being set free from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin, can you give an illustration from your life on how doing it your way leads to bondage, but God’s way sets you free?
Like several have mentioned here, we have experienced the difficulties of church conflicts. To me there are few conflicts as painful as those that arise in the church body. It has been my experience that most often these conflicts arise when there is a group dedicated to a tradition or to some point of the law and who refuse to allow others to walk in freedom. When I got caught up in trying to defend my stance by arguing from the law, it only made me angrier and those “on the other side” dig in even more stubbornly. It was only when I cried out to the Lord to explain His freedom and to ask why I should show compassion to those who were being so “legalistic” that He began to show me how He truly came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it…in other word, it wasn’t the law that was bad, it was our hearts that were the problem ♥️.
So true and good to remember Lucy…”it wasn’t the law that was bad, it was our hearts that were the problem.”
Monday
3. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Romans 12:1, a verse I memorized years ago but never connected it to Galatians 5 in how to be led by the Spirit… I am so looking forward to this study, as what you quoted from Chris peaked my interest the first time I read it.
4. Are you familiar with Jonathan Edwards? If so, how has he impacted you?
I am familiar with him. Have heard him quoted in several sermons. About 10 years ago I tried to read some of his books but got bogged down with the language and trying to comprehend it. I think I will order the book you mentioned above in the future.
3. What stands out to you from the above and why? The whole concept of our lives being wholly an act of worship. Going purposefully enough from task to task to be able to remember whom it is I serve. And the picture of Sarah Edwards being struck with a great affection, as Dee says. Oh that I would, hour by hour, be struck with a great affection and not great afflictions (in my perspective)!
4. Are you familiar with Jonathan Edwards? If so, how has he impacted you? I am only familiar with him from reading others (Dee, Keller, Piper, Voskamp, etc.)
3. What stands out to you from the above and why?
That Edwards loved nature, food, sex, ministry, family – but he didn’t worship them. Instead, he received these good gifts within the boundaries set forth by Scripture and turned them into a way to worship God. He had things in the right order. Interesting that it is God’s Word that gives us the boundaries to keep ourselves in line in how we enjoy God’s gifts to us.
4. Are you familiar with Jonathan Edwards? If so, how has he impacted you?
I was introduced to him through Dee, on our blog. I have never read any of his works.
5. Meditate on Galatians 5:1
A. For what purpose did Christ set us free? – So we can live a free life, a life free from being a slave to what is not pleasing to the Lord.
B. Why does Paul tell us to stand firm? – So we don’t become a slave again.
C. If we apply this not just to being set free from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin, can you give an illustration from your life on how doing it your way leads to bondage, but God’s way sets you free? – When I do it my way, I let things get to me and then my attitude turns to crap, (I need an attitude adjustment), but when I give my issues to the Lord and let him remove the attitude from me, I have a peace that others would not understand.
6. Read Galatians 5:2-12
A. Read it slowly and summarize Paul’s main point. – If we fall back into slavery, we lose the protection of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We are justified by the law we fell back into. We will know if we are still following Christ, by the persecution or trials that come are way. When we aren’t following the Lord, the enemy will leave us alone, because he enslaved us again, he doesn’t have to keep trying, he can move on to the next person.
B. Does anything jump out at you from this passage, and if so, why? – The person that drags us back into slavery will be the one to is penalized. We need to stand for what is right and know that the Lord will have a hedge of protection around us.
6. Read Galatians 5:2-12 A. Read it slowly and summarize Paul’s main point.
If you’re seeking to be justified by the Law, you are enslaved to keep the whole Law, perfectly. Justification by faith brings freedom.
You cannot rest in faith while clinging to the Law. If you have Christ, rest on Christ alone—do not try to add anything, or you lose Christ.
B. Does anything jump out at you from this passage, and if so, why?
Vs. 5 –“For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.”—“eagerly wait” stands out to me, also with vs. 7—“you were running well”—the reminder that our faith is not passive but active, living, and needs to be exercised & re-fueled with the truth daily.
Vs. 6-“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor un-circumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.”—that it is all only about faith through Christ, nothing more.
7. What stands out to you from the above? Is there an application for your life?
I do think the area of intimacy in marriage requires selflessness, a willing to die to one’s self and put the other above yourself—because that is love. Without love, the action is simply a clanging symbol, duty without beauty.
8. Read Galatians 5:13 A. What does Paul tell us not to do?
Not to abuse our freedom. Do not use our freedom as an opportunity to indulge the flesh. When we receive the Holy Spirit, He gives us the desire to do what is pleasing to the Lord. We are freed of the Law, and yet the Spirit drives us towards what is pleasing to God, which is identified in the Law. So I think even if we have the freedom to do certain things, it is not necessarily pleasing to the Lord to do so, and may cause others to stumble.
