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Hi OBS friends,
It’s week two of the Galatians Online Bible Study and I love seeing how you are engaging with the Word! It’s so encouraging — keep it up!
Jada asked us what beautiful words the Holy Spirit has been highlighting to us through this time. What have they been for you? Two words that have been pinging around in my soul are rejoice and freedom. Even in difficult times, even in exhaustion or confusion, even when we’re working so hard we can hardly keep standing, even when our knees are so sore from praying, we are free in Jesus Christ and we can rejoice in what He has done for us and continues to do! Amen?
I love that right off the bat this week we hear about Titus and Barnabas, two of my favorite stained glass people. Barney is otherwise known as Mr. Encouragement. In the Word, we find him being the hope-bringer, the guy who lifts people up, the one who urges you on, you know? He’s a booster, a prompter, a supporter, and friend in the best and worst of times.
Our brother, Paul, was Barney and Titus’ mentor. He taught them and led them, coached and guided in the ways of faith and following Jesus with boldness. They stuck together, like a small family because as believers that’s what we are: family!
Living for God is always done in community, never in isolation. ~ Jada
Discipleship is not just about companionship; it’s about letting people into your life. It’s the way that we all grow together. ~ Jada
When we don’t mesh into people walking with Jesus, we lose some of our fire. Don’t shoot the messenger here! It’s just the truth. The enemy is very very good at his job. He lies, he harasses us, he sends his minions to bug us with distractions, he messes with our relationships, whatever it takes to steal us away from our fire, our passion, our mission.
The enemy doesn’t care if you have freedom. If you’re not living like you’re free, then his plan can still be accomplished. ~ Jada
But, when we’re tied together with other believers, when we swim with a school of other little Jesus fishies, we’re much more likely to stay on task, to stay focused, to stay charged up to do what God has for us to do and to keep encouraging those around us to do the same!
When we live out our assignment, when we live out the thing God has called us to do for the reason that God has called us then we can hear from Him clearly and we only respond to what He is saying. ~ Jada
To them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. — Galatians 2:5
We can’t forget. We can’t slide away. We need each other. We need the fire to stay hot!
There will be people who will be disturbed by your freedom and they will try to find a way to destroy it. ~ Jada
I’m staying away from people, places, things, etc. that could drag me away or even inch me away or distort the truth or entice me to live like I’m not free. It’s just too dangerous!
Our lives are intended by God to bring hope to the world. If the enemy can shut us down by taunting us into forgetting our freedom, then hope dwindles worldwide. That’s how important you are!
When Peter was afraid of popular people groups, and even Mr. Encouragement, Barney, got swayed into worrying about what people thought more than what the gospel said, Paul lovingly knocked some sense into them! There can’t be any confusion. The gospel is it!
YOU are called. I am called. Don’t be silenced. Don’t be veered in direction. Don’t let the enemy hijack your freedom. Faith in Christ Jesus makes us completely clean in Him. All of us who believe in Him. All of our sin. No matter how nasty. Keep those facts in your head, friends!
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. — Galatians 2:20-21
Nothing defines me now but Jesus! He’s paid the price for me and for you. Now, that’s encouraging!
This week in your study:
- Then, watch the video for session two of Galatians on our study home page and take notes in your study guide on pages 29-35 and stick around to go through the questions afterward!
- Grab your Bible and enjoy your personal study this week on pages 37-46.
- Join the conversations about this week’s teaching and get to know our community in our private Facebook group.
Scriptures this Week
Galatians 2:1-2
Galatians 2:3
Galatians 2:5
Galatians 2:6
Galatians 2:11-14
Galatians 2:15-16
James 2:10
Galatians 2:17-19
Galatians 2:20-21
Prayer for the Week
Jesus, we love You! Set us on fire, Lord! Keep freedom on our lips daily, hourly. Remind us that in You there is no difference between us. Help us to keep each other accountable and to train one another up in Your Word, to fire each other up constantly, to remain faithful to You as a family, arm in arm, linked together. Help us to link together to keep the stragglers from falling away where they might be dragged off and devoured. We want to protect our brothers and sisters in Jesus. We love You, Lord! Amen.
