King James Bible Study – [Mark 8:34 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.]
Date: Saturday, November 26, 2022
Chapters: GALATIANS 4-6
Study: Work With Christ In Mind
Hello My Brother/Sister/Friend,
I do not know about you, but this whole week has been just one big blur, I woke up thinking I had to go to work, realizing that it was Saturday. My body is in so much pain, some of it may related to the weather or moving all this heavy furniture by myself, but I am pretty sure most of it has to do with the fact that I have been eating gluten for the past week. God, is going to get it in my head one way or another of why I need to avoid it and especially foods made with genetically modified ingredients, which they so nicely switched to labeling as bioengineered. Then I read this, Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; which prompted me to go to the verse, where I found this passage.
[Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. 8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. 9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. 10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.]
Our salvation may be granted to us by grace, through our faith alone in Jesus Christ, but that does not mean that we can live just any life after we are saved as that is when our works start to reflect Christ. Now, we can become vessels that honor Christ as we do everything that we can possibility do in our own might, then allow Christ to do the rest as we run this race to the promised land. Or we could dishonor Him by living in our flesh, but either way, once we receive Christ as our Saviour, everything we do sets the stage for what the world will see Christ as, [Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.]
Everything that we do after we get saved ought to be done with Christ in mind. Why? Well, the straight up answer is this, He lives inside of us, but Jesus is much more than our Saviour. As we complete the reading of Galatians, Paul, gives us a pretty awesome and perhaps a little overwhelming revelation to those who receive Christ as their Saviour, they become an heir of God.
[Galatians 4:1-7 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.]
[But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed] Do you realize that even your salvation was thought out and planned out by God? Everything that we had gone through up until we got saved were lessons that would lead us to Christ. He knew the exact time when you would come to the knowledge of Christ, and then accept Him as your Saviour. Our faith in Christ alone would have been enough, but God took it a step further and made us one of His very own sons and daughters. Praise God! [Romans 8:29-30 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.]
Before we knew Christ as our Saviour, we really were under the law of some religion or our own reasoning, but Jesus set us free and redeemed us from whatever it is that we were trusting that was going to get us to heaven. You do realize that it was only our heart for God that He did let us see who Jesus is? Many Christians have good intentions, they mean well when they offer guidance, but if they are not careful they often hinder, rather than help a person who really is desperate for some kind of hope. The problem comes when, without realizing it, they start enforcing the Law as through it were a part of our salvation. And that was Paul’s biggest concern.
[Galatians 4:10-16 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. 12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. 13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. 14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. 16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?]
[Am I therefore become your enemy,] The Galatians turned from their idols to the living God, and were great at serving, but were guilty of something far more concerning than worshiping an idol, they were guilty of spiritual idolatry. Many ignorantly worshiped a god of their own making, which they believe to be God, a god made up of all mercy and no consequence for sin. This will cause those who are worshiping a false god to become enemies with those who worship our only God and Father. Yes, we are saved by grace, but that does not mean that we are free to live in sin and not expect to face consequences for it. Sadly, many Christians today practice spiritual idolatry in their hearts by persuading themselves that their sin is justified though their faith in Christ. Let me tell you, we were bought with a price, and therefore, are to never use our salvation as a cloak for sin, [1 Peter 2:15-16 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.]
Yes, even though we are children of God and not servants, we do serve God through His Spirit. Just think about this, Christ, does so much more than save our soul from hell when we accept Him as our Saviour, and how do we thank Him? Are we living our lives freely under Christ or n bondage to our flesh? This is what Paul is reminding the Galatians, while we are no longer under the Law, that does not give us free range to sin.
[Galatians 4:21-26,30 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? 22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. 26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.]
[do ye not hear the law?] Paul, is asking them why they would return to ceremonial law, which was never really able to set the free, and hold themselves in bondage to it. Jesus set us free from the Law at the cross, if we are living a life of sin after we are saved, then we should expect that our body would suffer for it. Before Christ’s sacrifice, if we wanted God in our lives we still had to confess sin and bring an animal sacrifice to God in order to be redeemed and make atonement for our sin. Jesus, settled that once and for all when He became the sacrifice, and therefore, we are to remove ourselves from that bondage, even if that means we need to remove some things from our lives.