B. What does he tell us to do?
Use our freedom to serve one another in love.
C. How is serving one another an act of worship?
We are dying to ourselves, removing ourselves from the inner throne of our hearts, and putting one another’s desires above our own. We are modeling Christ.
D. How could you apply this in your life?
Daily, in serving my family, let my heart attitude be one of wanting to put their needs above my own, dying to myself, as an act of worship. Less criticism, less sighing, less trying to control–more pouring out of grace when chores are forgotten or a request is overlooked…pouring out of mercy onto others, out of the wealth I have received. There are so many opportunities every day to die to myself! Driving in traffic, at work, with family–help me chose to die to myself as an act of worship, Lord.
3. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Food is a gift and meant to be enjoyed. We can eat within the boundaries of the word of God and the impression of the spirit. It is a form of worship. Reading is giving me a glimpse of how backward my thinking is about food.
4. Are you familiar with Jonathan Edwards? If so, how has he impacted you?
I have not read any of his works but I have heard of him.
Good to see you here, Tamara!
Sorry Dee. For some reason I used my formal name. 🙂
5. Meditate on Galatians 5:1
A. For what purpose did Christ set us free?
For our freedom
B. Why does Paul tell us to stand firm?
It is easy to fall into slavery but Paul wants us to keep standing and to go back to what Jesus has done on the cross and to claim the freedom that we have every time we are tempted to fall.
Isaiah 50:7 Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.
C. If we apply this not just to being set free from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin, can you give an illustration from your life on how doing it your way leads to bondage, but God’s way sets you free?
Last week, I was worried about all the changes in our class schedule because of many snow days. So I took matters into my own hand instead of trusting God. I stressed over phone calls to get what I wanted. Then the next day, school was cancelled again! I didn’t need to do the running around and calling people-it was all to naught. Forgive me, Lord.
Learning from this lesson, the next round of concern I have had to do with coordinating an idea to express our appreciation to our board of education members. Too chaotic again but I prayed to God and trusted Him and not give in to worry and He orchestrated things that worked out for the best and of which I couldn’t have planned any better.
I skimmed your comments from yesterday — will have more time tomorrow.
I am so overwhelmed at how the filming is going — how God is so present. Thank you so for your prayers — we film more today.
I am so grateful to read this!
That is wonderful news Dee. So happy things are going well and God is in the mix. Prayers continue.
Dee,
Thank you for letting us know how good the filming has gone so far.
Grateful.
6. Read Galatians 5:2-12
A. Read it slowly and summarize Paul’s main point.
The point seems to be that circumcision (the law) severs us from grace…the two cannot coexist.
B. Does anything jump out at you from this passage, and if so, why?
The language struck me this morning. I know that the original language of a covenant involves cutting of which circumcision is a type. So for Paul to say (v. 4) that “you have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law” would have cut those to the quick who were his listeners and would have been an outrage to those who were proponents of the law. So, when I refuse grace by attempting to “help God” by managing life myself, I am denying the cross! Sobering indeed.
5. Meditate on Galatians 5:1
A. For what purpose did Christ set us free?
From the Message, “Christ has set us free to live a free life.”
B. Why does Paul tell us to stand firm?
So that we will not let anyone “put a harness of slavery” on us. Paul wants us to resist any attempt to make us slaves.
C. If we apply this not just to being set free from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin, can you give an illustration from your life on how doing it your way leads to bondage, but God’s way sets you free?
The sad thing is, when I sin because I want to do it my way, devise my own plans, handle things my way, I am putting the yoke of slavery on myself. I am stepping right into the harness. When my husband is behaving or talking in ways that I disapprove of, or when I am harboring resentment, a critical spirit, and unforgiveness towards him, I put up a wall and retreat behind it. But I am miserable behind the wall and it only adds to the sense of estrangement from him. Yet, I play the role of the victim, blaming him for the whole problem and refusing to address my own hard heart. When I make the effort to move towards him, even in very small steps like stopping what I’m doing and saying a proper goodbye when he’s leaving for work, or greeting him when he comes home, then I am on the path to freedom.
6. Read Galatians 5:2-12
A. Read it slowly and summarize Paul’s main point.
Paul says, in a way, You have reached the point of decision, the fork in the road – now decide which way you will go. If you let yourself be circumcised, then understand that you will live and die by the law. You will live as an orphan, a slave. Or, you can choose the way of grace, the way of freedom in Christ, and live as a child of God.
