Janissi

Adoption paints a picture of us, who were not physically born of Him like Christ was, becoming apart of his family not based on blood, but THE BLOOD of Jesus Christ. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we are born again. We are born into the family of God. We are his sons and daughters just like Christ is his son. It's encouraging because He sees us like He sees Christ. Jesus said, "greater things that we will do because He goes to the father" and because we have the "Comforter" that will allow us to do greater works than He. I'm encouraged because I know I have a place at His table that cannot be cleared away!

What does it mean to be "holy"? In what sense can you stand "blameless" before God? Being holy means to be in total fellowship with God, being obedient, and being a light in the world, as we are supposed to "be in the world and not of it." We belong to God; therefore, we follow Him and His ways. Standing blameless means to walk in obedience to God. When we do sin, using 1 John 1:9 to get back into fellowship with Him.

There is nothing scary about predestination, but it's very comforting to know that I've had a place in God's family since before the world began. I'm comforted because He called, and I know that He will never leave me. I think Paul brought up predestination to let the Gentiles know God had a plan for them, and not only the Jews. Paul was praising God because they heard and believed. He was praising God for their faith.

To be "in Christ" means to be in unison with Him. It means we are joined together with Him. He lives in us, and we live in Him. The implications of that life means that we've been changed by what He's done. Like Comfort077 quoted, "He is the vine and we are the branches..."

(Galatians 5:11) What is "the offense of the cross" that offended the Jews? That circumcision (following the law) was not the answer to be made right with God, but the cross (Jesus and Him crucified) was. How does the cross offend people in our day? People don't want to believe that Jesus is the ONLY way to God. If they had to acknowledge that, they would have to acknowledge that they are living in sin. Many people don't want to stop living the way they do, so for them to hear that they must repent is offensive. Have you noticed Christians softening their proclamation of the cross? YES! Does this help them communicate more clearly to our age or does it compromise the true message? It definitely compromises the true message. It is not popular to tell someone that Jesus Christ alone is the way to salvation. In this day and age of tolerence, many, including Christians, have picked up the notion that we shouldn't "hate" people, and if we stand up for righteousness sake, it is misconstrued as being "hateful." It seems as if people want their ears tickled. They want to hear messages of "God's love" and not His judgement. I believe this is going on a lot in churches today.

(Galatians 5:5-6) Circumcision had been the primary "mark of identity" for a believer in God. In what way has the Spirit become the new "mark of identity" for the believer? Circumcision of the heart which is "the commitment of the will and whole person to serving God." What is the evidence of the Spirit's presence in a believer's life according to verse 6? Faith which works by love.

(Galatians 5:4) Exactly what does Paul mean by "fall from grace" here? Grace is what Jesus brought. If they continued to follow the law, Christ would be of no value to them because the grace of Jesus Christ would become ineffective because they can't follow both now that grace has overcome the law. How can present-day Christian legalism cause such a "fall from grace"? People are depending on their own righteousness and good works placing the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross as ineffective. What did He die for if we could become righteous in ourselves by following some rules?

(Galatians 4:19-20) How is Paul's grief over his spiritual children like that of a parent seeing children stray? It's like a parent who has raise their child up in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and then someone comes along and just takes all that instruction away. The parent sees their child following the wrong path. The parent knows the right path, but the child can't see that the parent, who spent years teaching the child right from wrong, has pointed them in the right direction. The same way, Paul taught them, walked with them, they embraced him, believed him, and then someone (the Judiazers) come along and just take that all away. What does it look like when Christ is formed in a person? It's the picture of someone growing in the grace and admonition of the Lord. It's a picture of someone who is walking with the Lord, obeying the Lord, and the character of Jesus Christ is being formed within that person. What is the process involved in this spiritual formation? Surrendering to the Lord. Also, like "Commissioned" said, repentence.

(Galatians 4:10-11) Is celebrating different special worship days essentially wrong? No. Why did Paul grieve over the Galatians' observances? Because these days became a basis for for salvation. They became legalistic. What significance did these have in terms of their movement towards Judaism? They weren't Jews. They did not have the Jewish customs, so to incorporate the Jewish customs was legalism and according to Bruce, "impeding their faith." How can we be blessed by observing special days in our era? Observing special days can be a blessing if we focus on the Lord. How can observance of special days become legalistic for Christian believers? When it becomes a legal obligation or when it becomes bondage. If they believe observing this days leads to salvation, it is wrong.

