God’s Redemption
Fruits of Redemption
Lesson Text: Galatians 5:22-6:10
When studying this lesson, God's perfect plan unfolds for His followers. First, God knew there would be a fight for the souls of men, so He made a provision for the Holy Spirit to dwell inside each of His believers. And the Holy Spirit fortifies the believers to withstand the wiles of the devil while giving glory to God.
Thought to remember: Never give up on doing what's right by the Holy Spirit.
Lesson Learned: As a believer, I realize that I have access to the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowering resources. Yet, I must tap into such by walking in the Spirit. Nevertheless, I do not need to give up because my reward has everlastingly benefits.
My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live lives of love toward one another. Empower us to never give up from walking in the Spirit. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Heirs of the Promise
In this lesson, Paul refutes two erroneous teachings among Asia Minor churches. The first error is that obedience cannot become mingled with faith as the reason for sinners' justification. Secondly, the justified believer is made perfect by keeping the Law. Paul emphasizes that our adoption into the family of God by faith in Jesus is the sole reason to abandon the slavery life of sin. We have a fresh start, not by our willpower but the Holy Spirit, which is our gift is the means that enable us to live a sinless life.
Thought to remember: As God's children, there is absolutely no reason to return to a life of slavery.
Lesson Learned: Because of my faith in Jesus, I am no longer a slave to sin, the Law, and to worldly pleasures. Now, I am an heir as a son to the eternal Father. So, likewise, I must live as such.
My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting us as Your children. Thanks for sending your Son to redeem us from the slavery of sin. Now, help us to live lives that are worthy of Your calling. In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen!
Freed from Law through Christ
Lesson Text: Galatians 3:1-14
In this lesson, Paul rebukes the Gentile Christians for alienating themselves from him and the truth. He vindicates his authority and his teachings as an apostle by showing fallacy of the Law by reaching the experience of Abraham with faith. He also presents the doctrine of Christianity, justification by faith, and compared their faith in the Law versus faith in Jesus.
Thought to remember: Faith is the sole requirement for salvation for all people.
Lesson Learned: Why would the Savior need to die if I can earn my way to God? Since Jesus redeemed me from the curse of the Law, as a believer, I am free to live a life for Christ instead of living a sinful life separated from God.
My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You that our salvation is by grace alone. Help us to live by faith. Enable us to live free of sin and a life pleasing in Your eyesight. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Justified by Faith in Christ
Lesson Text: Galatians 2:15-21
First, Paul became a missionary Pharisee who rounded up believers of Jesus and placed them in jail. He even witnessed the murder of Stephen. Yet, he became converted on the road to Damascus. While temporarily blinded, Paul became utterly convinced that the only way to salvation was through faith in Jesus. Then, after evangelizing and establishing several Gentile churches, these novice believers became confronted with Judaizers who encouraged them to follow the Mosaic law. Therefore, the Apostle Paul challenged these claims in this lesson.
Thought to remember: Faith in Christ is enough.
Lesson Learned: Human achievement is the rationale for the Law while disregarding the need for Grace. The Law is nothing but a mirror demonstrating how often I break it. Therefore, I must rely on Grace through Faith by choosing to allow Christ to live within me. This freedom from the Law empowers me to become productive for Christ's sake.
My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you so much for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die on the Cross for us. Help us put our whole trust in Him for our salvation and daily living. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen!