Wednesday in the Word

what the Bible means and how we know

Krisan Marotta

November 2023 Reflections

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So what did you learn from Galatians? My favorite part was a richer understanding of walking by the Spirit from Galatians 5. I’m excited to announce the next podcast series builds on that foundation. We’ll take a deep dive into the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We’ll look at what Scripture teaches about each of these concepts and why Paul included them on the list.

The Sermon on the Mount book is “done.” At least, I’ve finished what I hope will be the last major rewrite. I have put it down for the holidays and will revisit it in January with hopes of publication in 2024.

I hope you had a joyous Thanksgiving! Thanks for listening!

Podcasts

In the final chapters, he develops his third major theme which is the freedom the gospel brings. Because the gospel solves our two biggest problems, it brings freedom from the law and freedom from slavery to sin.

Paul argues we don’t need the Law to keep us from pursuing sin. We have something better. We have the Spirit of God teaching us to pursue goodness.

As he closes the letter, Paul explains how the fact that we all believe the same gospel translates into our lives as a community. First, he urges us to stop competing with our teammates. Then Paul explains how to respond when someone stumbles on this metaphorical race to glory.

Paul encourages his listeners to invest their lives in truth. We reap what we sow. If we seek teachers who flatter and entertain us, that is what we will harvest. God is not mocked. He knows what we seek.

I’m grateful for your involvement with Wednesday in the Word.

Please tell your friends about the podcast — but more importantly, encourage them with something you learned.

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Please tell your friends about the podcast — but more importantly, encourage them with something you learned.

Next: December 2023

Previous: October 2023

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15 Galatians 6:8-18 Invest in Truth

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15 Galatians 6:8-18 Invest in Truth _ Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

Paul encourages his listeners to invest their lives in truth. We reap what we sow. If we seek teachers who flatter and entertain us, that is what we will harvest. God is not mocked. He knows what we seek.

Review

Chapter 1: Paul introduced two of his three key themes: 1) his apostolic authority and 2) the gospel of justification by faith alone. Paul claimed you can recognize the true gospel by its substance (grace based on the cross of Jesus Christ); its source (divine revelation).

Chapter 2: Paul argued he learned the gospel through revelation from Jesus Christ. He reviewed his biography to prove that he had no chance to learn the gospel from the other human beings. Yet the other apostles confirmed he preached the same gospel.

Chapter 3-4: Paul gives five persuasive arguments for justification by faith alone.

Chapter 5: Paul encouraged them to stand firm in the gospel and then gave a series of four exhortations.

In this final section from 5:13 to the end, Paul gives a series of four exhortations, closing with his final thoughts in 6:11-18.

  1. Galatians 5:13-24—Paul exhorts them not to use freedom as an excuse to indulge in sin.
  2. Galatians 5:25-6:5—Paul exhorts them to humility and loving others.
  3. Galatians 6:6-8—Paul exhorts them to invest in the truth.
  4. Galatians 6:9-10—Paul exhorts them to pursue doing what is good.

Passage

6Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.  – Galatians 6:6-10

  • Galatians 6:6 is not an exhortation to support teachers financially. That doesn’t fit the context.
  • My rough translation of Galatians 6:6: The one who is taught the gospel that consists in all good things is to hold those good things in common with the one who teaches the gospel. 
  • Galatians 6:6-7 work together: Embrace the gospel when a good teacher teaches it to you and do not be deceived by a false gospel.
  • Paul encourages listeners is embrace the gospel no matter who teaches it, and not to be deceived by false teachers. 
  • Everyone needs to understand what the Bible says well enough to recognize when someone teaches something contrary to it.
  • If I seek teachers who plant truth, that is what I will harvest in my life.
  • If I seek teachers who entertain me and make me feel good about myself but fail to teach the truth, then that is what I will harvest. 
  • False teachers eventually give themselves away. Their lifestyle will reveal that they are not running toward God. 
  • The telltale sign is false teacher teaches they sow and reap the works of the flesh. They tell us what our sinful selves want to hear and that will eventually bring strife and discord in the church.
  • Let us not lose heart in pursuing that with is morally beautiful. In due time, if we don’t give up, we will reap the harvest of eternal life.
  • Paul’s final exhortation is: while we have the opportunity (in other words in this life) live out the Golden Rule, especially to the household of faith.

11See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.  – Galatians 6:11-18

  • Paul typically dictated his letters to a scribe. Here he picks up the pen to write with his own hand.
  • His final point is: embrace the truth.
  • The Judaizers want you to seek the Law so that other Jews won’t persecute them for associating with you. They boast in how many they win to law-keeping.
  • In contrast, Paul boasts in teaching the gospel.
  • Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters for salvation. 
  • Paul began this letter, with grace and peace from God the Father and he closes it with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Previous: 14 Galatians 5:25-6:5 Bear Others’ Burdens

Series: Galatians: Living by Faith

Study: Galatians Resources

Photo by Cassidy Dickens on Unsplash

14 Galatians 5:25-6:5 Bear Each Others’ Burdens

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14 Galatians 5:25-6:5 Bear Each Others’ Burdens _ Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

As he closes the letter, Paul explains how the fact that we all believe the same gospel translates into our lives as a community. First, he urges us to stop competing with our teammates. Then Paul explains how to respond when someone stumbles on this metaphorical race to glory.