B. Does anything jump out at you from this passage, and if so, why?
Verse 4 really depicts the dire, dangerous state of the person who chooses the path of self-justification, or that active righteousness that Martin Luther wrote of in his commentary. You are alienating yourself from Christ and falling away from grace. (I am not sure, but I don’t think he is saying that they have lost their salvation, but they are choosing the hard road for themselves and will end up suffering deeply for it. I believe they have the opportunity to repent and turn back to grace….anyone have thoughts about this?) I liken this verse to being a parent who loves her child and is pleading with him not to do something that you know will be disastrous, yet they do it anyway.
A. For what purpose did Christ set us free?
Freedom from keeping a list of rules to earn a right standing with God.
B. Why does Paul tell us to stand firm?
Because we can slip back into thinking we’ve must behave to earn our place in God’s family.
C. If we apply this not just to being set free from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin, can you give an illustration from your life on how doing it your way leads to bondage, but God’s way sets you free?
I can approach my bible study as a duty or as a privilege.
When I see it as a duty and I am doing well at my self imposed standards I can become judgmental of others who aren’t doing as much as I am, I imagine God is pleased with me because I checked off my quiet time box.
When I see it as a privilege I come approach that time as actually relational, believing that the Lord of the Universe desires my attention and that he has something to say to me.
When I am in duty mode and I haven’t been consistent, I want to hide my face from Him, believing that I am a great disappointment.
When I am thinking rightly I am grieved by my staying away because I believe that like the father in the prodigal parable, the Lord more that welcomes me, he is delighted every time I turn towards him, even when my motivations are less than pure. Amazing grace makes me want to leep my face turned towards His.
Love the duty versus privilege perspective of Bible study
6. Read Galatians 5:2-12
Read it slowly and summarize Paul’s main point.
That trusting in our behaviors undermines, even nullifies our trust in Christ.
B. Does anything jump out at you from this passage, and if so, why?
The strong language of wishing that the false teachers would castrate themselves, what they were teaching was seriously offensive to Paul because of the Gospel, so much so that it provoked such a shocking statement.
7. What stands out to you from the above? Is there an application for your life?
“When we can serve our husbands in love this way, we are worshiping God.” I think at times I am spent “giving” to others that I do not have the energy to consider my husband as the important “other”. My priorities are skewed. Just like my relationship with God-I have disordered loves.
8. Read Galatians 5:13
A. What does Paul tell us not to do?
Not to use my freedom to indulge in the flesh. e.g. it is all about me
A. What does he tell us to do? To serve each other humbly in love
B. How is serving one another an act of worship? Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Based on Romans 12:1,2, true and proper worship is offering our bodies as a living sacrifice. When we serve one another it is sacrificing our own fleshly desires, it is laying down our own agenda. The pattern of this world is to think me, my, mine but the renewed mind says you, yours and God in his marvelous ways give us the result of “ours”. Joy is on both the giver and the receiver.
I loved this Bing
“the renewed mind says you, yours and God in his marvelous ways give us the result of “ours”. Joy is on both the giver and the receiver.”
How different the world would be if we, as believers actually lived this out
Tuesday
5. Meditate on Galatians 5:1
A. For what purpose did Christ set us free?
It was for our freedom.
B. Why does Paul tell us to stand firm?
He tells us to stand firm so we won’t be tied up again in slavery to the law.
C. If we apply this not just to being set free from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin, can you give an illustration from your life on how doing it your way leads to bondage, but God’s way set you free?
Going back to my sin of having a critical spirit, I was in bondage to it by justifying my feelings, talking about it and also in my own way, on my terms, asking God for help, not really being sincere. I was only fooling myself, not God, Who looks upon the heart.
Through this study, I realized I was in bondage to this sin and sincerely wanted to be free. I started praying for a lady in our church with whom this sin reared its ugly head, by asking God to let me see her as He sees me…with sacrificial love, grace & mercy. That He would give me strength to “keep my thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ,” and not engage in conversations about her. I must humbly say, God is faithful and I feel like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders. I will also say, I walk/live it out moment by moment, continually keeping the door of communication open between the Lord and I.
6. Read Galatians 5:2-12
A. Read it slowly and summarize Paul‘s main point.
Our faith in Jesus Christ is what makes us right before God, not keeping the law, which will result in cutting us off from Christ.
