Commentary on
Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-10

International Bible Lessons
Sunday, February 26, 2012
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Series) for Sunday, February 26, 2012, is from Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-10. Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse by verse International Bible Lesson Commentary below. The Study Hints for Thinking Further, which are also available on the Bible Lesson Forum, will aid teachers in class preparation and in conducting class discussion. For additional International Bible Lesson Commentaries, see the complete and comprehensive International Bible Lessons Commentary Index. The weekly International Bible Lesson is posted each Saturday before the lesson is scheduled to be taught at http://InternationalBibleLessons.org and in The Oklahoman newspaper.

International Bible Lesson Commentary

Galatians 5:22-26

(Galatians 5:22)  By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,

As believers look for guidance from and cooperate with the Holy Spirit, Who lives within them, they will begin to develop the pure moral character of God their Father and their Lord Jesus Christ. Under a variety of temptations and sufferings, Jesus Christ demonstrated all the fruits (or fruit) of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit will help believers show forth all of these character traits of Jesus (which Paul lists here) in all situations. As believers draw closer to God, they will ask the Holy Spirit to help them in every situation. They will live differently from the way those of this world live.

(Galatians 5:23)  gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

The fruits (or fruit) of the Holy Spirit are not laws to follow, but good habits that the Spirit of God helps us develop for any situation as we trust in His leading and empowerment. The Holy Spirit will help believers in Jesus Christ take all of the godly, positive actions that God’s law of love requires no matter what the situation. He guides and empowers believers to love God and others without their needing a book of rules to cover every possible temptation or situation. People without the Holy Spirit usually look for ways to avoid obeying (without actually “breaking”) rules and laws that conflict with their selfish self-interests. For this reason, we see the ineffectiveness of governments enacting more and more laws to try to curb the lawless behavior of those who try to work around the laws by finding loopholes in every law that would restrict their selfish desires.

(Galatians 5:24)  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Crucifixion is painful and death is not immediately follow crucifixion. If we belong to Christ Jesus, we will begin the sometimes painful process of changing from destructive habits to living as Jesus Christ lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our emotions (formerly enslaved to the elemental spirits, the passions and desires that the world inflames in every way it can to mislead people) need to be controlled by the Holy Spirit as we consciously “nail” our former evil habits and temptations when they come to the cross of Jesus Christ. While breaking bad habits in the power of the Holy Spirit, believers also pray for the Holy Spirit to help them follow and obey Jesus Christ under the most trying temptations.

(Galatians 5:25)  If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

Having turned from living for the pleasures of sin and the world, having turned from the guilt and suffering that naturally follow sinning, believers have turned to Jesus Christ for salvation and to serving Jesus as their Lord. Salvation involves both turning from sin and turning to Jesus. When the Holy Spirit comes to live within believers, believers need to choose to live by following and being guided by the Holy Spirit in all of their choices. Bible study, prayerful Bible study, helps believers discern the leading of the Holy Spirit and distinguish His leading from the leading of deceptive spirits. “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will renounce the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1).

(Galatians 5:26)  Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.

As a free gift, God has given us everything that we enjoy in the spiritual realm, along when many natural or physical blessings. All believers have been adopted into the family of God by God’s gracious gift through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Believers are not adopted into God’s family on the basis of any works they have performed; therefore, no believer should think he is spiritually superior to any other believer. Nor should believers use their natural or spiritual gifts or talents to compete spiritually with others who also have natural and spiritual gifts that God has given on purpose so they can serve Him and others. Believers should not envy those whose gifts differ from their gifts. Of course, Paul is not saying that believers cannot be involved in competitions, games, or competitive sports.

Galatians 6:1-10

(Galatians 6:1)  My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.

Having begun his letter with strong words toward the “foolish Galatians,” Paul still considered them his friends. He had detected them in a transgression. They had turned to a different gospel. His letter was his attempt to restore them in a spirit of gentleness. When they corrected others, he wanted them to do as he had done with them. Some who condemn or correct others harshly have been tempted and have fallen into doing what they have harshly condemned others for doing.

(Galatians 6:2)  Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Some believers still carry the burdens of guilt from previous sins and other believers need to encourage them with the loving promises of Jesus Christ and the Bible, that God the Father and Jesus Christ have forgiven them through Christ’s death on the cross and their faith in Him. Some struggle with the burden of destructive habits and passions that they have nailed to the cross of Christ, but habits and passions that have not yet died. Other believers can encourage them as the Holy Spirit helps them with the right words, and as believers pray for one another and work together to find ways of escaping temptations when they come.

(Galatians 6:3)  For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves.

Apart from the salvation we enjoy as a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ, and apart from the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are basically people created in the image of God who have sinned and deserve eternal punishment. If we think we are someone or something important apart from or beyond the work of Jesus Christ for us and in us, then we deceive ourselves.

(Galatians 6:4)  All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride.

How well we follow the Bible’s teachings, how well we demonstrate the fruit of the Holy Spirit, how well we show forth the loving character of Jesus Christ, are the standards by which we can test ourselves in our daily walk. Praying for God to guide us and help us live according to His standards are sufficient challenges for us. As Christians, we should not compare our performance to our neighbors’ performance as a standard by which we can measure our performance in order to feel superior to others. As we grow spiritually according to God’s standards, we need to give thanks to God and the Holy Spirit at work within us.

(Galatians 6:5)  For all must carry their own loads.

With respect to our living according to what Paul called the “law of Christ,” Who taught, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34), we need to carry our own load of following the Holy Spirit and not depend on the Holy Spirit in others to lead them to forgive us or not be hurt if we sin against them. Every believer is responsible to develop the character of Christ within them, and not expect other believers to put up with their misbehavior. God expects every Christian to live responsibly and not take advantage of the good will of others.

(Galatians 6:6)  Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.

