King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Saturday, November 25, 2023
Chapters: GALATIANS 1-3
Message: Living By The Only Gospel
Hello My Friend,
Family traditions, we all have them, some of them may be new, some may be passed down from generations. I remember when I was a little girl, we had a tradition to name the Thanksgiving turkey, my brother still does this with his family and when I told my husband he decided to name our turkey. Last year I started a new tradition of extending Thanksgiving Day to Friday since most of Thanksgiving morning is spent making deserts and side dishes for the big family gathering. I make our turkey and all the fixings on Friday and whomever wants to come by can do so as well. The one tradition that we never let go of since our whole household came to know Christ as their Saviour is to give thanks to God for all that He has done for us. You know, traditions are great, but when it comes to our salvation traditions mean nothing. We cannot rely on the traditions of religion, our own self taught morals, family, or our churches to determine our salvation, there is only one way to salvation and that is believing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, [Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.]
The Book of Galatians contains six chapters, the author is Paul, and it was written to the believers of Galatia. Paul wrote this letter during his third trip to Corinth, around 60AD. The purpose of the letter was to correct the false teaching of Jewish legalism that got mixed in with grace and was now a part of the Christian Church. What we are to learn from the book is that Christ ended the need to be justified by the law, we are justified by grace alone through our faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross, not by our own works. First and far most we must understand that there is only one Gospel to follow, and that is the sinless death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, [Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.]
The churches of Galatia were formed by both converted Jews and Gentiles, somehow they began following another gospel, which stated that a person who received Christ as their Saviour only remained saved by continued works of the law of Moses. Paul, straight up tells them that their gospel is another gospel, but notice how he begins the letter so they understood that there is only one Gospel be which salvation is made possible.
[Galatians 1:1-4,6-7 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.]
[according to the will of God and our Father:] According to the will of God and our Father, meaning the believers of the sinless death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ to save their souls from death and hell alone. It is only those who accept that their faith in what Jesus did on the cross saves their soul and there is nothing more that we can do to be saved who become children of God. This is the very will of God, in fact, Jesus, said it Himself, [John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.]
To be raised up at the last day means that while Jesus remains in heaven all believers who’s bodies go to sleep (die) while their souls go to heaven will resurrect when He returns, just like He did. We do not need a degree to know this, we do not need to be Bible scholar to know this, we do not to be in a religion to know this, we do not even need to be in a church to know this, we just need to believe in the simple Gospel of Christ. There is a place for those who preach another gospel, not only will they end up in hell, so will those who believed them. So, anyone who falls for the deception of those who taught them another gospel will be accursed.
[Galatians 1:9-15 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,]
[For do I now persuade men, or God?] Do you see why those who believe in another gospel taught by the false preachers end up in hell as well? We have a choice here and ignorance from the truth does not save us. Those who teach another gospel are doomed to hell because they are not proving anything to God with their lies, but that they do not believe that their faith in Christ alone saves them. Likewise, those who choose to believe their lies are just as doomed to hell because they trusted in what the man told them rather than what Jesus said, [Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.]
[For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion,] There is no better way to lead a hell bound soul to Christ than our own testimony, especially if we came from religion that taught another gospel. I was raised Catholic so I know where Paul is coming from, it is the only “Christian” religion that teaches you to hate the Jews and have nothing to do with them. It was not until I got really sick to the point that I almost died before Jesus opened my eyes to the true Gospel. Paul, goes on to say that it was Jesus who taught him the truth and how he sought Him for the truth and no one else, not even the apostles.
[Galatians 1:17-24 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. 20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me.]
[That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith] This brings back memories, while I never went after anyone for their faith, I was guilty of teaching false doctrine taught by false teachers until I got into the Word of God myself and allowed the Holy Spirit to teach me the truth. In fact, it was in 2004 when I accepted that Christ alone is my Saviour, but it was not until 2006 that I reconfirmed my faith, got baptized, and started reading and studying the King James Bible, which by the way has not taken away the simplicity of the Gospel away like modern “versions” have. Without the Holy Spirit living inside of us and guiding us as we read the Bible we might as well be jumping off a cliff into hell ourselves, [1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.]
Adding to the Gospel just one more thing actually creates a false gospel and false god, we are not to combine the works of the Law with grace under no circumstances. Remember, even the apostles had a hard time comprehending that we are justified by faith alone and encouraged them to get circumcised. If you recall, Paul, even fussed at Peter for trying to frustrate grace by adding circumcision when he was questioned about it.