B. Does anything jump out at you from this passage, and if so, why?
Yes, verse 4…”For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.” We’re justified by grace through faith and if we choose works, what use is grace, what use is Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection? “Legalism relinquishes grace as the principle by which one desires to be related to God.” ~ David Guzik
I remember when we first moved to N.C. and started looking for a church, we attended a church with the name Grace Baptist. The entire sermon was about how sinful it was to be out on your boat or on the beach on a Sunday morning and that he was the only pastor in our county that was correct. The Scripture was never read or referred to. I remember my husband turning to me as we drove out of the parking lot saying, “they need to change the name of that church.” Needless to say we never went back, but my husband worked with people who did attend that church and he saw the heavy hand of legalism through conversations he had with them.
Wonderful to hear of your victory, Sharon.
When you wrote about Grace Baptist it reminded me of how your father-in-law would laugh about the churches in Boring, Oregon (or Boring, Wa?) Boring Baptist and Boring Bible. You can’t help wonder “What were they thinking?” 🙂
Haha…yes, Boring, OR. Had a good friend who lived there that always thought the same thing!
3. What stands out to you? That I can approach Everything as an act of worship. If I have offered all that I am to God as a sacrifice, then I can approach each choice with freedom instead of duty and drudgery, joy instead of fear. Even the things I don’t want to do can be transformed because I know He goes with me.
5. Meditate on Galatians 5:1
a. For what purpose did Christ set us free? For freedom!
b. Why does Paul tell us to stand firm? So we wouldn’t allow ourselves to be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
C. Give an illustration on how doing it my way leads to bondage, but doing it God’s way sets me free.
Yesterday I had to put myself in a potentially confrontational situation with dear people who are caring for my father. Doing it my way, I would have charged in angry and fearful, questioning everything based on second hand information and on the attack. I would have alienated and put on the defensive the very people I need to work with. I know this, because it is my usual approach. I would have been trying to satisfy my soul by seeking justice, setting things right, defending my position..all these things are chains of slavery.
Instead I prayed up using Romans 12:1 and experienced the peace and freedom that comes from knowing God is in control. I offered myself up to Him to accomplish His purposes. Without emotion clouding my judgement, I was able to listen, observe, and get valuable information. God stayed my Spirit and said “wait”.
Great victory story, Laurie.
Laurie, this is so good in your real illustration with your dad and his caregivers. How often do we/I just charge in with fear and anger pushing us from behind, ready to attack without first listening? OH.
7. What stands out to you from the above? Is there an application for your life? – What I see is that I need to do EVERYTHING with joy and look at all of it as worship to the Lord. If he has given me another day, I should cherish that and look at what comes in front of me each day as joy and worship and not as a hassle.
8. Read Galatians 5:13
A. What does Paul tell us not to do? – to not use our freedom to please the flesh
B. What does he tell us to do? – use our freedom as an opportunity to love and serve one another.
C. How is serving one another an act of worship? – Jesus was a servant and served others as an act of love and worship, so if we were made in his image, we should also be serving others.
D. How could you apply this in your life? – I can look at the things I have to do with joy and appreciate that I have another day to do them. There is always something nice I can do for someone, even a hug, a smile or a hello could make someone’s day. I can be pleasant to everyone I come in contact with, but I can only do this with the Lord’s guidance. I cannot be pleasant and loving on my own (at least everyday and during trying times)
6. Read Galatians 5:2-12
A. Read it slowly and summarize Paul’s main point.
Paul suggests the Ephesians are being led astray by false gods. He encourages them to remember they no longer live by the law, but through faith and love.
B. Does anything jump out at you from this passage, and if so, why?
I think this verse stands out.
“For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.”
Galatians 5:6 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/gal.5.6.nlt
I believe this because he acknowledges that that nothing is more important than faith.
A. For what purpose did Christ set us free?
For freedom, including free from all forms of bondage and slavery.
B. Why does Paul tell us to stand firm?
Standing is a form of taking action, if we are standing our ground or moving forward, we can’t go backward.
C. If we apply this not just to being set free from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin. Can you give an illustration from your life on how doing it your way leads to bondage, but God’s way sets you free? I put this into my answer for the last question.
6. Read Galatians 5:2-12
A. Read it slowly and summarize Paul’s main point.
Living a before Christ lifestyle, is worthless and offensive, after receiving Christ. Don’t trade new freedom for old bondage. A small amount of deceptiveness, works of the enemy can cause a great amount of trouble. Focus on faith and love, by doing so one looks and walks forward and not backward to old habits and laws of religiosity.