Bible teachers have a major responsibility to teach the Bible, the word of God, accurately and truly, which involves prayer, intense study, and time. Many cannot also support their families (or themselves as Paul did) by also having enough time to work full time jobs. Therefore, Paul encouraged believers to care for their teachers by sharing “all good things” or money from the jobs that God had given them.

(Galatians 6:7)  Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.

The Bible teaches that if we sow evil deeds we will reap evil. If we sow good deeds, we will reap good; if not from others, then from God, for God will not be mocked [treated with contempt or ridiculed]. We know that if we sow corn, we will reap corn and not beans. The same principle is true in the spiritual realm.

(Galatians 6:8)  If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit.

If we follow our emotions, our passions, our unholy desires, instead of following the Holy Spirit and the Bible’s teachings [the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)] we will suffer the consequences in our own bodies [“He said, ‘If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in his sight, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you’” (Exodus 15:26) and “If you do not diligently observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, fearing this glorious and awesome name, the LORD your God, then the LORD will overwhelm both you and your offspring with severe and lasting afflictions and grievous and lasting maladies. He will bring back upon you all the diseases of Egypt, of which you were in dread, and they shall cling to you” (Deuteronomy 28:58-60)]. If we seek to follow the Holy Spirit and the Bible’s teachings, we will bear the fruit of the Spirit and we will reap life eternal with God even if our bodies die before Christ comes again: not all of the diseases we suffer are a direct consequence of our sins. Paul is not teaching here or elsewhere that believers are saved by their works; rather, he is teaching that the behavior of believers has consequences, eternal consequences. True believers will sow to the Spirit and fight to overcome sin and temptations.

(Galatians 6:9)  So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.

Paul preached against adding the works of the law as works we must do in order to be saved. He did not mean that we do not need to strive to do right and avoid doing wrong. Because the Holy Spirit lives within believers, believers need to pray for His strength when they grow weary of doing what is good and right, and then they need to keep on doing the right even when they grow tired or discouraged. God will bless believes in special ways when they do not give up.

(Galatians 6:10)  So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.

Doing right includes working for the good of all people. In our business dealings, we are never to cheat anyone or tell a lie to anyone, but do what is best and right for everyone (seller and buyer, employer and employee). Our job as believers is to try to promote what is good in our world. Our primary focus is to promote what is right and good for all of God’s children, all those in the family of faith.

[Easy to Print: Commentary on Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-10]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Commentary on Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-10]

Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

1. Why do you think Paul lists “love” as the first fruit of the Spirit? How might love influence each fruit of the Spirit that Paul lists?

2. How can believers be guided by the Spirit and not deceived by evil spirits?

3. What are some thoughts and actions that can help believers restore “in a spirit of gentleness” one who has transgressed?

4. Explain what Paul means when he talks about sowing and reaping?

5. In these verses, what are some actions that Paul tells believers to take? From your observation or experience, which of these actions do people in the church most need to take today?

Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-10]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-10]

Verse By Verse Study Guide Class Handouts

 [Easy Print: How to Use the Verse By Verse Study Guides Below]

Verse By Verse KJV Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-10
Verse By Verse GNB Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-10
Verse By Verse NRSV Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-10

[Comprehensive Index for the International Bible Lessons Commentary]
[Comprehensive Index for the International Bible Lessons]
[Bible Lessons Archives from 2007-2012 at the original: InternationalBibleLessons.com]

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:
How to Pray in the Spirit: Devotional Readings [John Bunyan / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
How God Teaches Us to Pray: Lessons from the Lives of Francis and Edith Schaeffer
Francis and Edith Schaeffer: Expanded and Updated Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition Pb
Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition Pb
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] E-book
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Kindle Reader and in Paperback:
How to Pray in the Spirit: Devotional Readings [John Bunyan / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
How God Teaches Us to Pray: Lessons from the Lives of Francis and Edith Schaeffer
Francis and Edith Schaeffer: Expanded and Updated Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition Pb
Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition Pb
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] E-book
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb

Write your comments, suggestions, and thoughts on the Bible Lesson Forum. Read the International Bible Lessons at http://internationalbiblelessons.org.

You can drop me an e-mail note using the form on the Introduction page.

— © Copyright 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. Permission Granted for Not for Profit Use.

Commentary on
Galatians 3:15-18; 4:1-7

International Bible Lessons
Sunday, February 19, 2012
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Series) for Sunday, February 19, 2012, is from Galatians 3:15-18; 4:1-7. Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse by verse International Bible Lesson Commentary below. The Study Hints for Thinking Further, which are also available on the Bible Lesson Forum, will aid teachers in class preparation and in conducting class discussion. For additional International Bible Lesson Commentaries, see the complete and comprehensive International Bible Lessons Commentary Index. The weekly International Bible Lesson is posted each Saturday before the lesson is scheduled to be taught at http://InternationalBibleLessons.org and in The Oklahoman newspaper.

To enhance a class discussion, or to begin or close your class, read the International Bible Lesson, for February 19, 2012, to your class The Sign You Are Adopted by God, based on Galatians 4:6, “And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’”.

International Bible Lesson Commentary

Galatians 3:15-18

(Galatians 3:15)  Brothers and sisters, I give an example from daily life: once a person’s will has been ratified, no one adds to it or annuls it.

Once again, Paul addresses those in Galatia as members of the Christian family —they all share the same Father God and the same Elder Brother, Jesus Christ. Our heavenly Father has made a covenant or “will” with respect to those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior because they are His children. Our heavenly Father ratified this covenant or “will” so no one can change or cancel it. Our Father has promised us an inheritance as His children that no one can add anything to or change.

(Galatians 3:16)  Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring; it does not say, “And to offsprings,” as of many; but it says, “And to your offspring,” that is, to one person, who is Christ.

