Galatians 4 “Adopted As Sons”

 "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a women, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” (vv.4-5)

At just the right time, Jesus Christ came to purchase all who were under the law, who were trying hard to obey it, but powerless to do so. “Born of a woman” is a simple phrase underscoring an amazing truth of Jesus’ human birth: the Incarnation, “God with us.” “Made under law” refers to the Mosaic Law, which until Christ no one had kept perfectly (Rom. 8:3). In the overall context of Galatians, we can conclude from these two phrases that Jesus was a perfect human being.

In keeping with God’s plan, He (Jesus) redeemed us--that is, He paid the price necessary to free us from the “slave market” of sin. More than that, He adopted us into His family with the “full rights of sons” (v. 5). We went from being slaves of sin to children of God, from condemned prisoners on death row to inheritors of heaven (v. 7; Rom. 8:17)! 

Adoption is a beautiful thing, especially when done by believers who want to show the heart of God. We ourselves are a reflection of God’s heart, for we are adopted children of our heavenly Father. But, adoption is not the means of entry into God’s family, but the privilege and standing we receive within God’s family. The only means of entry, as Jesus told Nicodemus in John chapter 3 is, “One must be born again.” The moment that happens we are placed in an adopted state, heirs to the riches of the Father, and have the Spirit of His Son in our hearts. Therefore, we can call God “Abba, Father” (v.6) – and He will respond. 

What a beautiful progression. First we are set free from slavery. Then we are declared sons and adopted into God’s family. Then, as sons, we are made heirs. Heirs inherit something and Paul made it clear just what we inherit: an heir of God through Christ and we inherit God Himself (v.7). For some, this might seem like a small inheritance. Yet for those who are really in Christ and who really love God, to be an heir of God is the richest inheritance of all.

The Truth: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:14-17)

Galatians 3 “A Call For Unity”

 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Jesus Christ. (v.28)

The Christian gospel celebrates unity and equality of all people in the name of Jesus Christ. Differences based upon ethnicity, economic status, and race, do not exist in God’s eyes. His family members are all equal to one another.

This concept was radically new for the believers in Galatia, who were undoubtedly quite familiar with first-century attitudes. It was common for the Pharisees in Paul's time to give thanks to God that they were not Gentiles, slaves, or women. Clearly, a great deal of prejudice existed against these groups (as well as others) at that time. Some would argue that not much has changed today.

But Paul argues here (vv.26-29) when we declare faith in Christ we are baptized into Him, guaranteed to inherit all the divine promises of Abraham, and are then fully and completely adopted by God into His family. In this family it does not matter if one is Jew or Gentile, a slave or free, man or woman, white or black, because what becomes the most defining piece of our identity is that we are “Christian,” (Christ like). 

True unity comes from our recognition that we are all recipients of saving grace from God through Jesus Christ. It is not the Christian gospel that has caused division among races, nor the Church itself, but our own selfish pride and superior attitudes, those who would call themselves Christians and yet hold themselves above their fellow man. Jesus recognized these pridefull attitudes in many in His day and He called them "Hipocrates" and "Whitewashed Tombs" for their self righteous actions. 

To be outside of God's family is to have your identity "of the world." This leads to your actions being in support of the world and its agendas, and not God's. Is it any wonder then that anarchy and lawlessness will follow when man believes he knows better? What this country needs is not division but unity, not restrictions but revival, not fear but faith. 

No political party or person has all the answers for our struggling nation, but God does. Therefore Christian, get on your knees and pray that God will stir this country back to its Christian roots and bring unity of purpose again to the hearts of the American people.   

The Truth: “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Galatians 2 “Crucified With Christ”

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (v.20)

Here in chapter 2 Paul is making his case for, “justification through faith." Paul taught that, everyone who believes in Jesus (Jew or Gentile) is a member of God’s family based on faith in Him, not because they followed the law. For the law could not be kept, it proved our guilt, pointed to our sin, and showed the need for a savior.