B. Does anything jump out at you from this passage, and if so, why?
Yes, standing, moving forward in freedom, away from the prisons of the past. God revealed to me yesterday that many years ago I traded one idol for another, and that’s why I was stuck in a miserable place and was not able to free myself no matter how hard I worked. No matter what I tried I failed. I had no idea, I prayed for the answer all these years, and now I know. I repented and instead of thinking about what I have lost, and for so long, I will prayerfully put my thoughts, time and energy to moving forward. By focusing on forward with Christ the chains of my past failures will not have any power over me. I haven’t finished Idol Lies, yet, but the information is already helping. Grateful.
Tuesday: It is for Freedom that you have been Set Free
5. Meditate on Galatians 5:1
A. For what purpose did Christ set us free? For freedom.
B. Why does Paul tell us to stand firm?
We will need to stand firm to keep from falling back under the law.
C. If we apply this not just to being set free from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin, can you give an illustration from your life on how doing it your way leads to bondage, but God’s way sets you free?
If I have a conflict with someone and I stew on it, relive it, and justify myself in my mind rather than do what God says, I am stepping into bondage. If I do it God’s way, I am laying the situation out to him, asking for forgiveness and giving it away. Forgiveness may be a process but right away I feel peace and my burden if lifted. In the process, God will give me peace, patience, gentleness, love, kindness, selfcontrol…whatever I need for the occasion. His way frees me from the world’s bondage.
7. What stands out to you from the above? Is there an application for your life?
I’m thinking this is a pretty awkward discussion, but here goes…I agree with the young woman you counseled. Why so much? With all the things required of a woman (children, home, work, etc.) sex is low on the list of priorities. I believe it is different for men; it is their top priority. It is unfortunate there is such a gap, and it has brought a great strain to my marriage, so I have a disdain for it in general. Plus, my husband and I have opposite biorhythms; he is a morning person and I am a night time person. We remain together however I do believe we would divorce over this and that is hard for me to understand. I can’t see his viewpoint at all. I bet if I did a survey of women there would be a high percentage who agree with me too. I have tried to think of Jesus during those times, however that is kind of creepy in its own right! It’s just not that important to me. We have discussed this here before and I just don’t get it. I understand doing something for someone else is good, however this one is tough. I wish I could change my attitude, but just saying it is doing it for someone else isn’t helping me do that. I get resentful when I try to change. I should say, that I love my husband very much and to me, love isn’t about sex.
I suppose I could try Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth’s 30 day challenge and focus on that aspect only? It’s hopeless I’m afraid. I do what I should not do…
Dee, you should write a book on this one!
8. Read Galatians 5:13
A. What does Paul tell us not to do?
He says to not use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.
B. What does he tell us to do?
He says to use your freedom to serve one another.
C. How is serving one another an act of worship?
God wants us us to do this.
D. How could you apply this in your life?
I guess have sex more often…ugh.
Oh Laura 🙂
I guess have sex more often…ugh.
Laura, in nearly 43 years of marriage, sex has been our most frequent conflict, for exactly the ways you talked of. When I hit menopause, I lost whatever interest I ever had. But in the last few years, I’ve looked at it not through my eyes and what I want, but through the eyes of my marriage. Do I want this marriage to succeed? Do I want my husband to meet my needs that are his to meet? Then I need to acknowledge his needs, and especially knowing that sex is mine to fulfill for him. So I chase him, expressly because he needs me. I don’t fake interest. I am honest with him that I love him and want to please him; that his needs matter to me. Is it working? The final verdict isn’t in, but I think so.
Mary, Thank you for your honest reply! I have only been married 30 years this year, so your wisdom is priceless to me. I decided today to try to give myself twice a week….between putting grandbabies to bed and working (!). I worked out a plan that I think might make this possible. Jesus would want me to do this; it’s the only reason I can come up with 🙂
Wow Mary! I love your comments and thoughts regarding sex after 43 years. I am married 36 years and losing interest due to menopause. The struggle is real!!! Thank you for your honesty and raising the bar! I do want my husband to feel wanted and needed and sex is a huge way to meet that need. You have inspired me to do better!
I also appreciate your honesty and frankness Mary.
I remember being convicted when reading the book Sacred Marriage that as a wife, I am my husbands only place to have his sexual needs gratified in a God-honoring way.
David Powlison’s Making All Things New also helped me confront my selfishness about sex that I had not seen this before reading that book.
I struggle with the same hormonal changes you ladies have mentioned. I discussed the lack of desire with my doctor. She suggested approaching sex with a similar mindset as one does exercise. She said to schedule it, without informing your spouse that that is what you are doing, she said rarely when we begin to exercise do we relish the idea but once we begin it isn’t too bad and sometimes we realize that as we do it we really enjoy it.
