January 12, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Galatians Chapter 4

¹ 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.

⁸ Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.

⁹ But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

¹⁰ 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?

¹⁷ They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.

¹⁸ But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

¹⁹ My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

²⁰ I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.

²¹ 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.

²⁷ For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.

²⁸ Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

²⁹ But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

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.

³¹ So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

In Galatians Chapter 4, Paul continues his argument on the theme of freedom in Christ, contrasting the bondage of the law with the freedom of being God’s children. He explains that Christians in Christ are no longer slaves to the law but have received full rights as sons and daughters of God. Paul uses the image of inheritance to illustrate how believers, who were once under guardianship, have now received the promised freedoms through the coming of Christ. At the same time, he warns the Galatians against turning back to the law and relying on its rituals, urging them to remain in the freedom they have received in Christ.

Commentary:

Freedom from the Law (Verses 1–7):
Paul begins with an example of inheritance. As long as an heir is a minor, he is no different from a slave, even though he owns everything. Similarly, believers, before knowing Christ, were enslaved under the external ordinances of the law. But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son to redeem those under the law and to grant believers adoption as God’s children. As children of God, they have received the Spirit of His Son, who brings them into a relationship with the Father.

Warning Against Returning to Legalism (Verses 8–20):
Paul reminds the Galatians that when they did not know God, they served false gods. Now that they know God, he questions why they are turning back to the weak and miserable principles of the law. He expresses concern that his work among them might have been in vain. He urges them to become like him—in freedom and faith in Christ. Paul recalls the difficult times when he preached the Gospel to them and reminds them of the joy and love they once felt.

Bondage and Freedom (Verses 21–31):
Paul draws a parallel between Abraham’s two sons: the son of the slave woman (Ishmael) and the son of the free woman (Isaac). Ishmael was born according to the flesh, while Isaac was born through the promise. Paul explains that these two sons represent two covenants: one leading to bondage (the law given on Mount Sinai) and the other leading to freedom (the promise fulfilled through Isaac and new birth in Christ). Believers, as children of the promise, are heirs of freedom, not of bondage.

Summary:

Galatians 4 highlights the liberation through Christ and warns against returning to legalism. Paul emphasizes that believers are no longer slaves to the law but have received God’s adoption and inheritance through faith in Christ. He calls on the Galatians to remain in this freedom and not to return to the weak and miserable principles of the law. Believers are children of the promise, not of bondage, and should not be influenced by false teachings that would lead them back into the captivity of legalism.

 

 

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/12-01-2025-galatians-chapter-4-believe-his-prophets/

1.Reflect on the above sentence: “The relationship between God and every person is so individual and comprehensive, as if there were no one else on earth He had to care for, no other person for whom He gave His beloved Son.” What comfort does this give you, and how should you live your life, knowing God’s closeness to you and His care for you? How can you learn to live with the reality of this wonderful promise? Imagine that you could truly believe it day by day.

The thought that God’s relationship with each person is so individual and comprehensive, as if there were no one else, is a source of deep comfort. It shows us that in God’s eyes, we are not just one of many but are unique and infinitely valuable. This thought not only changes how we think about God but also how we can live our lives.

1. The Comfort of This Promise

• God’s Closeness and Care: The idea that God knows and loves us so intimately provides us with security and comfort, even in difficult times. We can be assured that God sees our lives, understands us, and walks with us.

• Personal Significance: This love makes our lives valuable. It shows us that we do not exist by chance but are intentionally created and loved.

• Grace and Forgiveness: It reminds us that God gave His Son for us—a sacrifice that stems from His boundless love.

2. Impact on Our Lives

• A Life of Trust: Believing in God’s care allows us to face challenges with confidence and courage, knowing that we are never alone.

• Developing Gratitude: This knowledge should lead us to live our lives with a grateful attitude—for God’s love, His closeness, and His plan.

• Passing on Love: Experiencing how much we are loved motivates us to pass on this love to others—through forgiveness, compassion, and helpfulness.

3. Learning to Live with This Promise

• Daily Prayer and Reflection: Start each day with a conscious prayer that centers this truth: “God, I am valuable to You, and I trust in Your closeness.”

