My detailed outline of Galatians along with an overview of Paul’s three main themes.
Galatians Outline
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Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
Does Spiritual Formation seek the right kind of change?
Not only does the theology of spiritual formation aim at the wrong target, spiritual formation seeks the wrong kind of change. While spiritual disciplines focus on success at outward righteous behavior, the Bible teaches that the goal of spiritual maturity is a strong unshakeable faith.
09 Sons and Slaves (Galatians 4:1-11)
The Judaizers teach you need to place yourself under the guardianship of the Law. Why would adults want to return the restrictions of childhood? Like a child who has come of age, you have graduated from the guardianship of the Law.
elementary, stoicheion, G4747
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Biblical Greek word for elementary, stoicheion, G4747.
Is Spiritual Formation shooting at the right target?
The theology of Spiritual Formation sounds great on paper, but it is focused on the wrong target. Progress toward greater spirituality is measured by what can be seen (for example, how well I maintain the routines of sabbath, bible reading, confession; how loving my actions are toward others; how much I experience greater joy and contentment; how well I serve and sacrifice, etc.) which means success is measured by outward righteous behavior. But is outward righteous behavior the right target?
08 Graduation from the Law (Galatians 3:23-29)
The Law teaches valuable lessons that prepare us for faith and keep us from evil. But, after the Messiah came, we graduated from the protective custody of the Law. All of us receive justification by the same path: faith in Jesus Christ.
self-control, egkrateia, G1466
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for self-control, egkrateia, G1466.
Does Spiritual Formation work? Answers from Haggai
“Spiritual formation” is a hot topic today. But does it work? The Old Testament prophet Haggai would answer no.
September 2023 Reflections
A national survey revealed that 42% of pastors considered quitting recently and many already have. There’s no question in my mind that we ask too much of pastors today, but I also think pastors share a bit of the blame. Here’s my solution to the “Great Pastor Resignation.”
07 The Deal and the Promise (Galatians 3:15-22)
Paul argues the Law, which was a deal, does not nullify the promise given to Abraham. In a deal, two parties agree to certain obligations. But a promise is made by one party unconditionally.
gentleness, prautés, G4240
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the biblical Greek word for gentleness, prautés, G4240.
Women’s Retreat Survival Kit
A conference I attended gave each participant this simple and heartwarming “Conference Survival kit” which contained the following items and Scripture.
06 Having Begun by the Spirit, Are You Perfected by the Flesh (Galatians 3:1-14)
In Galatians 3, Paul begins a series of five arguments for justification by faith. In the first two, Paul argues from experience and from the plain teaching of Scripture.
goodness, agathósuné, G19
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for goodness, agathósuné, G19.
Small Group Dynamics: The Rule of “In”
In new groups, participants often seek connections through icebreaker questions. How we respond impacts the future community. I’ve learned to employ what I call the “Rule of In”.
My solution to the Great Pastor Resignation
A national survey revealed that 42% of pastors considered quitting and many already have. Here’s how one church avoided that problem.
05 Did Jesus Die for Nothing? (Galatians 2:11-21)
Galatians 2:11-21: Paul includes rebuking Peter as part of his defense. Paul could rebuke Peter because they had the same view of the gospel. This incident serves two purposes: 1) it furthers Paul’s claim that he and the apostles teach the same gospel; and 2) it introduces this issue of whether gentile believers must keep the law.
kindness, chréstotés, G5544
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for kindness, chréstotés, G5544.
Example: Discipleship Survey Sample
Most women’s ministries offer a discipleship program at some point. While there is no “one size fits all” model for how to implement discipleship, here are some ideas to help you get started.
04 The Gospel to the Uncircumcised (Galatians 2:1-10)
Fourteen years after his conversion, Paul went to Jerusalem to consult with the other apostles. They added nothing to his understanding and gave him the right hand of fellowship.
patience, makrothumia, G3115
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for patience, makrothumia, G3115.
August 2023 Reflections
WitW: Galatians started and we’ve already finished chapter 1.
03 Not Man’s Gospel (Galatians 1:11-24)
Paul argues he received his gospel first-hand as a revelation from the risen Lord. His lack of contact with the other apostles proves the divine origin of his understanding.
joy, chara G5479
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for joy, chara, G5479.
02 If Anyone Preaches a Contrary Gospel (Galatians 1:1-10)
In Galatians 1:1-10, Paul opens his letter by defending his authority and his gospel. He argues you can recognize the true gospel by its source and its substance.
tutor, paidagógos, G3807
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for tutor, paidagógos, G3807.
01 Galatians Introduction
Galatians Introduction: Paul wrote this letter around 49 AD, about 15 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus to churches he founded during his first missionary journey. After Paul left, the Judaizers began teaching the Galatians they must keep the law to be fully Christian. Paul wrote this letter in response.
flesh, sarx, G4561
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Biblical Greek noun: flesh, sarx, G4561.
Who were the Judaizers?
The Judaizers claimed to believe in Jesus as the Jewish Messiah but insisted followers of Jesus cannot be saved unless they also kept the Mosaic law.
spirit, pneuma, G4151
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for Spirit/spirit, pneuma
Galatians: Living by Faith
A 15-week Bible study podcast series on Paul’s letter to the Galatians. In Galatians, Paul argues that you can recognize the gospel by its substance, source and result.
June 2023 Reflections
What’s coming next on the podcast? Galatians (13 weeks) plus a deep dive into the Fruit of the Spirit (12 weeks). The podcast will return later this summer. Stay tuned for details.
How to Interpret the Bible
After you’ve done your observation, word studies, outlining and answered the questions you generated, it’s time to start putting it all together. In this step, you want to collect, refine and organize all those details you observed into a coherent meaning. Observation primarily focuses on the questions: “what does it say and how do I know?” Interpretation focuses on the questions: “what does it mean and how do I know?”
Bible Maps
After investing in a few good translations, the next tool I recommend to improve your Bible Study is a good collection of maps. While most study Bibles have some maps in the back, serious study requires access to more detailed geographical information about Palestine and the ancient near east.
How NOT to interpret the Bible
https://wednesdayintheword.com/how-not-to-interpret-the-bible-dont-think-twice/
How is the Old Testament organized?
In the Christian Bible, the Old Testament is divided into 4 main parts based on genre. Within each genre, books are organized by author, chronology and size.