Tag: Galatians

Backsliding

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This book was written to correct the fickle Galatians from further backsliding and following the legalizing, Judaizing teachers from Judea; and to set them straight regarding the relation of Christians of the new covenant with the Jews of the old covenant.

Many people believe once saved, always saved. A theory that satan caused to remove accountability. The theory that God will not punish, judge, and condemn His people when they backslide and persist in sin and rebellion has no foundation in any attribute, act, promise, prophecy, covenant, or revelation of God. He has been just and good to all in all ages, blessing men when they obey and cursing the same men when they disobey. He is completely impartial; nothing can cause Him to act contrary His nature as He has revealed it. God has given hundreds of warnings for men not to backslide lest they die in their sin and rebellion and suffer the fate of all sinners. He has given many examples of angels, demons, and men who have actually suffered and will yet suffer such destiny. There are many things that God promises to do: To pluck the disobedient and curse with many curses (Deut. 28:15-68; Luke 21:20-24). To break off and cut off branches in Christ who refuse to bear fruit (Rom. 11:17-22; John 15:1-6). To blot names out of the book of life (Ex. 32:32-33; Ps. 69:28; Rev. 3:5). To charge sin to the guilty, and by no means clear them unless they repent (Ex. 34:6-7; Rom. 11:22-24). To cast out of His sight (1Kin. 9:7; 2Kin. 24:20; 2Ch. 7:19-22; Jer. 7:15; 15:1; 23:39). To cast away (Hos. 9:17; Rom. 11:15; 2Cor. 9:1-15). To cast out as fit for nothing (Mat. 5:13; Luke 14:34-35). To cast out as unprofitable servants (Mat. 25:30). To cast down to hell (2Pet. 2:4-6; Jude 1:5-7; Acts 1:25). To cut off from His presence (Lev. 22:3; 2Kin. 17:1-41; Luke 21:20-24). To destroy (Jer. 12:17; 2Cor. 3:16-17; 10:1-13; Jude 1:5-7). To deny men (2Tim. 2:12). To forgive only when men repent (Lev. 26:40-42; 1Jn. 1:9). To give up on people who once knew Him (Rom. 1:21-32). To permit the once saved to be lost when they go into sin (John 17:12). To pass eternal death sentence on righteous who turn to sin (Ezek. 3:20; 18:4, 24; 33:12-18; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13). To render justice to every person according to his deeds (Pro. 24:12, 29; Psa. 62:12; Rom. 2:6).

There are many simple statements in Scripture revealing man’s part in his own damnation or salvation. It is not God’s will for anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance (John 3:16; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17). If people will not meet God’s terms, they will be lost (Mark 16:16; John 3:3, 5; Pro. 1:24-31); and if any turn away from the Lord after salvation, and persist in rebellion until death, He is not responsible. The fact that all are not going to be saved proves that man does have a part in the matter. If any man fails to be saved, it is his own fault, not God’s fault.

In the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ

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Galatians 6:14-18 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availed any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. To the Galatians written from Rome. 

‘God forbid that I should glory.’ The last occurrence of this phrase. Glorification must always be unto God, never to oneself.

‘Save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.’ Others may glory in circumcision, rituals, and a great show of converts to an easy religion, but I will glory only in the cross of Jesus Christ. Those former things are empty, worthless and crucified to them by the cross. Nothing avails anything, but a new creation in Christ (6:15; 2Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 2:10; 4:23-24; Col. 3:10).

‘Rule’ [Greek: kanon] canon, rule of Christianity. This rule is that redemption is through Jesus Christ apart from circumcision, sabbath-keeping, and all the law of Moses (1:6-8; 2:15-21; 3:13-14, 19-29; 4:1-10; 5:1-7, 11; 6:12-15).

‘And upon the Israel of God.’ This Israel of God is made up of the true Jews who accept this rule along with the Gentiles (Rom. 2:29; 9:6).

‘Marks’ [Greek: stigma] Slaves were branded. So, Paul, as a slave, bore the marks of his slave service. They gloried in their circumcision mark (6:12-13), but Paul said he will glory in his marks of suffering for Jesus Christ (2Cor. 11:23-28).