What Paul is communicating in our text is; he is now dead to the external rules of the law, but alive to the internal rule of Jesus in his heart. This new life in Christ and His presents in our lives, is the free gift of the Holy Spirit, given to all who believe. Therefore, enjoy God’s grace and freedom today, and do not add works to the finished work of Christ. (see connect with God to the right on this page)

The Truth
“But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.” (Romans 7:6)

Galatians 1 “Paul Defends The Gospel”

“Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), and all the brethren who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever.” (vv.1-5) 

Paul began his letter to the Galatians defending the legitimacy of his apostolic authority. His critics wanted to subvert the gospel he had been preaching, and their first line of attack was to discredit Paul as an apostle. If Paul was to defend the gospel he preaches, he must also defend the validity of his apostleship. So here in the opening verses of our text he reminded the Galatians that he had been sent by Jesus Christ and God the Father. No man commissioned him, not Peter or any other elder of the church. Therefore, his knowledge of the gospel came from God, not man. And his authority was given by God, not man. 

In the middle of these subversive attacks, Paul did not get caught up in all the personal issues being thrown around, but stayed focused on the issue at hand, the gospel. And, that the Galatians needed to understand it correctly. Paul didn’t always defend himself when attacked though. In 1 Corinthians 4:3 Paul told his critics, “I care very little if I am judged by you.” So why then was Paul so eager to defend his apostleship in this letter to the Galatians? He was convinced that the truth and purity of the gospel were at stake, so he was rallying to the defense of it. 

What a great example for us to follow when we suffer personal attack, to use wisdom to discern how we ought to respond, or, if we should respond at all. Some times silence speaks volumes, while other times we must mount a defense. However, not everything needs a defense or is worthy of a response. Draw you lines, make them clear, defend the faith, but do not case your pearls before swine. 

The Truth: "I delight to do Your will, O my God: Your will is written on my heart." (Psalm 40:8)

2 Corinthians 13 "Exam Yourselves"

 “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.” (v.5)

Paul spent the chapters leading up to today’s passage vigorously defending his own position as an apostle. Now here in our text, he turned the tables and asked the Corinthians to examine themselves, whether they were who they claimed to be, true Christians. If they truly looked inward, and found themselves to be in the faith, then there would be the proof of his being a true apostle, as it was by his ministry that they became such.

Our pride can make it so easy for us to think we have all the answers, to see the faults of others or put them on the defensive to proof themselves to us.  As Christians, we need to continually look inward, examine ourselves, remove the plank from our own eye, then fall on our knees and ask God for His grace and forgiveness in our lives, that we might better serve others.

May we all take the Apostle’s advice and “examine ourselves”, before we point the finger at others.

The Truth:

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” (Romans 2:1)

2 Corinthians 12 “Paul’s Unconditional Love”

“And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” (v.15)

Here in chapter 12 we see Paul’s unconditional love for the church in Corinth. Just as a father cheerfully does for his children, Paul is willing to spend any expense, which may be necessary to promote their salvation. All this despite the fact, the more he gave of himself, the less he was loved by them.

Paul’s motivation was never to gain their gratitude, or extract some compensation form them, but to simply obey the will of God in his ministry. Whether others are grateful or not; whether they loved him or not; whether he could promote his popularity with them or not, he just kept showing his love to them in the name of Jesus.

We would do well to remember, the highest form of giving is when we give and receive nothing in return. Therefore, do not be surprised, or discouraged when you spend yourself in love for others who in turn, love less. This will provide an opportunity to display the true agape love of Jesus to others and your reward will be great.

The Truth
“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.” (Luke 6:35)

2 Corinthians 11 "Fatherly Protection"

"But I fear, lest somehow as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (v.3)

To demonstrate his deep love for the Corinthians, Paul likened his relationship with them to a father and daughter relationship (v.2). In the Jewish culture, it was the father's responsibility to protect his daughter's honor and to secure a proper husband for her. There by protecting her from the seduction of false suiters.

