Paul was concerned about the Galatians because they had been so joyful and now they were sad because of the things false teachers wanted them to believe. Paul explained how God's covenant with Abram (Gen 15-17 Jan 5th) and the birth of his two sons related to being a slave and being free.
Paul urged the Galatians to stand firm so they didn't go back to being slaves by going back to the law without faith. Paul said, "For the whole Law is summed up in one commandment: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself.""(5:14) He urged them to let the Spirit direct their lives. The Spirit wants the opposite of what human nature wants. If you follow the Spirit you won't need the Law. Human nature shows itself by fighting, jealousy, rage, ambition, separation, drunkeness, orgies and sexual immorality, witchcraft, idolworship - these actions will keep people out of the Kingdom of God. Opposite all that chaos is what the Spirit produces: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. There's no law against any of these.
If someone is caught up in wrongdoing, they should be gently reminded to listen to the Spirit. Everyone should judge for themselves whether they are living according to the Law but not compare themselves with anyone else. Believers need to inspire each other and bring out the best in each other. We can help each other to live better. You get exactly what you give. If you want good, do good, but it takes time. Paul signed off with a final warning about the false teachers and wished them the Lord's grace.
Ephesians
Paul greeted the Ephesians warmly. Paul encouraged the Ephesians to thank God for all the spiritual blessings He had bestowed on them. Before the world was made, God chose us to be His through our acceptance of Christ. Paul said, "Let us praise God for His glorious grace, for the free gift He gave us in His dear Son." (1:6) From the beginning, God planned for us to be His own people in union with Christ. When the time is right, God will bring all creation together under Christ. When you believed in Christ, God gave you His stamp of ownership by giving you the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit inside you is a guarantee that God will keep His promise to you.
Tomorrow read Ephesians 1:15-5:14
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