Overview of Chapters 1-4

Jim Leffel
Galatians 1-4

Within the first four chapters of Galatians, there are three opposing views that Paul addresses within the Galatian church. The first is whether you relate and stand before God based on the law versus God's grace alone. The second was whether to be empowered by the flesh or the Spirit. Lastly, the effect of grace, and whether believers wish to be under bondage to the law or experience the freedom of living under God's grace.

The Spirit of Freedom (Part 2)

Jim Leffel
Galatians 5:16-25

Character transformation is an ongoing process that happens as we depend on the Holy Spirit's power in our lives. Developing a radical dependence on God to change us, we are able to see Him grow our ability to show sacrificial love, take joy in other's growth, and stay at peace with people. Other areas of transformation include gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.

The Spirit of Freedom (Part 1)

Jim Leffel
Galatians 5:16-25

As we seek to grow spiritually, we encounter two competing agendas: the spirit and the flesh. The desires of the flesh are often motivated to put self first and will cause damage within our relationship with God and others. In order to combat this, we must take our thoughts captive against the fleshly thoughts and attitudes and ask for God's help to walk in line with His Holy Spirit as we live based out of God's Word.

Live Free or Die!

Jim Leffel
Galatians 5:1-17

When it comes to growing with God, legalism versus grace are mutually exclusive. Real change happens when we wait and put our confident hope in God's desire to make us more Christlike over our lives, resisting the urge to work to please God. A growing conformity to be more like Jesus will result in exceeding amounts of faith expressing itself through sacrificial love. We will experience more freedom in Christ as we decide to actively depend on the Holy Spirit and live under God's grace.

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.

Faith is the Foundation of Freedom

Jim Leffel
Galatians 3:1-14

Paul addresses the Galatians, reminding them that spiritual growth comes from dependence on the Holy Spirit and not looking to the Law. The righteousness we receive from God is based on faith, not by works. As Christians, the key to spiritual growth is trusting in the complete adequacy of Christ, the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, and the justification we receive from his work on the cross. This teaching includes a testimony from Travis Henderson about moving away from legalism into thinking about living under grace.

Two Ways of Relating to God

Gary DeLashmutt
2 Corinthians 3:6-18

God's new covenant of grace and living by the Holy Spirit's power completely eradicated the Old Covenant of moral obligation and law. As opposed to trying to relate to God based on our own goodness or out of guilt, we are freed to live under the security of His unwavering love and acceptance of us through Christ. As we live under God's way of grace, more and more of who Christ is can be revealed to others as God works in our lives. This teaching includes a testimony by Travis Henderson.

A Call to Diligence; Wielding the Sword Accurately

Jim Leffel
Ephesians 3:14-19

Timothy's church was facing a unique form of false teaching that combined mystical Judaism with popular Greek philosophy, and Paul commanded Timothy to handle the word of God accurately as a result. This command is not just relevant for Timothy though - modern believers face similar teaching and must be able to accurately interpret and explain God's Word to those questioning the Christian faith. These skills can be developed through diligence and intentional study of the Bible, and when they are combined with personal experience of the Holy Spirit, Christians can thrive and serve others more effectively.

Jesus Confronts His Enemy

Dennis McCallum
Luke 4

Christ encounters Satan in the wilderness, giving insight into aspects of spiritual warfare. Jesus was totally dependent on God when he encountered Satan's accusations, combating them with the Word of God. Satan's temptations often revolve around living for self, but Jesus demonstrated that patiently depending on God through the Holy Spirit produces real satisfaction. Learning to combat Satan's temptations and live for God's purposes is deeply fulfilling.