GALATIONS CHAPTER 1 - GRACE

For the next few weeks, our Sunday school class will be studying Galatians. Each week we will take a term from the lesson and explore its definition. We use the Explore the Bible curriculum from Lifeway, but even if you are not studying Galatians, you may benefit from going deeper into the meaning of words used frequently in the New Testament. We hope you enjoy this change of pace!

Galatians 1:3 Grace⁵⁴⁸⁵ be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

Susie: Many of us have learned this acronym to define grace:

God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense    

Another definition of grace I was taught was “unmerited favor.”

Susan: I understood grace as something that God did on my behalf that I had no power or ability to do for myself. I am keenly aware of His grace every day because there is so much I cannot do for myself, and He provides someone else to do those things for me.

Susie: Susan’s understanding of grace reminds me of a chorus:

I owed a debt I could not pay.

He paid a debt He did not owe.

Hear the whole song here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp55hj73-2Y

Susie: We understand that grace is even more than mercy. Mercy is not receiving a consequence we deserve, but grace is receiving blessings we do not deserve.

Susan: In order to gain a better understanding of God’s grace, let’s look up the definition of the Greek word used in this verse:

The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:

5485 charis – graciousness of manner or act . . . especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life – acceptable benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).

Susie: The portion of this definition that really stands out as something not made clear to me earlier in life is “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.” Is that not what salvation by grace is all about?

Susan: The divine influence: It is God who does the work. We cannot be “good enough” to deserve salvation. We cannot work our way to Heaven.

Susie: In fact, we cannot come to Jesus to accept His gift of grace, unless the Father does the work to draw us to Himself and quicken us, make us alive spiritually.

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins . . .

Susie: Grace is God’s influence upon our hearts drawing us into right relationship with Him. But the definition includes the result of our surrendering to the Holy Spirit tugging on our hearts.

Susan: The result of grace is “its reflection in the life.”

Susie: God working in our lives makes a change in how we view ourselves and relate to others.

Susan: It is going from a “my way” mentality to a “God’s way” mentality. As that transformation occurs, we realize that God’s way is the best way.

Susie: When we submit our lives to Jesus, the Lord’s Holy Spirit enters us enabling us to become more like Christ. One of the most quoted passages on salvation with grace is:

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Susie: Salvation is completely by grace. We do not earn it with our works, good deeds. However, that “divine influence” then results in our performing the works God has planned for each of us.

Susan: His Holy Spirit working within the believer empowers us to have the mind of Christ, placing God’s will above our own and thinking of others before ourselves.

Philippians 2:4-8 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Susie: Even our good deeds and encouraging words, a.k.a. works, are God working in and through us.

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Susan: This is one of my all-time favorite scripture verses. I an argument with God, going on for six years, telling the Lord why I was not an appropriate candidate for His assignment for me. He was calling me to be His mouthpiece, His megaphone to share the Good News of Jesus. I told the Lord (as if He didn’t know) that I was a woman, used a wheelchair, and did not feel confident speaking publicly. But we see who won the argument!

Susie: Obviously, God enabled Susan to fulfill His calling on her life.

1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry . . .

Susie: The empowerment of God in our lives that helps us to do His will is not a one-time or occasional happening. He continues to mold us into the image of His Son until He calls us home to be with Him.

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Philippians 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ

PSALM 119:161-168 UNAKITE UNCHANGING PRECEPTS

UNAKITE UNCHANGING PRECEPTS

PSALM 119:161-168

ש (Shin)

Psalm 119:161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

Psalm 119:161 (Berean Study Bible) Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart fears only Your word.

Susie: The psalmist was being pursued and persecuted unjustly by princes, those who should have been seeking justice. However, he did not fear them because he was in awe of something and Someone far greater.

Susan: The psalmist feared the One true God who gave him life and breath, and the commands and precepts that He had given to men to obey.

The Treasury of David by Charles H. Spurgeon as quoted at https://biblehub.com/psalms/119-161.htm

He might have been overcome by awe of the princes had it not been that a greater fear drove out the less, and he was swayed by awe of God's word. How little do crowns and sceptres become in the judgment of that man who perceives a more majestic royalty in the commands of his God. We are not likely to be disheartened by persecution, or driven by it into sin, if the word of God continually has supreme power over our minds.

Psalm 119:162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

Psalm 119:162 (VOICE) I celebrate because of Your promise, like someone who discovers great treasure.

Susie: The word of God was precious, really priceless, to the psalmist.

Susan: He was ecstatic and rejoiced over the rich wealth of the promises of God, and exuded overwhelming joy. He trusted in these promises and was certain of their fulfillment in his life. Therefore, he celebrated. 

Susie: He was a one-man party!

Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.

Psalm 119:163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.

Susan: If we are loyal to our First Love, Jesus, who is The Truth (John 14:6), how can we possibly approve of lies? We can’t. We must detest deceit.

Romans 12:9 (CJB) Don’t let love be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good.

Susie: The psalmist reaffirms his love of God’s commands over and over in Psalm 119. We would do well to be like him and think of what we have read in the Bible throughout the day!

Psalm 119:97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

Psalm 119:164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

Susan: In scripture, the number seven denotes completion, perfection, maturity. The psalmist is stating that when he trusts in the word of God, he is in a continual attitude of joy-filled praise.

Susie: His life is made complete by God and His promises. He, therefore, praises more perfectly.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Psalm 119:165 (VOICE) Those who love Your law have an abundance of peace, and nothing along their paths can cause them to stumble.

Susie: The world is filled with trials, tribulations, and afflictions; but those who trust in the word of God are not shaken by them. They have His peace that surpasses understanding.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.

Susan: No opposition that arises will be able to misdirect the one who knows and trusts in God’s word. God will keep that person on the right path.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Psalm 119:166 Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.

Susan: The psalmist expectantly awaited his deliverance, both temporal and eternal. His hope propelled him in the pursuit and execution of God’s commands.

Susie: When we place our trust in Jesus, we are enabled and encouraged by the Holy Spirit within us to obey God’s word.

1 John 2:3-4 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Psalm 119:167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.

Susie: The psalmist does not view God’s word and the keeping of the commandments as a burden.

Susan: Instead, the word serves as his anchor, keeping him steady in times of turmoil. It centers him, keeping him focused on the right things. Therefore, he is steadfast and immovable.

John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 15:9-10 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

Susie: When we love the Lord and follow His ways, we discover that His commands are for our good and His glory. We understand that our Father knows what is best for us and come to love what we previously viewed as restrictions. We now know that His commands keep us safe and grant us peace. His laws are the sheepfold that keeps out the wolves and keeps the sheep safe within the Shepherd’s control.

Psalm 119:168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.

Susan: God is tenderly, carefully watching over us.

Susie: He sees everything we do. That may scare you, but if you know Him as your Heavenly Father, you should find it comforting. Nothing is hidden from Him.

Susan: We cannot hide from God and should be motivated to be obedient to Him. On the other hand, He sees when we are honoring Him and rewards us. God is so intimately acquainted with us that He sees the intentions and motivations of our hearts. It is not just the things we do with our physical members. He looks upon our hearts and knows the real person inside.

Hebrews 4:13 (J. B. Phillips) For the Word that God speaks is alive and active; it cuts more keenly than any two-edged sword: it strikes through to the place where soul and spirit meet, to the innermost intimacies of a man’s being: it exposes the very thoughts and motives of a man’s heart. No creature has any cover from the sight of God; everything lies naked and exposed before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Matthew 6:3-6 (NIV) But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Points to Ponder:

·     Fear of the Lord and trust in His word enables us to be free from fear of people

·     God’s word should be our treasure and cause us to rejoice

·     If we love God, we cannot love falsehood

·     God perfects our praise as we understand His word

·     God’s word gives us peace and helps us to stand firm

·     If we love God, we will love and obey His word

·     God sees all—the times we fail and the times we bring honor to His name

Reflection Question: God’s word is unchanging and unchangeable. We can stand on it as our solid foundation and obeying it brings great peace. He watches over those who love Him, keeps them on the right path, and protects them. Are you keenly aware of God’s presence at all times, that all is naked and bare before Him? If you need a reminder, grab a small child and sing, “Be careful little eyes what you see…for the Father up above, is looking down in love.” Don’t forget that it is a loving look, not one of scorn and judgment.

In case you don’t remember the song, click this link:

https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hsimp=yatt_001&hspart=att&p=song+%22be+careful+little+eyes+what+you+see%22#id=1&vid=327d9370166d91055faa3954e6a9eee4&action=view

PSALM 119:153-160 TOURMALINE TESTAMONIES

TOURMALINE TESTAMONIES

PSALM 119:153-160

ר (Resh)

 Psalm 119:153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

Susan: The psalmist has centered his life on the Lord and obedience to His law.

Susie: We saw back in Psalm 119:11 that he had committed God’s word to memory to help him avoid committing sin.

Susan: Because of his devotion to the law and to the Lord, the psalmist has the reasonable expectation that the Lord will fulfill His word to protect, defend, and deliver him. He was being afflicted by his enemies but anticipated that the Lord would set things right.

Psalm 119:154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.

