Peanut Gallery The Book of Galatians Study

[ByTheSpirit]

Peanut Gallery and Discussion thread for the Book Study I'm doing on the Book of Galatians, found here:

Teaching (no posting) - The Book of Galatians Study

So yeah, this should be fun. Let me preface this by stating under no circumstances am I trying to come across as a subject matter expert here, just wanting to contribute in a meaningful way. I will quote mostly from the Berean Study Bible, annotations when something else is being used! I will...

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Share your thoughts! Contribute! Love ya in Christ!

 

[Always in His Presence]

Might want to post a link to this in your op -

Great subject - thank you.

 

[Soyeong]

The book of Galatias is certainly a challenge to study because it is by far the most misunderstood book of the Bible. It seems to me that the #1 priority of any study of Galatians should be to keep in mind that Christ set a sinless example of how to walk in obedience to God's law and that Paul is an Apostle through him because that will help avoid the error of interpreting Galatians as speaking against following Christ that so many are so eager to make.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Might want to post a link to this in your op -

Great subject - thank you.

Good point

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Lets get started i have been studying Galations myself. Should be fun.

Im looking forward to it

 

[Always in His Presence]

Looking forward to more

 

[ByTheSpirit]

While I compile my next set of thoughts on my teaching thread, something to tide us over here in discussion is the doctrine of salvation. The book of Galatians is a passionate defense of salvation by grace through faith, not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). So for discussion:

1. What are some ways we've been deceived about salvation? Whether it be from a group or just our own understanding of scripture?
2. How did we, how do we, reconcile that misunderstanding with truth found in scripture concerning salvation?

I think in my own walk, I have struggled MIGHTILY with this concept of salvation by God's grace alone. 100% transparency here, I believe it's part of society as whole. That nothing worth having is free. So there's an element of even if I am given a gift, I kinda have to earn it in some form.

Saving Private Ryan is one of my absolute favorite movies. At the end, when the CPT is dying, he tells PVT Ryan to "Earn this". This being the sacrifice that the others had made in order to rescue him. Even though scripture makes no such demand, part of me continues to live in this world of "I have to earn this." Of course I inevitably fall short, and then condemnation comes in, which leads to guilt, and leads to other things.

Perhaps that's why I feel the Spirit leading me to this book more so than any other right now. I just have a hard time accepting grace as 100% free. I believe in Jesus, there is no doubt in my heart or mind about that. It's the other that I struggle with, less so now than before but it's still there.

I pray for wisdom and revelation to grasp this message in it's entirety!

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Link to newest post in topic here: Teaching (no posting) - The Book of Galatians Study

Questions for discussion:

1. Paul received his message via revelation from Jesus. In what ways has Jesus revealed Himself to you (if you are comfortable sharing)? Did what he say to you give you cause for great joy? Did it frighten you in any way? How did it help shape you?
2. Looking back over your walk with God, what are some wilderness periods you've experienced and how have they helped shape your current walk with the Lord? Perhaps you are in one now, how can scripture's teachings on this encourage you?
3. Barnabus "was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith" (Acts 11:24), he was absolutely instrumental in getting Paul started on his ministry. Who are some of the people from your own lives and walk that were Barnabus like figures to you? How did they help set you on the path of serving the Lord? How did they help encourage you?
4. Sometimes we have to defend the gospel, even from those we might consider friends. What are some ways we can engage other believers in a way that defends the integrity of our faith, and is still loving and compassionate? It's very easy to just launch off into a debate trying to prove ourselves right, and forget that we are called to be loving in all we do.
5. On the topic of pre-destination, how do you understand the scriptures? Do you see all believers as being pre-selected like maybe Calvin would lead a person to believe? Do you believe in complete free will? Do you think it's a a mixture of the two? Perhaps there are some who are absolutely pre-determined for specific purposes, but the vast majority have free will to decide?

 

[Always in His Presence]

That is a whole lot of questions!

 

[Always in His Presence]

Paul's only claim to any kind of Apostolic Authority is that Jesus Himself gave it to him. Paul explains that immediately after his conversion on the road to Damascus, he went off into the wilderness and there learned directly from Jesus what the true gospel really is.

Sorry, but Acts 9:
17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. 19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. 20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.
26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.

According to Acts Immediately after his conversion he began preaching the Gospel.

Where is the account of him in the wilderness immediately after his Damascus experience?

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Sorry, but Acts 9:
17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. 19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. 20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.
26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.

According to Acts Immediately after his conversion he began preaching the Gospel.

Where is the account of him in the wilderness immediately after his Damascus experience?

But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
Galatians 1:15‭-‬17 ESV

Id say that the scriptures use the word "immediately" quite a bit and it doesnt always mean the very next moment. Mark uses immediately more than anyone and we know in a lot of cases, it doesnt mean that. More like a word that plugs a gap of time. For in the passage I gave to you, Paul fills in that gap that Acts doesnt account for.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

That is a whole lot of questions!

Not really, there is a main question with some follow on to promote some discussion

 

[Always in His Presence]

But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
Galatians 1:15‭-‬17 ESV

He mentions no wilderness, nor Jesus teaching him personally - The word immediately in Acts means just that - immediately
εὐθέως euthéōs, yoo-theh'-oce; adverb from G2117; directly, i.e. at once or soon:—anon, as soon as, forthwith, immediately, shortly, straightway.

