Tag Archives: Apostle Paul

Daily Bible Reading “Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling” (Philippians 2:12-30)

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Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 2:12-30. Paul tells the Philippians to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. What does Paul mean by this saying? He says that the Philippians had always obeyed God. He wanted them to continue to be obedient to God whether he was present with them or not.

Paul reminds them that it is God who works in them to do His good pleasure. He tells them to do everything without complaining and arguing. Paul wanted them to set an example so they might shine as lights in the world. He wanted them to be blameless and harmless, sons of God. God had done the work of salvation on the inside of them. Paul wanted their actions to match up with the work God had done in them.

Paul’s desire for them was that they stand on the Word of life so that he might not have labored in vain, and would be able to rejoice with them in the day of Christ. Paul says if he is offered for sacrifice and service of their faith, he will rejoice. Paul wanted the Philippians to rejoice with him.

Paul says he trusts the Lord to send Timothy to be with them so he can know how they are doing. Paul knew he would be comforted if Timothy was there with them. Paul knew Timothy would care for the Philippians. Paul and Timothy were like-minded.

Timothy had served alongside Paul in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul says he is hoping to send Timothy as soon as he knows what is happening with his situation. Paul tells them that he hopes he will be able to go see them as well.

Paul states he is going to send Epaphroditus his brother in Christ, as well. Ephaphroditus was a fellow laborer and fellow soldier in the army of God. Look at all the ways Paul describes Epaphroditus. He says Ephaphroditus was their messenger and he also ministered to Paul. As Christians, we can be all these things to each other that Paul described about Epaphroditus.

Paul tells them Epaphroditus had been very ill and almost died. God had mercy on him and spared his life. Paul asks them to receive him with gladness. Ephaphroditus missed the Philippians very much while he was visiting with Paul. He was anxious to return to check on the Philippians and to minister to them.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 2:12-30

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.

22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

 

Things to think about:

  • Why did Paul want to send Timothy to the Philippians?
  • Why was Paul sending Epaphroditus?
  • In what ways have you worked out your salvation?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that Paul tells the Philippians how they should conduct themselves. Help us to conduct ourselves in a manner that would bring glory and honor to You. We see that You provided other Christians to work along with Paul to further Your kingdom. Lead us to the people You would have us to work along with in our service to You. Thank You for loving us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but …

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now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

– Philippians 2:12

 

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Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

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Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Jesus Messiah, Name above all Names” (Philippians 2:1-11)

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Jesus Messiah, Name above all Names

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 2:1-11. In the last lesson Paul dealt with conflicts from the outside world. In this lesson Paul is dealing with conflicts within the body of Christ. Paul starts by saying, “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies.” What does Paul mean by all of that statement?

Consolation of Christ – Paul asks them if they have had any consolation in Christ. Look at this Scripture in 2 Thessalonians 2:16, “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace …” God and Jesus gives us everlasting consolation and hope through grace. Has God and Jesus ever consoled you?

Comfort of Love – God’s comfort makes us brave and strong. God and Jesus comfort us, and then in return we’re able to comfort others with the same comfort they’ve given us. This is stated in this Scripture:

2 Corinthians 1:3-5, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” Has God the Father and Jesus Christ ever comforted you?

Have you ever been through a trial and then noticed how God puts someone else who is going through the same thing in your path so you can console them? This has happened to me over and over again. God uses the trials of our life in order for us to bring comfort to others. Don’t let the experiences you’ve had go to waste. Share with others in order to comfort and console them in their trials the same way God comforted and consoled you during your trials of life.

Christians have fellowship with the Spirit. The Holy Spirit of God leads, guides, and directs us. These are the things God uses to show His tender love and mercy toward us. Paul is telling them, “If you have received any of these, then show these same kinds of love and mercy toward one another. “ He reminds them not to do anything out of strife or vain glory, but be humble and think of others more than yourself.

Paul exhorted them to be in one accord, of one mind, and one spirit. Paul tells them to use Christ as their example and have the same humility He did. Jesus Christ, who was equal with God, humbled Himself and became as man. He was obedient to God through His death on the cross. In return God exhorted Him and gave Him a name that is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 2:1-11

1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

Things to think about:

  • List times you have received comfort from God in your life.
  • List some times and people you have comforted in the same way.
  • What are some areas in which we can comfort one another?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that Paul exhorted the Philippians to treat others with the same love and mercy You have shown to them. Help us remember to do that as well. We see where Paul told them to use Jesus as their example. He humbled Himself to do Your will. You exhorted Him because of His obedience. Help us to be humble and obedient. Help us to do Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind …

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let each esteem other better than themselves.

