Underlying the word good in the New Testament are two Greek words, agathos and kalos, the former of which is used in Galatians 5, which we are considering presently. Both are general words that describe something of desirable quality. One has said that agathos envisions something to be good in terms of its results, while kalos names the sort of […]
» Read moreUnto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. – Psalm 112:4-5 We know within ourselves the difference between a favorable person and an unfavorable person. One is warm and friendly; the other is not ready to […]
» Read moreWhen was the last time you appreciated it when an acquaintance angrily snapped at you simply because of a misunderstanding of your words? When have you rejoiced over someone’s folding under the pressure of a trial? On the other hand, how can we not have joy in our hearts when we see a faithful believer endure until the end of […]
» Read moreAs believers, we are confident to know that relationally “being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is absolute, unconditional, and unchanging. Yet it is often much more difficult to come into the enjoyment of that peace, that is, the peace of God rather than peace with God. Basically, in each one of […]
» Read moreWhen was the last time you felt satisfied with a Christianity that was miserable, groggy, and depressing? Surely none of us feel satisfied with it; even so, we put up with it, thinking there is no other option. Sadly we hear all too often the phrase “Life sucks” coming out of our mouths, because we think that it is all […]
» Read moreThe word used for love in Galatians 5 is agape. The Lord Jesus said “Greater love (agape) has no man than this: that a man would lay down his life for his friends,” which tells us that this kind of love in its fullest, purest form is sacrificial in nature. (“Love is patient. Love is kind….”). Another word for love […]
» Read moreAs every mature Christian knows, sanctification is both from and toward. It is a very basic principle of life: one cannot both make progress and remain stationary. He must move forward from his current position that he might find another. So far in our look at Galatians 5 we have seen the “from” aspect of our profession, but where do […]
» Read morePaul ends his section on specific works of the flesh by saying “Of the which I tell you before (forewarn) as I have told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.” It is a solemn reminder that conversion is no light thing, but rather it is marked by total distinction […]
» Read moreAt the end of our list of deeds which the flesh produces, we find the phrase “and such like,” meaning there are many more deeds which could have been listed. And perhaps the reader comes to that phrase and asks himself “What more could there be?” The question is an important one, because we need to understand that though a […]
» Read moreBefore coming to the solemn and weighty subject of alcohol and its effects, we need to be aware of the fact that differing views exist as to its use. Yet there is no way to cater to all beliefs, and even if there was a way, we would betray Scripture to say that all views are equally valid. We need […]
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