A Fair Show in the Flesh

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Galatians 6:11-13 You see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 

‘Letter’ [Greek: gramma] that which is written; letters of the alphabet (Luke 23:38; John 7:15; Rom. 2:27, 29; 6:6; 2Cor. 3:6); letters or epistles (Acts 28:21); books (John 5:47; 2Cor. 3:7); bill or receipt (Luke 16:6-7); and Scriptures (2Tim. 3:15). This verse refers to the fact that Paul had written this whole epistle by himself. He had written larger epistles but had dictated them to others. That he was nearly blind and this verse refers to the large characters of the alphabet he used in the epistle is not supported by any MSS or any fact in Scripture. In Paul’s day, all writing was in uncial characters (like the capital letters we use), only they were about an inch high. If he needed to write bigger letters, he could not see to write at all.

‘Make a fair show in the flesh.’ This refers to circumcision and the outward rituals of Judaism that any unsaved man could keep without being restricted otherwise. Weak Christians were tempted to go back to Judaism because they could escape persecution and more easily conform to the requirements (6:12-13). Circumcision, which was a part of the Abrahamic covenant, was a sign of the promised Redeemer out of the loins of Abraham, and of His works for all who wished to put off the sins of the flesh and serve God as new creatures. The word “circumcision” came to be synonymous with Jews (2:9; Rom. 3:30; 4:9;). Since Christ came, circumcision avails nothing (5:6; Col. 3:11). Christian circumcision is in the heart or spirit, not in the flesh (Rom. 2:28-29; 1Cor. 7:19; Php. 3:3; Col. 2:11)

Whatsoever a Man Sow

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Galatians 6:6-10 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sow, that shall he also reap. For he that sow to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sow to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 

‘Communicate’ [Greek: koinoneo] share with; be partaker of (Rom. 15:27; 1Tim. 5:22; Heb. 2:14; 1Pet. 4:13; 2Jn. 1:11); communicate and distribute (Rom. 12:13; Gal. 6:6; Php. 4:15). It refers to the material support of the ministry.

‘Mocked’ [Greek: mukterizomai] to turn up the nose at.

‘For whatsoever a man sow, that shall he also reap …’ This is the 2nd and last New Testament prophecy in Galatians (5:7-9). This is an unfailing and unchangeable law (Gen. 1:11-12, 21, 24-25, 29).

‘For he that sow to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sow to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.’ Just as surely as everything in nature reproduces after its kind, harvests being as sure as the sowings, so every man will reap what he sows and be responsible for his own destiny (6:7-8). It is folly to talk about reaping eternal life when one sows to the flesh (5:19-21; 6:8; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Rom. 1:29-32). It is equal folly to talk about being lost if one sows to the Spirit.

‘Weary’ [Greek: ekkakeo] to lose heart. Translated “faint” (Luke 18:1; 2Cor. 4:1, 4:16; Eph. 3:13) and “weary” (6:9; 2Thess. 3:13).

‘Due season.’ In the proper season, harvests are sure (6:7-8).

‘Faint not’ [Greek: ekluo] to become exhausted, beginning to lie down like sheep abandoned by shepherds. (John 7:49).

‘Let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ Thirteen commands (5:25-6:10): Let us walk in the Spirit (5:25). Let us not desire vainglory (5:26). Let us not provoke one another (5:26). Let us not envy one another (5:26). Restore a sinning brother (6:1). Consider self not above falling (6:1). Bear burdens of others (6:2). Test your own work (6:4). Bear your own responsibility (6:5). Support the ministry (6:6). Be not deceived (6:7). Be not weary in well-doing (6:9). Do good to all people (6:10).

In the Spirit of Meekness

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Galatians 6:1-5 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear you one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. 

‘Overtaken’ [Greek: prolambano] found out or detected.

‘Fault’ [Greek: paraptoma] a falling aside, when one should have stood upright; a moral fall; a fall from truth and grace.

‘Spiritual’ [Greek: pneumatikos] non-carnal; religious; or spiritual.