• Internalizing Bible Verses: Read and meditate on verses like Psalm 139:13–16 or Romans 8:38–39, which emphasize God’s closeness and love.

• Small Steps of Faith: Act consciously out of the trust that God knows and guides you—whether by surrendering worries or trusting in His leadership.

• Seeking Community: Share this truth with other believers. It helps to be reminded together of God’s individual care.

4. Imagine Believing It Day by Day

Imagine what a daily life would look like if you fully embraced the reality of God’s closeness and love:

• Less Burdened by Fear or Worries: Knowing that God knows you and has a plan alleviates anxiety and fear.

• Patience and Love in Relationships: Your relationships would be characterized by patience and love, feeling supported by God’s love.

• Joy and Peace Regardless of Circumstances: You could experience joy and peace irrespective of external circumstances because you feel secure in God’s hands.

Summary:

This promise reminds us that God’s love is personal and perfect. It invites us to live our lives with trust, gratitude, and joy, knowing that we are in His presence. Believing in this truth day by day would not only bring us comfort but also foster a deeper relationship with God and a fulfilling daily life.

2.How do you understand Psalm 103:17–18 in light of this week’s study reflection? What does it say about God’s love being eternal and that the benefits of a relationship with God depend on whether we accept His love?

Psalm 103:17–18 reads: “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.”

This passage emphasizes two central themes discussed in this week’s study: the eternity of God’s love and the conditions for the blessings of a relationship with God.

1. God’s Love is Eternal and Unchanging

• Everlasting Grace: God’s love and grace are not limited by time or circumstances. They are steadfast and endure forever. This love is a gift defined by His nature, regardless of our behavior.

• Personal Comfort: The thought that God’s love endures forever is a source of hope and comfort, especially in times of uncertainty.

2. The Benefits of the Relationship Depend on Our Response

• “With Those Who Fear Him”: God’s eternal love works especially in those who respect, honor, and trust Him. “Fear” in this context means a reverent attitude of devotion, demonstrated through obedience.

• Covenant Faithfulness: The passage reminds us that the blessings and benefits of a relationship with God—such as protection, guidance, and righteousness—depend on our willingness to keep His covenant and follow His commandments.

• Our Responsibility: God’s love remains, but its full effect in our lives unfolds when we accept it and act accordingly. This reflects the theme of “conditional blessings” highlighted this week.

3. Connection with the Study Reflection

• Unwavering Love: The study reflection showed that God’s love never ends, even when people reject it or turn away. However, the benefits of this love—peace, joy, protection, eternal life—are tied to our response.

• Obedience as a Response: Psalm 103:17–18 emphasizes that obedience and covenant faithfulness are not the cause of God’s love but our response to it to experience its blessings.

4. Practical Significance for Our Lives

• Cultivating Gratitude: The eternity of God’s love should fill us with deep gratitude. We can be certain that His love never leaves us.

• Living in Obedience: These verses remind us that our faith should not only be in words but also in actions. Obedience is our response to His love.

• Showing Love to Others: The eternity of God’s love inspires us to make this love visible in our relationships, especially through patience, forgiveness, and neighborly love.

Summary

Psalm 103:17–18 affirms that God’s love is eternal and remains unchanged despite our shortcomings. However, the blessings and benefits of a close relationship with God depend on whether we accept His love and respond by keeping His covenant and obeying His commandments. This truth calls us not only to appreciate God’s love but also to live it out and share it in our lives.

3.How does this knowledge affect your relationship with God? How does it affect the way you think about others’ sorrows?

Impact of This Knowledge on Our Relationship with God and Our View of Others’ Sorrows

1. Impact on the Relationship with God

• Deepened Trust: Knowing that God’s love is eternal and that He seeks a personal relationship with us strengthens our trust. It assures us that we can always return to Him, even when we fail.

• Gratitude and Praise: Realizing that God’s love is independent of our performance inspires gratitude. This gratitude leads to a life of praise and devotion.

• Obedience Out of Love: Obedience is no longer seen as a duty but as a response to His immeasurable love. It changes our motivation to follow Him and stay close to Him.

