Paul wrote letters to both the Galatians and to the Ephesians. Paul’s letter to the Galatians had 3 major themes: explaining that his ministry to spread the gospel to the Gentiles was from God, to warn those who were false teachers that there would be consequences, and to demonstrate our need for the Law before Christ came and the freedom that comes from having faith in Christ’s salvation and allowing the Spirit to lead us.
Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesian Church to spread the Gospel not only to Jews but to Gentiles as well. Paul reminds the Ephesians that our sins, even the very little ones, cause our death, but we have been raised with Christ and saved by our faith because He loves us. Through Christ, we have become citizens in God’s family. As members of that family, we are to live in unity with others, using our gifts to grow the body of Christ.
As a result of our adoption by Christ, we’ve been given a new life. I know that I need to act in accordance with my new life: walk in love, speak truth, be a light that points to Christ, don’t sin out of anger and be an encouragement to all.
Passage:
Galatians and Ephesians
Discovered:
Galatians
- Paul wrote a letter to the church at Galatia.
- Paul was surprised that so many were led away from aged by false teachers and teachings, may false teachers be cursed.
- As a servant of Christ, I need to seek approval from God not man.
- Paul told the, he was saved because of God’s grace, was sought out by God. after conversion, he went to Arabia.
- 3 years later, Paul went to Jerusalem to meet with Peter then went to Syria to teach. Jude’s rejoiced when they heard Paul was no longer persecuting believers.
- 14 years later, Paul went before the apostles to make sure his ministry was not in vain: spreading the gospel to Gentiles. (It wasn’t.)
- Paul rebuked Peter for not acknowledging saved Gentiles for fear of insulting Jews (who do we please?)
- Regardless of our birth, we are saved by faith in Christ not by deeds (Old Law) – promise of Abraham.
- Because I was crucified with Christ-Christ now lives in me. If we are made righteous by the Law, Christ died in vain and He DID NOT!
- The Law was given to be a helper to sinners until Christ could come, a guardian to watch over us.
- The Abrahamic covenant precedes the Mosaic covenant (Law) therefore the Law DOES NOT replace the promise: blessing of all nations.
- The Law was meant to show us our sins, so that when Christ arrived we would see how badly we needed Him and His grace.
- ALL (regardless of status, birth, nationality) who belong to Christ and have accepted Him are heirs to His promise.
- We were under the Law just as children are under a guardian to learn the ropes.
- Before you knew God, you followed the world. I (Paul) worry that you will return to the world and that my efforts are in vain.
- My affliction has allowed me to tell you of Him, even when it could have driven you away, you received me with honor.
- Am I your enemy because I told you the truth, don’t false teachers to lead astray. I wish I could be with you.
- Abraham had two sons:
- One by a slave or flesh: Ishmael
- One by a free woman: Isaac (a result of a promise)
- Paul compares Sarah and Hagar:
- Hagar: current day Jerusalem, slave to sin
- Sarah: future redeemed Jerusalem living in freedom (circumcision not required)
- In Christ, we have been freed, so don’t return to slavery (sin)
- If you believe, you need to follow the law to be justified, then you don’t believe in Christ -> only faith out of love saves.
- Some thought Paul taught circumcision, if so why was he still persecuted? False teachers will have consequences.
- Through Christ, we’ve been given freedom-use it wisely: serve with love, act out God’s examples.
- Know the difference between works of flesh and fruit of the spirit.
- When others sin, we should gently steer them back. Be sure to examine ourselves for conceit. We reap what we sow, so we need to sow Christ.
- Boast in Christ’s crucifixion and in being a new creation in Christ-if we live this out, we receive mercy and grace.
Ephesians
- We have been given every spiritual blessing by God through Christ.
- We were predestined to be adopted by Christ-we’ve been forgive of our sins, given grace, sealed by the Holy Spirit and given an inheritance.
- Paul gives thanks that they know Jesus and prays they will be enlightened to this greatness of His power-He raised Christ from the dead and seated at His right hand and gave him authority over all.
- Even though our sins cause our death, we are made alive though Christ and seated with Him. We have been saved by our faith because of His Grace.
- We are God’s handiwork.
- We were once separated but through Christ’s blood we have been brought near and have become citizens in God’s family and a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.
- It was revealed to Paul the mystery of the gospel-that Gentiles are included heirs, his ministry to them.
- We are called to walk in unity-humble, patient, treat others lovingly and use our individual gifts to grow the body of Christ.
- As we grow and mature in our knowledge, we are better able to proclaim truth and grow the whole body.
- We’ve been given new life: we must act like it-speak truth, don’t sin out of anger, be encouraging and forgiving.
- Walk in love and light, be a beacon of Christ’s love, avoid immortality and debauchery.
- Wives submit to your husband as the Church submits to Christ. husband is the head of the family as Christ is the head of the Church.
- Husbands love your wives as Christ loves the Church, just as you love and cherish your body-do the same for your wife.
- Children obey your parents – 1st commandment with a promise-so it goes well with you. Fathers don’t provoke your children but instruct them about the Lord.
- Bondservants-obey your master and serve them as if you are serving the Lord. Masters don’t threaten your servants.
- We fight against That which we cannot see, so put on the armor of God: breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (Word of God).
- Paul sent them to Tychicus to encourage them.
Help me to remember:
Christ died to redeem us and by only my faith in Him, I am saved, because I have Christ, I am to live out loud for God – in love and light, showing fruit of the Spirit.
Lord, I ask that . . .
I am able to be a beacon for your loving kindness to those whose paths I cross in the world.
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
We’ve been given the tools and help to grow and mature in Christ, to be able to help grow the body of Christ.
