Galatians 4 – Page 2 – Ministry of Grace Church

Category: Galatians 4

Galatians 4:21 – Determined Faith

Posted on January 2, 2008 by admin

Galatians 4:21

Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?

Truth to Learn

Those who would please God must do so through faith, not through obeying a set of rules and regulations.

Behind the Words

The word translated “desire” is a form of thelo which was pointed out in the previous verse as meaning “to will, wish, or desire, implying active volition and purpose.” This word means more than simple desire (which would be the Greek word boulomai) and is sometimes translated as “determine.” To illustrate the difference, imagine a child being given a dollar and told to buy whatever he or she wants. Though the child may desire (boulomai) many things, he or she will determine (thelo) what can be purchased for a dollar. We can see, therefore, that Paul is saying, “you who are determined to be under law.”

“Under the law” should actually be translated “under law” since there is no definite article in the Greek text. This, therefore, is not a reference to the Law of Moses but refers to any collection of required actions as a means of attaining holiness and acceptance with God.

Meaning Explained

Paul now abruptly changes his subject matter. He has been comparing his relationship with the Galatian Christians to the relationship that they had with the false teachers. Paul has expressed his tenderness and concern for their welfare whereas the false teachers were only interested in their own personal interests, not really caring for or about the Galatians.

He now goes back to the difference between the liberating simplicity of the gospel message and the imprisoning complexity of the message of the legalistic teachers. In this verse he begins an allegory equating being bound under a set of legal requirements with Ishmael, the son of Abraham through Hagar, and being free through the covenant of promise to Isaac, the son or Sarah. Ishmael was rejected by Abraham because he was not the son of promise whereas Isaac was accepted and blessed because he was the fulfillment of God’s promise.

Paul starts off this section of his letter with a rhetorical question. This question is addressed to “you who are determined to be under law.” Paul is pointing out to the Galatians that there is an inner drive of theirs which was compelling them to be under a strict set of rules and laws. This is an example of man’s attempt to please God through religion. No matter how strict the adherence to these rules and laws and no matter how sincere a person is in doing these things, he or she can not please God and can not be free.

The rhetorical question is, “do you not hear the law?” In other words, do you not hear what the law is telling you? Do you not understand how you are enslaving yourselves by trying to satisfy the requirements of the law? He will continue with his allegory in the following verses.

Application

Is it your desire to know God more completely and to live in a manner that will please Him? If so, then you must determine to do so through faith, not through obeying a set of rules or church ordinances.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Galatians 4:20 – Loving Doubt

Posted on December 21, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:20

²⁰I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.

Truth to Learn

Our message to the world needs to be concise and clear and it must be presented with the love of God.

Behind the Words

“I would like” is translated from the Greek verb “ēthelon,” a form of “thelo” meaning to will, wish, or desire, implying active volition and purpose. In this verse the verb is in the imperfect tense. This tense shows continual or repeated action in the past. Hence, Paul is saying “I have been wanting to be present with you …”

The word translated “tone” is a form of “phonē,” which is a derivative of the verb “phaō” meaning to shine. Hence, “phonē” has the meaning of a sound or tone given forth. According to the first century Greek writer and historian Plutarch, this word describes, “that which brings light upon that which is thought of in the mind.” It is most often translated as voice when applied to an intelligent being and as sound when applied to an inanimate object like a musical instrument.

The expression, “I have doubts” is from a form of “aporeō,” which is made up of “a” meaning no or not and “poreuomai” meaning to go from one place to another. Therefore, “aporeō” literally means no place to go or no way out. Figuratively it means to doubt or to be perplexed.

Meaning Explained

Paul is very much aware that the false teachers in Galatia have led astray those who were saved under his preaching and teaching ministry. It surely pained his heart to know they were being led into error and being turned against him. Paul had a genuine love for these saints, but he was also resolute in proclaiming the truth and challenging false doctrine. He has spoken in a very direct manner to the Galatian Christians and now expresses the fact that he has often wanted to be with them again.

Anyone who has sent an e-mail message which was misinterpreted by the recipient understands Paul’s feelings. A written message does not convey body language or vocal inflection, so it is difficult to ensure that the recipient is getting the message that the sender intends. Paul wanted to present a more conciliatory message to the Galatians, but he was perplexed as to why they would so easily turn from the simplicity of the gospel message to the bondage of legalism.

In the following few verses Paul will once again get very direct and forceful with the Galatians. If only he could have delivered the message in person, he is sure that he would be able to make them understand, and they would renounce the legalism that the false teachers were spreading.