– Philippians 2:3

 

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Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “For Me to Live is Christ and to Die is Gain” (Philippians 1:21-30)

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For Me to Live is Christ and to Die is Gain

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 1:21-30. Paul starts this Scripture by saying, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” What do you think Paul meant by that statement? Paul knew since he was a Christian, when he died, he was going to heaven. Therefore, he wasn’t worried about dying. He would gain by being in the presence of God. As a martyr, his death would be a gain for the cause of Christ.

Paul also knew that if he continued to live, his life would be a gain for the kingdom of God. Paul was a fruitful Christian. It would also be a gain for the Philippians. They would have Paul to continue to encourage them in their faith. Even though Paul’s death would be martyrdom for the cause of Christ, he sensed his work on earth wasn’t done.

Paul says that he was pressed between the two. Have you ever noticed this attitude when someone gets near the end of life? They may not be afraid of death, especially if they are a Christian, because they know their reward is in heaven. Although they hate to give up this life and leave behind those they love and care for in this world. This is what Paul meant about being torn between the two.

Paul told the Philippians, whether he came to be with them again or not, he wanted them to stand strong in the faith. He reminded them to let their conversation be as it suited the gospel of Christ. Paul encouraged the Philippians to be good citizens of the kingdom of God. Paul wanted them to know, whether he came to see them or not, he would be checking on them. The Philippians were accountable to Paul. He wanted them to work together for the continuance of faith in the gospel of Christ.

It helps us to be accountable to another Christian. By having an accountability partner we know there is someone who cares enough for us to check on the progress we are making in our relationship with God. It is encouraging to have someone you can call on to pray for you in times of trouble. It is also good to know you have someone who supports you in your Christian walk.

Paul didn’t want the Philippians to be afraid of their adversaries. He encouraged them to be strong in their faith. Paul wanted them to know and realize that they weren’t only to believe in Christ, as Christians, but they may also have to suffer for His cause. The Philippians had seen the sufferings of Paul. He didn’t want them to be so afraid that they wouldn’t stand up for the gospel. Paul wanted them to be strong in the Lord and be willing to do whatever it took to protect the gospel of Christ.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 1:21-30

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

 

Things to think about:

  • What did Paul mean by saying, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain?”
  • Why was Paul torn between living and dying?
  • Do you have an accountability partner in the faith?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that Paul said, “For me to live is Christ to die is gain.” Help us, as Christians, to have this same confidence in Your Word. Help us to be fruitful Christians, as Paul was. Help us to be accountable for our actions. Give us strength not to fear the enemy, but to stand strong for the work of the Lord. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that …

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whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

– Philippians 1:27

 

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Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “What Are Your Motives?” (Philippians 1:15-20)

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What Are Your Motives?

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 1:15-20. In this Scripture Paul says he knew that some of those who were preaching Christ were doing it out of envy and strife. What did Paul mean by this? There were those who were using this time that Paul was imprisoned as an opportunity to gain an advantage over him. They were trying to advance themselves.

Some of them were envious of Paul’s ministry. They wanted to add to Paul’s suffering by trying to surpass him in ministry and make him look bad. Paul didn’t care about competing with them. His ministry was about serving God and furthering the gospel of Christ. It wasn’t about making a name for him.

We all need to work together and cooperate to share the gospel. There is enough work for all of us to do. We don’t have any reason to be competing in the work of the Lord. There are a lot of people to reach. We are wasting precious time when we try to compete with one another. We should support one another’s ministry instead of trying to tear each other down to make ourselves look better. We need to pray for each other.

Paul also knew that there were those who preached the gospel as an act of goodwill, truly wanting to further the Gospel of Christ. They preached the gospel out of a love for God and as an extension of Paul’s ministry while he wasn’t available. Paul was happy that the gospel of Christ was being preached. He wasn’t concerned about their motives. Do you rejoice that the gospel of Christ is being preached?

Paul thanked the Philippians for praying for him. He knew God answered their prayers. God gave Paul an ample supply of the Holy Spirit of Christ to comfort and keep him in spite of the circumstances.

