S – Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ³ For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. ⁴ But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor

Galatians 6:2–4.

O – Commentary:

“Bear burdens” in this context must include helping a fellow Christian deal with sins (6:1). Many take “law of Christ” as referring to a saying of Jesus; others argue that in the context of Galatians it more likely refers to his example and the character of Jesus imparted by the Spirit (2:20; 5:14).

6:3. Philosophers also warned about the ignorant thinking themselves to be someone when they were nothing

 Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2014), 539.

A – It is dangerous to think we are something, when we are actually not that.  Arrogance and pride will keep us from seeing our true selves.  Then, it will then disrupt our ability to see others clearly. Both attitudes protect and urge us to keep the things in our lives that bring distance from God and others.  We need to examine ourselves soberly and surrender all of it to God.

R- Heavenly Father, we surrender to you today.  Examine our hearts, attitudes and motives today.  If there are things that are protecting areas of our lives that need to be given to you, expose them to us.  We want to eliminate anything that would hinder our relationship with you today.

S – For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another

Galatians 5:13 ESV

O – Commentary:

Having shown that justification comes by faith alone, Paul now addresses the question, “If we don’t keep the law, then what will guide our conduct?” His answer is that righteousness comes from the Spirit. The Judaizers probably warned that Paul’s message of freedom (5:1) would put believers on a slippery slope to moral ruin. Paul argues that freedom is not a license to sin, because love guides Christians. Liberty should be used to serve one another in love

 New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Ga 5:13–6:10.

A – In Christ, we are granted freedom from sin and other things that keep us in bondage.  That freedom is our testimony to others so they will want to know God in the same way.  The lithmus test is how our freedom results in thoughts, words and actions and their alignment with God’s heart and character.  If they align, we are emulating Christ.  If not, we need to evaluate whether it is for our own selfish motives.  The journey of growing in Christ is continuing to move in the freedom He provides as we become more like Him.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the foundation of love in our lives.  Thank you for displaying your love to us in our relationship with you.  Help us to emulate it to others so they can choose you as their Savior.  Empower our thoughts, words and actions to align with you today.

S – And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” ⁷ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. 

Galatians 4:6–7 ESV

O – Commentary:

God the Father not only “sent His Son”; He also sent the Spirit. Thus the full Trinity is involved in the work of salvation. The Holy Spirit is a gift of God to every believer because of sonship. No sons or daughters lack the Spirit. Further, He is present within each believer’s heart to give evidence of that one’s position in God’s family. The Spirit moves the believer to pray to God, addressing Him as Abba, Father (cf. Rom. 8:15). The word “Abba” is the Aramaic word for “Father.” It is the diminutive form used by small children in addressing their fathers. It is appropriate to see its similarity to the English word “Daddy.” Used by Christ (cf. Mark 14:36), this familiar form indicates intimacy and trust as opposed to the formalism of legalism.

4:7. To conclude, Paul declared that the Galatians were no longer slaves, but were sons and heirs. The plural forms in verse 6 were replaced by the singular forms in verse 7 thus making the application to the reader direct and personal. In God’s family, sonship carries with it heirship (cf. Rom. 8:17

 Donald K. Campbell, “Galatians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 601–602.

A – Two foundational principles in these verses.  First, as children of God, each of us receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  This is promised by Jesus and is evident of our salvation experience that establishes our relationship with God.  Secondly, we are heir to all that God has for us.  We are part of God’s family.  Both of these are crucial for us to know who we are and whose we are in Christ.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Thank you for loving us so much that Jesus would die for our sins.  This gives us a path to you through relationship.  We are also grateful that in that relationship you call us your own and empower us with the Holy Spirit to walk with you.  

S – There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. 

Galatians 3:28–29 ESV

O – Commentary:

neither Jew nor Greek Paul emphasizes that the standard categories that often divide people—race, social status, gender—do not apply to those who are in Christ. It is not that such criteria cease to exist; rather, these distinctions are not grounds for exclusion from the life that God offers to all people in Christ. Because God is one (v. 20), He seeks to establish through Christ a single, unified family.

3:29 descendants of Abraham Faith is what makes a person a descendant of Abraham—not ethnicity or circumcision. Those who have aligned themselves with Abrahamic faith are not obligated to become circumcised or to observe the law, both of which came later. Paul sees the work of Christ as the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham

 John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ga 3:28–29.

A – It is easy to “exclude” people in our lives today because others are different.  Paul challenges us not to see people through our own exceptions but in the same value that God sees them.  Christ is the central piece in our ability to come together in unity.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the creator of all people.  Thank you for creating each of us unique and valuable in your sight.  Empower us to value and love each person we encounter today.  We invite your Holy Spirit to work in us as we build those relationships that honor you.

S – “…and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.”

Galatians 2:9 ESV

O – Commentary:

This was sealed by James, Peter, and John in their extending to Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship. This was a sign of agreement and trust and an indication to all present that they endorsed the division of labor whereby the Jerusalem apostles were appointed to evangelize the Jews and Paul was entrusted to carry the gospel to the Gentiles.

 Donald K. Campbell, “Galatians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 594.

A – As someone who has been a Christian for a long time, the phrase “right hand of fellowship” usually has a negative connotation.  In its proper context, it actually means agreement and and trust.  In this case, the same gospel will be preached but to different people groups – Jews and Gentiles.  It changed the world.  

R – Heavenly Father, we surrender and worship You.  We are grateful that your Word and love for us was conveyed so we could choose you as our Lord and Savior.  Thank you for a gospel that is available to all people with no limitations.

S – They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” ²⁴ And they glorified God because of me. 

Galatians 1:23–24 ESV

O – Commentary:

The churches in Judea by this time had almost forgotten Paul. The only report they had recently heard was that this one who had once persecuted the church was now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy. This would of course include the doctrine of justification by faith apart from circumcision or works. And in the face of this report the Judean believers praised God because of Paul. This was a telling blow to the false teachers. The Jewish Christians in Judea rejoiced in the same gospel the Judaizers sought to undermine

 Donald K. Campbell, “Galatians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 592.

A – There is something special that happens when one accepts Christ.  Those who knew them before get to see the transformation of God’s love impacting the “old person” and transforming them into a new creation.  Paul went from a persecutor to a preacher.  He does the same thing in us.  Even if your job isn’t a pastor, you are now a minister sharing the good news with others.  Your message is to the people you come in contact with each day.  They will see the difference and it makes an impact on those around you.

R – Heavenly Father, you are our Savior and salvation.  Thank you for allowing us to know and be in relationship with you.  Continue to transform us into the person that will bring you honor and glory in every aspect of our lives.  

S – And in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth day of the month, Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he began to reign, graciously freed Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison. ³² And he spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat above the seats of the kings who were with him in Babylon

Jeremiah  52:31–32 ESV

O – Commentary:

Jehoiachin became the “firstfruits” of those in captivity in Babylon. In the 37th year of Jehoiachin’s exile (561–560 b.c.) Evil-Merodach became king of Babylon. As part of the festivities at the end of his accession year he released Jehoiachin … from prison on the 25th day of the 12th month (March 21, 560 b.c.). Jehoiachin was allowed to eat regularly at the king’s table. Just as Jeremiah’s prophecies of destruction had come true, so now his prophecies of future blessing were beginning. Jehoiachin’s favor gave hope to the exiles that God’s promised blessing and restoration would come

 Charles H. Dyer, “Jeremiah,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1206.

A – God did exactly what he promised in the destruction and exile of Israel.  And…he did exactly what he promised in that the would begin again.  We need to recognize that God has season in our life for both blessing and challenge.  Neither will last longer than needed nor will they be exclusive in our lives.  Both happen to good, loving followers of Christ.  The questions we need to answer are –  What will our faith be in either season?  Will we step toward God or step back?

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Supreme God and you have no equal.  No matter the season we are in today, we choose to step toward you with full faith and trust.  We know that you are working for our good.  Thank you for loving us like you do today.

S – Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the mainstay of their might.

 Je 49:35 ESV

O – Commentary:

This prophecy was given early in the reign of Zedekiah, about 597 b.c. God promised to break the bow of Elam which He called the mainstay of their might.

 Charles H. Dyer, “Jeremiah,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1199.

A – God gives us great talents and skills.  He can take them away just as quickly.  When we begin to trust our own gifts, talents, intellect, and personality more than God, we have a problem.  We become self sufficient and not God reliant.  When we rely on him, we get to use all of those qualities and add the unlimited power of God to it.  Choose God today!

R – Heavenly Father, you are give us all we need.  We invite you to take all that you have poured into us and multiply it with your presence and power today.  Empower us to be led by your Holy Spirit as we face each person and situation.  We rely on you before ourselves.

S – “Moab has been at ease from his youth and has settled on his dregs; he has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, nor has he gone into exile; so his taste remains in him, and his scent is not changed

Jeremiah 48:11 ESV

O – Commentary:

Moab’s history was one of relative peace. She had been at rest from her youth. Jeremiah compared her to wine left on its dregs that had not been poured from one jar to another. In making wine, first the grapes were stomped, then the juice was placed into bottles or skins and allowed to ferment. During this time the sediment, or dregs, would settle to the bottom. After 40 days the fermented wine was carefully poured into another container to separate it from the dregs. If the dregs were allowed to remain, the wine became too sweet and thick and was spoiled. This object lesson from nature was ultimately applied to people who had become too complacent (cf. Zeph. 1:12)

Charles H. Dyer, “Jeremiah,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1195.

A – Complacency is defined as, “a state of self-satisfaction accompanied by unawareness of potential dangers risks or deficiencies.”  Our relationship with God cannot have these qualities.  Our fulfillment comes in knowing and serving God.  We must be active, vigilant and ready to move toward the hard situations.  Even when God commands us to rest, there is intentionality and purpose in it. This is a great reminder now to be “unaware” as we approach today.

R – Heavenly Father, you are our Creator.  You knew and formed us with a purpose.  Empower us today to accomplish every thing you will for us.  In action or in rest, you are molding us into the person of character and heart that reflects you.  Let our day be an illustration of that love you show us so we can show others.

S – Fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the Lord, for I am with you. I will make a full end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.” 

Jeremiah 46:28 ESV

O – Commentary:

In contrast with Egypt, who would be taken into exile, Israel was not to fear or be dismayed. She could rejoice because God promised to return her people from … exile. Israel could look forward to a time when she would enjoy peace and security. Though she too went into exile, God vowed that He would not completely destroy her. A remnant would survive to again receive God’s blessings 

 Charles H. Dyer, “Jeremiah,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1194.

A – God talks about defeat by the hands of the Babylonians and death for a good portion of Israel.  Yet, in the end he still promises there will not be a total destruction.  A small portion will survive.  In our lives when things are at their worst, we can know that we will not be “destroyed.”  We may be tested or even punished for our actions by God, but He will not destroy us.  He is the Hope of Glory. That gives us even the smallest faith to move forward with confidence that He is with us an working on our behalf.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Hope of Glory.  Whatever we are facing today, you give us the faith we need to stay close to you.  Do the pruning or disciplining in us – we want to eliminate the sin or distractions.  Empower us through this time of testing or discipline so we can be strong in our faith in you.