The theme for the Spring 2011 Bible conference in Phoenix is found both at the beginning and end of the book (1Ti 1:18, 1Ti 6:12). In each reference, different words and phrases are used. In the first, Paul speaks of the good fight of faith as an ongoing campaign, thus reminding us that we are part of a vast and great spiritual army. In the last, his words focus on our own personal struggle, a good reminder that no one can fight our battle for us. This scope and intensity will be captured as we follow Paul’s thought through the book.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: 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, 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
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.