You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.
Summary: Paul uses a word that is often misunderstood. To be “free” in Christ is not the same thing as being free from sin.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:13a – Free in Christ”Galatians 5:12 – Ouch!
As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
Summary: Paul’s arguments against the teaching of the “agitators” reaches a crescendo with this verse. Both his reasoning and his emotions are climaxing in a masterful visual summary that cuts to the heart of the situation.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:12 – Ouch!”Galatians 5:11b – The Offense of the Cross
In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.
Summary: Finding the meaning of this passage leads us back to the prophet Isaiah and his prophecy about the “stumbling stone.”
Continue reading “Galatians 5:11b – The Offense of the Cross”Galatians 5:11a – People Are Power
Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?
Summary: Disagreements take many forms. Some result in physical conflict, others are a test of wills.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:11a – People Are Power”Galatians 5:10 – An Encouraging Word
I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty.
Summary: Paul takes a breath and expresses his confidence that all is not lost for the Galatians.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:10 – An Encouraging Word”Galatians 5:9 – The Leavened Lump
“A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”
Summary: How important is it that we keep our eyes on Jesus? Allowing any distraction to enter our minds is like throwing a handful of mud in the swimming pool.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:9 – The Leavened Lump”Galatians 5:8 – Distractions
That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.
Summary: When we stop and think about it, Paul’s metaphor of a runner “cutting in” can teach us a lot about dealing with the distractions of our daily lives.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:8 – Distractions”Galatians 5:7 – Road Runner
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?
Summary: Paul segues into a metaphor about running a race. To finish the race we need to stay in the race and not be distracted.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:7 – Road Runner”Galatians 5:6b – Love and Conflict
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Summary: Paul summarizes the essence of the gospel in this passage. Yet, as simple as it sounds, it is difficult to do.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:6b – Love and Conflict”Galatians 5:6a – Blind Spot
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.
Summary: Paul continues to prompt interesting questions about Christian life. “What has value for God?” is a question that opens the door to understanding God’s will better.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:6a – Blind Spot”