Paul uses this cultural backdrop to stress in verse 3, how deeply he feared the Corinthians were being seduced by false teachers, those who would replace the simplicity of Christ. Therefore, just as a father would protect his daughter’s honor form an unsuitable character, so Paul sought to protect his flock from, “false teachers, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ” (vv.13-14).

In the church today, we must be just as vigilant. We should be like the Bereans, testing the truthfulness of every sermon against God’s Holy Word, so as to not embrace a lie or a different Jesus.

The Truth

“These (Bereans) were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)

2 Corinthians 10 “Challenge Rebellious Thoughts”

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." (vv.3-6)

Paul admits that he walks according to the flesh in the sense that we all do. He is a flesh and blood human being, and he struggles with the same things the Corinthian Christians struggled with. However, Paul wants to make it clear that he does not war according to the flesh. He is talking about waging war, using spiritual weapons, and demolishing enemy strongholds. He goes on to explain although they live in human bodies, they don't wage war according to human standards. Their weapons are those of the Spirit, which are the only weapons great enough to bring down fortresses or strongholds of Satan.

Moody Press author Jim Logan, in his book Reclaiming Surrendered Ground describes a satanic stronghold in this way. “Strongholds are the fortresses Satan builds in our lives when we give him a foothold, a piece of ground on which to build. And once they are in place, they give the enemy a "headquarters" from which to carry on his (demonic) activities.”

Ephesians 6:12 reads: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Thus, those who oppose the gospel aren't the real enemy. The real enemy, is the one who has them blinded, held captive, and opposes God's work in every way - Satan. 

This is why worldly weapons won’t work. Only divine power will defeat satanic power. Paul then goes on to lists the spiritual weapons he used: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. To rely on these weapons took faith in God instead of carnal methods. But truly, these weapons are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.

Jesus also relied on spiritual weapons when He fought for our salvation. Philippians 2:6-8 describes this: who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 

However, this kind of victory through humble obedience offended the Corinthian Christians because it seemed so “weak.” The carnal, human way is to overpower, dominate, manipulate, and out-maneuver. The spiritual, Jesus way is to humble yourself, die to yourself, and let God show His resurrection power through you. Yet, to battle against this carnal way of thinking and doing, our thoughts must be brought captive and made obedient to Jesus.

Therefore, when we start to think in this carnal way, we must stop our thoughts, take dominion over them in Jesus, and not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2) In so doing, we give no ground, no secrete place in our mind for him to build on, and we fight against the evil one, putting on the whole armor of God, and become a Jedis for Jesus.

The Truth: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11) 

2 Corinthians 9 "Give According To Your Heart"

"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (vv.7-8)

Here in chapter 9 Paul again takes on the delicate subject of giving to the work of the LORD. Over a year ago, Corinth had promised to contribute to the Lord’s work in Jerusalem, but, as of yet they had failed to follow through with their pledge. Paul was concerned about negative consequences if other churches, especially the Macedonians, discovered the Corinthians' lack of integrity. These churches had given sacrificially partly because Paul had shared with them about the Corinthians' enthusiasm for the Jerusalem collection. 

So Paul takes it upon himself to send Titus (and an unnamed brother) to receive (collect) their gift, which they had previously promised, and encourages them to “let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 

I love the way Paul does not condemn, nor places a guilt trip on them. He lovingly reminds them of their promise to give but places no amount, no percentage, no goals on them, even though they were financially much better off than most churches at that time. 

Giving comes from love, from our hearts to those in need, and for the furtherance of the Gospel. Our motive should never be what we may get in return. For God’s incredible gift to us of His Son, and our salvation, will forever be enough. Therefore, as the Spirit leads you - give to the work of the LORD.

The Truth: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, and poured into your lap. Foe with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38)

2 Corinthians 8 “Giving To The Work Of The Lord”

For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they (churches of Macedonia) gave of their own accord.” (v. 3)

Here Paul is speaking about the poor churches in Macedonia who were contributing to the work of the ministry according to their ability and in some cases beyond. Their generosity is even more remarkable when we realize that the entire Macedonia region had suffered economically from political turmoil and decreased trade. 

