Lessons

The lesson on September 1, 2013 continued in the study of “Galatians” with part 20 and looked more into chapter 5.  As usual, Wayne gave a review of the previous lessons and then he looked at why Paul was talking to the Galatians regarding the power of circumcision in regards to salvation.  Circumcision had no power in the spirit but had huge significance in the flesh.  He was emphasizing that they were saved by grace through faith and he was opposing circumcision and receiving persecution because of it. Paul would not accept going back to the law because he wanted to move forward.  Biblical Christianity is the only religion that brings forth the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith!  We looked at the “troubler” and the “restorer” which provided the motivation for this week’s artwork.  After Acts 28, Paul referenced these troublers in Philippians 3:2 where he emphasized that we are now circumcised spiritually.  Wayne also looked at the two natures you have after you are saved.  The old man, which is the flesh, and the new man, which is the gift from God and is perfect.  These two are contrary from each other and are at war immediately. We have been given free will which is contrary to the beliefs of the Calvinist faith which we looked at through the acronym of TULIP.  The scripture reading was in Galatians 5:11-18 KJV “11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. 12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you. 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.”