[Galatians 2:1-2,4-7 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. 4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: 7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;]
[but privately to them which were of reputation,] Paul, could have called Peter and the other apostles out in public for their allowing works to creep in with the Gospel, but he did not, he spoke to them privately. Paul, goes on to explain how the majority of apostles separated and preached to the Jews while he began preaching to the Gentiles until he found out that even Peter was incorrect of his teaching of the Gospel fearing the Jews.
[Galatians 2:9,11-14 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?]
[And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him;] Do you see how easy it is for a church to split off into something that teaches another gospel? If the leader is incorrect in their teaching of the Gospel they are going to take those who trusted in them with them. We see this all throughout the Church, even those who know that salvation is by the grace of God alone through their faith in Christ, they believe that you need to maintain good works in order to keep your salvation. This also is another gospel and I would steer clear from those who hammer it in your head that you need to check your salvation every time that you are at the altar. We only need to ask Jesus to save us one time, period, that is unless, the first time we believed we were taught another gospel. Paul, goes on to remind us that we are saved by grace through our faith in Christ alone.
[Galatians 2:15-16,19-21 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.]
[We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,] Who Paul is referring to is the Jews who were taught about God forsaking Him and having gone astray to follow the gods of the heathens while it was the heathens who sought God to learn the truth of the Gospel. Jesus, did not give His life for the Jews alone nor are the Jews are saved by their earthly lineage apart from the Gospel. There is no gospel for the Jews and another one for the Gentiles, the is only ONE GOSPEL for all, [Galatians 3:27-28 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.]
[nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:] Galatians 2:20, is my all time favorite verse in the entire Bible because it is what reminds me that while I am saved by grace it is Jesus who lives through me. I can do nothing apart from Christ, and the life I lived before Him is proof that He lives inside of me. The things I lost before I dedicated my life to Him are as Paul said, counted as but dung, [Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,]
Here is the thing, if we are saved then we are Holy Spirit wired to follow commands that are within the law, not out of obligation, but out of faith because we do live unto Christ, and not man. Nevertheless, we are not subject to the Law, and therefore, many of them do not apply to us. Think about it, does God change? He does not. Naturally, if He had written in the Law, then we should expect that if God said, [Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.] then that applies to us also. This is what Paul is telling the Galatians for bringing another gospel into the church, and reminds them that even Abraham was not justified by his works.
[Galatians 3:1-6 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.]
[doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?] There is a fine line between doing the works contained within the Law through our faith in Christ and mixing the Law with grace, which is not an option. The most asked question by the world is, “If Christ is the only way to God, then what about those who died before Him?” Well, they too had to believe that Christ was coming to save them. Paul, literates that if Abraham were justified by the Law, then we would all still be under the same curse.
[Galatians 3:7,10-14 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.]
[the works of the law are under the curse:] The curse meaning, the death of every soul born from Adam, as well as a curse of the earth, [Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 3:15,17 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 7 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;]
[That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles] We who are saved are one of those children promised to Abraham, the only children to physically see Abraham on earth was those of Issac, Jacob, and Esau, but every day he meets more of his children in heaven. So, why then, did God give His Law them? Because of their sin. They needed the Law to get them right with God until Jesus would come.
[Galatians 3:15-16,19,22-23,26-27 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. 22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.]
[Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions,] The Law of Moses served the purpose of the just living by faith until Jesus would come and replace the need for the animal sacrifices. We are never to discount the Law as it was just as much of Christ as it is today. In fact, Jesus often quoted from the Law. Jesus, did not come here to abolish the Law, He came here to fulfill the Law, [Matthew 5:17-19 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.]
Today’s Prayer: God, It is still unbelievable to think that we do not have to do anything to be saved except believe in and receive Your Son, Jesus Christ, as our Saviour. Thank You, Jesus, for making such a great sacrifice for us, we are not worthy to receive such a gift, but You offer it freely to anyone who comes to You by their believing in Your Gospel. Lord, as I live my life for You, keep me grounded in this truth, never let me fall into for another gospel, and never let me turn anyone down from knowing the truth. Let me continue be a witness and testimony of Your wonderful love and grace on my life. I love you, Lord, and pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/ready-to-follow-jesus/
Receive The KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Read Previous Devotions: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
Read The Bible: http://kingjamesbible.imfollowingjesus.com/
Visit I’m Following Jesus: http://imfollowingjesus.com/index.html
Like I’m Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2023 I’m Following Jesus, All rights reserved.