(Galatians 4:6-7) How does the Spirit's filling demonstrate we are full sons? We are no longer servants, but sons and an heir to God! What is the special sense in which the Aramaic word abba is used to speak to one's father? It's a term of endearment. It's an informal way of addressing "Father." What is the significance of being heirs of God? We don't have to be afraid of our Father. We have full rights to our inheritance, not as step-children, but as adopted children. Are we sons in the same sense that Jesus was God's Son? Yes we are. We've been adopted. We are heirs to God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.

(Galatians 4:3-5) In what sense were both the Gentiles and the Jews enslaved? Jew and Gentile alike were under the law. What does "redeem" mean in verse 5? It means to "buy back." What are the implications of adoption regarding a person's legal and spiritual rights? It means that the adopted person inherits everything from his adopted parent(s). In terms of spiritual, God, through Jesus Christ, redeemed up. We are heirs with God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. He is our brother, so whatever He inherited, we inherit! Praise God!!!

(Galatians 4:4) Why do you think it took so long to send the Messiah? God's timing had to be just right. What about the first century world made it fertile ground for the revelation of the Messiah and the spread of the gospel? The roads were set up for easier travel. There was a common language spoken (Greek) so communication was much easier. There had also been a common law that was put into place. It was safer to travel as well.

(Galatians 4:26-29) Do you think Jewish Christians regarded Gentile Christians as second-class citizens? Yes, they did. They felt they were superior to the Gentiles because of circumcision. Paul had to set them straight. What is the basis of our unity in Christ? The Cross. We are all one because we've been adopted into God's family. Those whom have excepted Jesus Christ as our Savior are all now related. Jesus is the head of the church. In what way does this unity pull down barriers? The barriers are pulled down because of our relationship with Christ. We've all been made equal. We are one with Christ Jesus, thus making up one with others. I believe the love we have for God and others also pulls down barriers, IF we are loving the way we should. Do any groups continue to be regarded as second-class citizens in our congregations? Yes! This question reminds me of what James said in James 2 about being a respector of persons. Many see the poor as being second-class. Some churches see other races as being second class, etc. What should we do about this? First, we should repent! Secondly, we should pray and ask God to deal with our hearts and to give us wisdom, insight, and the truth of His Word.

(Galatians 3:19-25) What was the purpose of the law? The law was a schoolmaster to show mankind sin until the Messiah came. Once the Messiah came, mankind could now be justified by faith. Was it intended to justify a person? No. Only faith in Jesus Christ could do that. In what ways did it restrain sin? They knew they needed to be holy in order for the God to dwell among them, so the law restrained them from doing ungodly acts such as idol worship. In what ways did it expose sin? It exposed sin by making them aware of what sin was. Paul said I would not have known sin.

(Galatians 3:10-14) What is Paul's argument for salvation by faith based on the concept of the "curse of the law"? If I understand the question correctly, it's based on Deuteronomy 27:26, which states, "'Cursed is the man who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out." If one was under the law, they are under the curse of the law. The law is not of faith for the "just shall live by faith." God had a plan for salvation long ago, and it was through Abraham that the blessing of faith to the Gentiles might come through Abraham. On what basis do the Gentiles receive "the promise of the Spirit" (3:14)? Faith in Jesus Christ!

(Galatians 3:6-9) What is Paul's argument for salvation by faith based on Abraham? Paul is explaining that since Abraham believed what God told him, he was justified by faith. His faith was accounted to him as righteousness. In what sense are we "children of Abraham"? God told Abraham, "In thee all nations shall be blessed. Those who believe through faith in Jesus Christ are the seed of Abraham. Abraham believed God by faith, and those who do the same are "blessed with faithful Abraham."

