“In the Galatian churches, open, unmasked error was supplanting the gospel message. Christ, the true foundation of the faith, was virtually renounced for the obsolete ceremonies of Judaism. The apostle saw that if the believers in Galatia were saved from the dangerous influences which threatened them, the most decisive measures must be taken, the sharpest … Continue reading –>
Harshu Kamble I was a religious and political leader in my village in western India. The people in the village looked up to me. I had a good-paying job selling alcohol, and I tasted plenty of alcohol myself. But in spite of my standing in the village, I felt spiritually unfulfilled. Then one day an … Continue reading –>
Read Galatians 4:16. What powerful point is Paul making there? In what ways might you yourself have experienced something similar? (See also John 3:19; Matt. 26:64, 65; Jer. 36:17–23.) The expression “speaking the truth” often has negative connotations, especially in our day and age, when it can be viewed as a hard-hitting, no-holds-barred, spare-no-enemies tactic … Continue reading –>
Most of us have an animal of some sort as a pet. I think I’ve always chosen a cat as a pet because a cat doesn’t require a lot of care. In the day it just finds a little place, curls up and goes to sleep. When it gets hungry it tells me, when it … Continue reading –>
Carol knew the nausea would go away, but it was too much to endure sitting in the pews. At home she slept a while and then turned on the computer and within a couple of hours she was listening to Pastor Randy Roberts preaching at the Loma Linda University church.1 What was that he was … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: After strong spiritual argument, Paul made an emotional appeal to the Galatians to remain in the gospel of grace. [Teaching plan for “Paul’s Pastoral Appeal” November 23, 2011] 1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 4:12. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is. … Continue reading –>
Paul’s relationship with the Galatian believers was not always as difficult and frigid as it has now become. In fact, as Paul reflects on the time when he first preached the gospel in Galatia, he speaks in glowing terms of how well they treated him. What happened? 1 What event seems to have led to … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Corinthians 9:19–23. What does Paul say in these verses that can help us understand better his point in the latter part of Galatians 4:12? (See also Acts 17:16–34, 1 Cor. 8:8–13, Gal. 2:11–14.) Galatians 4:12 can seem a little confusing. Why should the Galatians become like Paul, if he had already become like … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:7–9; and Acts 26:28, 29. What is Paul saying there that is reflected in Galatians 4:12? How are we to understand his point?1 Several times throughout Paul’s letters, he encourages Christians to imitate his behavior. In each situation, Paul presents himself as an authoritative example that believers … Continue reading –>
Read Galatians 4:12–20. What is the thrust of Paul’s message in these verses? The initial indication of the concern that weighs heavily on Paul’s heart is his personal appeal in verse 12. The appeal follows immediately after Paul’s insistence that the Galatians “become as I am.” The significance of the word entreat or beseech is, … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Gal. 4:12–20, 1 Cor. 11:1, Phil. 3:17, 1 Cor. 9:19–23, 2 Cor. 4:7–12. Memory Text: “ Friends, I beg you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are” (Galatians 4:12-20) As we’ve seen so far, Paul did not mince words with the Galatians. His strong language, … Continue reading –>
David Zhang I grew up in China, where religion wasn’t a part of our lives except that we honored our ancestors during special times of the year. I moved to New Zealand when I was 12 years old and had to learn English. I also began learning a bit about God in the weekly Bible … Continue reading –>