• Deep Prayer Relationship: Understanding God’s closeness and care invites us to build a deeper, more honest relationship with Him through prayer and reflection.

2. Impact on the View of Others’ Sorrows

• Compassion Instead of Judgment: Realizing how much God loves us despite our flaws helps us to be more compassionate towards others. We learn to view others’ sorrows without prejudice and support them in their vulnerability.

• Practical Help: God’s love calls us to not just watch but actively help. Whether it’s offering comfort, listening, or providing practical support—we act from a place of love.

• Passing on Hope: Knowing that God’s love endures even in the darkest times allows us to give hope to others. Our words and actions become a testimony to the transformative power of His love.

• Patience and Understanding: Understanding that God’s love sustains us despite our mistakes inspires us to be patient with others, even when they struggle to find comfort or hope.

3. Practical Changes

• In the Relationship with God:

  • Daily Prayer: Expressing our gratitude for His love in daily prayers.

  • Regular Bible Reading: Reading the Bible regularly to better understand and internalize His promises.

• In the Relationship with Others:

  • Conscious Listening: Taking intentional time to listen and understand others’ sorrows.

  • Visible Love and Support: Demonstrating love and support not just in words but also through practical actions.

  • Praying for Those Who Suffer: Praying for those who are suffering and showing them that they are secure in God’s love.

Summary

The knowledge of God’s eternal love deepens our relationship with Him, characterized by trust, gratitude, and obedience. Simultaneously, it teaches us to approach others’ sorrows with compassion and patience. We are called to carry God’s love into the world—through compassion, practical help, and sharing hope.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-covenant-love-2-7-questions-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

January 11, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Galatians Chapter 3

¹ 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.

⁷ Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

⁸ And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

⁹ So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful 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.

¹⁵ 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.

¹⁷ And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

¹⁸ For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

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.

²⁰ Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

²¹ Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

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.

²⁴ Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

²⁵ But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

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.

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.

²⁹ And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Galatians Chapter 3 highlights the central role of faith in a Christian’s life and underscores the superiority of grace over the law. The apostle Paul continues his argument that righteousness is not attained through the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. He calls the Galatians to remember the foundations of the Gospel and not to return under the burden of the law. The chapter shows the inadequacy of the law to give life and emphasizes God’s promise, which is accessible to all through faith in Christ.

Commentary:

Righteousness through Faith (Verses 1–14):
Paul begins with a strong rebuke of the Galatians who have deviated from the truth of the Gospel. He asks a rhetorical question: Did they receive the Spirit of God through the works of the law or through faith? The answer is clear: only through faith. Paul uses Abraham as an example, whose faith was credited to him as righteousness. The blessing promised to Abraham also applies to the believers. At the same time, Paul warns that those who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as the law demands absolute perfection. However, Christ has redeemed the believers from this curse by becoming a curse Himself. Through this, the blessing of Abraham is made accessible to all through Christ.

Promise and Law (Verses 15–18):
Paul explains that the law does not annul the promise. He uses the example of a testament, which cannot be altered after it has been confirmed, to show that God’s promise to Abraham – through his seed, Christ – remains unchanged. The inheritance of the promise is not based on the law but on God’s free grace.

The Purpose of the Law (Verses 19–29):
Paul describes the law as a “tutor” that points people to Christ. The law was added to reveal sin and emphasize the need for a Savior. With the coming of faith, believers are no longer under this tutor. Through faith in Christ, all people become children of God and part of Abraham’s family. Paul emphasizes that in Christ, there are no distinctions between Jews and Greeks, slaves and free, men and women – all are one in Him. Those who belong to Christ are Abraham’s descendants and heirs of the promise.

Summary:

Galatians 3 emphasizes the superiority of faith over the law. Paul argues that righteousness is obtained only through faith in Jesus Christ and not through the works of the law. He shows that the law had a temporary role to prepare people for Christ. With the arrival of faith, believers are freed from the bondage of the law and receive the inheritance of the promise through Christ. This chapter reminds us that all are equal in Christ and that our identity and righteousness come solely from God’s grace through faith.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/11-01-2025-galatians-chapter-3-believe-his-prophets/