Review

Chapter 1: Paul introduced two of his three key themes: 1) his apostolic authority and 2) the gospel of justification by faith alone. Paul claimed you can recognize the true gospel by its substance (grace based on the cross of Jesus Christ); its source (divine revelation).

Chapter 2: Paul argued he learned the gospel through revelation from Jesus Christ. He reviewed his biography to prove that he had no chance to learn the gospel from the other human beings. Yet the other apostles confirmed he preached the same gospel.

Chapter 3-4: Paul gives five persuasive arguments for justification by faith alone.

Chapter 5: Paul encouraged them to stand firm in the gospel and then gave a series of exhortations.

In this final section from 5:13 to the end, Paul gives a series of exhortations, closing with his final thoughts in 6:11-18.

  1. Galatians 5:13-24—Paul exhorts them not to use freedom as an excuse to indulge in sin.
  2. Galatians 5:25-6:5—Paul exhorts them to humility and loving others.
  3. Galatians 6:6-8—Paul exhorts them to invest in the truth.
  4. Galatians 6:9-10—Paul exhorts them to pursue doing what is good.

Passage

25If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 6:1Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5For each will have to bear his own load.  – Galatians 5:25-6:5

  • We easily fall into competition over who keeps the Law best. But if we know we’ll find life because of the sanctifying work of the Spirit, we’re free to treat each other as fellow-heirs.
  • Paul uses a verb refers to an army marching together in unison. As a community, we should see ourselves as on the same team rather than competing for the Father’s favor.
  • Since we embrace the same gospel, as a community we should walk in agreement, having the same values and goals because we all listen to the same Spirit. 
  • If someone is out of step or caught in transgression, we approach them from a position of unassuming humility.
  • In this metaphorical race, it doesn’t matter who crosses the finish line first. God will ensure we all cross the finish line. If someone else stumbles, it’s not a chance for us to get ahead.
  • Sin creates a metaphorical burden or “backpack” that we have to carry. If someone else stumbles, we carry their metaphorical backpack by forgiving, speaking truth and exercising patience.
  • In doing that, we fulfill the instruction Jesus gave us that we love God and love one another. 
  • If we think we’ve got this problem with sin under control, or that we’d never fall the way our brother or sister fell, we’re fooling ourselves. We are nothing in the sense that we have the same problem with sin that everyone else has.
  • Before you approach your sinful brother, take a good long look at yourself. The temptation of the human heart is to glory in someone else’s failure. If you want to compare yourself to someone, compare yourself to Christ. Boast in what he has done for you.

Each of us must bear our own burden and run our own race. Each of us must decide to repent and follow Christ. No one else can do that for us.  

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Next: 15 Galatians 6:8-18 Invest in Truth

Previous: 13 Galatians 5:13-25 Walk by the Spirit

Series: Galatians: Living by Faith

Study: Galatians Resources

Photo by Cassidy Dickens on Unsplash

13 Galatians 5:13-24 Walk by the Spirit

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13 Galatians 5:13-25 Walk by the Spirit - Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

When Paul urges us to walk by the Spirit in Galatians, what does he mean? Paul argues we don’t need the Law to keep us from pursuing sin. We have something better. We have the Spirit of God teaching us to pursue goodness.

Review

Chapter 1: Paul introduced two of his three key themes: 1) his apostolic authority and 2) the gospel of justification by faith alone. Paul claimed you can recognize the true gospel by its substance (grace based on the cross of Jesus Christ); its source (divine revelation).

Chapter 2: Paul argued he learned the gospel through revelation from Jesus Christ. He reviewed his biography to prove that he had no chance to learn the gospel from the other human beings. Yet the other apostles confirmed he preached the same gospel.

Chapter 3-4: Paul gives five persuasive arguments for justification by faith alone.

Chapter 5: Paul encouraged them to stand firm in the gospel and then begins a series of five exhortations.

In this final section from 5:13 to the end, Paul gives a series of four exhortations, closing with his final thoughts in 6:11-18.

  1. Galatians 5:13-24—Paul exhorts them not to use freedom as an excuse to indulge in sin.
  2. Galatians 5:25-6:5—Paul exhorts them to humility and loving others.
  3. Galatians 6:6-8—Paul exhorts them to invest in the truth.
  4. Galatians 6:9-10—Paul exhorts them to pursue doing what is good.