Sorry -

Id say that the scriptures use the word "immediately" quite a bit and it doesnt always mean the very next moment. Mark uses immediately more than anyone and we know in a lot of cases, it doesnt mean that. More like a word that plugs a gap of time. For in the passage I gave to you, Paul fills in that gap that Acts doesnt account for.

shown above - There is no gap in Acts

 

[ByTheSpirit]

He mentions no wilderness, nor Jesus teaching him personally - The word immediately in Acts means just that - immediately
εὐθέως euthéōs, yoo-theh'-oce; adverb from G2117; directly, i.e. at once or soon:—anon, as soon as, forthwith, immediately, shortly, straightway.

Sorry -

shown above - There is no gap in Acts

i disagree and thats ok, but out of all that, the only thing you are going to comment on is a disagreement about a timeline?

 

[Always in His Presence]

i disagree and thats ok, but out of all that, the only thing you are going to comment on is a disagreement about a timeline?

No, it is just what stuck out. I’ll discuss more later

 

[Always in His Presence]

I'm a little lost, mostly because I am a very literal person (a strength and a weakness at the same time). I am trying to equate the questions with Galatians and having a bit of a struggle making the connection (OK I'm a little OCD also).

1. Paul received his message via revelation from Jesus. In what ways has Jesus revealed Himself to you (if you are comfortable sharing)? Did what he say to you give you cause for great joy? Did it frighten you in any way? How did it help shape you?

Not unlike Paul most of my revelation has been through His Word, but I also speak with Him daily through prayer and worship - I do know His voice. I have never been frightened by Him. Unless I am in sin - it is just not possible.

1. Looking back over your walk with God, what are some wilderness periods you've experienced and how have they helped shape your current walk with the Lord? Perhaps you are in one now, how can scripture's teachings on this encourage you?

Explain what a wilderness experience means please.

1. Barnabus "was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith" (Acts 11:24), he was absolutely instrumental in getting Paul started on his ministry. Who are some of the people from your own lives and walk that were Barnabus like figures to you? How did they help set you on the path of serving the Lord? How did they help encourage you?

Mentors have been key to my walk, I am honored to have two Pastor's and mentors who speak into my life and ministry

1. Sometimes we have to defend the gospel, even from those we might consider friends. What are some ways we can engage other believers in a way that defends the integrity of our faith, and is still loving and compassionate? It's very easy to just launch off into a debate trying to prove ourselves right, and forget that we are called to be loving in all we do.

IRL - I seldom get into debates, I'm probably not the best person to ask.

1. On the topic of pre-destination, how do you understand the scriptures? Do you see all believers as being pre-selected like maybe Calvin would lead a person to believe? Do you believe in complete free will? Do you think it's a a mixture of the two? Perhaps there are some who are absolutely pre-determined for specific purposes, but the vast majority have free will to decide?

I am not a follower of Calvinism and personally believe Paul was speaking of God's call to ministry, not salvation.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

I'm a little lost, mostly because I am a very literal person (a strength and a weakness at the same time). I am trying to equate the questions with Galatians and having a bit of a struggle making the connection (OK I'm a little OCD also).


Not unlike Paul most of my revelation has been through His Word, but I also speak with Him daily through prayer and worship - I do know His voice. I have never been frightened by Him. Unless I am in sin - it is just not possible.

Explain what a wilderness experience means please.

Mentors have been key to my walk, I am honored to have two Pastor's and mentors who speak into my life and ministry

IRL - I seldom get into debates, I'm probably not the best person to ask.

I am not a follower of Calvinism and personally believe Paul was speaking of God's call to ministry, not salvation.

Thanks for sharing these thoughts, honestly. The questions are truly just to garner some discussion on some things that I personally got out of reading the passage in question.

To me, I think of a wilderness experience as just a period of being dry spiritually. Little to no fruit, it's hard to sense God's presence. Doesn't mean there is a lack of fruit, and of course God is always present. I guess thinking along the lines of 1 Peter 4:12, when we experience trials that test our faith. Those can at times be considered a wilderness, where God allows our faith to be stretched and tried, so it can grow.

Having trusted ministers who feed us and help us in our walk is always a blessing for sure! I tend to be a very contained individual, sharing very few things with others. It's something I need to do better at, just being open and honest with fellow believers about the trials I'm experiencing.

That's an interesting take on the pre-destination question I posed. I don't think I've ever heard someone explain it in that way. It's not a position I wholly disagree with either, thanks for sharing that!

 

[Pioneer3mm]

wilderness experience as just a period of being dry spiritually. Little to no fruit, it's hard to sense God's presence. Doesn't mean there is a lack of fruit, and of course God is always present.

Good point.
----
During my spiritual journey..
- I went through..the 'wilderness experience'.

 

[Always in His Presence]

bump

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Sorry for the delay on these, this next one was rather intimidating but I began this teaching series not from a position of authority, but rather cooperation. So in the spirit of cooperation with you all my family in Christ we will continue this study soon. I had the next lesson ready, but I felt the Spirit tell me not to post it yet. So I will give it some more time.

Love you all in Christ!

The next lesson will be covering the gospel vs the Law. I promise I will keep it brief as it can be a very thorough topic of course. But while we wait, let’s discuss! Topics to discuss:

1) What are some false gospels being preached in the world today? How can we as believers combat these false teachings in love?
2) Galatians 3:5 talks about the Spirit working miracles through believers, what are some miracles that you have witnessed or been part of in your walk with God?