This was helpful advice to me. I still really struggle though. In years past was usually the initiator ( he was a lucky man for a lot of years) now it feels like a lie to ‘get things going’ when I would rather not to begin with. :/
I do want a healthy marriage, I don’t want to be selfish. I am praying about all of these things.
Christina,
Thank you for adding to the conversation. Your doctor’s advice is very good. My doctor said the more intimacy I have with my husband the more desire will be present as sexual activity increases testosterone in woman.
Chris, it sounds like you have a wise, listening, wonderful doctor you can talk to about personal things!
Laura, I really appreciate your honesty in answering this, and I read the comments of the others who replied to you as well. This is a hard issue for me as well….I’m in my 50’s, had a hysterectomy in my early 40’s an though I am on HRT, I don’t have much desire or interest in sex. I agree that though I know how sexual intimacy represents our union with God, it’s hard for me to “bring God” into the bedroom – it seems kind of weird to me, too. Bottom line: sex has never been that important to me, either. I find your attitude to try to work on this encouraging!
7. What stands out to you from the above?
Two things stand out
1) I love the concept of sex as a renewal of the marriage covenant, so different from the selfish take that our cultural promotes
2) the laying down your life which then yields joy
Is there an application for your life?
Yes, but it is too personal to share here 🙂
Thanks to all who prayed for the filming. I am beyond thankful for the anointing, for the tremendous support from this church in Columbus, Georgia, for the way God worked it in between storms — a blizzard coming in from Wisconsin and a wind that knocked the power out in Columbus, Georgia. For the dear women who shared testimonies.
I speak tonight on The God of All Comfort to the church who just had the sudden death of a 40 year old staff member yesterday. Please pray.
oh Dee, you have stayed on my heart and I have been praying & will continue. I am amazed at God’s timing–having you there to speak to these women on the God of All Comfort at such a time.
Father, we come before You again and thank You for how You have given Your blessing and anointing on this church, on Dee, and we ask that You would continue to use her as Your vessel of mercy to these women. Thank You for the tremendous way You have used Dee to speak Your truth through the God of All Comfort, and I ask that it would be a special balm for these women, drawing them closer to You than ever before, bringing You glory. In Your Name we ask, Amen
Amen! 🙏
Oh my Dee, what a blessing this talk will be to them. The book was so wonderful, they are needing this for sure right now. Prayers for the church and the woman’s family and for you as you speak tonight. Prayers for safe travel home once all is done.
Praying for you and the church too.
Dee, hope your God of All Comfort went well last night. I know those who were in attendance were blessed by it.
Wednesday
7. What stands out to you from the above? Is there an application for your life?
“ When sex is used as God intended, within marriage, and to serve the other person, it is like a beautiful river that refreshes, renews. Take my eyes off of self and choose to serve my husband.
8. Read Galatians 5:13
A. What does Paul tell us not to do?
He tells us not to use our freedom to satisfy our sinful nature.
B. What does he tell us to do?
He tells us instead, to use our freedom to serve one another in love.
C. How is serving one another an act of worship?
When we serve one another we’re “presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice…which is proper worship” As you stated above, “What will rise, after the initial pain of a little death, (sacrifice), is a glorious resurrection.”
D. How could you apply this in your life?
I think serving others in love is a heart attitude, doing it with the right motive. That motive is doing it as unto the Lord, a heart of worship and from that heart of worship comes great joy, a “glorious resurrection. “ Dear Lord, search my heart, show me any selfishness in my life, any area that I’m not presenting my body as a living sacrifice and place within me a heart of worship in all that I do. Amen
9. Read Galatians 5:14
A. What single command sums up the whole law? – We shall love our neighbors as ourselves.
B. How do you show love for yourself? – Allowing myself to not be perfect, but to allow myself to learn from what mistake I may make.
C. How could you show this kind of love to the people in your path today as an act of worship? – I can be open to the inner issues that someone may be having at that moment, and allow them some grace for what they may have done, or what they may have said.
10. Read Galatians 5:15
A. When we give into the flesh, it may seem like an answer, but it leads to destruction. How is this expressed in this verse? – That we will be going back and forth at each other, no one will come out of the situation. If we devour someone because we think we are above them, we will most likely be devoured right back.
B. How is it an act of worship to forgive and to love the one who has hurt you? – Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice when He dies on the cross, but he continued to forgive me and love me to the very end, even though my sins is what put him in that spot. If he can forgive me, a sinner, then I HAVE to do the same to the person who may have hurt me. What ever a person may do to me, is nowhere near as bad as what my sins did to Jesus, so there is no excuse for me to not forgive. I have to say though, this is still very hard for me.