Passage

13For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. 16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. – Galatians 5:13-24

  • The Judaizers teach that if we aren’t required to obey the Law, then we’ll return to a life of hedonism and debauchary.
  • Paul counters we don’t need the Law to restrain us from evil, because now we have something better: the Spirit of God at work in our lives.
  • Most often when Paul speaks of “the flesh” he means everything we are apart from God, i.e. the moral condition of fallen people apart from any work of God. 
  • “To walk by the flesh” is pursing holiness with my own resources and self-effort.
  • “To walk by the Spirit” is to count on God to make me holy through the work of His Spirit.
  • Paul’s first exhortation is don’t use freedom from keeping the Law as an excuse to pursue evil. Instead, serve one another through love.
  • Paul contrasts two different responses to not being under threat from the Law. 1) I could use that freedom as an excuse to be selfish. Or I could use that freedom to treat others as I would wish to be treated. We are free to treat others with love because we are secure in our inheritance from God.
  • The Spirit can curb your natural inclination to evil in a way Law-keeping never could.
  • We don’t control the Spirit. We can’t manipulate him into transforming us. His hands are not tied until we pray the right prayer (John 3:7-8). The Spirit is like the wind, an invisible force we can’t control, but we see its effects.
  • The natural inclination of unredeemed humanity and the direction of the Spirit are opposites. 
  • If we take the work of the Spirit of God seriously, we are not free to just do whatever we want to do. We don’t have a license to sin. The Spirit teaches us to flee from sin and run the opposite direction because we are seeking the things of God.
  • In this list (Galatians 5:19-21), Paul gives examples of the kinds of things the Spirit teaches us to flee from. These behaviors do not put you beyond the mercy of God, but they ought to make you seriously evaluate the direction you are heading.
  • The Law is like a thermometer. A thermometer tells me I am sick, but it doesn’t make me well. Trying to follow the Law shows me I have a problem, but it won’t make me the kind of person described on this list. Only the Spirit of God can do that.
  • To be crucified with Christ is a metaphor for repenting and making that about face. 

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Next: 14 Galatians 5:25-6:5 Bear Others’ Burdens

Previous: 12 Galatians 5:1-12 Keep Standing Firm

Series: Galatians: Living by Faith

Study: Galatians Resources

Photo by Cassidy Dickens on Unsplash

12 Galatians 5:1-12 Keep Standing Firm

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12 Galatians 5:1-12 Keep Standing Firm - Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

In the final chapters, he develops his third major theme, which is the freedom the gospel brings. Because the gospel solves our two biggest problems, it brings freedom from the law and freedom from slavery to sin.

Review

Chapter 1: Paul introduced two of his key themes: 1) his apostolic authority and 2) the gospel of justification by faith alone. Paul claimed you can recognize the true gospel by its substance (grace based on the cross of Jesus Christ); its source (divine revelation).

Chapter 2: Paul argued he learned the gospel through revelation from Jesus Christ. He reviewed his biography to prove that he had no chance to learn the gospel from the other human beings. Yet the other apostles confirmed he preached the same gospel.

Chapter 3-4: Paul gives five persuasive arguments for justification by faith alone.

Passage

1For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.  – Galatians 5:1-6

  • The main point of this section is Galatians 5:1. The gospel of justification by faith leads to freedom from sin and freedom from slavery to the law. Therefore, stand firm or hold fast to the gospel and don’t return to the yoke of slavery.
  • Paul uses term circumcision in Galatians 5:2-3 as shorthand for the historical fact that these Gentiles deciding to practice the Jewish religion in order to complete or finish their salvation.
  • This is not like getting a tattoo. If you choose to follow the teaching of the Judaizers, and get circumcised and begin keeping the Law, then the Messiah is of no benefit to you. If you accept one part of the Law, you accept all the Law and you are bound to it. You cannot choose which laws to keep. You are now obligated to keep them all.
  • If you seek to be justified through the law that alienates you from the Messiah, in contrast to those who seek justification by faith (Galatians 5:5).
  • Once you come to faith, it doesn’t matter if prior to that time you lived like a Jew or not. We all come to Christ the same way.

7You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!  – Galatians 5:7-12

  • Paul uses the image of a runner running a race. The runner was doing well and making good time, but now someone else started running in his lane, trying to make him fall.
  • Leaven is a metaphor for something contagious, just as a little yeast permeates the entire lump of dough. A little law-keeping negates the whole gospel. 
  • Paul expresses his confidence in God. If God has truly called them, chosen them and given them saving faith, then they will repent and embrace the gospel. 
  • Paul specifically denies he agrees with the Judaizers. Why would the Jews persecute him if he was teaching everyone to live like Jews as the Judaizers do?

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Next: 13 Galatians 5:23-24 Walk by the Spirit

Previous: 11 Galatians 4:21-31 A Tale of Two Mothers

Series: Galatians: Living by Faith

Study: Galatians Resources

Photo by Cassidy Dickens on Unsplash