(Galatians 3:2-5) What argument for salvation by faith does Paul give from the presence of the Spirit? They heard from Paul the truth of faith in Christ. They saw and experienced the miracles of the Holy Spirit. They KNEW the truth. They heard it, experienced it, and received it by the hearing of faith and not by works. What does this tell us about the spiritual environment of the Galatian churches? Paul called them foolish. He asked if they were "bewitched." To me is shows that they might be easily swayed. Paul indicates very strongly that they KNEW the way to go, yet they allowed the Judiazers to convince them otherwise. There was a glitch in their belief system. How can we regain this dynamic environment in our own congregations? I think when we stop being selfish and start focusing on what God has called us to do (love Him, love others, and serve others). Sometimes I think we get so caught up in "our" ministries and our own lives that we fail to remember our commission. Are we sharing the Gospel? Are we looking out for one another? Are we really being obedient to the Word of God and doing what it says? I'm talking to myself. To me, building a strong foundation in the Word of God AND being obedient to it is what we should focus on. This is so important. It would be wonderful if we (the 21st century church) could experience the Holy Spirit like the Galatians did. Iknow that many are. Maybe we need to start walking in the Holy Spirit and following Him. It would be great if we'd continue doing what we know is right.

(Galatians 2:20) In what sense have we been "crucified with Christ"? We died with him (demonstrated through baptism being submersed in water). What does that mean? This means the sinful nature, the flesh, died, and we arose to a new life. It does not mean that we will no longer sin. It just means that we are no longer slaves to sin. There is power over our sinful nature. In what sense do "I no longer live"? Our will and our former lives. I'm no longer the boss of my life. I've turned it over to Christ. Whose life now motivates us? Christ living within us. We have the Holy Spirit. How does this verse relate to Paul's closing comments about the "new creation" (Galatians 6:15)? Christ has united us all. There is neither Jew nor Genile or male and female. Christ's death united us all. We are all one under Him. What does Galatians 2:20 teach about Christ's attitude toward us? He loved us enough to WILLINGLY go to the cross. Hallelujah!!! Even when I was an enemy, stinking with sin and ungodliness. He died for me. Wow!

(Galatians 2:15-21) What happens to the importance of Christ's death if circumcision is deemed necessary to salvation? His death would've been in vain and of no use. If following the law was necessary for salvation, then Jesus' death would be obsolete. Why was this issue of the sufficiency of the Messiah's death so important in Paul's day? Because there were still people who believed that following the law was necessary for salvation. The Jews and the Gentiles were at the same place now. It was important that Jews didn't think they were above or better than the Gentiles. Why was this issue important to Luther and the reformers? Why is it so important in our own day? We need to understand the foundation of our salvation. It's important so that when we share the gospel to others, we are sharing the truth of the Word. If we are preaching separate gospels, we might confuse unbelievers. We have to get it right so that people understand the work of Jesus Christ. How does it affect the relative legalism of our congregations? It can cause others to stumble. God is not the author of confusion.

Why is it so hard to take the gospel to different peoples without wrapping it in our own cultural practices? I think it's because we know and are familiar with our own culture and we do what we do. I think if we take the gospel to different peoples, we should be very aware of what their culture is and respect it. It's hard to go to a foreign land and drop what you've known since birth; however, people do it all the time. Can you think of examples of this in church history? Evangelism of the African slaves. Missions to India and to the Native Americans. What is the danger? The danger is that we can push them away by trying to impose our customs on them instead of embracing their way of life (unless it's contrary to Biblical principals). It might turn them off and cause confusion. How can we avoid such cultural faux pas in our church's missionary enterprises? I believe that every missionary should know and study the culture of the people where they are sent. Understand their customs and cultures and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom.