Paul knew that God was in control even though the circumstances didn’t look too good at the moment. Paul still fully trusted God. Paul was awaiting his trial before Caesar Nero and he didn’t know what the outcome would be. Paul turned the situation over to God. Paul’s hope and trust in God gave him confidence to know that whether he lived or died Christ would be glorified in his body.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 1:15-20

15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

 

Things to think about:

  • How can we work together to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ?
  • Do you make it a habit to pray for other Christians? What are some things we can pray about on their behalf?
  • How can we support other ministries who preach or teach the gospel?

 

 

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that Paul rejoiced because the gospel of Christ was being preached in spite of his circumstances and others motives. He wasn’t nearly as concerned about himself as he was the furtherance of the gospel. Paul counted on the prayers of the Philippians and the comfort of the Holy Spirit to keep him during this difficult time.

Help us to put aside our selfish desires and focus on spreading the gospel of Christ to this lost and dying world. Help us as Christians to work together to further Your kingdom. Give us the same kind of trust and confidence in You Paul had. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

– Philippians 1:20

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16-26)

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Walk in the Spirit

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Galatians 5:16-26. Paul continues with his letter to the churches at Galatia instructing them to walk in the Spirit so they won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. Do you know what Paul means by telling them to walk in the Spirit?

When Paul speaks of the Spirit, he is talking about the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity. God is made up of three parts – God, the Father, God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit. When a person gets saved, or accepts Jesus as their Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live within the new believer. He helps to lead, guide, and direct him to do the right thing in his life. He also comforts the believer.

The flesh (our earthly body) lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. The flesh and the Spirit oppose one another, which causes us not to be able to do the things that we know are right sometimes. It is like a war is going on inside of us. It is the war against good and evil. If you are led of the Spirit, you aren’t under the law.

Paul includes a long list of sins that are manifest in the body, in Galatians 5:19-21, when you turn your will over to the desires of the flesh, by listening to and giving into the temptation to do wrong. Paul says those who practice these things won’t inherit the kingdom of God.

In Romans 7 Paul talks about the “inward man,” which is the “Spiritual man” and the “outward man,” which is the “flesh” and how there is a battle that goes on between the two of them. He talks about how sometimes we know that we should do good, but we don’t do it.

In this Scripture in John, Jesus Himself is talking to Nicodemus and tells him “You must be born again.” John 3:5-7:
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

When we are born into this world of our mother we are born of water and of the flesh. Since the fall of Adam every person who is born of the flesh is born in sin. To be born of the Spirit you have to accept Jesus as your Savior, and then the Spirit comes and abides with you.

In this Scripture, Paul talks next about the fruits of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These are the characteristics that a Christian living in the Spirit should have. Paul says that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh, including its affections and the lusts of the flesh. Look at these two sets of characteristics and see where they fit into your life.

Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Once you become a Christian all the sins you have committed are covered by Jesus’ blood through His death on the cross. He took the punishment for our sins.

If you are a Christian, does that mean you will always do the right thing or act the right way? No, it doesn’t, because we still have the flesh – our earthly desires and temptations – to deal with in this life. The more you study God’s Word and develop a closer relationship with Him the more you will see the Spirit at work in your life. Paul says, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Not desiring vain glory, provoking one another or being envious of one another.

Daily Bible Reading:

Galatians 5:16-26

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 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.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

 

Things to think about:

  • What are considered to be the works of the flesh?
  • What are the fruits of the Spirit?
  • In what ways are you walking in the Spirit?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Galatians where Paul talks about the difference between walking in the Spirit and walking in the flesh. Help us to always follow the Spirit in our lives. Forgive us of the times we have let the flesh rule in our lives. Give us strength day to day to do Your will. Help us to have the fruit of the Spirit alive and working in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. – Galatians 5:16

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– This is an excerpt from my book:

The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia

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Featured Book:

The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia

By Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of Galatians. The book of Galatians is in the New Testament and is one of Paul’s letters. He wrote this letter to the churches of Galatia.

Paul is concerned that the people of Galatia are being taught something different than the true gospel, which he taught them earlier. Paul goes to great lengths to make sure they understand the difference between living under the law and living under the grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia contains sixteen Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day. This book is great to use for both personal Bible study and group Bible studies.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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