In stark contrast, the wealthy Corinthians here in chapter 8 had made an initial commitment toward the Jerusalem collection, but had failed to follow through. So Paul relates to them the record of the Macedonian churches and entrusts Titus with the responsibility of exhorting them in this regard (vv.6-7).

Speaking on the subject of money and exhorting others to give to the work of the ministry is easier for some than it is for others. Some have made this their life's calling from the pulpit, making the flock feel guilty for not giving more to the LORD. While others only mention it when they happen to come across it in scripture. Paul’s encouragement here to the wealthy of Corinth was to simply, follow through with their word, their commitment, as the other churches had done. No dollar amount, no percentage, nor financial goal - just encouragement to give of their own accord.

Jesus is our best example here when it comes to giving. He said in Matthew 10, “Freely you have received, freely give” (v.8). And again in Luke’s gospel when He saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins into the temple treasury He said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:1-4).

Giving comes from the heart, not from the head. The poor widow and the Macedonians showed that poverty doesn't preclude generosity. Giving, according to our ability, enables us to participate in something greater than ourselves. Through our financial gifts, we're able to participate in supporting ministries around the world, our own local churches, missionaries, pastors, widows, orphans, military families, the homeless, and the list goes on. Our giving is not just limited to financial gifts either. It can also include, our time, our presence, talents, service and prayers.

Therefore, give what you can from a cheerful heart and the LORD will multiply it one hundred times over, for you can never out give God.

The Truth: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

2 Corinthians 7 "Godly Sorrow"

"For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” (v.10)

Two kinds of repentance are possible in human experience. One is ‘the sorrow of the world,” a feeling induced by the fear of getting caught. This results in a superficial sorrow that may lead to a temporary change of heart, but not to a genuine turning to Christ for forgiveness. Which our text tells us, leads to spiritual death. The other is "Godly sorrow" which is accompanied by conviction of sin through the work of the Holy Spirit. This stems from the realization of offending a holy God and leads to genuine repentance by piercing the heart (Acts 2:37).

Here in chapter 7, Paul references his former “letter” (v. 8), which many believe to be 1 Corinthians, an epistle where Paul pulled no punches. Divisions, immorality—even turning the Lord’s Supper into a drunken feast. From our reading today we see that Paul did not relish his prophetic role. He genuinely cared about this church, and Paul makes clear that he did not rebuke them merely because he was angry or disappointed in them, Paul made them “sorry” in the hopes that it might produce godly repentance (vv.8-9)

God’s heart towards sin is that none should perish but all should come to repentance (2 Peter 2:9). His desire is to show mercy, for us to have renewed fellowship with Him, to restore relationships, mend fences, receive worship, and bestow blessings, if we would only lay down our pride and repent. So often people can carry unresolved feelings and attitudes around with them for years. They think they can ignore the elephant in the room, but yet, there it is - hidden behind the eyes, in the mind, and deep within heart. 

O what freedom comes from repentance, from giving your burden over to Jesus. For us as believers comes restoration, for the unbeliever salvation. If you have some unresolved issues to reconcile, go to God in prayer first, repent, then go to whom the Spirit has placed on your heart and resolve those issues. Speaking from experience, you will be eternally thankful you did. And like our text says, "not to be regretted."

The Truth: “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and to cleanse us for all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

2 Corinthians 6 "Give No Cause For Defense"

  “Giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited..” (v.3)

Fault-finding is a popular pastime, and unfortunately a lot of us find it’s easy to, "see the speck in our brothers eye, but ignore the beam in our own." Concentrating on the faults of others is a great way to feel better about ourselves. And that’s just the problem. Avoiding the faults that need to be fixed in our own lives not only stunts our spiritual growth, but also obstructs God’s work through us. God’s effectiveness through our lives is enhanced or hindered by the way we live.