Application

We need to proclaim the truth of the gospel to all who will listen but we must do so with the warmth and love of Jesus Christ Himself. Keep in mind what Paul told the Colossians:

Colossians 3:17 ¹⁷And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:19 – Spiritual Children

Posted on December 20, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:19

¹⁹My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,

Truth to Learn

Spiritually healthy Christians are constantly maturing to become more like Christ.

Behind the Words

“Little children” is from “teknia,” a diminutive form of “teknon,” the word for child. Therefore it refers to small or very young children.

The word “formed” is translated from the Greek word, “morphoō” from which we get our English equivalent morph, meaning to form into something new. In the current verse the word is in the passive voice meaning that it is action done to the subject (you) and it is in subjunctive mood indicating that it has the possibility of happening but it is not necessarily happening currently.

Meaning Explained

As any woman who has given birth will testify, it is hard work! That’s why they call it labor. Similarly, Paul had labored hard in delivering the gospel message to the Galatians even in the midst of physical infirmity as he told us in Galatians 4:11, 13. And attaining eternal life was referred to by our Lord as being born again:

John 3:3 ³Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

So Paul’s use of the imagery of birthing labor is fitting. But let’s not confuse the imagery with reality. Paul is not saying that the Galatians have to be “born again” again. That can only happen once. He is simply saying that the labor he is going through is of the same degree as when he first delivered the gospel message to them.

Because of his great love for the Christians in the Galatian churches, Paul refers to them as his children. Notice, however, that he refers to them as little children. This is an indication that they are still immature in their faith. The writer of Hebrews said a similar thing to the spiritually immature Jewish converts of the early church.

Hebrews 5:12, 13 ¹²For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. ¹³For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby.

And, Paul said of those whom God called to be His children;

Romans 8:29 ²⁹For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Application

God’s purpose for us as Christians is for us to continually mature spiritually. As we do, we become more like His Son. But, if we are not growing or are being led into doctrinal error, we are not maturing and spiritually we are still little children.

Are you growing as a Christian and becoming more Christ-like in your thoughts and actions?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:18 – Good Zeal

Posted on December 19, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:18

¹⁸But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you.

Truth to Learn

We should proclaim the gospel message with zeal, but we must ensure that we only proclaim the truth.

Behind the Words

As in the previous verse, the word translated “zealous” is a verb form of “dzelos.” But in the current verse this particular verb is an infinitive in the passive voice indicating that it is activity done to the subject of the sentence which is you (implied). So Paul is saying, “But it is always good to be zealously sought after when it is in regard to a good thing …”

Meaning Explained

Paul is once again using a turn of words to make his point with the Galatian Christians. In the previous verse he said that the false teachers were zealously pursuing the Galatians but not doing so for a good reason. He now says that it is good for someone to pursue you with zeal but only when it is for a good cause.

Paul may very well have given us a clue here as to the identity of these false teachers. At the time that Paul was writing this letter there was a group who had broken off from the Pharisees and organized into a formal party during the reign of Herod the Great (37 B.C. to 4 B.C.). This sect was largely responsible for the final rebellion against Rome from 66 to 73 A.D. The Jewish historian Josephus referred to them as the Zealots because of their fervent reverence for the Torah and hatred of non-Jews and Jews lacking in religious fervor. From around the time of the birth of Jesus Christ until the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., the Zealots used hatred and violence to express their opposition to anyone who conformed to Roman ways.

Since Paul’s message was one opposed to the Jewish adherence to the Law of Moses, it is clear that he would also have been a target of their vehemence. And because of Paul’s repetition of this descriptive word (zeal), it is quite likely that these same Zealots were the ones trying to steer the Christian believers in Galatia away from Paul’s teaching.

Notice, however, that Paul does not attack the false teachers, only their methods. In fact, he declares that being zealous in a good thing is always good just as Paul was zealous in preaching the gospel. He tells the Galatians, in effect:

“I do not desire that I should have the exclusive privilege of zealously courting you. Others may do so in my absence with my full approval, if only it is done in a good way (truthfully), and if Christ is faithfully preached.”

Application

We have a message of peace and freedom which we are to proclaim to the entire world. We should faithfully proclaim our message of Christ with determination and enthusiasm. But let us be careful that we proclaim only the truth as revealed to us in the Bible. Adding to the message, or spinning it in such a way as to make it say something that it doesn’t say, is simply wrong.

Instead of your way, do it His way, giving Him the glory!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:17 – Misplaced Zeal

Posted on December 18, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:17

¹⁷They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.

Truth to Learn

Motive and method are often intertwined. We need pastors and teachers who are not only sincere and enthusiastic, but also concerned above all else for our spiritual health.