(Galatians 2:14) Why do you think Paul confronted Peter publicly rather than privately? If this very serious issue stayed buried, the purpose of the Gospel would be lost and there would still be conflict with Peter and the crew, Paul, and the Jewish Christians. It had to come out in the open so there was no mistaking the true Gospel from the false. Everyone had to be on the same page or things would've remained the same as usual. Also, because Paul was a "newcomer," there was a potential for dissension. This would've spelt disaster for their mission to Antioch. Do you expect Paul had talked with Peter about this previously? Maybe so. I believe Paul knew about the conflict, but whether or not he had a chance to discuss it with Peter before this event, I'm not quite sure. How did a public discussion of this benefit the Jewish Christians? It benefitted them because they received a clear understanding of the Gospel, and it came from the top. How did it benefit the Gentile Christians? It freed the Gentile Christians. They had back up from the Council, so they did not have to be circumsized. They were justified in their belief. They were vindicated. They got confirmation that they were doing the right thing by NOT being circumsized. What kind of pressure do you think this put on Paul? A lot of pressure because this whole things could've turned negatively, and things would've remained the same at Antioch. I'm sure he didn't want to be "at odds" with his fellow brothers in Christ. They all had a common goal in mind even though they had their separate callings.

Hi everyone! My nickname is Janissi, and I live in Vancouver, WA, right across the border of Portland, OR. I've been a Christian since age 12. I was my mom's caretaker for 5 years until she died on November 7, 2011. Even though I miss her more than words can say, I know she's with our Heaven Father safe in His arms. Now I'm seeking God for what He has next in my life, and I'm looking forward to seeing how He's going to lead me I love the Lord so much, and have been so blessed by this Bible study. Pastor Ralph, thank you for bringing the Word of God to those of many nations. Your times and dedication to teach the Word brings joy to the Kingdom and to those who hear it. I look forward to many more lessons.

(Galatians 2:11-14) Why do you think Peter first embraced the Gentile believers in Antioch and later withdrew from them to eat only with Jews? Peter knew to do the right thing. He embraced the Gentiles, but in order to save his own reputation, he changed his stance once the Judiazers came on the scene. Peter had done this before. He was worried about his reputation. What does this tell us about his character? Peter has a tendency to be a man-pleaser. He wants to go along to get along. Maybe he's a bit self-centered. Many of us are the same way. This made me really look into how much of a man-pleaser, hyprocrite and such am I. Why should he have known better? Because he knew about faith in Jesus Christ through grace, not works. He knew that following the Law wasn't the way to salvation. Faith in the saving grace of Christ alone was the way to salvation. Paul said how can you, who live after the manner of the Gentiles then tell others to live after the manner of the Jews. He didn't follow the manner of the Jews, so why was he instructing others to do what HE didn't do. What does this tell us about Barnabas? Barnabas didn't want to make waves. He was also a hypocrite. He knew better because he walked along side Paul. The Council of Jews sent Barnabas out instruct the Gentiles in the faith. He even got Paul to work with him. So it seems as if Peter, Barnabas and the rest were all hypocrites. What does it tell us about the political clout of the visitors from Jerusalem? It was a bit shaky. Have you ever acted like a hypocrite to impress others? Yes I have. In fact, that's something I've deal with for a long time. Am I willing to stand up regardless of the cost. It's funny because non-Christians sure stand up for their beliefs. We, who have been filled with the Holy Spirit, should have and must have the boldness to do the same. What should you do when you recover your senses? Ask the Lord for strength to stand up against opposition and not allow fear to keep me from my convictions.

(Galatians 2:1-10) Why do you think Paul seems to distance himself from the leaders of the Jerusalem church (2:2, 6, 9)? Because the Judaizers claimed that their authority came from the leaders in Jerusalem. Since Paul was aposing the message that salvation comes through circumcision, he was careful to distance himself from anyone claiming that message. He wanted people to know the message he was preaching came from God and not man. Why does he at the same time write of their approval of his ministry? It's as if he was saying, "Hey, we are on the same page in our beliefs." They support my message that faith in Jesus Christ alone saves, not the following of the law of circumcision. How does this further his argument to the Galatians in this letter? He's saying that the authority (the Jerusalem Council) backs up what he's saying, thus giving him, Paul, credibility.

(Galatians 2:1-3) Paul is arguing that the Jerusalem leaders support his position on circumcision, rather than that of the Judaizers. What is the significance of Paul's mention that Titus was not required to be circumcised? Titus was Paul's example that one did not have to be circumsized in order to be saved. Titus was a Gentile, yet he was not compelled to be circumsized. The counsel didn't require it so that was like a stamp of approval.