It’s no wonder, then, that Paul made a concerted effort to “put no obstacle in anyone’s way.” For him there was nothing more important than his usefulness for Christ in the lives of others. Anything that got in the way of that was dispensable. Paul wanted to be authentic, genuine, Christ-like, especially during the trials of his life. For he once was the "chief" of all sinners, persecuting God's people, and did not want to do anything that would give cause for anyone to doubt his witness, his life, his conversion, and certainly not his ministry.  

If you want to be authentic and useful for God, take an obstacle inventory. Replace your fault by giving it to Jesus, thereby giving no cause for offense to others.

The Truth: “Let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” (Romans 14:13)

2 Corinthians 5 "Standing Perfect In Christ"

"For He hath made Him, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (v.21)

Wow! So much in this chapter; Assurance of the Resurrection, The Judgment Seat of Christ, Being reconciled to God. But, what jumped out at me this time around was our text, "God made Him." Think about that. 

The idea that any man could be sinless was foreign to Jewish thinking (Ecclesiastes 8:5). Despite that, no one challenged Jesus when He claimed to be sinless (John 8:46). Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul carefully chooses his words here. He does not say Jesus was made to be a sinner. Jesus never became a sinner, but He did become sin for us. Even His becoming sin was a righteous act of love, not an act of sin.

When Christ was born an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:20-21). Christ, born of a virgin, sinless, and remained so His entire life, to fulfill one purpose, that He might be the sinless sacrifice to God (who made Him) for all who would believe in His name, to make a way for us (positionally) to enter into heaven through His righteousness. 

Jesus took our sin, but gave us His righteousness. It is a tremendous exchange, all prompted by the love of God for us! Therefore, when God looks at us, He sees only the righteousness of His Son, and we will stand perfected in Him before the throne of God, because God made Him for us (John 3:16). Hallelujah!    

The Truth: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

2 Corinthians 4 “Renew The Inner Man”

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” (v.16)

I find it very difficult to be around negative people who do nothing but complain about life. Their grumpiness, cynicism, doubt, and fear, create a depressing environment to be around. Positive people on the other hand, are a pleasure to be around. Their uplifting faith, hope and joy can be an inspiration when going through difficult times in life and inspire us to contentment.

The Apostle Paul knew all about difficult times. He was stoned, beaten, shipwrecked, thrown overboard, and cast into dungeons. If anyone earned the right to be negative about life, it would be him. Instead, he chose to encourage those around him to “not lose heart,” by focusing not on “the outward man,” but to focus God’s Word and renew the "inward man” through His Spirit.

Difficulties in life are givens. We will all struggle in one way or another. And yes, life sometimes just isn't fair. But, projecting that 24/7 can do nothing for our inner man. When going through tough times, Paul encourages us to, "Look not at the things which are seen, but to the things which are not seen." Meaning not the temporal, but the eternal, and to focus on renewing our spirits through God's Word. Then, whether grieving or searching for: His voice, His guidance, His direction or His comfort, the Word will always lift you up and renew your Spirit.

The Truth: "Be anxious for nothing, but in all things by prayer and supplication, and with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the Peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

2 Corinthians 3 “Sufficiency In Christ”

“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (vv.3-5)

Paul is telling us here that God Himself makes us sufficient as His servants of the good news. This is an encouragement to all who desire to be obedient to the great commission and be used by God to bring His message of hope to others. Paul reminds us that the law makes demands (“for the letter kills”), but that His Spirit makes a way to life.

The "letter" spoken of in out text is the law in its outward sense, written on tablets of stone. But the Spirit is given so that the law can be written internally, on our hearts. The law is discouraging because it constantly reminds us that we are guilty sinners before our holy God. The stone tablets Moses brought down from Mount Sinai charged men with treason against God, condemning even Moses himself. The law said murders were to be stoned to death, and that no sacrifice was sufficient for a guilty murderer like Moses or King David.