Behind the Words

“They zealously court” is translated from “dzēlousin,” which is the verb form of the noun “dzelos,” meaning zeal. Hence this verb means to be filled with zeal or to act with zeal. What Paul is saying is that the legalistic teachers in the Galatian churches were zealously seeking to win over the people with their false teaching.

The expression “but for no good” is translated from “ou kalōs.” “Ou” is the absolute negative in Greek and “kalōs” means good or well. So this basically means not in a good way. So, in effect, what Paul is saying is that these false teachers were zealous of gathering a following but not doing so in a good or honorable manner or for a good or honorable purpose.

The word “want” is from a form of “thelō,” which means to desire with active intent or purpose. It is sometimes translated as “determine.” There is a similar word in Greek, “boulomai,” which means to wish or desire but not pressing on to execute that desire. These false teachers not only had a desire to mislead the Galatians but they were determined as well.

Finally, the word translated “exclude” is the word, “ekkleiō,” which literally means to shut out. This may be a play on words by Paul since he refers to Christians as having been chosen (eklegō) by God (Ephesians 1:4). Here, the false teachers are not choosing, but just the opposite – excluding.

Meaning Explained

Paul has just been talking about how the Galatians have seemingly rejected him and his message in favor of the legalistic doctrines of the false teachers among them. Now that he has made this rejection a clear point of discussion he goes on to show how it has come about.

The false teachers in Galatia certainly could not be accused of being complacent. They were energetic and hard charging in their efforts to teach their false doctrines. But unlike Paul, who had a genuine love for these people and desired to see them be followers of Christ, these false teachers wanted the people to follow them. Their zeal was not for the purpose of building up the church but of tearing it apart.

Paul even comes right out and alerts the Galatians as to what their ultimate goal is: they want to shut you out. There is some disagreement as to whether Paul means shut-out from fellowship with Paul or shut-out from fellowship with God. It doesn’t really matter. The point is that Paul has the best interests of the Galatian Christians in mind and the false teachers have their own best interests in mind.

Application

I’ve heard Christians who have been led astray by false teachers say, “Oh, but they are sincere in their teaching.” That may be so, but to be sincere, even zealous, does no one any good if they are sincerely wrong!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:16 – Truth or Consequences

Posted on December 17, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:16

¹⁶Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?

Truth to Learn

Holding to the truth of God’s Word is more important than being well liked.

Behind the Words

The word translated as “therefore” is “hōste,” which is best translated here as so then. It is the first word in this sentence in the Greek, and it serves to closely tie the previous clause with this one.

“Enemy” is translated from the Greek word “echthros,” which is from a primary verb meaning to hate. It is a very strong word used of someone who is strongly opposed to you, that is, someone who hates you. In fact, Christ used this very word in describing Satan as the enemy in his parable of the wheat and the tares in Matthew 13:39.

The phrase “tell the truth” is from the word “alētheuōn,” which is from the adjective “alēthēs,” made up of “a” meaning not and a form of “lanthanō,” meaning to hide. Hence, “alēthēs” literally means not hidden and is therefore applied to someone who is true or cannot lie. In the current verse, however, this word is used as a participle; so what Paul is saying, in effect, is “because I am truthing you” or “because I am being truthful to you.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has written this letter to the churches in Galatia because of a heresy which had begun to show-up in these churches. The basic problem was that some devout Jewish converts among the churches, perhaps former Pharisees, had been teaching them that they had to obey the Mosaic Law in order to secure their position with God. Paul, on the other hand, had taught them that their salvation and their continuing position in and relationship with God are wholly dependent on faith apart from the Law.

After they had succumbed to the deception of these false teachers, Paul had apparently communicated to the Galatian churches of their error and received back a report that they didn’t like him or his message. This was probably brought about by the false teachers themselves who claimed that Paul was the enemy of the church because he did not hold to the same doctrines that they taught.

But Paul’s message and style were always based on truth and love. Paul did not hold back the truth even though it may have been painful at times, and his affection for them is evidenced by the terms of endearment that he consistently uses for them. Regarding their current animosity toward him, Paul now asks the Galatian Christians, “Do you hate me now because I am proclaiming the truth?”

Application

Jesus said to those who held fast to His words, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). He didn’t promise them that the truth would make them popular. The world today doesn’t want to hear the truth of God’s word and Paul tells us in Romans 1:18 that God’s wrath will be upon those who suppress the truth. May we not be among them!