6. Read Galatians 5:2-12
A. Read it slowly and summarize Paul’s main point.
If you let yourself be circumcised, Christ will not have any value to you. If you follow the law, you must obey the whole law. If you are in Jesus circumcision or no circumcision has no value. The only thing that is important is faith expressing itself in love. You were doing so well, who hindered you from obeying the truth. A little bit a false teaching effects the whole group. You were called to freedom, use it to serve one another. You think highly of yourself, treat others in the same regard! Walk in the spirit and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. If you are led by the spirit you are not under the law. The spirit and the flesh are against one another. Walk by the spirit and allow his beautiful fruit to spill out of you. If you belong to Jesus, you can crucify the flesh and the evil desires
B. Does anything jump out at you from this passage, and if so, why?
You were running so well, who hindered you? Anytime we step out of grace and freedom it comes from an influence that is not of God.
7. What stands out to you from the above?
The contrast between God’s intention for sex….pleasure, serving one another and renewal of love and how the world has distorted values that revolves around serving self… pornography, masturbation, sex trafficking, prostitution, and affairs. I love the thought of worshipping God by serving your husband by satisfying his needs.
8. Read Galatians 5:13
A. What does Paul tell us not to do?
Do not use your freedom for the flesh but rather to serve one another.
B. What does he tell us to do?
Serve one another.
C. How is serving one another an act of worship?
I just came out of a rough patch of menopause and I found myself at times less than pleasant (my family did too!). Somebody told me during menopause the estrogen goes down and testosterone goes up and testosterone make menopausal women a bit more aggressive! 🙁 I have really tried to purposefully be more thoughtful, patient, kind, generous and more self controlled. I like the idea of a higher focus of doing it unto the Lord.
9. Read Galatians 5:14
A. What single command sums up the whole law?
We are to love our neighbor as ourselves.
B. How do you show love for yourself?
Exercise, dressing well, and taking time for myself.
C. How could you show this kind of love to the people in your path today as an act of worship?
I could really look them in the eye when we speak, not interrupt them (I have done better at this lately), and do an act of kindness.
10. Read Galatians 5:15
A. When we give into the flesh, it may seem like an answer, but it leads to destruction. How is this expressed in this verse?
It says to be careful to not devour each other.
B. How is it an act of worship to forgive and to love the one who has hurt you?
An act of worship would be showing God your praise to Him so by forgiving someone you are showing God you respect Him by following His wishes.
My question is this…what if you forgive but can’t change the situation for better? In other words, the forgiveness is there but no one knows and it doesn’t matter. I guess it might make a difference in the future if the situation changes though.
laura, it matters toGod, and it really matters to your emotional and spiritual health. There are a lot of people in the world who act as though God means nothing to them, but He has still forgiven them. There will come a time for balancing the books. At that time, you’ll be free of resentment and unforgiveness. Hang in there, sister!
👍 ♥️
Laura, I’m re-reading comments….I have a thought about “In other words, the forgiveness is there but no one knows and it doesn’t matter….” Made me think of Jesus telling His disciples not to be like the Pharisees, parading their good works in front of others in order to be praised. He said, but when you pray, or give….it can be in secret, but your heavenly Father knows and sees!
A. What single command sums up the whole law?
Love others as I love myself.
B. How do you show love for yourself?
In a negative way when my idols are in control, my concern for self can override everything else, I can become deeply irritated over the littlest things that threaten my comfort or really troubled when someone talks behind my back- threatening my approval.
In a positive way, I can sometimes see the gifts the Lord has given me doing some good in the lives of others and not minimize but actually acknowledge them as gifts from him at work through me.
I can care for myself by knowing when to say no, when to go to sleep, & when and how to tell the enemy to shut up 🙂
C. How could you show this kind of love to the people in your path today as an act of worship?
I can help others see the Lord at work in their lives and help them see where they might be allowing the enemy to shape their thoughts.
I can encourage them to care for their physical selves too.
10. Read Galatians 5:15
A. When we give into the flesh, it may seem like an answer, but it leads to destruction. How is this expressed in this verse?
I read this in the Amplified Bible
“15 But if you bite and devour one another [in bickering and strife], watch out that you [along with your entire fellowship] are not consumed by one another.”
In our current church conflict, when we are operating in the flesh, sometimes we just want to pin blame on someone. Things are so much more tidy when we can make it ‘someones fault’. But that does lead to devouring one another.
It helps me to remember that we who are in Christ all have a real enemy who wants us to turn on each other.