God the Father made promises to Abraham and to one of his descendants, Jesus the Messiah. God promised them both that many would be blessed through them both. First, Abraham’s descendants would be so numerous that he would not be able to count them, just as he could not count the number of stars in the sky, and they would also possess the land God promised. Second, through faith in Jesus Christ, His descendants would be saved, justified, sanctified, and blessed spiritually; they would receive the gifts of eternal life in heaven and eternal life on the new earth. These gifts and others would be part of the inheritance of  God’s children. Jesus’ spiritual descendants would be more than any human being could count.

(Galatians 3:17)  My point is this: the law, which came four hundred thirty years later, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise.

To Abraham, God promised blessings that Abraham believed, and God told Abraham that believing God and trusting in His promises was the way to live (he lived by faith). Later, in the time of Moses, God created a government with laws and leaders so those who had formerly served Pharaoh as slaves could learn how to live according to the laws of God rather than live fearfully under the capricious commands of a despotic ruler. God announced the rewards for obeying His laws, the punishments for disobedience, and God created a system of sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins that pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of His Son, the Messiah. When God created this government for the benefit of His people; to teach them the moral law of God (a law of love suited to their nature and relations as created by God in His image), God did not cancel or fulfill the promises He had made to Abraham and his offspring, Jesus Christ, Who would fulfill the law of God.

(Galatians 3:18)  For if the inheritance comes from the law, it no longer comes from the promise; but God granted it to Abraham through the promise.

Neither Jews nor Gentiles will receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life through obeying the government and laws that God established through Moses. The inheritance God promised will be given to those who believe God and the promises He made to bless them through believing and acting as Abraham acted, who acted with faith in God by believing God’s promises.

Galatians 4:1-7

(Galatians 4:1)  My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than slaves, though they are the owners of all the property;

Paul continues his example by illustrating the implications of a person’s will with respect to a minor child (which he began in Galatians 3:15). A slave is told what to do and what he can and cannot do, and he must obey or be punished. A slave has no freedoms or independence. Paul argues that a “minor child” (one not old enough to make responsible decisions for himself, or one not recognized as an adult prepared to manage his property or inheritance) will someday take actual possession of the property of his deceased father (as such, he is the owner of his deceased father’s property, but not its manager, to do with as he likes). Until the minor child is old enough to manage his property (hopefully wisely), he must follow the rules of his guardians, and be rewarded or punished based on his compliance.

(Galatians 4:2)  but they remain under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father.

A will respecting a minor child will take effect when his father (or his parents) has died. The will of his father may state that he is the owner of his deceased father’s property, but also set certain restrictions. The father’s will may state that his child will remain under the authority of guardians or trustees and not come into possession of his property until the minor child is of a certain age or has fulfilled certain requirements set by the father (for example, has completed school or shown responsibility by completing other tasks). The father hopes and plans for his child to mature to the point that he does not need the laws of guardians and trustees, but has gained the wisdom to do what is right and best for all concerned with the property he has inherited.

(Galatians 4:3)  So with us; while we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental spirits of the world.

While we were minors (before believing in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and being freed by Him), as a result of our sins, we were enslaved to “the elemental spirits of the world.” God did not enslave us; by disobeying, we enslaved ourselves to habitually repeating the same and even worse sins. The laws of God would help us learn right from wrong and live while enslaved, but the laws of God could not free us from our slavery to sin and the demonic powers that tempted us, nor could the laws of God empower or enable us to live wisely and rightly with consistency. Rather, the laws of God showed us that we needed more than laws, we also needed a Savior to save us from slavery to sin and the elemental spirits. We needed freedom from slavery, but we also we needed the Holy Spirit of God within us to help us use our freedom wisely and rightly.

(Galatians 4:4)  But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

God decided the right time to send the offspring, Jesus the Messiah, that He had promised to send. God sent the Messiah, born of the virgin Mary, as His offspring in the line of Abraham and David (their offspring). He sent Jesus when He decided that believers in Jesus Christ would no longer need the guardians of the rules of Moses (the regulations, the festivals, the sacrifices of Moses’ government, which was subservient to Roman rule). By believing in Jesus, even though under Roman rule, His children could live wisely and love God and others as God their Father intended all people to live.

(Galatians 4:5)  in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.

Jesus came and fulfilled the law of Moses under which He was born. He obeyed the law of God perfectly. He became the perfect sacrifice (that the sacrifices God instituted through Moses pointed toward). He made the supreme sacrifice for our sins. He died a substitutionary death for us. He suffered and died in our place to redeem believers and save us from the eternal consequences our disobedience deserves. He rose again from the dead and freed us from our slavery to the elemental spirits of the world that tempt us to sin. By His death and resurrection, He has adopted believers as children of God; we are adopted into God’s family and will receive an inheritance as His children.

(Galatians 4:6)  And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

Jesus is the only begotten Son of God; believers in Him are adopted children of God. When we believe God and believe in Jesus, when we believe God the Father sent Jesus as He promised to accomplish His blessed will for us, then we become adopted children of God our heavenly Father and we receive an inheritance as His children. In addition to forgiveness and cleansing from sin, receiving the Holy Spirit into our hearts is the first part of the inheritance that God gives us as His children. The Holy Spirit is similar to a down payment that assures us of our future inheritance. God graciously sends the Holy Spirit into our hearts as a consequence of our believing in Jesus as the Messiah, our Lord and Savior. He is a gift and not a possession we have earned because we have obeyed the laws of God (because we have not obeyed the laws of God; we have disobeyed them). The Holy Spirit inspires us to call upon God as our heavenly “Abba! (Daddy) Father!” Those filled with the Holy Spirit call God their “Father,” and this is a sign they are adopted children of God.

(Galatians 4:7)  So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

Now, as a result of believing God, the Holy Spirit in our hearts frees us from slavery to sin and the elemental spirits of the world. We now have the power of God within us to overcome temptations and take the way of escape that Jesus shows us when we are tempted. We have the power of God to say “NO!” to sin and temptation and to do what we know to be the right and loving thing in every situation. We now have the Spirit of God to lead us according to the Word of God, the Bible, that the Holy Spirit also helps us interpret. We no longer need the rules of Moses’ government in order to obey God’s moral law (to love God and others). We now love God and others in the power of the Holy Spirit, including Jews and Gentiles within the circle of God’s love.

[Easy to Print: Commentary on Galatians 3:15-18; 4:1-7]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Commentary on Galatians 3:15-18; 4:1-7]

Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

1. How does God adopt a child into His family? How can we be adopted into the family of God?

2. What are some of the gifts a child of God will inherit from their heavenly Father?

3. Give some reasons why the inheritance of God’s children cannot come to them from the law?

4. Why is being under the law similar to being a minor child under a guardian or trustee?

5. In these verses, what major blessing or gift does Paul say the Spirit of God will bring to believers when He comes into their hearts? Why is this gift of the Holy Spirit so meaningful and valuable?

Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On Galatians 3:15-18; 4:1-7]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On Galatians 3:15-18; 4:1-7]

Verse By Verse Study Guide Class Handouts

[Easy Print: How to Use the Verse By Verse Study Guides Below]

Verse By Verse KJV Galatians 3:15-18; 4:1-7
Verse By Verse GNB Galatians 3:15-18; 4:1-7
Verse By Verse NRSV Galatians 3:15-18; 4:1-7

[Comprehensive Index for the International Bible Lessons Commentary]
[Comprehensive Index for the International Bible Lessons]
[Bible Lessons Archives from 2007-2012 at the original: InternationalBibleLessons.com]

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:
How to Pray in the Spirit: Devotional Readings [John Bunyan / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
How God Teaches Us to Pray: Lessons from the Lives of Francis and Edith Schaeffer
Francis and Edith Schaeffer: Expanded and Updated Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition Pb
Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition Pb
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] E-book
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Kindle Reader and in Paperback:
How to Pray in the Spirit: Devotional Readings [John Bunyan / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
How God Teaches Us to Pray: Lessons from the Lives of Francis and Edith Schaeffer
Francis and Edith Schaeffer: Expanded and Updated Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition Pb
Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition Pb
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] E-book
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb

Write your comments, suggestions, and thoughts on the Bible Lesson Forum. Read the International Bible Lessons at http://internationalbiblelessons.org.

You can drop me an e-mail note using the form on the Introduction page.

— © Copyright 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. Permission Granted for Not for Profit Use.

Commentary on Galatians 3:1-14

International Bible Lessons
Sunday, February 12, 2012

The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Series) for Sunday, February 12, 2012, is from Galatians 3:1-14. Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse by verse International Bible Lesson Commentary below. The Study Hints for Thinking Further, which are also available on the Bible Lesson Forum, will aid teachers in class preparation and in conducting class discussion. For additional International Bible Lesson Commentaries, see the complete and comprehensive International Bible Lessons Commentary Index. The weekly International Bible Lesson is posted each Saturday before the lesson is scheduled to be taught at http://InternationalBibleLessons.org and in The Oklahoman newspaper.

To enhance a class discussion, or to begin or close your class, read the International Bible Lesson, for February 12, 2012, to your class The Holy Spirit in Your Life, based on Galatians 3:2, “The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard?”.

International Bible Lesson Commentary

Galatians 3:1-14

(Galatians 3:1)  You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified!

Paul told the Galatians how foolish it is to turn away from faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. By adding back to their way of life the ceremonies of Judaism and the traditions of the Jews and rabbis to their belief in Jesus Christ as the way to be right with God, they had turned away from trusting in Christ alone for salvation and had turned to a different system of religion (which was faith in Jesus Christ plus ceremonies in order to be right with God). Paul thoroughly explained the crucifixion of Jesus Christ to them, and in some way demonstrated what that meant in his own life of suffering for Christ. Since the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is so crucial to maintaining a true Christian faith, the meaning of Christ’s death must always be taught as a condition that God fulfilled in order to be both just and merciful when forgiving the sins of those who place their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

(Galatians 3:2)  The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard?

The Jews never received the Holy Spirit into their lives by performing ceremonies; such as, circumcision. They had received the Holy Spirit into their lives by believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the truth’s Paul had taught them about Christ. Paul expects them to answer that they had received the Holy Spirit by accepting the truth of the gospel that he had preached.

(Galatians 3:3)  Are you so foolish? Having started with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh?

It is foolish to turn from the leading and empowering of the Holy Spirit as the way to live in order to turn back to rules and regulations that concern the flesh or the human body; such as, circumcision and eating special foods and avoiding other foods. These actions that affect the body do nothing to help a person live right for God. Of course, maintaining a good healthy lifestyle is important to being physically and mentally fit to serve God and others on Earth, but physical fitness will not save us spiritually or prepare us to spend eternity with God.

(Galatians 3:4)  Did you experience so much for nothing?—if it really was for nothing.

If we turn from Christ alone as the way to God, and if we turn from the Holy Spirit as our Leader in this life as He interprets the Bible truly for us, then our previous Christian experience can count for nothing — perhaps for now and all eternity. Their experience may not be for nothing if they return to faith in Christ alone as the way to be justified or made right with God. Only the Son of God can make us right with God and lead us into life eternal.

(Galatians 3:5)  Well then, does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?

Paul asks about the Source of our spiritual life and how we have a relationship with this Source, the Holy Spirit, in such a way that the Holy Spirit makes a difference in the way we live. The answer is by believing the truth of the gospel and trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; it is not by performing ceremonies that may make us appear to be religious. God works miracles in response to our believing prayers; not in response to our eating special foods or attending special feast days or performing specified ceremonies.

(Galatians 3:6)  Just as Abraham “believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,”

Abraham believed the promise that he would have a son and through this son have more descendents than he could count. He trusted God and His word. He trusted God, that God would do what he said. So, God counted Abraham’s believing God as righteousness (the right way to live). Abraham trusted God on many occasions; such as, leaving his home for the land God had promised him, and taking Isaac up the mountain believing that God would provide the lamb for the sacrifice.

(Galatians 3:7)  so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham.

If we believe God and trust in the work of Abraham’s offspring, Jesus the Messiah, who lived, died, and rose from the dead for us, then we become Abraham’s descendents. God counts us righteous, because we believe God as Abraham did. Note: Believing that God exists is not the same as “believing God.” When we believe God, we trust and act on the basis of what God does and says, especially as we learn about the true God from our prayerful study of the Bible.

(Galatians 3:8)  And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “All the Gentiles shall be blessed in you.”

God always intended to bless the Israelites and those who were not Israelites; remember how God blessed the Israelites and the Egyptians through the Israelite, Joseph in a time of famine. In times of spiritual famine, when the true God is not known, God intends to bless all people through faith in Jesus Christ. All Gentiles who believe God and place their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior for salvation will be counted as righteous in the eyes of God, as living the way God intends for all believers to live. The gospel that God declared to Abraham was, “All the Gentiles shall be blessed in [your descendant, Jesus the Messiah].”

(Galatians 3:9)  For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who believed.

Abraham was blessed by God in many ways; through Isaac and his descendents, through God’s provisions for him in time of need, by God protecting him, and in many ways the Bible did not have room to describe. Just as God blessed Abraham as he believed, so those who believe as God has revealed himself through His only Son Jesus Christ in the Bible will receive more blessings than people can count.

(Galatians 3:10)  For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the things written in the book of the law.”

If we trust in our own obedience of God’s law (and the ceremonies God’s law required of the Israelites before the coming of Jesus Christ) as the way to be saved from sin and inherit eternal life, we will fail because we have not obeyed in the past and will not obey the law of God perfectly in the future. The law will always point out that we have disobeyed God, deserve His judgment, and need God to save us from our sins and punishment through Jesus Christ and faith in Him as the way of salvation (the Way, the Truth, and the Life).

(Galatians 3:11)  Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law; for “The one who is righteous will live by faith.”

In order to be justified by the law, a person must perfectly obey the law, though some may try to be justified by the law by attempting to justify or give an excuse for every sin; such as, “I could not help but,” “Nobody is perfect,” or “The devil made me do it.” No excuse for disobeying God will justify anyone. Only by our choosing to live by faith in God, believing God and trusting God, can we be righteous or live rightly. Future obedience to the law can never cancel out the punishment we deserve for our past sins. Only by believing in Jesus Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit through faith, can anyone obey God as the Spirit leads us according to the Bible’s teaching.

(Galatians 3:12)  But the law does not rest on faith; on the contrary, “Whoever does the works of the law will live by them.”

Some will try to live right with God on the basis of performing prescribed religious rituals and rules; such as, worshiping God on special days, eating special foods, and observing certain feasts. Such people are not living by believing God and trusting in Jesus Christ and the good news of His work on the cross and in believers through His Spirit. Instead, they are living on the basis of and trusting in what they do, depending on their religious performances to save them, and trusting in their works of goodness as the way to merit God’s forgiveness.

(Galatians 3:13)  Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”—

The law points out the fact that we have committed sins. No return to obedience alone can save us from the consequences of our having sinned in the past. We deserve God’s just judgment for what we have done in the past. Therefore, God sent His Son to save us. Jesus Christ died a sacrificial death on the cross in our place, so God could forgive us in mercy, stress the importance of obeying His moral law [of loving God and others as Jesus loved], uphold His just government over all people, and remain just in all of His judgments. If we believe God, we will trust in what He has done for us in Jesus Christ to save us. To be saved, we will not trust in our own performance, but we will trust in the performance of Jesus Christ dying on the cross, rising from the dead, and reigning over the universe.

(Galatians 3:14)  in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

When we believe God and what He has done for us personally through Christ; then we are “in Christ Jesus.” We receive the Holy Spirit into our lives as God promised. All of these blessings come to us through faith, through believing God’s Word, and not through our mere human efforts to obey rules and rituals. The Israelites tried ritualism as a way of life before Christ came, and they failed to be right with God. Their rituals only pointed to the coming of the Messiah and their need of salvation through the Messiah’s coming. Israelites and Gentiles can receive the promised Holy Spirit only through faith in Jesus Christ; by doing so, they can truly love God and others as God intends.

[Easy to Print: Commentary on Galatians 3:1-14]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Commentary on Galatians 3:1-14]

Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

1. According to Paul in Galatians 3:1-14, how do we receive the Holy Spirit into our lives? Why do we need the Holy Spirit in our lives?

2. In Galatians 3:1-14, how many times does Paul use some form of the word “believe” (such as, believe, believed, believing)? Look up the word “believe” in a dictionary. What does the word “believe” mean?

3. Why is believing important? What does Paul say people should believe or need to believe?

4. Look up the word “faith” in the dictionary. What does the word “faith” mean? In Galatians 3:1-14, how does Paul use the word “faith.” How are the meanings of the words “believe” and “faith” similar or different?

5. What happens to people when they rely on the works of the law in order to be justified or right with God? How can you recognize people who do this, and how might you help them?

Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On Galatians 3:1-14]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On Galatians 3:1-14]

Verse By Verse Study Guide Class Handouts

[Easy Print: How to Use the Verse By Verse Study Guides Below]

Verse By Verse KJV Galatians 3:1-14
Verse By Verse GNB Galatians 3:1-14
Verse By Verse NRSV Galatians 3:1-14

[Comprehensive Index for the International Bible Lessons Commentary]
[Comprehensive Index for the International Bible Lessons]
[Bible Lessons Archives from 2007-2012 at the original: InternationalBibleLessons.com]

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:
How to Pray in the Spirit: Devotional Readings [John Bunyan / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
How God Teaches Us to Pray: Lessons from the Lives of Francis and Edith Schaeffer
Francis and Edith Schaeffer: Expanded and Updated Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition Pb
Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition Pb
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] E-book
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Kindle Reader and in Paperback:
How to Pray in the Spirit: Devotional Readings [John Bunyan / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
How God Teaches Us to Pray: Lessons from the Lives of Francis and Edith Schaeffer
Francis and Edith Schaeffer: Expanded and Updated Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition Pb
Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition Pb
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] E-book
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb

Write your comments, suggestions, and thoughts on the Bible Lesson Forum. Read the International Bible Lessons at http://internationalbiblelessons.org.

You can drop me an e-mail note using the form on the Introduction page.

— © Copyright 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. Permission Granted for Not for Profit Use.

Commentary on Galatians 2:15-21

International Bible Lessons
Sunday, February 5, 2012

The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Series) for Sunday, February 5, 2012, is from Galatians 2:15-21. Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse by verse International Bible Lesson Commentary below. The Study Hints for Thinking Further, which are also available on the Bible Lesson Forum, will aid teachers in class preparation and in conducting class discussion. For additional International Bible Lesson Commentaries, see the complete and comprehensive International Bible Lessons Commentary Index. The weekly International Bible Lesson is posted each Saturday before the lesson is scheduled to be taught at http://InternationalBibleLessons.org and in The Oklahoman newspaper.

To enhance a class discussion, or to begin or close your class, read the International Bible Lesson, for February 5, 2012, to your class Justified by Faith in Jesus, based on Galatians 2:16b, “And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law”.

International Bible Lesson Commentary

Galatians 2:15-21

(Galatians 2:15)  We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners;

Chapters 1 and 2 of Galatians are biographical. Paul wrote this letter to those who had become Christians during his first missionary journey, and his letter to the Galatians is one of the earliest (if not the earliest) of his letters in the Bible. Jewish “Christians” (perhaps better described as Pharisaic type “Christians” in this letter) had come into some of the churches he had founded in Galatia, and they convinced many of Paul’s converts that in order to be saved they needed to not only believe in Jesus as the Messiah, but also do the works of Moses’ law (such as, be circumcised, eat special foods, avoid certain foods, practice certain ritual washings, and celebrate the feast days). Paul argued in his letter to the Galatians that the teachings of these Pharisaic type “Christians” was not the gospel of Jesus Christ; their teaching would make the gospel ineffective in their lives; their teaching would rob them of their freedom and lead them back into slavery. Traditionally, Jews and Gentiles looked down with prejudice upon one another; calling each other dogs and barbarians respectively. The Jews called those who did not do the works of the law “Gentile sinners.” In his letter, Paul argued from the Jewish point of view to make his points, and not because he was still prejudiced against Gentiles (as were those with a Pharisaic worldview). Rather, Paul will argue that Jews and Gentiles who were Christians should be able to sit together and eat together without prejudice against one another.

(Galatians 2:16)  yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law.

A human being can be justified by the works of the law only if he has always perfectly said and done what is right according to the standards God has set and revealed in His law; standards that are consistent with our human nature and intended relationships as people created in the image of God. However, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the only human being who has achieved this type of justification. The standards God has set are the moral law of God; summed up as loving God and others.

Consider this example: in human governments, if someone kills or murders someone, the defense attorney may try to argue that the person who killed someone was justified in their killing them in order to protect themselves. The defense attorney may try to justify the actions of his client as being right actions under the circumstances so his client will be declared right (justified) and not be punished by the legal system. A true murderer can only be justified in the eyes of God and inherit eternal life when he admits his sin, repents of his sin, and trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

In the Bible, every person but Jesus Christ is recognized as having sinned; therefore, they cannot ever be justified by doing the works of the law. They are convicted as sinners from a legal point of view, and no future obedience can erase the fact that they have sinned or justify their past sinful actions. However, God has promised in the Bible that a person can be justified by faith in Jesus Christ; not by works of the law apart from faith in Jesus Christ, and not by faith in Jesus Christ plus works of the law. We cannot be justified or declared right by our works in any way. However, when a person is justified by faith in Jesus Christ alone, good works that bless others will flow from their heart of love for God and others; in addition, the Holy Spirit will guide and empower them to take practical actions that will help others and lead some to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

(Galatians 2:17)  But if, in our effort to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have been found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not!

Faith in Jesus Christ is active, not passive. Paul used the word “effort,” as in “our effort to be justified in Christ.” Faith in Jesus Christ leads us to make an effort to follow Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior the best we can in our everyday lives as He leads and empowers us. Our efforts do not “save” us, but because we are saved we make efforts to glorify and honor God in Jesus Christ out of a heart filled with His love. Also, our efforts will not focus on the ceremonies that the law of Moses prescribed so we can be justified or get right with God. If we Christians sin from time to time (sin should be the exception in the way we usually live) in our efforts to do all that Jesus wants, that does not mean that Jesus has failed, that His teachings have failed, that Jesus is or was serving sin and led us into temptation and sin. Jesus did not fail; rather, we failed Jesus. Therefore, the only way to be justified is by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Jesus is the only One who can justify us as we trust in Him.

(Galatians 2:18)  But if I build up again the very things that I once tore down, then I demonstrate that I am a transgressor.

Paul wrote that those who say they believe in Jesus Christ (as the One who justifies them, leads them, empowers them to do right, and saves them), if they then turn back to doing the works of the law in order to be justified or saved, (by refusing to eat with Gentiles at meals, by eating special “kosher” foods, by celebrating special days to be right with God), then they are transgressors or sinners. Though the Galatians said they believed in Jesus Christ in order to be justified or saved, they were turning back to practices (works of the law) that they had turned from; therefore, they demonstrated or proved that they had returned to a life of sin. Paul insisted that in order to be justified and right with God, people must trust in Christ alone for salvation and not also trust in thing they do.

(Galatians 2:19)  For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ;

The law shows what God requires and that all people have failed to do what God requires; therefore, people need a savior from sin and the eternal consequences of disobedience. Jesus Christ came to be our Savior, to sacrifice His life so God could be just and uphold the integrity of His kingdom when forgiving us for our sins. The law can show us where we sin, but the law cannot forgive us, only God in Christ can forgive us. The law cannot empower us to do right, only God in Christ can empower us. Therefore, we turn to God in Christ and live for God in Christ and follow God in Christ, the Son of God. The Jewish religious leaders crucified Jesus because He told the truth and called people to follow Him. Paul adopted the teaching and way of Jesus Christ after Christ met him; therefore, the religious leaders rejected Paul as he had once rejected Christ and Christians. Paul was persecuted, as was Jesus and the other Apostles. Paul considered himself to have suffered and been crucified with Christ. He now lives for God because He loves God for saving him, rather than live for the law which condemns him as a sinner. He can only be justified through faith in Jesus Christ, and this was the same for the Galatians, and for any who would be justified today.

(Galatians 2:20)  and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Previously, Paul had focused on himself and his performance; he lived for himself; he tried to save himself by performing the works of the law. When he became a follower of Jesus Christ, Paul quit living for himself and began to live for Jesus Christ, Who now lived in him. Paul considered himself crucified with Christ and raised to new life with Christ. Paul turned from focusing on his performance according to the works of the law; instead, he now focused his attention on Jesus Christ who now lived in him, empowered him, and guided him. Even as Paul lived in the flesh; that is, in a human body, he lived by faith in Jesus, the Son of God. Paul trusted Christ to lead him rightly, because Christ, Who is the Son of God, knew God’s perfect will, loved Paul, and gave himself for Paul when He died on the cross. Christ also humbled himself to live in Paul and help Paul live right before God.

(Galatians 2:21)  I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Only God through His Son, Jesus Christ, can forgive us for our sins as a free gift of grace (we can never merit or earn God’s favor by any works that we do). The law can never declare us right, for we have sinned in the past. As a free gift to believers, God has chosen to call us right and make us right through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation by faith in Jesus Christ does not excuse us from trying to live a moral and upright life. God chose to show us the importance of living a morally upright life when He sent Jesus Christ to perfectly obey the moral law of God—the law of love (love for God and others). Christ died a sacrificial death for us so God could justly forgive us and help us live right the only way possible (by raising Christ from the dead so He could live out His life in us). If there had been any other way for God to justify and save us than through the death and resurrection of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ would not have died as a sacrifice for us. Christ rose from the dead to live in us and make us new. Through Christ in us, we can now love as God intends and live morally upright. We should never make God’s free gift of grace in our lives ineffective by turning from faith Christ to performing works of the law in a human effort to be right in the eyes of God.

Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

1. Why should a sinner want to be justified? How can a sinner be justified?

2. What are “the works of the law”?

3. What do believers do after they are justified?

4. Who did Paul “live to” and what did he “live by” (see Galatians 2:19-20)?

5. Where does Jesus Christ live?

[Easy to Print: Commentary on Galatians 2:15-21]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Commentary on Galatians 2:15-21]

Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On Galatians 2:15-21]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On Galatians 2:15-21]

Verse By Verse Study Guide Class Handouts

[Easy Print: How to Use the Verse By Verse Study Guides Below]

Verse By Verse KJV Galatians 2:15-21
Verse By Verse GNB Galatians 2:15-21
Verse By Verse NRSV Galatians 2:15-21

[Comprehensive Index for the International Bible Lessons Commentary]
[Comprehensive Index for the International Bible Lessons]
[Bible Lessons Archives from 2007-2012 at the original: InternationalBibleLessons.com]

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:
How to Pray in the Spirit: Devotional Readings [John Bunyan / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
How God Teaches Us to Pray: Lessons from the Lives of Francis and Edith Schaeffer
Francis and Edith Schaeffer: Expanded and Updated Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition Pb
Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition Pb
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] E-book
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Kindle Reader and in Paperback:
How to Pray in the Spirit: Devotional Readings [John Bunyan / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
How God Teaches Us to Pray: Lessons from the Lives of Francis and Edith Schaeffer
Francis and Edith Schaeffer: Expanded and Updated Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition Pb
Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition Pb
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] E-book
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb

Write your comments, suggestions, and thoughts on the Bible Lesson Forum. Read the International Bible Lessons at http://internationalbiblelessons.org.

You can drop me an e-mail note using the form on the Introduction page.

— © Copyright 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. Permission Granted for Not for Profit Use.

The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Series) for Sunday, December 25, 2011, is from Luke 1:46-55. Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse by verse International Bible Lesson Commentary below. The Study Hints for Thinking Further, which are also available on the Bible Lesson Forum, will aid teachers in class preparation and in conducting class discussion. For additional International Bible Lesson Commentaries, see the complete and comprehensive International Bible Lessons Commentary Index. The weekly International Bible Lesson is posted each Saturday before the lesson is scheduled to be taught at http://InternationalBibleLessons.org and in The Oklahoman newspaper.

For class discussion, read the International Bible Lesson, for December 25, 2011, to your class The Way to Receive God’s Mercy, based on Luke 1:50, “His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation”.