The law then acts as a ministry of death because no one can satisfy its demands on their own merit, and they are therefore condemned. Only the grace of God can transform lost sinners. Only God’s Spirit brings true life, not lists of rules. The sacrificial blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin, as Hosea said, “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, / And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hos. 6:6). Therefore, the Old Testament prophets looked forward to the New Covenant, when the law of God would be written in our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33) and said, God would grant hearts of flesh to replace hearts of stone (Ezekiel 11:19 and 36:26).

We can see here that Paul doesn’t consider himself sufficient for the great task of changing lives for Jesus. Only God's Spirit is sufficient for such a big job. Charles Spurgeon wrote,  “Brethren, if Paul is not sufficient of himself, what are you and I?" The indwelling of the Spirit then becomes for us a law written on our hearts. He is in us to guide us and be our “law.” It isn’t that the Holy Spirit replaces the written law, but completes and fulfills the work of the written law in our hearts. The Spirit gives life, and with this spiritual life, we can live out the law of God.

The Truth: "For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter." (Romans 7:5-6)

2 Corinthians 2 “Forgiveness And Restoration”

Sufficient for such a one (who had caused sorrow to the church) is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority. Now forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Therefore, I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.” (vv.5-8)

Church discipline can be controversial, but it's intended to bring about repentance and restoration. The Corinthians had responded to Paul's painful first letter requesting that a certain individual be disciplined (1 Cor. 5). Although the Corinthians had complied with Paul's request (2 Cor. 2:6), they were apparently having a hard time restoring the person who had been disciplined (v.7). So Paul urges them to reaffirm their love for him (v.8). 

When dealing with any type of misconduct, discipline is only one half of the coin; the other half must include forgiveness and love. Paul’s example here is powerful. Although he had probably been the one wronged, he took the lead in forgiveness and stressed the necessity of the restoration toward this individual. 

C. S. Lewis once said, “We all agree that forgiveness is a beautiful idea until we have to practice it.” May that not be the case with us as individuals or as a church body. May we always reflect the love of Christ in this area of forgiveness and restoration. For failure to do so leaves an open door for an all-too-ready adversary. 

Is there someone in you life that needs your love, your forgiveness, and the restoration of your fellowship? If so, take Paul's example to heart - reaffirm your love to them and defeat Satan's hold against you both. 

The Truth: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

2 Corinthians 1 "God Of All Comfort"

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (vv.3-4)

Paul opens this letter by praising the God who gives so much mercy and comfort to the apostle and all believers. As we read through this letter, we get the feeling that Paul knows the mercy and comfort of God on a first-hand basis.

Paul found real comfort in God and was able to comfort others because he experienced God’s faithfulness first hand. Being able to speak from experience has a tremendous power of immediately putting you on the same level with the person you are trying to help. This is the great purpose of God in comforting us, to enable us to bring comfort to others. Unfortunately many never receive the comfort God wants to give us through another person. Pride keeps us from revealing our needs to others, so we never receive the comfort God would give us through them.

Jesus expressed in John 16:33: In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Jesus who also suffered, is fully qualified to comfort us in our time of trial. (Hebrews 2:18) Even God Himself experienced the pain of watching His only Son beaten, whipped and nailed to a cross for us. So when we turn to Him and His Word, it has the power of comfort from His experience.

Therefore, He is able to comfort us in all tribulation so that we in turn may comfort others.

The Truth: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

1 Corinthians 16 "Above All Love"

"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (vv.13-14)

Paul ends his letter to the Corinthians like he started it. After all the time spent to correct, rebuke, and exhort them, he now affirms his confidence in them. Returning to the theme of love, he urges the Corinthians to; stand firm in the faith, don’t waver; act like men, lead don’t follow; be strong, firm, solid in your resolve not weak; and finally, all that you do should be done in love, and expressed in tangible ways to one another.

It should be noted that we all continue to struggle with some of the same issues in the 21st century, as the Corinthians did. However, the key point for all of us to draw on from in this chapter is, the attention to love. 

We as Christians are all brothers and sisters in Jesus, no one is perfect, we are all under construction but, we are His children. As such, we all need instruction, exhortation, at times correction, most certainly direction, and above all - love. 

All the watching, all the standing fast, all the bravery, and all the strength the Corinthian Christians might show meant nothing without love. They were called to do all those things in a meek, humble spirit of love.

Therefore, all that we do should be done in love. For, “There is one body and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Be on alert brothers and sisters, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, and all that you do, let it be done in love.

The Truth: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, and will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38)  

1 Corinthians 15 "Our Final Victory"

 “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our LORD Jesus Christ” (vv. 56-57)

Throughout chapter 15, Paul discusses the reality of the resurrection of Christ and, through Him, the assurance of the resurrection of all who believe in His name. Today’s text delivers the powerful conclusion to his argument in this chapter. Quoting the prophet Hosea, Paul pronounces death powerless (vv. 56-57).

In the book of Ecclesiastes, death has been shown as the great equalizer that conquers all men, rendering their labor on earth meaningless. But Paul claims triumphantly in verse 57 that, “through Jesus Christ, God gives us victory over death.” This assurance of life after death allows every Christian to live free of the dread of death.

Although the events surrounding the Second Coming are partly a “mystery," Paul makes it clear that believers will be raised bodily when Christ returns (vv. 51-53). Those who have already died and those who do not “sleep” will be changed instantaneously at the sound of the trumpet. An instant heavenly body. And with that, the power of sin and the sting of death will end forever.

Therefore, Paul exhorts all believers (who remain until His second coming) to be, "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that our work is not in vain in the LORD." (v.58) And what is our work? Paul made it clear that the declaration of the gospel was his sole purpose in life, the work he had been called to (vv.1-8). While we are certainly not apostles, we are believers, followers of Christ. And as such called by Him to the work of the harvest, to labor for the gospel, and for the kingdom.

Therefore brothers and sisters, fulfill your calling at every turn. Speak boldly in His name, for the time is short and the laborers are few, but the field is ripe for a harvest.  

The Truth: “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)

1 Corinthians 14 “The Purpose Of Spiritual Gifts”

"Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” (v.1)

In our text today, Paul is reminding the people of Corinth about the purpose of spiritual gifts, and how they are to function in a public worship assembly (specifically the gift of tongues and prophesy). He does not fault them for the gifts nor the desire to have them, he simply instructs them as to when and when not to use their gifts, especially tongues. 

An important instruction to note, "He who speaks in tongues speaks to God, not to man" (v.2). While he who prophesies, "speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men" (v.3) and "edifies the church" (v.4). Paul reminds the believers that spiritual gifts are given for the common good, and when the community gathers, priority should be given to the gift of prophecy for it convicts the heart (v. 24). Paul goes on to say while there’s freedom in the gatherings, nevertheless, there are restrictions put in place. These restrictions, such as forbidding more than one person from talking at a time or requiring interpretation for a person speaking in tongues, do not restrain the Spirit but, promotes order (vv. 26-40).

Though Paul would carefully regulate, and even discourage the use of tongues in the church, he would not forbid it. At the same time, he would greatly encourage its use in one’s personal devotions. If one were to ask Paul, “Which is greater for one’s devotional life: the gift of tongues or the gift of prophesy?” He would no doubt say “the gift of tongues,” because who do you prophesy to when you are alone with the Lord in your prayer closet?

Therefore, the exercise of spiritual gifts should always be done for edification (v.26), properly, and in an orderly manner (v.40). God is a God of order and peace, and He wants order when the church comes together. When the gifts of the Spirit are given an unscriptural focus, it discredits the true work of the Holy Spirit, and often leads people to deny the gifts because they see unbiblical excess.

A good rule of thumb when exersising ones gift is to ask yourself, "Who is this edifying?" 

The Truth: "So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification." (Romans 14:9)