Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
The acts of the flesh are obvious: … and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
Summary: As we finish Paul’s list of the “obvious” acts of the flesh, we look at the less obvious sins that occur out of the public’s view.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:21a – The Acts of the Flesh Part VII: The Thin Thread Line”The acts of the flesh are obvious: … dissensions, factions …
Summary: Dissension and factions are not only “acts of the flesh,” they are also an indicator of the absence of our Lord when they infect the church.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:20e – The Acts of the Flesh Part VI: The Mark of Jesus”The acts of the flesh are obvious: … fits of rage, selfish ambition …
Summary: Rage and ambition are a toxic emotional brew. They bring nothing but hurt to those around us when we fall victim to the passions of our own flesh.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:20d – The Acts of the Flesh Part V: Rage & Ambition”The acts of the flesh are obvious: … jealousy …
Summary: Jealousy is an emotion that is akin to zeal. Like fire, this emotion can be used for good or for evil.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:20c – The Acts of the Flesh Part IV: Holy Zeal”The acts of the flesh are obvious: … hatred, discord …
Summary: Paul points us to two ends of the same stick. On one end is a match and on the other a raging fire. If we can put out the match, the raging fire an be avoided.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:20b – The Acts of the Flesh Part III: An End to Discord”The acts of the flesh are … idolatry and witchcraft
Summary: Idolatry and witchcraft are related. They both lead people into dark places reminding us that our hope is in Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:20a – The Acts of the Flesh Part II: A Walk in the Dark”The acts of the flesh are … sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
Summary: Diving into Paul’s list of “acts of the flesh” is intimidating. It is tempting to fall into judgment; either judging others or judging ourselves. But this is not why he is making the list. Paul wants us to understand the difference between Good and Evil.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:19b – Acts of the Flesh, Part 1”The acts of the flesh are obvious …
Summary: Paul writes from his point of view. Sometimes it feels like he forgets we don’t have his knowledge. He can be hard to keep up with.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:19a – Clear Vision”We hold these truths to be self-evident …
Summary: The history of the United States is both fascinating and instructive.
Continue reading “Happy 4th of July!”But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Summary: Digging into Paul’s words is like unearthing buried treasure. In this simple passage, we find keys to better understanding the law and our life in the Spirit.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:18 – Defined by Love”