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”Galatians 5:5 – Waiting in Faith and Hope
For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.
Summary: Once again Paul points us to the truth that there are reasons we wait, have faith, and hope.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:5 – Waiting in Faith and Hope”Galatians 5:4b – A Place Called Grace
… you have fallen away from grace.
Summary: Falling away from grace doesn’t sound so scary until we realize that God’s grace is essential for true life in the flesh and eternal life in the spirit.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:4b – A Place Called Grace”