Setting the example Jesus left for us to follow
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Paul expresses concern for the Galatians
November, 2020
Our Weekly Bible Study begins with us reading the assigned scripture ahead of time and preparing our hearts for study and discussion. When we meet (virtually or in person) we first read the scripture as a group, and then take turns sharing and discussing what impacted us the most, and our general interpretation of what we read.
Making Notes as we go through Bible Study is always encouraged, as it helps to increase our understanding of what we have read, and also allows us to become more comfortable and familiar with the Bible.
To make participation easier and more memorable for our younger children, we will include a link to Storybook Bible images of the readings whenever these are available.
This week’s virtual Bible Study focused on Galatians 4. The fourth chapter in our new study on the Book of Galatians. After praying and reading through the chapters, we discussed the verses at length, and shared our personal views on what we had read.
Verses 1-2: An heir, while still a child, has no more rights than a servant does. He is under tutors until the time appointed by the father.
Verse 3: “The elements of the world” refers to the people in charge of us, the culture of the time etc.
Verses 4-5: The plan was to redeem those under the law.
Verses 6-7: Adoption has taken place, we are now heirs of God, all because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Verse 8: Paul reminds the Galatians that prior to knowing God they had participated in rituals and other pagan events, worshiping various objects and things.
Verse 9: It is good to know God, but it is even better to be known by God. Although the Galatians knew the bondage that they had been delivered from, they still turned back to the “beggarly elements”.
Verse 10: When we observe various seasons and days it is important to know the origin of those celebrations as many of them are pagan.
Verse 11: Paul is afraid for the Galatians, they have returned to their former bondage, to their dietary laws, their sabbath regulations etc.
Verse 12: Paul urges them to become like him- free from bondage.
Verses 13-14: Paul had preached to the Galatians during an illness he was experiencing at the time, and they treated him very well, but now they had turned away from him.
Verse 16: Can we handle truth? We must ask ourselves this- Many turn on those who speak truth, preferring instead to hear things that make them feel good.
Verse 17: Many who evangelize do so not for the purpose of bringing someone to Christ, but for their own ego boost.
Verse 18: Nothing is wrong with zeal, as long as it is for a good purpose- for the pursuit of Christ.
Verse 22-26: Paul shares the story of Abraham and his two sons. One (Ishmael) was born to a slave, and one (Isaac) to a free woman, his wife Sarah. Abraham and Sarah did not wait on God, and this is what led to the situation they found themselves in. We too will find ourselves in bondage if we do not wait on God. In this story Sarah represents New Jerusalem and the New Covenant, Isaac the spiritual seed of Abraham, Hagar represents the world, and Ishmael is the flesh. Wen must remember that if we do not stay in the divine will of God we will also produce “Hagars” and “Ishmaels.
As you read through this week’s Bible passage, ask yourself:
What are MY thoughts on what I am reading?
How can I apply this to MY life?
Blessings!
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