Susie: “Plead my cause” sounds like the psalmist is asking the Lord to be his attorney. He is asking God to intercede for him with his enemies. Job knew the truth that God was his advocate:

Job 16:19 (NASB) “Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, And my advocate is on high.

Susan: In the New Testament, we learn that Jesus is our advocate, another word for someone representing us. He advocates with the Father when the enemy, Satan, accuses us.

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Psalm 119:155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.

Psalm 119:155 (VOICE) Salvation is far from the wicked because they do not live in pursuit of Your precepts.

Susan: Salvation is as far or near to person as they are to God’s word. Eternal salvation is found only in trusting Jesus Christ, and the path to that trust is articulated in the scriptures.

Susie: Those who refuse to hear or read the word of God, who reject the Bible, are far from the salvation offered in its pages.

Psalm 119:156 Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.

Susie: The Lord’s judgements are always just and true . . .

Susan: Therefore, the psalmist can rely on them.

Susie: The Lord exudes lovingkindness and is merciful to us even though we fall short of His standards. He extends grace to those who believe His word and trust in His Son, Jesus.

Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Psalm 119:157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.

Susan: The psalmist is surrounded by his enemies, but that does not move him. In the midst of an onslaught of persecutors, he remains steadfast.

Susie: He stands firm, anticipating the deliverance promised in the word of God. He continues to obey the law even though the outcome does not yet appear to be what he desires.

Psalm 119:158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

Susie: Transgressors were those who dealt treacherously, traitors . . .

Susan: Turncoats.

Susie: These were people who said one thing but did another. They were not obedient to God’s will and ways.

Susan: They were stridently disobedient.

Susie: The psalmist is grieved in three ways. He is grieved at their treatment of him, grieved because of the judgment they were bringing upon themselves, and grieved because they were dishonoring the name of the God he loved.

Psalm 25:3 (Berean Study Bible) Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame; but those who are faithless without cause will be disgraced.

Psalm 119:159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness.

Susie: The psalmist says, “On the other hand, Lord, look at me!”

Susan: He is like a child say, “Watch me, Daddy, watch me!” The psalmist asks the Lord to remind Himself of their love relationship and the deep love he has of the scriptures.

Susie: He asks the Lord to revive him, not based on his own merit but in keeping with God’s lovingkindness. No matter how much we strive to obey God’s word, we will fail. Our plea is that the Lord, according to His nature of love and grace, will forgive and restore us despite our failures.

Psalm 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

Psalm 119:160  (Berean Study Bible) Your word is the essence of truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure.

Susan: The Hebraic thought expressed here is that the sum, the totality of God’s word is truth.

Points to Ponder:

·     The Lord is our deliverer

·     The Lord is our advocate

·     Salvation is found through God’s word

·     Deliverance is a result of God’s grace, not our worthiness

·     We should be grieved for those who do not believe

·     God’s word is eternal and never fails

Reflection Question: The Bible is God’s testimony of His character. It is filled with gems such as: God is love (1 John 4:8), God’s judgments are true and lasting (Psalm 119:160), God is good (Nahum 1:7), God is slow to anger (Nahum 1:3), God is Holy (1 Samuel 2:2), and many more. When the psalmist was in trouble, he made a point to remember these truths about the Lord. Take time a memorize scripture that reminds you who God is and how He works in your life. Do you have scripture memorized in preparation for times of difficulty?

PSALM 119:145-152 STAR SAPPHIRE STATUTES

STAR SAPPHIRE STATUTES

PSALM 119:145-152

ק (Kuf)

Psalm 119:145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.

Susie: This is the sixth and final time the expression “whole heart” appears in Psalm 119.  Complete devotion to and dependence upon God and His word is a major theme of this psalm.

Susan: The psalmist realizes the worth of God’s statutes, immeasurable value like precious jewels. He is determined to live them out with his whole being. Understanding God’s word in order to have a right relationship with the Lord is the pinnacle of the psalmist’s life. To be in tandem with the Lord’s rhythm of life is his foremost goal.

Susie: Those who see the value of God’s laws desire to obey them, to build their lives upon Scripture. The Apostle Paul urged his protégé, Timothy, to study and apply God’s word.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Psalm 119:146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.

Susie: Complete trust and dependence on the Lord’s ability to save him, both physically and spiritually, is another repeated theme in Psalm 119. He cries out to God knowing that God is able and willing to provide salvation.

Susan: I am forced by my cerebral palsy to lean in on God and others. I am constantly aware that I depend upon the Lord for every breath, everything I do. Sometimes I think it is easier for someone in my position to be acutely aware of that than for someone who is physically healthy and sound.

