A Tale of Two Women

Jim Leffel

Galatians 4:1-31

There are two paths to do God's will that Paul points out to the Galatians: 1) according to the flesh; or 2) according to the Spirit. As Christians live according the Spirit, we act in faith as we confidently expect God to deliver on what He promises. This type of active dependence allows us to see God's provision more and more in our lives. Living under legalism when trying to follow God will lead to enslavement, failure, and despair.

Promise and Freedom

Jim Leffel

Galatians 3:15-29

Paul tells the Galatians that real freedom comes from living under God's grace instead of legalism. Under legalism, our identity is based off our works and leads to: superficial relating with others, fear of failure, and looking to others for our sense of approval. Under grace, we know: that we're going to fail but we still act, we look to demonstrate God to others, and our lives are transparent. Living under grace allows us to realize God's promises to us as His children and to depend on the Holy Spirit in our lives for change.

What Does Spiritual Maturity Look Like?

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 4:3

Paul explained that trusting in the Lord and rejoicing in Him are not the fruit of happiness, but they are the means of attaining joy. When we face our anxieties how much of the time are we forgetting to put our trust in the Lord and/or depending on Him? This was key for Paul in his fight against anxiety in times of severe persecution.

Knowing Christ

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 3:20

Not only did God pay for our sins on the cross, but he also initiated a personal relationship with each human being. All we have to do is accept God's invitation and our whole eternity is changed. Paul said he counts everything as garbage compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord.

Legalism and Grace

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 5:1

Jesus and Paul both took strong stances against the pharisaic teaching that our moral decisions could make us righteous in God's eyes. When any works are added to the Gospel of grace, it is no longer the gospel. As we have been saved by God's grace, we can communicate the Gospel in the context of gracious relationships.

Treasure in Earthen Vessels

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Paul's analogy of his suffering compared to a clay jar with a great treasure presents the principle of life out of death. This process is initiated by God as He gradually breaks us so that the aroma of Christ can be manifested in our lives more and more. God will allow the sufferings we encounter to promote a deeper dependence on Him and less dependence on ourselves. As we encounter these trials, God calls us to focus in faith on His promises and live them out as He works in our lives.

God's Triumph

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 2:14-17

In Christian ministry, people respond in different ways to the message of Jesus' forgiveness toward them. Despite this, we have the ability to triumph through trusting God's ability to work in our lives to advance His purposes. As we learn to become more available to be used by God and rely on His adequacy for us, we can become an attractive fragrance to the outside world for Christ.

How to Receive God's Comfort

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 1:1-10

God's comfort is the strengthening assurance of His sovereign goodness in the midst of suffering. As Christians, we are able to receive this in two distinct ways: 1) understanding and affirming God's purposes for allowing suffering in our lives; and 2) allowing other Christians to give you God's comfort.

Joy in Adversity

Dennis McCallum

Romans 8:28

Paul suffered countless times for the Lord, even during these times he was able to find joy in the love and purpose he received from the Lord. Paul constantly turned to his new identity and future eternal life as things to always be thankful for. God can use suffering in our lives to teach us things and to grow our faith.