Galatians (Life Application Bible Commentary | LABC)
Overview
Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians is called the charter of Christian freedom. In it Paul proclaims the reality of believers’ liberty in Christ-freedom from the law and the power of sin, and freedom to serve the living Lord. As you study this letter, you will discover that Paul’s message to the Galatians is the same for us: “You are free from the law; salvation is by faith alone. But that means you are free to serve Christ. Don’t leave the slavery of the law only to become slaves of sin!” We have been freed to serve the risen Christ.
The Life Application Bible Commentary series provides verse-by-verse explanation, background, and application for every verse in the New Testament. In addition, it gives personal help, teaching notes, and sermon ideas that will address needs, answer questions, and provide insight for applying God’s Word to life today. The content is highlighted so that particular verses and phrases are easy to find.
Each volume contains three sections: introduction, commentary, and reference. The introduction includes an overview of the book, the book’s historical context, a timeline, cultural background information, major themes, an overview map, and an explanation about the author and audience.
The commentary section includes running commentary on the Bible text with reference to several modern versions, especially the New International Version and the New Revised Standard Version, accompanied by life applications interspersed throughout. Additional elements include charts, diagrams, maps, and illustrations. There are also insightful quotes from church leaders and theologians such as John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Wesley, A. W. Tozer, and C. S. Lewis. These features are designed to help you quickly grasp the biblical information and be prepared to communicate it to others. The reference section includes a bibliography.
Top Highlights
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“If you want the qualities listed in 5:22–23, then you know that the Holy Spirit is leading you. At the same time, be careful not to confuse all of your subjective feelings with the Spirit’s leading. Being led by the Holy Spirit involves the desire to hear and the readiness to obey God’s Word so that you can discern between your feelings and God’s promptings. Live each day controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit. Then the words of Christ will be in your mind, the love of Christ will be behind your actions, and the power of Christ will help you control your selfish desires.” (Page 177) |
“The strategy for removing the divisiveness that marred the Galatian church was to serve one another in love, but that too was humanly impossible. People cannot, in their own power, show love to all people at all times. But God has provided the means to meet his commands—the Holy Spirit.” (Page 177)
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“We must graciously but firmly resist those who would enslave us with rules, methods, or special conditions for being saved or growing in Christ. Don’t let anyone enslave you.” (Page 156) |
“It is discouraging to continue to do good and serve God while receiving no word of thanks and seeing no tangible results. But results take time. Jesus pointed out to the disciples that months elapse between planting and harvesting (John 4:35). To continue the analogy of sowing and reaping, a farmer will have no harvest to reap if he becomes too weary to labor in the fields or if he gives up altogether. The harvest will not reap itself. Every aspect of farming, planting, maintaining, and finally the harvesting takes hard work. So, too, believers must not become weary and give up when they follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance, grow spiritually, and do good for God’s kingdom. While it may seem at times like a losing battle, we are assured that at the proper time we will reap a harvest.” (Pages 210–211)
- Title: Galatians
- Author: Bruce B. Barton
- Series: Life Application Bible Commentary
- Publisher: Tyndale
- Print Publication Date: 1994
- Logos Release Date: 2002
- Pages: 221
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. N.T. Galatians › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9780842330268, 0842330267
- Resource ID: LLS:29.53.10
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-28T20:03:32Z