Ephesians 1 "Redemption"

This letter was written to the "Saints who are in Ephesus" (v.1). In otherwords the church there. Ephesus was an important city to Paul. Here he had laboured, watched, and wept, for both the community and  individuals for three years. He is now about to reinforce the saints on what it means to be the church, the body of Christ, and their standing and position because of what Christ has done for them.

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,” (vv.7-8)

In Him we have redemption through His blood: The Him is the Beloved of Ephesians 1:6. In Him we have redemption and nowhere else. There is no possible redemption outside of Jesus and His redeeming blood. Redemption conveys the idea of delivering a man from a situation that he is totally powerless to liberate himself from. It is releasing someone from a penalty they could never pay. That’s the picture Paul is painting in this verse. Jesus paid the price for our freedom with His own blood. It was a sacrifice that cost Him His life, but provided life for us – something we could never do for ourselves. 

Why? Why would Jesus do that? Paul gives us the reason right here in our text; it was “according to the riches of His grace.” We have redemption, forgiveness, and freedom because of the free gift of God’s GRACE .  It is not a “small” redemption or forgiveness won by Jesus on the cross. It is immense. And the thing is, you must bewilling to receive it. (See the prayer, “Connect With God,” to the right of this page and receive His gift of redemption today).

Many think it is unwise of God to lavish such redemption and forgiveness on guilty sinners. But it was in His wisdom and prudence that He gave this to us (v.8). That we might become adopted sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved (vv.3-6). Then as as sons we become heirs and in  Him we obtaine an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory (vv.11-12). 

All this becomes available to "whosoever believes" in Him (John 3:16). For believers, Jesus is not a judge, but the One in whom we have an inheritance. Then, having believed, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory (vv.13-14).

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

Galatians 6 "Bear One Another's Burdens"

"Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (v.1-2)

There’s an old saying, “kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life.” Here in out text Paul is encouraging the Galatians to do just that, to come along side someone who is struggling under the weight of a burden and provide relief. Notice the assumption which lies behind this command, namely that we all have burdens and that God does not mean us to carry them alone.

As we bear one another’s burdens, we are fulfilling the simple law of Christ found in John 13: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (vv.34-35). Maybe someone in your world needs an act of kindness. You may be the one who could help lighten their load. By giving a little bit of yourself or your resources for the comfort of another person, you will fulfill the law of Christ, the law of love.

John’s gospel also tells us that sacrifice is the greatest demonstration of love, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (15:13). And, while very few of us may ever find ourselves in that situation, kindness is a trait that we all can share to relieve the struggles of those around us.

Remember, you don't have to have a special talent or gift. You don't have to have much money. You don't even have to be well-known. All you need is a willing heart. Maybe someone in your world needs an act of kindness. Keep your heart open as to how you may help lighten their load, especially during these difficult times. "Never grow weary of doing good, for in due season we shall reap a harvest if we do not lose heart." (v.9)

The Truth: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)

2 Peter 1 “Making Our Call And Election Sure”

Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (vv.10-11)

Here Peter is encouraging the Jewish Christians throughout Asia Minor that by doing these things spoken of earlier in 2 Peter 1:5-7 (faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love), they make their calling and election sure and keep themselves from stumbling. As we see these things in our life, we know that our lives are becoming more like the nature of Jesus. It shows that we are being conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

Peter also reminded his readers here of the great reward of a calling and election made sure. They would enter heaven gloriously, not as through fire (1 Corinthians 3:15).

F.B. Meyer wrote, “There are two ways of entering a port. A ship may come in, waterlogged and crazy, just keep afloat by continual working at the pumps; or it may enter with every sail set, her pennon floating at the mast-head. The latter is what the apostle desires for himself and those whom he addresses. He desired that an entrance abundant should be ministered unto them.” 

Meyer also wrote that the idea of an “abundant entrance” was really a choral entrance. The idea was of a Roman conqueror coming into his city, welcomed by singers and musicians who would join him in a glorious, happy procession into the city. 

That raises the question, How will our entrance into heaven be? Will we enter it, “save so as by fire,” or to receive a reward? Will we come unrecognized and unknown, or be welcomed by scores and hundreds to whom we have been the means of blessing? Something to think about.

