… bearing fruit in every good work …
Summary: Living in two worlds can be confusing if we don’t know there is a difference between our inner world and the outer world.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:10c – Two Worlds”Galatians 6:12a – Compelled by Whom?
Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be … .
Summary: Paul packs a lot into this short sentence. He has been teaching us about the Gospel of Christ, and now he teaches us about the application of that Gospel.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:12a – Compelled by Whom?”Galatians 6:1c – Tools of the Trade
[… if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit] … should restore that person gently.
Summary: When it comes to restoring people’s walk with God, the first challenge is making certain our walk is on the right path.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:1c – Tools of the Trade”Galatians 5:22-23 – Looking Back, Part 2
[T]he fruit of the Spirit …
Summary: Looking back at Paul’s list of the “fruit of the Spirit,” we discover that the fruit of God’s Spirit is actually poured into us before we can share it with others.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:22-23 – Looking Back, Part 2”Galatians 5:22f – A Fruit Called “Kindness”
But the fruit of the Spirit is … kindness …
Summary: The fruit called “kindness” adds a unique sweetness to life, as illustrated by Charles Dickens’s story about a man named Scrooge.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:22f – A Fruit Called “Kindness””Galatians 5:22e(2) – Cause and Effect
But the fruit of the Spirit is … patience …
Summary: We take another look at the English translations for “makrothymía” because there are subtle differences that reveal insights into the nature of God’s presence in us.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:22e(2) – Cause and Effect”Galatians 5:22e – If God Were a Banker
But the fruit of the Spirit is … forbearance …
Summary: Forbearance is a banker’s word. When we find out why, we discover another aspect of God’s love for us.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:22e – If God Were a Banker”Galatians 5:22d – Peace Like a River
But the fruit of the Spirit is … peace …
Summary: Happiness comes and goes but God’s peace is forever.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:22d – Peace Like a River”Galatians 5:22a – A Special Kind of Giving
But the fruit of the Spirit is …
Summary: As Paul begins to teach us about the fruit of the Spirit, it is worth taking a moment to consider why God’s Spirit changes who we are and how others see us.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:22a – A Special Kind of Giving”Galatians 5:19a – Clear Vision
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”