January 13, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Galatians Chapter 5
1 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.
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
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.
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14 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.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no 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.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction:
In Galatians Chapter 5, Paul calls believers to stand firm in the freedom they have received through Christ. He warns them not to submit again to the yoke of the law, particularly through external religious practices like circumcision. Paul emphasizes that true faith works through love and that neither observing the law nor external rituals can lead to righteousness. Instead, believers are to walk in the Spirit and bear the fruits of the Spirit, which characterize life in Christ.
Commentary:
Call to Freedom (Verses 1–15):
Paul urgently urges the Galatians to live in the freedom granted by Christ. However, freedom in Christ does not mean indulging in sinful desires but serving one another in love. He strongly criticizes circumcision as a means of justification before God. Those who rely on the law must keep all of it and separate themselves from Christ’s grace. Paul reminds them that only faith working through love matters. He also warns against divisions and conflicts within the community, which arise from selfishness and pride.
Life in the Spirit (Verses 16–26):
Paul explains that living in the Spirit overcomes the sinful desires of the flesh. He highlights the opposition between flesh and Spirit—the flesh produces sinful actions like envy, anger, impurity, and division, while the Spirit produces divine qualities such as love, joy, peace, and patience. Those who belong to Christ crucify their sinful nature and live by the Holy Spirit. Paul encourages believers not to seek empty glory but to act in humility and love.
Summary:
In Galatians 5, Paul emphasizes the importance of freedom in Christ and warns against returning to legalism. He underlines that true righteousness is not achieved by observing laws or rituals but through faith that works through love. Paul calls believers to live by the Spirit to overcome sinful desires. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, and other virtues—should define the Christian life. The chapter ends with a warning not to be conceited or quarrelsome but to live in love and humility with one another.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 87—“To My Father, and Your Father”
This chapter is based on Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
In Chapter 87 we learn about the final act of Jesus’ earthly life and His ascension into heaven. Jesus, having triumphed over death and sin, prepares to ascend to His Father in heaven. This moment marks the completion of His mission on Earth and the lasting promise of His presence in the hearts of believers. The place of His ascension—the Mount of Olives—is not merely a geographical location but a place rich with memories of Jesus’ life, prayers, and His struggle for humanity’s salvation. The ascension signifies the transition from Jesus as the suffering Redeemer to the triumphant King ascending to heaven.
Commentary:
Chapter 87 presents Jesus’ ascension as an act of victory and fulfillment. After completing His earthly mission and revealing Himself as the living Savior, He enters the heavenly realms. This moment is bittersweet for the disciples—filled with sorrow at parting from their Master but also with hope, as they now have confirmation of His victory over death. The Mount of Olives, once a place of Jesus’ prayers and struggles, now becomes the stage for His farewell. Yet, this farewell is not final; rather, it marks the beginning of a new era of hope. Jesus promises to remain with His followers and assures them that He will return one day in glory.
The angels affirm to the disciples that Jesus has not departed forever but will return in the same way they saw Him ascend. The image of heavenly hosts welcoming their King symbolizes Jesus’ future triumph at His second coming. Before this moment, Jesus raises His hands in blessing—a powerful affirmation of His presence and ongoing connection with the disciples. This blessing uplifts the disciples spiritually, filling them with joy and confidence in Christ’s continued presence and His role as their intercessor.
Summary:
Chapter 87 portrays Jesus’ ascension as a profound moment of exaltation and victory. The Mount of Olives, once a place of prayer and struggle, becomes the setting for His glorious ascent into heaven. After offering His disciples comfort and the promise of His return, Jesus is taken up by a cloud, disappearing from their sight. The angels proclaim that Jesus will return in the same way. This event conveys a dual message to believers: the comfort and assurance of Christ’s ongoing presence and the hope of His glorious return. The disciples return to Jerusalem with newfound joy and confidence, their hearts filled with praise and gratitude for the living Christ, who continues to live and intercede for them.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/13-01-2025-galatians-chapter-5-believe-his-prophets/
