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Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
November 2023 Reflections
What did you learn from Galatians? For me, it was walking by the Spirit, a topic we will explore more in the next series.
15 What are You Sowing? (Galatians 6:6-18)
In Galatians 6:6-18, Paul encourages his listeners to invest their lives in truth. We reap what we sow. If we seek teachers who flatter and entertain us, that is what we will harvest. God is not mocked. He knows what we seek.
14 Are You Bearing Burdens or Keeping Score? (Galatians 5:25-6:5)
In Galatians 5:25-6:5, Paul explains how the fact that we all believe the same gospel translates into our lives as a community. First, he urges us to stop competing with our teammates. Then Paul explains how to respond when someone stumbles on this metaphorical race to glory.
13 What it Means to Walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:13-24)
Paul argues we don’t need the Law to keep us from pursuing sin. We have something better. We have the Spirit of God teaching us to pursue goodness.
12 When Grace Stops Being Grace (Galatians 5:1-2)
In the final chapters, he develops his third major theme which is the freedom the gospel brings. Because the gospel solves our two biggest problems, it brings freedom from the law and freedom from slavery to sin.
October 2023 Reflections
I’m very excited to teach Galatians 5-6 in November! The last time I taught Galatians I was blessed to be working with a team. But schedules required someone else teach the last two chapters. I have waited over 10 years to get my chance. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed learning it.
11 How Paul Uses Allegory Without Misusing Scripture (Galatians 4:21-31)
In the story of Abraham we find two sons, two wives, two covenants, two mountains, and two cities. So we have only two options. One option leads to eternal life in the kingdom of God. The other leads to destruction.
Thessalonians Outline
Thessalonians Outline: Detailed outlines of the New Testament books 1 & 2 Thessalonians from Wednesday in the Word.
Prayer and Spiritual Formation: How does it work?
The theology of Spiritual Formation assumes there is a level a spirituality that I can have if I do certain spiritual practices. Prayer is typically is one of those practices. Yet, the biblical picture of prayer is not a spiritual discipline that I use to reach a higher spiritual level. Rather prayer is an unavoidable mandatory battlefield in the war of faith.
10 Five Principles of Christian Leadership (Galatians 4:12-20)
In his fourth argument, Paul appeals to the Galatians to return to the true gospel based on his deep affection and concern for them.
Galatians Outline
My detailed outline of Galatians along with an overview of Paul’s three main themes.
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 Are You Living Like a Slave or an Heir? (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 What it Means to be Clothed with Christ (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 Why the Gospel is a Promise, Not a Deal (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.
06 Why the Cross is Enough to Save You (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.
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.
04 Why God Does Not Recruit Superheroes (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 When Faithful Service Looks Like Failure (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 How to Recognize the True 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 Introduction to Galatians
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.