Let us steadfastly hold to the truth of God’s word and proclaim it without shame or fear and may God receive the glory!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:15 – Blessing and Honor

Posted on December 13, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:15

¹⁵What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.

Truth to Learn

The gospel message produces a blessed experience for the one receiving the truth, but all the glory goes to God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “blessing” is “markarismos,” which is closely related to “markarios” meaning possessing the favor of God, that state of being marked by fullness from God. However, the particular word used in the current verse is not one that means the state of being blessed, rather it means the state of one who has proclaimed oneself to be blessed. Paul’s point is not that the Galatians had been blessed by his initial preaching to them but that they claimed to have been blessed by his initial preaching.

As with the previous few verses, there is a variant reading on this verse depending on which manuscript is followed. Some manuscripts have, as we see in this translation, “What blessedness you had then,” and it likely is a statement, not a question. A greater number of manuscripts, however, have this as, “Where then is your blessedness?” In either case, it was not so much a blessedness that they had as much as a blessedness that they claimed to have.

Meaning Explained

Apparently, when Paul first preached the gospel message to the churches in Galatia, they received him and his message with great happiness. In fact, they claimed such a blessing at that time that they would have given their very eyesight to him. Some have deduced from this statement and the fact that verse thirteen talked about a physical infirmity that Paul must have been suffering from a problem with his eyes, perhaps a constantly oozing discharge.

There may be another more reasonable explanation, however. During the first century, there was a proverbial expression denoting the highest regard and strongest affection for a person. This expression involved proclaiming someone else as dearer than one’s own eyes or a willingness to give one’s eyes for the sake of the other person. This seems to make more sense in light of what Paul has been and will be talking about.

The Christians in Galatia had proclaimed such joy in receiving the gospel message of salvation and held Paul in such esteem that they would have given him their eyes. Now that they have been seduced by the false teaching of legalism, however, they appear to have rejected Paul and his message. But Paul did not take it personal; hence, his proclamation in verse twelve, “you have done me no harm.”

Application

When Paul delivered the gospel message and saw souls being saved, he did not take credit for the miracle of grace, he gave the glory to God. So now those who once rejoiced in their salvation do not insult Paul when they have turned from the simple truth to their legalistic practices. It is not their preacher that they harm, but themselves.

Let us continue to shine the light of the glorious gospel by witnessing it to those around us. And when we see souls being saved, let us give the glory to God; after all, He’s the one who deserves it.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:14 – Rejection or Blessing

Posted on December 12, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:14

¹⁴And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

Truth to Learn

Do not judge a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ by his appearance or his credentials. Judge him by his message.

Behind the Words

There is a variation in the manuscripts as to whether Paul says “my trial” or “your trial.” Most likely, “your trial” is the proper reading. The word “trial” is a form of the Greek word “peiradzō,” which refers to a trial, a temptation, or a putting to the test. This Greek word is used only in reference to people.

The word translated “reject” is a form of “ekptuō,” which is a compound word made up of “ek” which means out of and “ptuō” meaning to spit (most likely where we get our English slang “ptuey”). So, literally this word means to spit out, but it is often interpreted as reject. Perhaps in this verse, this word should be taken literally, however, since there was a custom in Paul’s day of spitting out at the sight of invalids, especially epileptics.

“Angelos” is the Greek word that is translated here as “angel.” The root meaning of the word, however, is a messenger and should likely be translated as such in this verse.

Meaning Explained

This is another verse that is difficult to interpret and is explained in different ways by even the most eminent of scholars. On the surface it appears that Paul is saying that the Galatian Christians did not despise or reject their trial which was in Paul’s flesh, but that doesn’t make much sense. How does one reject a trial? The interpretation that makes the most sense is that which is explained by Marvin R. Vincent, D.D. in his book Vincent’s Word Studies. He renders the previous verse and this one together in the following manner:

“Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel to you the first time, and [ye know] your temptation which was in my flesh: ye did not despise nor reject me, but received me.”

In other words, it was a real temptation for the Galatians to treat Paul with contempt and “spit out” at his appearance because of the physical infirmity that he was dealing with at the time. Instead of yielding to the temptation, however, they warmly received Paul even as they would naturally have received an angel of God. Paul reminds them that they received him and his message with eagerness, respect, and reverence because they recognized that his message truly was from God.

Application

Have you ever noticed that television and print commercials always use attractive, healthy individuals to portray their message? Even commercials for drugs don’t show someone who is sick or wracked with a diseased condition. Instead, they show someone who looks perfectly healthy, as if it is evidence that the drug has worked a miracle.