‘Restore’ [Greek: katartizo] to adjust; put in order again; restore; repair; settle by mediation. It means to bring back to his place in Christ and in grace.

‘Spirit of meekness’ [Greek: praotes] the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent, even balanced in tempers and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge.

‘Considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.’ Do not exalt yourself as being above the same fall (1Cor. 10:13; 13:1-13).

‘Bear you one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.’ Sympathize, show mercy and love, and do not brow-beat a fallen brother, and so fulfil the law of Christ (6:1-2; John 13:34; 15:12).

‘Think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.’ Bigotry, intolerance, and conceit rebuked (6:3-4; Isa. 65:5; Mark 2:16; Luke 18:9-14; Acts 10:28, 45; Rom. 3:1-23). Examples of bigotry: Joshua (Num. 11:27-29); some Jews (John 4:9, 27; 9:28-34); some Samaritans (Luke 9:52-53); the disciples (Matt. 19:13; Luke 9:49-56); Saul (Acts 9:1-5; 22:3-4; 26:9); some early Christians (Acts 11:1-3).

‘Prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.’ Test his own work and conduct by the law of Christ and not by others, and he will find out just what he has in himself to boast about (6:2-4).

‘Burden’ [Greek: phortion] load, responsibility (Matt. 11:30; 23:4; Luke 11:46). Every man must do this for himself, but one can help share the baros (burden, Gal. 6:2), grief, misery, and pressure of another.

The Fruit of the Spirit

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Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. 

‘Fruit of the Spirit is …’ The nine-fold fruit of the Spirit (5:22-23): Love. [Greek: agape] divine love. A strong, ardent, tender, compassionate, devotion to the well-being of someone (1Cor. 13:4-8). Joy. [Greek: chara] the emotional excitement, gladness, delight over blessings received or expected for oneself and others. Peace. [Greek: eirene] the state of quietness, rest, repose, harmony, order, and security during turmoil, strife, and temptations. Longsuffering. [Greek: makrothumia] patient endurance; to bear long with the frailties, offences, injuries, and provocations of others, without murmuring, repining, or resentment (1Cor. 13:4-7; 2Cor. 6:4-6; Eph. 4:1-2; Col. 1:11; 3:12-13; 1Tim. 1:16; 2Tim. 3:10; 4:2). Gentleness. [Greek: chrestotes] a disposition to be gentle, soft-spoken, kind, even-tempered, cultured, and refined in character and conduct (2Tim. 2:24-26; Tit. 3:1-2; Jas. 3:17). Goodness. [Greek: agathosune] the state of being good, kind, virtuous, benevolent, generous, and God-like in life and conduct (Ex. 33:19; 34:6; Ps. 23:6; 31:19; 33:5; 107:9; Rom. 2:4; Eph. 5:9; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:27-32). Faith. [Greek: pistis] the living, divinely implanted, acquired, and created principle of inward and wholehearted confidence, assurance, trust, and reliance in God and all that He says. Meekness. [Greek: praotes] the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent, even balanced in tempers and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge. Temperance. [Greek: engkrateia] self-control; a moderation in the indulgence of the appetites and passions (Pro. 23:1-3; 25:16; Dan. 1:8-16; Rom. 13:14; 2Cor. 9:1-15 :25-27; Php. 4:5; 1Thess. 5:6-8; Tit. 2:2-3, 11-12; 2Pet. 1:5-10).

‘Against such there is no law.’ No law can condemn one with the fruit of the Spirit. Law only condemns sin, not righteousness (Rom. 3:19-20; 7:13; Gal. 3:19; 1Tim. 1:9-10).

‘They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.’ All true Christians have done this (2Cor. 5:17-18; Rom. 6:6-23; 8:1-13).

‘Desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.’ Three common temptations of saints: Desirous of vain glory (5:13; 6:12-13; Php. 2:1-3; Col. 2:18). Provoking one another (Php. 2:1-3; Eph. 4:31-32; Col. 3:8-10). Envying one another (Rom. 13:13; 1Cor. 3:3; 2Cor. 12:20; 1Tim. 6:4; Tit. 3:1-15; Jas. 3:14-16; 1Pet. 2:1).

