John’s primary PURPOSE is that believers will enter and maintain fellowship with God, with the RESULT of inner joy.“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that our joy may be full … These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1Jo 1:3-4; 1Jo 5:13 (emphasis added)
This compilation of notes represents the truths found in the Epistle of First John.
Gene Cunningham - June 10, 2003
Galatians 5
Paul discusses "Elemental things" in Rom 1-3 which Galatians exercise in vain (Gal 4:11). Paul's desire was to be conformed to Christ and they would be as well (2Pe 1:4, Phi 3:1-11, Gal 2:20). He exhorts the Galatians to become like him (Gal 4:12). Paul's thorn in the flesh could have been a hindrance, but Galatians treated him well (Gal 4:12-15, Acts 13:1-52, 2Co 12:1-21). Others were leading them astray, but Paul restates his goal from their original response to the truth (Gal 4:14-20, Jer 18:20), that "Christ be formed in you" (Rom 8:29, 2Co 3:18). We have to let the Spirit work in our lives (Col 3:15-16, Rom 12:1-2). Abraham and Sarah, the free woman had Issac by divine power (Gal 4:21-24). Persecution comes out of bondage (and flesh) because it can only hate and destroy what is better than it. Ishmael hated Issac representing the Spirit (Gal 4:29). Our internal struggle is flesh against Spirit as "children of the free woman" (Gal 4:31, Gal 5:17). "Stand fast in the freedom" (Gal 5:1, Eph 6:14); don't let someone take your crown (Col 2:1-8, Heb 12:1). Steps to spiritual downfall (Gal 5:1-9): (1) willingness to be be enslaved (Gal 5:1); (2) loss of spiritual power; you can't sustain the gift without the Giver (Gal 5:2); God the Holy Spirit shuts down in your life; (3) you become a debtor to the law (Gal 5:3, Jam 2:10); (4) there's an estrangement from Jesus Christ (Joh 14:8-9); (5) fallen from Grace (Gal 55b); cut off from the supply; God will not be part of us living by law or merit; (6) your hindered in the race set before us (Gal 5:7); (7) the process begins with a little leaven (Gal 5:9).
Scripture References: Ephesians 6:14, Galatians 4:12, Galatians 5:3, Colossians 3:15-16, Galatians 5:1, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:2, Romans 8:29, Galatians 5:17, Philippians 3:1-11, Galatians 5:1, Jeremiah 18:20, Galatians 5:9, Galatians 4:31, Galatians 4:11, Galatians 5:1-9, Galatians 4:14-20, Galatians 5:7, Galatians 4:29, Hebrews 12:1, Acts 13:1-52, John 14:8-9, Galatians 4:21-24, Colossians 2:1-8, Galatians 4:12-15, James 2:10, Romans 12:1-2
From Series: "Galatians - The Truth and Power of the Gospel - Hot Spring AR - 2009"
This series was given at Grace Bible Church of Hot Springs Arkansas in November 2009.