[Galatians 5:1-5,10-12 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. 11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. 12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.]
[that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.] Paul, is referring to those who were getting circumcised as pertaining to the Law, being told that it was something they had to do in addition to their receiving Christ as their Saviour. I always wondered how people determined whether or not they were circumcised. Did they make them expose themselves? How humiliating that must have been if that were the case. This would be equivalent to saying that we must get baptized in water after getting saved or we are not saved. Paul, is trying to explain to them that works of the Law have nothing to do with salvation, and if they try add them in then they will be indebted to the whole law, as we would be also if we have done the same thing. Remember, baptism, or any other work that we do contained within the Law is not a part of salvation, it is a profession of our faith, [Romans 6:3-5 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:]
[were even cut off which trouble you.] Okay, so, we are all sinners saved by grace, but the second one thinks that you have to act or do exactly as so and so, then that is no longer justified by grace, but by the Law. Let me tell you, there is more strife and judgment in the Church among one another than there is among those in the world. I remember when I first dedicated my life to Christ, I was sitting in a Bible study class where a woman who recently got saved asked a question and instead of answering it in an empathetic way she responded rather harshly, and that woman never returned. You cannot reach people and show them how to get out of sin by ganging up on them, and casting harsh judgment upon them, you reach them by walking in the Spirit that indwells us.
[Galatians 5:14-18,24-26 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.]
[Let us not be desirous of vain glory,] There are these two women in my department who feel the need to constantly correct the rest of us, regardless of what it is or whether or not we even need correcting. This past week, we were told that the company is cracking down on those who abuse the five percent grace period we have pertaining to following our schedules. Well, one of the women had to take a picture of the alarm clock that is on our computer to let everyone know that this would help people keep their schedules. She is a perfect example of vain glory, meaning that she does all these things to make herself look good in hopes that it will impress the bosses and she get ahead. The best way that we can shine as Christians is not in making ourselves the light, rather revealing Christ, who is the true Light who shines in us, []
By allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us we are no longer bound to the Law, meaning we are justified by our faith in Christ, not by the works of the Law. However, the Holy Spirit that indwells us automatically wires us to walk in the Spirit and even enjoy it. And let me tell you, there is a joy that comes from letting go of the people and things that expose us to these things and walking in the Spirit. None of us are without sin, therefore, let us not hinder those who are seeking Jesus, and let us also not become weary in our walking in the Spirit.
[Galatians 6:1-4,9-10 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.]
[But let every man prove his own work,] Here is the key, we are responsible for our own actions, if we take care to remove the sin from our lives then we will not be so judgmental of others. And then, we can come others with our concerns for them, and be able to help them through the love of Jesus, just as He does with us.
[Galatians 6:12-17 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 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. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.]
[for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.] Every scar that we get as we walk our lives with Christ shows Christ through us. There is no joy that the world can obtain better than what we get through Christ, knowing He is with us every step of the way is all the hope we need in this life. Christ set you free when He died on the cross for you, if you believe that then, there is hope for you to get out of any situation you are in. He can bring you out of bondage, however, you must let Him help you. Put your trust in Him and He will set you free, [John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.]
Today’s Prayer: Jesus, Thank You for giving Your life on the cross for me. Thank You, for saving my soul, and setting me free from the bondage of religion and dead works that could never have saved me. Amen! Lord, I do not want to use my liberty for my flesh, rather to give honor and glory to You by living my life through You. Lead me and guide me, cover me with Your mercy, grace, and protection. Remove from me the desire to walk in my flesh and give me Your strength to walk it Your Spirit, for He dwells in me. Let me be a witness and testimony of Your power, and teach others the importance of knowing You as their Saviour. May His Light shine through me more with each and every scar. I ask these things 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
Missed A Message: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
Visit I’m Following Jesus: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/welcome/
Read Today’s Bible Reading: http://kingjamesbible.imfollowingjesus.com/
I’m Following Jesus On Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/readytofollowJesus/
Copyright © 2022 I’m Following Jesus, All rights reserved.