The Works of the Flesh Part 1

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Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 

‘Works of the flesh are manifest, which are these …’ There are seventeen works of the flesh noted here: Adultery. [Greek: moicheia] unlawful sexual relations between men and women, single or married (5:19; Matt. 15:19; Mark 7:21; John 8:3). Fornication. [Greek: porneia] same as adultery above besides all manner of other unlawful relations (Matt. 5:32). Uncleanness. [Greek: akatharsia] whatever is opposite of purity; including sodomy, homosexuality, lesbianism, pederasty, bestiality, and all other forms of sexual perversion (5:19; Matt. 23:27; Rom. 1:21-32; 6:19; 2Cor. 12:21; Eph. 4:19; 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1Thess. 2:3; 4:7; 2Pet. 2:1-22). Lasciviousness. [Greek: aselgeia] licentiousness, lustfulness, unchastity, and lewdness. Translated “lasciviousness” (5:19; Mark 7:22; 2Cor. 12:21; Eph. 4:19; 1Pet. 4:3; Jude 1:4); “wantonness” (Rom. 13:13; 2Pet. 2:18); and “filthy” (2Pet. 2:7). Lasciviousness is the promoting or partaking of that which tends to produce lewd emotions, anything tending to foster sex sin and lust. That is why many worldly pleasures have to be avoided by Christians – so that lasciviousness may not be committed. Idolatry. [Greek: eidololatreia] image-worship (5:20; 1Cor. 10:14; Col. 3:5; 1Pet. 4:3). Idolatry includes anything on which affections are passionately set; extravagant admiration of the heart (Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5). Witchcraft. [Greek: pharmakeia] sorcery, the practice of dealing with evil spirits; magical incantations and casting spells and charms upon one through drugs, medications and potions of various kinds (5:20; Rev. 9:21; 18:23; cp. Rev. 21:8; 22:15.). Enchantments were used to inflict evil, pains, hatred, sufferings, and death, or to bring good, health, love and other blessings. Hatred. [Greek: echthra] enmity (Luke 23:12; Rom. 8:7; Eph. 2:15-16; Jas. 4:4); hatred (5:20). Bitter dislike, abhorrence, malice and ill will against anyone; tendency to hold grudges against or be angry at someone. Variance. [Greek: eris] Dissensions, discord, quarrelling, debating; and disputes. Emulations. [Greek: zeloi] envies, jealousies; striving to excel at the expense of another; seeking to surpass and outdo others; uncurbed rivalry spirit in religion, business, society, and other fields of endeavour. Translated “zeal” (John 2:17; Rom. 10:2; 2Cor. 7:11; 9:2; Php. 3:6; Col. 4:13); “fervent mind” (2Cor. 7:7); “envy” (Acts 13:45; Rom. 13:13; 1Cor. 3:3; 2Cor. 12:20; Jas. 3:14-15); “jealousy” (2Cor. 11:2); “indignation” (Acts 5:17; Heb. 10:27); and “emulation” (5:20). Wrath. [Greek: thumos] “wrath” (5:20; Luke 4:28; Acts 19:28; 2Cor. 12:20; Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8; Heb. 11:27; Rev. 12:12; 14:8, 10, 19; 15:1, 7; 16:1; 18:3); “indignation” (Rom. 2:8); and “fierceness” (Rev. 16:19; 19:15). Turbulent passions; domestic and civil turmoil; rage; determined and lasting anger. Strife. [Greek: eritheia] “strife” (5:20; 2Cor. 12:20; Php. 2:3; Jas. 3:14, 16); “contention” (Php. 1:16; Rom. 2:8). Disputations; jangling; strife about words; angry contentions; contest for superiority or advantage; strenuous endeavour to equal or payback in kind the wrongs done to one.

Walk in the Spirit

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Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would. But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law. 

‘This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.’ To keep you from devouring each other, you must live a Christian life.

There are seven secrets mentioned here of victorious living: Stand fast in the liberty of the gospel and renounce all keeping of the law (5:1-3). Maintain justification in grace and obey the truth (4:1-31-15). Walk in the Spirit (5:16-17). Be led by the Spirit (5:18). Crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts (5:19-21, 24). Demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in daily life (5:22-23). Live in the Spirit (5:25-26).

