Today’s Scripture: Galatians 4-6
Things to remember in today’s reading:
- Paul makes a dispensational appeal, as he discusses the differences of heirs and slaves, to teach that the period of Law was a special way in which God dealt with Israel for a special purpose (4:1-11)
- Paul makes a sentimental appeal to the Galatians to accept the truth (4:12-18).
- Paul makes an allegorical argument, using the story of Abraham’s two sons (Genesis 16 and 21), to show that the new covenant has superseded the old (4:19-31)
- Paul makes the practical application of Christian liberty to the lives of believers as he contrasts: liberty vs. bondage, spirit vs. flesh, others vs. self, and God’s glory vs. man’s approval (5:1-6:18).
Things God is teaching me in today’s reading:
- “… the Jews were in their ‘spiritual childhood’ under the law. The rules and rituals of the Law were the ‘religious ABCs’ they had to learn before they could graduate into their full inheritance.” (Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament, p. 525)
- God’s providence is evident in sending His son, at just the right moment in human history, to redeem those who were under the law.
- We may be hindered in obeying the truth (5:7) and can fight that occurrence by walking by the Spirit (5:16-18). The decisions and choices made, as we walk by the Spirit, will result in the fruit of the Spirit (5:22-23).
- My love for others should motivate me to bear their burdens and to kindly entreat them when they are “caught” in transgression.
- The Word of God is rich in meaning that I can “mine” to gain new insights every time I study it!
Things to act on in today’s reading:
- To live by the Spirit in the decisions and choices I make!
- To do good, seeking out opportunities to serve!
- To send a note “in the spirit of gentleness” to just one who has “gone astray” (Matthew 18:12-ESV) and is “leading an undisciplined life” (2nd Thessalonians 3:11-NASB).
Things to pray about in today’s reading:
- Lord, please help me to keep watch on myself, lest I also be tempted!
- That God’s word will work in the hearts of those who have turned back into the world and are no longer serving him!
- That we never use our freedom in Christ as an opportunity for the flesh but as an opportunity to serve one another!
Thanks for reading with me dear friend. Have a blessed day!!
— Randy Sexton