Category: REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART

Liberty’s True Purpose: Serving in Love, Not Self-Indulgence (Galatians 5:13-15) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Freedom Called to Love and Serve (Galatians 5:13-15)”

The Race, the Leaven, and the Troublemakers: A Stern Warning (Galatians 5:7-12) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Running Well, Hindered by Deception (Galatians 5:7-12)”

An Allegory of Law and Promise: Hagar, Sarah, and the Two Covenants (Galatians 4:21-27) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Two Women, Two Covenants: Unpacking Paul’s Profound Allegory (Galatians 4:21-27)”

Out of the Shadows, Into Substance: Adoption in Christ Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: According to …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: From Guardian to Grace (Galatians 3:23-29)”

Grace or Nothing (Galatians 2:19-21). Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What does Paul mean by “For …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Grace or Nothing (Galatians 2:19-21).”

Justification by Faith (Galatians 2:15-21) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: Why does Paul begin by addressing …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Justification by Faith (Galatians 2:15-18)”

The Non-Negotiable Gospel (Galatians 2:11-14) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: Why did Paul publicly oppose Peter? …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Non-Negotiable Gospel (Galatians 2:11-14)”

Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: Why does Paul emphasize the length of time (fourteen years) that …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A TRANSFORMED HEART: STANDING FIRM IN GOSPEL FREEDOM (Galatians 2:1-5)”

Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What does Paul’s account of his early ministry reveal about the …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Paul’s Story of Transformation (Galatians 1:18-24)”

Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: How does Paul emphasize the divine origin of his gospel in …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Source of Paul’s Gospel (Galatians 1:11-17)”

Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What were the primary cultural and historical influences shaping the churches …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Introduction to Galatians – The Gospel of Grace”

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What is the significance of Paul sending greetings from the “saints who are with me”? Why does Paul specifically mention those “of Caesar’s household”? What is the final word of blessing that …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Final Greetings and Grace (Philippians 4:21-23)”

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What does Paul’s description of their unique “giving and receiving” partnership reveal about the nature of gospel ministry? Why does Paul emphasize the Philippians’ early and consistent support? What does Paul mean …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Partnership and Spiritual Fruit (Philippians 4:15-17) “

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s acknowledgment of the Philippians’ support connect with his earlier statements about contentment? What does the phrase “share in my affliction” reveal about the nature of Christian fellowship? How does …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Partnership in Affliction (Philippians 4:14)”

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s experience of contentment relate to the themes of joy and peace discussed earlier in the chapter? What is the significance of Paul’s statement, “I have learned to be content”? …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Contentment in Christ (Philippians 4:10-13)”

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s list of virtues in verse 8 connect to the command to rejoice and the call to peace in the preceding verses? What is the significance of “think about such …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Mind Set on Christ (Philippians 4:8-9)”

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s emphasis on rejoicing “in the Lord” connect with his understanding of Christ’s presence? What is the relationship between gentleness, prayer, and the peace of God? How do the directives …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Joy, Gentleness, and Peace (Philippians 4:4-7)”

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s affection for the Philippians motivate his appeal for unity? Why is unity within the church so vital for its health and witness? What practical steps can be taken to …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Pursuing Steadfastness and Unity (Philippians 4:1-3)”

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: Why does Paul urge the Philippians to imitate him? What does he mean by “join in imitating me”? Who are the “enemies of the cross of Christ” that Paul warns against? How …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Citizenship in Heaven – Living as Citizens of Another Kingdom (Philippians 3:17-21)”

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul describe his spiritual progress? What is his attitude towards his past and future? What does it mean to “press on toward the goal”? What is the goal Paul is …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Pressing Onward – The Pursuit of the Prize (Philippians 3:12-16)”

Main Idea of Philippians:  Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What qualities in Timothy does Paul commend that make him a valuable partner in ministry? How does Timothy’s example illustrate the importance of genuine care for others in Christian service? How does …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Timothy – A Partner in the Gospel (Philippians 2:19-24)”

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s exhortation to “work out your own salvation” connect with the preceding passage on Christ’s humility and exaltation (2:5-11)? What does it mean to work out salvation with “fear and …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Obedience and Joy (Philippians 2:12-18)”

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What does it mean to have the “mind of Christ” in the context of His divine and human natures? How does Christ’s kenosis (self-emptying) demonstrate His obedience and love? What is the …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Learning From Jesus (Philippians 2:5-11)”

Main Idea of Philippians:  Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s imprisonment affect the advancement of the Gospel? What are the different responses to Paul’s imprisonment described in the text? What motivates those who preach Christ out of selfish ambition? …

Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Rejoicing in the Proclamation of Christ (Philippians 1:12-18a)”