Susie: Throughout Psalm 119, we have seen the psalmist distressed by enemies pressing near him. Perhaps this has made it “easier” for him to depend upon the Lord. When there is nowhere else to look but up, one sees the Father looking down. Would that we could learn to look to Him even when we are at a high point in life! I wrote the following on the day I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, and praise the Lord, He has consistently answered this prayer:

Lord, please keep me on my knees

Because from that position I can see

That You are truly all I have,

But You are all I need.

Lord, please keep me on my knees.

Susan: God’s grace in saving him, will enable the psalmist to obey His word. In the New Testament, we see that the sacrifice of Jesus, God’s Son, frees us to have a right relationship with God, to be able to live in obedience to His word.

Susie: A part of Strong’s definition for the Greek word for grace, makes this clear:

The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:

5485 charis - . . . the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life . . .

Psalm 119:147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

Susie: The psalmist is not claiming to be able to keep the sun from rising. The word “prevent” has the connotation of anticipating sunrise.

Psalm 5:3 (Berean Study Bible) In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation.

Susan: The foremost thing on the psalmist’s mind and his agenda is connecting himself with his Source who is God. It is God who invigorates him and gives him direction. Jesus had the habit of praying early in the morning as well, and if the Son of God needed to connect first thing in the morning with His Father, how much more do we?

Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Susie: He is being pursued by an enemy, but he never ceases to hope in the Lord and stand on God’s promises.

Psalm 119:148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

Susan: This scripture encourages all of us who suffer occasional insomnia. The psalmist knew where to put his mind and heart in the middle of the night. He made a practice of using those times to meditate on the scripture had studied and internalized.

Susie: Earlier in this psalm, he talked about hiding God’s word, treasuring it up in his heart (Psalm 119:11). Now when he awakens late at night or the wee hours of the morning, he brings that memorized word to mind and ponders it. God uses it to restore his hope.

Psalm 119:149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment.

Susie: This verse contains two more words that are repeated themes in Psalm 119: “lovingkindness” which is God’s fatherly love toward His people and “quicken” which is to invigorate, to make alive again.

Susan: The psalmist appeals to God on the basis of His character, not that of the psalmist.

Susie: He does not present a case for meriting God’s attention or favor because he knows his own failings, his humanness.

Susan: The psalmist asks the Lord to grant him a revitalization of his holy conviction.

Susie: He has already experienced God’s loving devotion, His grace toward him, but he is in dire need of refreshment in order to be strengthened in the face of persecution by his enemies.

Susan: The ordeals of this world have wearied him, as they sometimes do us.

Susie: Even when we are feeling (and truly are) least worthy, God will grant us renewed vigor because of the merits of Jesus in whom we place our trust.

Psalm 119:150-151 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law. Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth.

Susie: Those who do not follow God’s law, approach with their wicked temptations and persecutions.

Susan: However, God’s nearness cancels out the influence of the wicked ones and thwarts the plans of the Evil One, Satan.

Psalm 46:1 (NIV) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Susan: We need not worry about the seeming success of wicked people because God ultimately has everything under control. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to continue obeying God’s word, but we must intentionally wait on God rather than moving in our own strength and self-effort. God is never late even though, in our humanity, it seems He is slow at times.

Psalm 37:7 (VOICE)     Be still. Be patient. Expect the Eternal to arrive and set things right. Don’t get upset when you see the worldly ones rising up the ladder. Don’t be bothered by those who are anchored in wicked ways.

Psalm 119:152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them forever.

Susan: God’s word is infinitely true.

Susie:  It was true in eternity past. It is true now. It will be true in eternity future.

Susan: His word is true and perfect to the nth degree.

Susie: Scripture is never changing, completely infallible, and is the utmost source for moral instruction. We can believe it and trust it without reservation.

1 Peter 1:24-25 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Points to Ponder:

·     We must trust and serve God wholeheartedly

·     God saved us from sin and freed us to serve Him

·     Prayer and meditation on God’s word should be first on our agenda

·     Internalizing scripture enables us to bring it to mind when we cannot sleep

·     God’s grace revitalizes us even when we do not deserve His love

·     When wrongdoers seem to surround us, we must remember that God is even nearer

·     We can stand on God’s eternal truth and place our hope in Him

Reflection Question: Do you view God’s statutes, His rules as a cumbersome necessity or value them as the precious jewels they are? We have used gemstones to represent each stanza of Psalm 119. In this section, we have seen that God’s statutes truly outshine the brightest star sapphire. Wear them about your neck, not literally, but figuratively by memorizing God’s word and living by it each day. According to God’s word, it is the offensive weapon of His armor we are to don each day:

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: