“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)
How should a Christian person respond to somone in the church who is sinning? If you take this verse apart phrase by phrase, you will see that it is packed with instructions from the Lord on what we should do, and how we should do it: Continue reading
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no Law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
This is much more than just a quaint list of good spiritual qualities. In fact, it is meant to be the proof of one’s salvation! Continue reading
“I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:21)
This warning from God’s word is greatly needed today, as so many people have come to take God’s grace for granted. They believe that they can just thoughtlessly continue in their sin, and that God’s grace will cover it. Scripture says they are sadly mistaken. Continue reading
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
This is a good word, because from time to time you hear “Christian” people talk about how they are “free in Christ” to do this or that worldly thing that they “feel led” to do. But God has a stern warning here against those who try to play that game: Continue reading
Do you think that you are going to heaven? If you do, you’re in good company. An ABC news poll indicated that 89% of Americans believed in heaven, and 85% of them think that THEY are going there. And it said these numbers have been pretty consistent throughout recent history. Most people in America today think they are going to heaven. But Jesus’ words in our passage today should be a wakeup call for many of us:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord,’ did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you, Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’”
“You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5:4)
For many years Galatians 5:4 has been quoted as a “proof text” by those who believe that a Christian can lose their salvation. But this verse makes SO much more sense when you see it in the context of this section, and the whole message of Galatians. Continue reading
“But I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.” (Galatians 4:20)
Everyone in a position of authority or leadership has experienced times when they had to “change their tone” like Paul indicates here. Continue reading
“My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you.” (Galatians 4:19)
Here in his impassioned message to the church he had planted at Galatia, Paul shows us some important things about the nature of Christian disciple-making: Continue reading
I'm a retired Southern Baptist pastor of almost 40 years. My wife Cheryl & I moved to Norman, OK in March of 2025. I share a weekly overview for Sunday School teachers of the weekly Lifeway "Explore the Bible" lesson, as well as texts of my sermons and other articles.
shawnethomas 