B. How is it an act of worship to forgive and to love the one who has hurt you?
For me, the hard part of this whole thing is to speak about the hurt to the one who has behaved wrongly. My default mode is to act like the offense doesn’t matter, Keller’s teaching has helped me realize that when I won’t speak truth in love that I am really motivated by self-interest, saying nothing is more comfortable for me, not actually what is best for the other person and relationship in the long run. I love his advice to pray for the person until you actually do wish and will their flourishing, then you are ready to confront.
Christina, your reference to Tim Keller was so helpful. I’m right in the middle of a sticky family situation that could so easily “go south” as they say. I keep ignoring the little offenses but they’re piling up into an ugly wall. I’m afraid to speak them aloud because it’s easier to stay comfortable! And I’m sure the other person is clueless as to what she’s doing. Thanks so much for your thoughtful answer.
Laurie, I am glad you found it helpful, I will pray right now for you and your family member.
Thursday
9. Read Galatians 5:14
A. What single command sums up the whole law?
”You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
B. How do you show love for yourself?
In going back to our study of Mere Christianity last summer where C.S. Lewis in the chapter of forgiveness talks about hating the sin but not the man. He struggled with that until he realized he’d been doing that with a man all his life, himself. “However much I disliked my own cowardice, or conceit or greed, I went on loving myself…In fact the very reason why I hated the things was that I loved the man. I was sorry to find that I was the sort of man who did those things.” We show love for ourselves by acknowledging sin in our lives, repenting, asking Gods forgiveness and forgive ourselves.
C. How could you show this kind of love to the people in your path today as an act of worship?
Just as I love myself despite my shortcomings, I must love others. Putting aside self and out of obedience to God, act like I love them (“when you are behaving as if you love someone, you will presently come to love them.” ~ C.S. Lewis) , regardless of how I am treated.
10. Read Galatians 5:15
A. When we give into the flesh, it may seem like an answer, but it leads to destruction how is this expressed in this verse?
The Message…”If you bite and ravage each other (give into the flesh), watch out – in no time at you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?
B. How is it an act of worship to forgive and to love the one who is hurt you?
Its an act of worship in that we’re putting aside/sacrificing our feelings and choosing to forgive as God forgave us…choosing holiness and what is acceptable to God!
I love your answer to B Sharon! What a helpful reminder from Lewis 🙂
😊
10. B. Forgiving is an act of worship because it is what God does. Forgiveness is taking on Christ-likeness, the heart of the gospel. It is saying I won’t be enslaved to self-righteousness, the right to be right. Giving into anger and bitterness may feel good but only for a moment. I am left with the destruction of a relationship and the slow loss of communication. Division and strife. I participate in the building of Satans kingdom, not God’s.
A. Gal.5:15. When I’m clawing and striving to put my own needs and desires first, I’m naturally going to be stomping on someone else’s needs and desires. As I bite and devour someone else by giving into my flesh and its desires, I put into motion the law of reaping and sowing.
11. We’ve looked at Luther’s preface to Galatians, Oswald Chambers, Eugene Peterson, Francis Schaeffer, and Jonathan Edwards. Share one thought from one that you found very helpful. – I think for me the one that stood out the most was Eugene Peterson, the joy he showed and had up to the very last minute of his life is so amazing. I need to work on having that joy, the joy that overflows and everyone would know that it could only be because of God that I have that joy.
12. How do you renew your mind? How could you do better? – I listen to Christian radio pretty much all the time, I go to Church, I do Dee’s Bible Study on line, I get together with other believers, I’m reading through the Bible in a year with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel and I read Christian or very mellow fiction books and Christian help books from accredited authors. I am trying to surround myself with nothing but God’s goodness. What I could do better is to not let the social media trap swallow me in. I find myself at times looking too much at that and need to focus on other more pleasing things. If I do this, I think it would help my attitude as well.
7. What stands out to you from the above? Is there an application for your life?
I have been on both sides and when there is a season of not renewing our covenant this way it feels like there is something amiss – like a rock in the stream of intimacy. It truly is a renewal and thankfully we are in a good season despite all our daily stress and my growing physical limitations.
8. Read Galatians 5:13
A. What does Paul tell us not to do?
To not use our freedom in Christ to indulge the flesh
B. What does he tell us to do?
To serve one another humbly in love.
C. How is serving one another an act of worship?
We are sacrificing ourselves for one another empowered to do so by Jesus who gave Himself for us. That should melt us to go way out of our comfort zones.
D. How could you apply this in your life?
Asking God to help me be aware of opportunities around me and to help me not to shrink back from it.