Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
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.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for self-control, egkrateia, G1466.
“Spiritual formation” is a hot topic today. But does it work? The Old Testament prophet Haggai would answer no.
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.”
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.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the biblical Greek word for gentleness, prautés, G4240.
A conference I attended gave each participant this simple and heartwarming “Conference Survival kit” which contained the following items and Scripture.
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.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for goodness, agathósuné, G19.
A national survey revealed that 42% of pastors considered quitting and many already have. Here’s how one church avoided that problem.
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.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for kindness, chréstotés, G5544.
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.
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.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for patience, makrothumia, G3115.
WitW: Galatians started and we’ve already finished chapter 1.
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.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for joy, chara, G5479.
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.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for tutor, paidagógos, G3807.
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.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Biblical Greek noun: flesh, sarx, G4561.
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.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for Spirit/spirit, pneuma
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.
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.
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?”
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.
https://wednesdayintheword.com/how-not-to-interpret-the-bible-dont-think-twice/
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.
What did you learn from Thessalonians? I’d love to hear your from you.
The podcast is on break for some much needed study time before we start a new series.
While not a complete list of early church heresies, these groups are the ones that the New Testament authors seem to write against and respond to most often
Paul closes with with three directives regarding work: 1) follow Paul’s example of being willing to support himself; 2) work to meet your own needs; and 3) stop enabling those who won’t work.
Paul reassures the Thessalonians that Christ has not returned because certain events must happen first. But they can take comfort that Christ will return to bring both justice and salvation for those who believe.
Paul encourages a suffering church by reminding them of the certainty of God’s justice and judgment. One day their suffering will end. But more importantly their faithful response through suffering is evidence that they will inherit a place in the kingdom of God.