Exodus 16:8 “Your complaints are not against us but against the Lord.” The Israelites’ grumbling about food wasn’t just venting—it was seen as a lack of faith in God’s provision. Numbers 11:1 “Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord… and the fire of the Lord burned among them.” Complaining provoked God’s anger because it reflected ingratitude and rebellion. Philippians 2:14-15 “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless… children of God… among whom you shine as lights in the world.” A complaint-free life is a powerful witness in a world full of negativity. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Gratitude is the antidote to a complaining spirit.
STOP THE COMPLAINING, AND START THANKING GOD FOR ALL THE GOOD HE HAS DONE, IS DOING, AND WILL DO IN YOUR LIFE.
GOD’S MERCY 1 Chronicles 16:34 “Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his mercy endures forever. Lamentations 3:23 It is new every morning. His faithfulness is great. Luke 1:78 A new day will dawn on us from above because our God is loving and merciful. Psalm 86:5 You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, full of mercy toward everyone who calls out to you. Psalm 62:12 Mercy belongs to you, O Lord. You reward a person based on what he has done.” Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are those who show mercy. They will be treated mercifully.” Luke 6:36 “Be merciful as your Father is merciful.” LET US THANK GOD FOR HIS MERCY. OUR GOD IS WORTHY OF THANKS. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
Romans 8:31 says, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” The “things” that Paul is referring to, are the truths he has just finished presenting about the gospel. What should we say about the fact that, “all things work together for the good of those who love” (8:28)? What should we say about the fact that, “the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness” (v. 26)? We should find strength! We should say that if all these things are true, which they are, then we have nothing to fear, because there is nothing and no one that could overcome our God. Paul’s rhetorical question invites reflection on everything he’s just said in Romans 8—especially the promises of no condemnation (verse 1), adoption as children of God, and the unshakable love of Christ. “These things” refers to the trials, sufferings, and spiritual truths Paul has outlined. Despite hardship, believers are secure in God’s love and purpose. “If God is for us” isn’t a conditional “if”—it’s more like saying “since God is for us.” It affirms that God actively supports, defends, and loves His people. “Who can be against us?” doesn’t mean we’ll never face opposition. It means no adversary can ultimately prevail when God is on our side. This is the source of strength for every believer in Christ. Because Christ died for you; because the Holy Spirit is inside of You; because God loves you, you have no reason to fear. When you feel weak, remember that God is strong. When you feel attacked, remember your protector is invincible. When you feel doubtful, remember that God has given you every assurance. If you have God on your side, no one else stands a chance.
1 CRONICLES12:17 David went out before them and declared to them, “If you have come to me with peaceful intent, to support me, my attitude will be one with yours, but if [you have come] to betray me to my foes when there is no violence in my hands, may the God of our ancestors see and punish.” Proverbs 14:15 “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God… and it will be given to you.” Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” Ephesians 5:15 “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.” Proverbs 4:26 “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.” Deuteronomy 4:9 “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely…”
ALLOW THIS WORD FROM GOD TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
John 17:15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world but to protect them from the evil one. Matthew 6:13 Don’t allow us to be tempted. Instead, rescue us from the evil one. Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason be alert. Use every kind of effort and make every kind of request for all of God’s people. Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
WE MUST STRENGTHEN OUR PRAYER LIFE. LET US NOT ONLY PRAY TO GOD WHEN WE NEED SOMETHING, PRAY TO GOD WHEN ALL IS WELL ALSO, AND DON’T JUST PRAY FOR YOURSELF, PRAY FOR OTHERS. IT IS TIME NOW TO DEVELOP YOUR PRAYER LIFE. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!
1 John 2:6 Those who say that they live in him must live the same way he lived. John 13:15 “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” 1 Peter 2:21 “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” Luke 6:40 A student is no better than his teacher. But everyone who is well-trained will be like his teacher.
LET US STRIVE TO BE LIKE CHRIST. ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
Deuteronomy 4:40 Obey his laws and commands which I’m giving you today. Then things will go well for you and your descendants. You will live for a long time in the land. The LORD your God is giving you the land for as long as you live. 1 Timothy 6:6 A godly life brings huge profits to people who are content with what they have. Isaiah 3:10 Tell the righteous that blessings will come to them. They will taste the fruit of their labor. Proverbs 13:21 “Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.” Jeremiah 7:23 “Obey my voice… that it may be well with you.”
ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. LIVE GODLY AND BE BLESSED BY GOD.
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Union with Christ “I have been crucified with Christ…” – This expresses a mystical but real identification with Jesus in His death. – The believer’s old self—bound by sin and the law—has died with Christ. – It echoes Romans 6:6, where Paul says our “old self was crucified with Him.” New Identity and Life “…and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” – The Christian life is not self-powered but Christ-powered. – This speaks to a new identity: not just improved behavior, but a transformed being. – It’s a radical shift from self-reliance to Christ-dependence. Faith as the Operating Principle “The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God…” – Faith isn’t just how we begin the Christian life—it’s how we continue it. – This faith is active trust in Jesus, not mere intellectual assent. – It’s a daily surrender to His presence and guidance. Personal Love and Sacrifice “…who loved me and gave Himself for me.” – Paul makes it deeply personal: Christ didn’t just die for “the world,” but for me. – This underscores the intimate, sacrificial love of Jesus. – It’s the foundation of Christian assurance and motivation. Transformation, Not Modification – This verse isn’t about self-help or moral improvement. – It’s about death and resurrection—a total reorientation of life. – The Christian doesn’t just follow Christ’s example; Christ lives in them.
Deuteronomy 11:26–28 Today I’m giving you the choice of a blessing or a curse. You’ll be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I’m giving you today. You’ll be cursed if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God, if you turn from the way I’m commanding you to live today, and if you worship other gods you never knew. REMEMBER, Your future hinges on your choices. Obedience to God’s commandments will bring blessing—prosperity, peace, and divine favor. Disobedience, especially idolatry, will bring curse—loss, hardship, and separation from God.
ALLOW THIS WORD FROM GOD TO BE GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
(WE ARE NOW BEGINNING A STUDY IN THE BOOK OF GALATIANS) THE BOOK OF GALATIANS INTRODUCTION This is probably the very first of Paul’s letters that have survived to become part of the New Testament. It may have been written as early as AD 48. Paul first stayed in Galatia because he was ill (4:13–15). The people were very kind to him, and received the gospel willingly. But now they have been visited by Jewish teachers with a different message. These teachers distort the gospel by insisting that Gentile Christians must be circumcised and keep the Jewish law. Paul quickly sees the danger. If this teaching catches on, it will destroy the gospel. The Jews are adding an extra requirement to simple faith in Christ. They want the Galatians to show their Christian difference in the same ways that Jews have shown their Jewish difference—by circumcision, sabbath-keeping and food laws. Paul argues that faith in Jesus and his death on the cross is all that is needed for salvation. It was faith, not circumcision, which put Abraham right with God. Being circumcised, keeping the sabbath and eating Jewish food can’t possibly add to what Jesus has already done! Paul says that we are saved from sin and death and judgment by God’s grace. Abraham was the first person to trust God’s promises—promises which the whole human race is invited to share. Those who have the same faith as Abraham are his true descendants. Race, sex and status don’t matter. God doesn’t see Jews and Gentiles, men and women, slaves and those who are free. He sees faith. He sees those who belong to Jesus. He sees his children.
WE HOPE YOU FOUND THIS INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF GALATIANS TO BE INTERESTING. WE INVITE YOU TO STAY WITH US AS WE BEGIN OUR STUDY OF GALATIANS. ARE YOU INTERESTED?
Union with Christ
New Identity and Life
Faith as the Operating Principle
Personal Love and Sacrifice
Transformation, Not Modification
