Gene Cunningham presented “The Mystery of Godliness” May 11–13, 2018 in Winchester, Virginia.
The statement of Paul in 1 Timothy 3:16 declares that “without controversy great is the mystery of godliness.” The “mystery” began with the birth of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, becoming flesh. The earthly life of Christ then became the template—the standard for the Christian life lived out through the indwelling and filling ministry of the Holy Spirit. The end result, again defined by the apostle, is the resulting dynamic that “Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). The objective of this study is to bridge the gap between the historical reality of the Incarnation and the spiritual potential for every Christian.
Gene Cunningham - June 10, 2003
Galatians 6
Paul admonished the Galatians that they were cursed preaching a different gospel (Gal 1:8-9), then reviews how they came to Christ (Gal 3:1-5), then shows them how they've relapsed (Gal 5:1-9). One of the charges against Paul was that he taught circumcision — he had Timothy circumcised (Gal 5:2, Gal 5:10-12) to not be a stumbling block to others (Timothy's mother was Jewish). Paul reminds the Galatians of the highest goal in the spiritual life, namely love (Gal 5:5-6, Gal 5:13-14); he typically reminds his readers (1Co 13:13, 1Th 1:3, 1Th 5:8, Rom 5:1-5) as the Lord did (Joh 13:34-35). Faith looks to the past — What God has done; Hope looks to the future — What God will do; Love looks in the present — what He's doing now and can doing in and through our lives. Love summarizes the whole Law (Gal 5:14). There's only two options: walk in the flesh (Gal 5:15), or walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16-17). If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law (Gal 5:18, Rom 8:4). The question is whether you will follow the Spirit. The works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21). Paul is talking to believers that chose to live a carnal or spiritual life. Those who chose a spiritual life "inherit the Kingdom" (Gal 5:21b, 1Pe 1:4), that is have rewards in eternity (Col 2:8, Rev 3:10, Col 3:23-25). Rewards in heaven are eternal trophies of honor and credit to Jesus Christ for those who live for Him (2Co 5:14-15, Gal 2:20). As well in time, life, joy and peace are forfeited now if we don't walk in the Spirit (Rom 14:14-17). Fruit of the Spirit: the first three — love, joy, peace — have to do with relationship to the Father (Gal 5:22-23). 2nd three reflect relationship to others — longsuffering, kindness, goodness. 3rd three have to do with ourselves — faithfulnes, gentleness, and self-control. Our life has an impact (Gal 5:24-26).
Scripture References: Galatians 5:19-21, Galatians 3:1-5, Romans 14:14-17, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:4, Galatians 1:8-9, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:13-14, Galatians 5:18, Colossians 3:23-25, Galatians 5:5-6, Galatians 5:16-17, Revelation 3:10, Galatians 5:10-12, Galatians 5:15, Colossians 2:8, Galatians 5:2, Galatians 5:24-26, Galatians 5:14, Galatians 5:2, Galatians 5:1-9, Galatians 5:22-23, John 13:34-35
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.