Galatians

Date Written: around 49 AD

Author: Paul

Setting: The biggest issue in the early church was the relationship of new believers, particularly Gentiles, to the Jewish laws. Some were saying the Gentile believers had to follow Jewish laws that the Jews had obeyed for centuries. They told the Gentile converts they had to be circumcised and follow all the Jewish laws and customs in order to be saved. According to these men, Gentiles had to first become Jews in order to become Christians. So Paul wrote to these Galatian churches to correct this problem. He explained that a person isn’t saved by following the Jewish laws. A person is saved by grace through faith. Later, at the council in Jerusalem, the conflict was officially resolved by the church leaders.

Key People: Paul, Peter, Barnabas, Titus, Abraham, and false teachers

Purpose: To refute the Judaizers, who taught that Gentile believers must obey the Jewish law in order to be saved, and to call Christians to faith and freedom in Christ.

Key Verses: It is from freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. 5:1

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law 5:22-23

Chapter Outline:

1-2 Paul’s Defense

3-4 Justification by Faith

5-6 Freedom of The Gospel

Importance of reading Galatians:

What we read: A group of Jewish teachers insisted that non-Jewish believers had to obey Jewish law and traditional rules. They believed a person was saved by following the law of Moses (with emphasis on circumcision, the sign of the covenant) in addition to faith in Christ. Paul came against that by showing that the law can’t save anyone. What we can learn: We can’t be saved by keeping the law or any form of legalism. The law was given as a guide to point out our need to be forgiven. Jesus fulfilled the law for us because He was the once and for all perfect sacrifice. We must turn to Him to be saved. He alone can make us right with God. Rules and regulations cannot save us.

What we read: We are saved from God’s judgment and penalty for sin by His gracious gift to us. We receive salvation by faith, trusting in Him. It isn’t based on our goodness. What we can learn: God accepts us by us believing in Jesus. We are saved by faith and not by the good that we do. He alone can forgive us and bring us into a relationship with God.

What we read: Faith in Jesus brings true freedom from sin and from the attempt to be right with God by keeping the law. What we can learn: We are free in Christ, but we are not free to disobey Him or practice immorality and still be in right standing with Him. Those choices will have consequences and separate us from Him. Once you have been set free from sin, don’t go back to that bondage.  But we are free to serve the risen Christ. Use your freedom to love and to serve, not to do wrong.  

What we read: We become Christians through the work of the Holy Spirit. He brings new life, even our faith to believe is a gift from Him. The Holy Spirit instructs, guides, leads, and gives us power. He ends our bondage to evil desires, and He creates in us love, joy, peace and many other wonderful changes. What we can learn: When the Holy Spirit leads us, He produces His fruit in us. Just as we are saved by faith and not deeds, we also grow by faith. By believing, we can have the Holy Spiri within us, helping us live for Christ. You will obey Jesus by following the Holy Spirit’s leading.

What we read: Paul reminds them not to be deceived or fooled into thinking that they can feed the flesh and reap the fruit of the Spirit. God sees everything we think and do, and He will not be mocked in that way. What we can learn: God’s grace isn’t a license to sin, so if you choose to sin, you reap corruption and every consequence of that choice.    

Things to think about as you read Galatians:

• Are you living under grace or under law? Have you accepted the grace of God for your salvation but still put yourself under the law for daily living?
• According to Galatians 5:16-21, if you live under grace, under the control of the Spirit of God, you won’t be able to live a life habitually controlled by the flesh, producing the works of the flesh. Evaluate your walk according to these verses.
• What do you boast in?
• As you look at Paul’s life, what do you learn for your own life?

Ephesians

Date Written: around 60 AD

Author: Paul wrote this from Rome while in prison

Setting: This letter wasn’t written to confront any heresy or problem in the churches. It was sent to strengthen and encourage the churches in the area. He gave them teachings about how to nurture and maintain the unity of the church. 

Key People: Paul, Tychicus

Purpose: To show believers what it means to be a follower of Christ and encourage them in their spiritual walk

Key Verses: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works so that no one can boast. 2:8-9

There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 4:4-6

Chapter Outline:

1-3 Unity in Christ

4-6 Unity in the Body of Christ

Importance of reading Ephesians:

What we read: Paul explains the wonderful things that we have received through Christ and refers to the church as a body, a temple, a bride, and a soldier. All these things show unity of purpose and show how each individual member is a part that must work together with all the other parts. What we can learn: Unity is so important in the body of Christ. We should make sure that we get rid of all backbiting, gossip, criticism, jealousy, anger, bitterness, and anything that brings division because these things prevent unity in the church.

What we read: Paul describes the nature of the church. The church, under Christ’s control, is a living body, a family, a dwelling. God gives believers special abilities by His Holy Spirit to build the church. What we can learn: We are all part of the body of Jesus Christ. We are to live in union with Him and in unity with each other. We have been equipped to fulfill a role in our church.

What we read: Chapter 3:20, God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. What we can learn: God’s ability exceeds anything that we could even imagine, so you can know that He is able to answer any prayer that you pray. So, keep praying! Don’t give up! Don’t stop believing and trusting Him no matter what you are facing!

What we read: Chapter 5:15-17, God cares about how we spend our time. What we can learn: We are to make the best use of our time. But how do we know what the best use of our time is? Verse 17 answers that – by understanding God’s will. And we know His will by reading His Word and spending time with Him in prayer. Commit your day, every day, to God and ask Him what He wants to accomplish through you each day.

What we read: Chapter 6:10-18, there is a spiritual battle that can’t be avoided. All believers are in this battle, so we better put on our armor. What we can learn: Our battle isn’t against flesh and blood but against evil (demons) and we can’t fight this battle and have victory without the armor of God on. Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God. This is something we must do. It isn’t done for us. It’s so important that we know how to put our armor on and how to fight our enemy. I have a lot of teaching about spiritual warfare. Those can be found in the file’s section of the group, YouTube, and the ministry website. I encourage you to watch/read them and reach out if you have any questions.

Things to think about as you read Ephesians:

• Think about all you read when it refers to your position as a child of God. As you read chapter 1, notice everything God has done for you. Watch for the personal pronoun “He” and the phrase “according to” and the word “will”. Think about what God had done for you and why.
• Chapter 2:8-10 are extremely important verses. Think about what God is saying to you and ask Him to show you whether you are trusting in His grace or in your works to get you to heaven.
• In your home do you live according to chapter 5:18-6:4?
• Are you able to stand firm or are you defeated by the devil’s schemes? Don’t forget where you are seated. Think about God’s power, His strength, His armor. Do you have it on and are you standing firm in truth, righteousness, peace, salvation, and faith? Are you able to use the Word of God as your weapon?

Link to Video: https://youtu.be/jNo0Ig6h__c?si=YRrRUE5hD_RSiD6V

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Blessings,

Nichole Henson

Fullness of Joy Ministry