Further Thought: “The cross of Calvary challenges, and will finally vanquish every earthly and hellish power. In the cross all influence centers, and from it all influence goes forth. It is the great center of attraction; for on it Christ gave up His life for the human race. This sacrifice was offered for the purpose … Continue reading –>
(Gal. 6:16-18) Paul bestows his blessing on those who, he says, “follow this rule” (Gal. 6:16, NIV, NRSV) . Given the context, what “rule” do you think Paul is talking about? The word translated “rule” literally refers to a straight rod or bar used by masons or carpenters for measuring. The word eventually took on a figurative meaning … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “Boasting in the Cross” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. (Adobe Flash Player version.) A Youtube version of this week’s lesson at Hope Sabbath School is below. You can download the video, the MP3 audio, and the lesson outline from the HopeTV Sabbath … Continue reading –>
Having emphasized the centrality of the Cross of Christ to the Christian life, Paul now emphasizes the second fundamental tenet of his gospel message: justification by faith. As we have seen all quarter, Paul has basically pitted circumcision against the gospel. Yet, he’s not against the practice itself. Paul has made several strong statements against … Continue reading –>
Several years ago, when I first became a literature evangelist, I was attending an awards banquet for the best sales persons in the Southwest. I was awe struck by the nice shiny plaques and trophies the winners were receiving for leading the region in sales, hours worked, and other categories. I was so impressed that … Continue reading –>
In the previous post, we identified where Adventism fits in relation to covenant theology. The conclusion placed Adventism closest to the views espoused by the 2nd London Baptist Confession, a covenantal framework that falls under the tradition of the Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and Baptists known as “Covenantalism.” The post concluded by sharing some points on how this … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: True religion is based on the condition of the heart. When it is surrendered to God, a person will more and more reflect the character of Christ as they grow in faith. Lesson 14, September 30, 2017 1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 6:12,13. a. Ask class members to share a thought on … Continue reading –>
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Gal. 6:14) . Having exposed the motives that prompted some to insist on circumcision, Paul presents his gospel message to the Galatians one final time, though only … Continue reading –>
The only thing worth boasting about. Can you imagine a bit of a twinkle in Paul’s eye as he proclaims: “Far be it from me to boast except in the Lord Jesus Christ”? Indeed, is there anything worth boasting about except Christ Jesus our Savior? Doesn’t Jesus deserve every word of praise we can muster, … Continue reading –>
Read Galatians 6:12-13. What is Paul saying in these verses? Although Paul has hinted previously about the agenda and motivation of his opponents (see Gal. 1:7, Gal. 4:17), his remarks in Galatians 6:12-13 are the first explicit comments he makes about his opponents. He describes them as wanting “to make a good showing in the flesh” (ESV). The phrase “a good … Continue reading –>
Our Memory Text for this weeks’ lesson study suggests: Hymn 312, “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross” along with Hymn 307, “I Am Coming to the Cross”. Sunday’s lesson states: “He simply cannot put the pen down until he pleads with the Galatians once more to turn from their foolish ways” and I am so … Continue reading –>
Compare Paul’s closing remarks in Galatians 6:11-18 to the final remarks he makes in his other letters. In what way is the ending of Galatians similar to and different from them? (See the final remarks in Romans, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians.) Paul’s closing remarks are not always uniform, … Continue reading –>