Paul could not help the way he appeared to the Galatians when he first preached the gospel message to them, and their natural reaction to him would have been one of rejection. But instead of rejecting him, they accepted him graciously, much to their benefit and to the glory of God.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:13 – Preached Through Pain

Posted on December 12, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:13

¹³You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first.

Truth to Learn

We tend to evaluate those who minister to us based on external factors. Instead, we should evaluate them on how close they stick to the truth and on how lovingly they deliver that truth to us, whether it hurts or not.

Behind the Words

“Because of” is translated from the Greek word “dia,” which is a preposition denoting the channel of an act or action. Its most basic meaning is through. Paul did not minister to the Galatians as a result of infirmity but in spite of it.

The word translated “infirmity” is “astheneia,” which is made up of “a,” meaning not or without, and a form of “sthenos,” meaning strength. Hence, it literally means without strength. This is the most comprehensive word used in Greek in reference to physical sickness of any kind. Paul makes an even stronger statement as to his physical infirmity by saying that it is “tēs sarkos,” meaning of the body.

In Greek the word “pro” means before or in front of. There are comparative (more than another) and superlative (the most of several) forms of this word of which “proteron” is the comparative. Hence, Paul is making reference to the former time in which he preached the gospel message to the Galatians. He may also be making a reference to the fact that he preached the gospel message to them before these false teachers taught their heresy to them.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told the Galatians “you have not injured me at all.” As we mentioned in our discussion of that verse, Paul is letting them know that he doesn’t take personal their apparent rejection of his preaching. In fact, he will show in this verse and the following that he was fully aware of the kindness that the Galatians showed to him when he first began to minister among them.

He reminds them here that he labored among them in preaching the gospel in the midst of physical infirmity. We are not told specifically what this infirmity was. Some believe that it was an eye infection that plagued him repeatedly while others believe that he was beset with recurring headaches. Whatever the malady, it very well may have been the thorn in the flesh that he talked about in 2 Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 12:7 ⁷And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.

And, in the next verse we will see that the Galatians were very kind to him and received him and his message in spite of the physical problems that he was facing.

Application

We are all guilty of judging people by how they look and how they make us feel. The most popular people tend to be the ones who are the most attractive and physically fit. And, the best liked preachers tend to be the ones who make us feel good.

In reality, the best ministers of the gospel are the ones who tell us the truth, in love, even when it hurts.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:12 – Be Like Me

Posted on December 10, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:12

¹²Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all.

Truth to Learn

We need to be a living example of our faith so that, like Paul, we can say, “Be like me.”

Behind the Words

“Become” is translated from a form of “ginomai,” which means to come into being or to become. In this particular case it is used in the imperative mood implying a command.

The Greek word translated “I urge” is “deomai” which literally means to be lacking of things or to need. Idiomatically, it means to make a request of another for something you need. Hence, it is often translated as “I beg.” In the current verse it is used in conjunction with the command form of “ginomai;” therefore, the translation as “I urge” is very appropriate.

The word “injured” is translated from a form of the word “adikos” which is made up of “a” meaning not and a form of “dikeō” meaning just or righteous. Hence, “adikos” refers to an injustice or harm that has been done to someone.

Meaning Explained

Though brief, this verse nonetheless appears obscure. There are nearly as many interpretations of it as there are interpreters. These tend to break down into three basic interpretations.

· You and I should be alike. Think of yourselves as just like me and I will think of myself to be just like you.

· Imitate me in rejecting the Jewish rites because I, having rejected these rites, was just like you when I preached the gospel to you.

· Imitate my example – though I am a Jew by birth, I have no more need of the Jewish rites than you do.

This last interpretation makes the most sense. The basic question that Paul has been addressing is whether or not a Christian is required to follow the Jewish rites and customs. Clearly, Paul has said, “No, we are not required to do so.” Hence, the expression, “I urge you to become like me” means that Paul wants the Galatian Christians to free themselves from these enslaving rituals just as he has done. Though born a Jew, Paul has been released from the shackles of tradition and legal obedience.

Paul’s expression, “for I became like you,” is his way of saying that although he grew up under the bondage of legalism and customs, he has rejected them even to the point of becoming like a Gentile as the Galatians were.

The last part of this verse is also a bit obscure. It appears that Paul is telling the people in the Galatian churches that even though they seem to have rejected Paul’s former teaching in favor of what the false teachers have led them to believe, he does not consider it a personal affront. He says, “I do not take your rejection of my teaching as personal.”

Application

Each of us, as a Christian, has a message to deliver to the world: “Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and you can know the forgiveness of your sins as I do.”

Do your actions and your attitude give them sufficient reason to want to be like you?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –