The Bible uses some harsh and pointed language. In Galatians 5, for example: 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify … More Too far?
In our passage in Galatians today (chapter 4) we read of our identity in Christ as sons of the “free woman.” What IS freedom, truly? John Piper has an analogy that demonstrates what true, full freedom means: Full freedom is what you have when no lack of opportunity, no lack of ability, and no lack … More Who are the freest people in the world?
To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is … More God does not commend contrary ways of salvation
John Piper: Paul’s response in Galatians 3:15–18 is this: There are among men (v. 15) and between God and man unalterable pacts. God made one with Abraham and his offspring. The pact was that the inheritance of salvation would come, not to all Abraham’s descendants, but to the seed, which is ultimately the Christ, and … More God does not contradict his covenant
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” John Piper on Galatians 2:20: What does it mean to … More What does it mean to be crucified with Christ?
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 ESV Five Steps Toward Walking by the Spirit by John Piper Let me conclude by mentioning five things that I think we must do so that it can be truly said that we are walking … More Walking by the Spirit
John Piper has this challenging word about the message of Galatians 3: Satan is continuously at work tempting us to think and feel that because we use God-talk, and come to church, and pray at meal times, and avoid gross sins, we are, therefore, under God’s blessing. But the book of Galatians concerns a group … More The continental divide between divine blessing and divine curse.
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 John Piper, in a sermon, “When Not To Believe an Angel” The most thrilling implication of verse 10 … More One person to be pleased in every decision of life
John Piper, in a sermon, “Do Not Grow Weary in Well-Doing” Probably the worst enemy of enthusiasm is time. Human beings have a remarkable and sad capacity for getting tired of wonderful things. Almost every one of you can think of something you were enthusiastic about recently, but now the joy is faded. Your first … More Weary?
Five Steps Toward Walking by the Spirit by John Piper Let me conclude by mentioning five things that I think we must do so that it can be truly said that we are walking by the Spirit. 1. Acknowledge First, we must acknowledge from our hearts that we are helpless to do good apart from … More John Piper: Walking by the Spirit
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 