I for one do not want to enter those gates smoldering. 

The Truth: “If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:15 - NKJV) 

Galatians 5 "The Correct Use of Liberty"

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! (vv.13-15)

To walk in the Spirit is to be under the control of the Holy Spirit. In contrast, to walk in the flesh, is to be controlled by our worldly desires and inclinations towards sin. The struggle to do what is right, to live holy lives, and to be obedient to Jesus Christ is the battle between the two.

However, Paul assures us that this battle is evidence that Christ lives in us. Were there no regeneration by God’s Spirit, there would be no war! The desire cannot be prevented, but its fulfillment can certainly be withheld. And until we allow God to change our desires, our flesh will win the battle.

So what does it look like to walk with the Spirit and allow God to capture more of your soul and take it under His control? It’s a process of surrender. It begins with repentance, praying honestly, confessing you have hung on to some desire to long, then turning it over to Him. It also entails renewing your Spirit daily in His Word to strengthen your inner man for the battle against the flesh. Satin will always try and tempt us, and temptation itself is not a sin, but we must put on the whole armor of God daily so as to “walk in the Spirit” and not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

While walking in the Spirit is the key, it doesn’t always come easily. Often, it is a battle. There is a battle going on inside the Christian, and the battle is between the flesh and the Spirit. As Paul writes, these are contrary to one another – they don’t get along at all. When the flesh is winning the inside battle, you do not do the things that you wish. You don’t live the way you want to; you live under the flesh instead of under the Spirit.

The antidote to the flesh is not found in the law, but in the Spirit – and if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. You don’t need to be, because you fulfill the will of God through the inner influence of the Holy Spirit instead of the outer influence of the law of God. This is exactly the pattern set by Jesus. He had more liberty than anyone who ever walked this earth did. Yet He used His liberty to through love serve one another.

This attitude of service towards one another fulfills the great commandment (You shall love your neighbor as yourself), and it keeps us from destroying ourselves through strife (beware lest you be consumed by one another!). It’s as if Paul addressed the legalists again, and said: “You want to keep the law? Here you have it: Love your neighbor as yourself and you have fulfilled the law in one word.”

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) 

Galatians 4 "Adopted Into His Family"

"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"

"For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (vv.19-20)

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. Furhtermore Paul is saying he is now dead to the external rules of the law, but alive to the internal rule of Jesus in his heart. 

Now as far as the Law goes, there was nothing wrong with the law. It wasn’t the law that died, but Paul died to the law. When Paul died to the law, then he could live to God. As long as he still tried to justify himself before God by all his law-keeping, he was dead. But when he died to the law then he could live to God. Now Paul anticipated those who might disagreed with him by asking, “Paul, when did you die to the law? You look alive to me!” Paul was happy to answer, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (v.20) 

Paul realized that on the cross, a great exchange occurred. He gave Jesus his old, try-to-be-right-before-God-by-the-law life, and it was crucified on the cross. Then Jesus gave Paul His life – Christ came to live in him. So Paul’s life wasn’t his own anymore, it belonged to Jesus Christ! Paul didn’t own his own life (that life died); he simply now managed the new life Jesus gave him.

When Paul said, "And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith," he didn’t mean that he lived a chronically sinful life. Paul understands what Jesus meant in the third chapter of John, ‘That which is born of the flesh is flesh’. (John 3:6) ‘Flesh’ here referrs to his physical body. The focus of this verse isn’t the flesh, it is faith. What Paul is saying is, "Though I am in this body of flesh, I now live by faith in the Son of God." The faith Paul lived by was not faith in himself, it wasn't faith in the law, or faith in what he could earn or deserve before God. It was faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ – who loved him and gave Himself for him.

Before, Paul’s relationship with God was founded on what he could do for God – his faith was in himself. Now the foundation was what Jesus Christ had done for him – his faith was in Jesus. And Paul found a marvelous person to put his faith in! It was a person who loved him. It was a person who demonstrated that love when He gave Himself for Paul.

This new life in Christ, His presents, and the free gift of His Holy Spirit, is available to all who believe. Therefore, enjoy God’s grace and freedom today, and do not atempt to add your works to the finished work of Christ. (see connect with God to the right on this page)

The Truth: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

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)