‘For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would.’ This verse is much misunderstood as referring to constant warfare between the flesh and Spirit, making one a victim of the flesh and helpless to live right. This is not the thought at all. It does describe the condition of Galatians or anyone else fallen from grace and seeking perfection through the flesh and self-efforts (1:6-8; 3:1-5; 5:1-9, 13-15, 26). That it does not refer to the normal life of a Christian in grace, living and walking in the Spirit is clear from Galatians 5:16, 18, 22-24; Romans 6:14-23; 8:1-13; 2Corinthians 10:5-7; Ephesians 6:10-18; Colossians 3:5-10 and 1 John 1:7-9; 3:8-10; 5:1-4, 18.

‘You be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law.’ This verse also refers to the Galatians who had left grace to go back under the law (1:6-8; 3:1-5; 4:9-11, 21-31; 5:1-4). Paul simply told them that if they would receive again the gospel of the grace of God and permit again the working of the Spirit in their lives, as they used to do (in Gal. 3:1-5) and if they would renounce the law again, they would not be under its bondage. If they would do this, they would not have the struggle of Galatians 5:17. The flesh with its affections and lusts would be crucified again and they could live the Christian life again (5:16, 22-24).

A Little Leaven

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Galatians 5:9-15 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that you will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubles you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you. For, brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself. But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another. 

‘A little leaven leavens the whole lump’ – A little sin or false doctrine can corrupt the whole life and conduct (1Cor. 5:6; Jas. 2:10).

‘I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded; but he that troubles you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.’ I have faith that you will recover yourself and regain the grace you have lost and that your troubler will be cut off (5:10-12).

‘If I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution?’ It was reported that Paul preached circumcision (perhaps because Timothy was circumcised. Acts 16:3), but if so, why did the Jews still persecute him? If he did that, the offence of the cross would cease.

‘You have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.’ You have been called to total freedom from all the law, but do not let this cause you to think that you have no responsibility to live right. The new covenant also demands righteousness of all people and the love of neighbours as yourself (5:13-14; Matt. 19:19; Rom. 13:9).

‘But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another.’ If you become “cannibalistic” Christians, you will destroy one another, confirming your total backslidings and fall from grace (1:6-8; 3:1-5; 5:4, 15).

Fallen from Grace

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Galatians 5:2-8 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availed any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worked by love. You did run well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth? This persuasion comes not of him that called you. 

‘Christ shall profit you nothing.’ If you insist on circumcision (or any other part of the law) you take on the whole obligation of the law. You then testify that you seek justification by the law instead of by faith so Christ will profit you nothing (5:3-4). It is either the old or new covenant which you must observe so take your choice (5:2-3). In case you choose the law, you are fallen from grace (1:6-8; 3:1-5; 4:9-31; 5:4).

‘Every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.’ Every man that is circumcised as a token of obedience to the old covenant is a debtor to do the whole law, including sacrifices, offerings, and commandments. Every man that is not so circumcised is free from all such law observance, including the Ten Commandments. He is only under obligation to obey the laws and commandments of the new covenant.

‘You are fallen from grace.’ That falling from grace is possible is clear here (1:6-8; 2:21; 3:1-5; 4:9-10, 19; Acts 13:43; 2Cor. 6:1; Heb. 12:15; Jude 1:4).

‘For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.’ Four secrets of continued grace: Live and walk in the Spirit (5:5; 16-26; Rom. 8:1-13; Col. 3:5-10). Be patient in hope (5:5; Rom. 8:24; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:19). Continue in Christ (5:6; John 15:1-8; Col. 2:6-7; Heb. 3:14). Continue in faith (5:6; Col. 1:23).

‘You did run well’ – Proving they were true Christians for a time (1:6-8; 3:1-5; 4:9-19; 5:1-4). Here again, the Christian life is compared to a race (1Cor. 9:24; Heb. 12:1).

‘Who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth?’ They quit obeying the truth (1:6-8; 3:1).