International Bible Lesson Commentary

Luke 1:46-55

(Luke 1:46)  And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,

After Mary learned she would give birth to the Messiah, she travelled to visit Elizabeth, who would give birth to John the Baptist. She went to visit Elizabeth when Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant and stayed for 3 months. They would be of help to each other, for John was Elizabeth’s first child and Mary was pregnant with her first child, Jesus. Mary learned more about the miraculous conception of John, and Mary told Elizabeth about the angel who appeared to her. After they met, the Holy Spirit inspired Mary to offer this song of praise. Some traditionally have called this song “The Magnificat” : Latin for “magnifies” and the Canticle of Mary. The Holy Spirit gave her an enlarged view of God and His loving purposes.

(Luke 1:47)  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Mary bowed before God as her Lord when she received the angel’s message. She rejoiced in God because she knew she needed a Savior from sin too (though some churches teach that Mary never sinned throughout her entire life). Though Mary lived right and could be considered righteous, she knew she was not sinless and needed a Savior. She would always need God the Father and God’s Son, Jesus the Messiah, to be her Savior. God also saved her from disgrace and poverty (after the angel told Joseph that Jesus had been conceived by the Holy Spirit). Mary probably had the traditional conception that the Messiah would save her and her people from the slavery of Roman oppressors. She may have also meant this when her spirit rejoiced in “God my Savior,” but the Holy Spirit over time revealed more than this through Jesus’ ministry and the Bible.

(Luke 1:48)  for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

Mary was humble. She was not from a wealthy family. She lived in a small town, Nazareth, in Galilee (an area many Jews despised). She acknowledged that even though she was of low estate that God had treated her with divine favor by choosing her to give birth to God’s only Son, Jesus the Messiah. She also spoke a prophecy about herself and how she would be regarded in the future. Even today, more than 2,000 years later, people call her blessed.

(Luke 1:49)  for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

Mary called God her Lord and Savior; the expression of her faith and desire to obey God. She serves as an example for everyone, and upon reflection all believers can say the Mighty One has done great things for me. She recognized the Lord as the Mighty One, and humbly praised God in total amazement that He had done many great things for her. Through the gift of Jesus Christ, God has done great things for multitudes of people around the world. She affirmed what the Bible teaches about God; that God is holy and what he does is holy, pure, right, just, and loving. God always expresses His love with holiness and purity.

(Luke 1:50)  His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

Through faith in Jesus the Messiah, Who was born of the virgin Mary, even we can receive mercy, forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life, even generations after His coming. Fear means reverent obedience, with an understanding of the consequences of disobedience. Fear can also move us to seek the mercy of God.

(Luke 1:51)  He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

The Holy Spirit inspired Mary to proclaim what God has done in the past and will do in the future. God, who created all things by the Word, has the strength to do whatever He needs to do. Historically, God defeated the proud kings and armies that attacked Israel, and God would do the same with Rome after a time. God also confused the thoughts in their proud hearts so they would do things that would humble them, which scattered and weakened them.

(Luke 1:52)  He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;

Mary knew that God would bring down the powerful, because she knew the history of Israel and the history of some of the nations around them that had fallen to the mighty Roman armies. She also knew that the Messiah, the King of Israel, would lift up the lowly as the Ruler of His people and the conqueror of the enemies of her people. Mary knew from the defeat of Pharaoh in the day of Moses and the taking possession of the Promised Land by Joshua that God had defeated many powerful pagan kings and met the needs of His people. Jesus lifted up the lowly fisherman and tax collector to be His disciples and apostles, and He healed the leper and raised the dead. Someday, every world leader will bow before Him.

(Luke 1:53)  he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

Jesus preached and filled the crowds with good teachings and truth as He spoke with an authority unlike any they had heard. He filled some of the crowds with fish and bread after He had taught them, for His teaching was more important than physical food and was given to those who valued His teaching so much they stayed to listen to Him for long hours at a time. Jesus said it was hard, but not impossible, for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven, and during His ministry most of the rich and powerful ignored Him (until they killed Him).

(Luke 1:54)  He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,

Mary recognized the proper relationship between God and Israel, and the promises God had made to her people. He was the Lord of the whole community of Israel, and Israel was His servant. She acknowledged that Israel had sinned against the Lord as a nation many times, and that as His servant they did not deserve or merit His care; however, God is a God of mercy as well as justice and holiness; therefore, God sent the merciful Messiah to save them.

(Luke 1:55)  according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

God sent Jesus to Earth, not because we deserve His being sent by God, but because God made a promise to Abraham and his descendants forever, and this promise relates to our needing a Savior. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Mary’s song traced the conception of Jesus in her womb to the promise of God that the whole world would be blessed by His descendant, by the Seed who would bring the blessing of salvation from sin and the gift of eternal life.

Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

1. How can a magnifying glass help you? How can the Bible serve as a type of magnifying glass? How can your soul magnify the Lord? How can your magnifying the Lord help others?

2. Why does Mary rejoice in the fact that God is her Savior (see Luke 1:47)?

3. How might you explain Mary’s prophecy in Luke 1:48 in such a way that you could show someone that God fulfills prophecy, even today?

4. In what ways does Mary talk about the mercy of God? According to Mary, what type of people will receive God’s mercy? Why do you think these types of people will receive God’s mercy? Do you qualify?

5. Why do you think Mary mentions God’s promise to Abraham?

[Easy to Print: Commentary on Luke 1:46-55]
[Easy to Print: - Large Print: Commentary on Luke 1:46-55]

Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further!
On Luke 1:46-55

Verse By Verse Study Guide Class Handouts

[Easy Print: How to Use the Verse By Verse Study Guides Below]

Verse By Verse KJV Luke 1:46-55
Verse By Verse GNB Luke 1:46-55
Verse By Verse NRSV Luke 1:46-55

Write your comments, suggestions, and thoughts on the Bible Lesson Forum. Read the International Bible Lessons at http://internationalbiblelessons.org.

— © Copyright 2011 by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. Permission Granted for Not for Profit Use.

You can drop me an e-mail note using the form on the Introduction page.