Galatians 5 | Paul the Poke

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Stand Firm, It’s an Attitude

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Freedom in Christ with tags death, flesh, Galatians 5, God the Spirit, Human nature, Jesus Christ, life, satan, stand firm, world on January 23, 2022 by paulthepoke

Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. ESV

stand firm… In the Greek, this is the word στήκω/stékó. The word is defined as to stand firm and fast, persevere.

Satan is observed to “stand firm” in Revelation. He is locked in with resolution and purpose. He wants to kill Jesus Christ.

Revelation 12:4b And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it.

As people, we are conflicted with our human nature. There is a battle raging. There is what the flesh wants. And there is what the Spirit of God calls on us to do. Who are we going to serve?

Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

This is a matter of life and death. This choice has spiritual and eternal consequences.

Romans 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

As believers, we are called to “stand firm” in many things. We are to stand firm in prayer. The result should be forgiveness.

Mark 11:25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

There are consequences for not “standing firm” in the truth. Satan does not stand firm or persevere in truth.

John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Believers are called to stand firm in the faith.

1 Corinthians 16:13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

Many times, those who believe in Jesus Christ are called to stand firm in Him.

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

We are called to stand firm in the teaching of the Word of God.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

And in the case of Galatians 5:1 and our freedom in Christ, we are called to have this attitude of “standing firm” against sin.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. NKJV

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Freedom in Christ

Posted in Freedom in Christ with tags Galatians 5, Gospel, Jesus Christ, liberty, love, service, sin on January 9, 2022 by paulthepoke

Galatians 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. NASB

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. ESV

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. KJV

We are opening a series to start the new year. The topic is “Freedom in Christ”.

Note the three translations from the English Standard Version (ESV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), and the King James Version (KJV). There is purpose in understanding how translators operate. Translators are looking at the original Greek text as written by the Apostle Paul in the case of the verse from Galatians. Ultimately, the Spirit of God is the author as communicated to Paul as written in the original Koine Greek. This is the common, street language of the day in the first century.

So what is Biblical “freedom” or “liberty”? What are free from? How does one live in “freedom”? Why are we free? What does a Christian do with their newly found “freedom”? What does it mean to be free?

What is “freedom” or “liberty”? This is the Greek word ἐλευθερία/eleutheria. Multiple lexicons and dictionaries state the term as freedom or liberty. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines the term as liberty to do or to omit things having no relation to salvation; the liberty to do as one pleases.

It was for freedom that Christ set us free…

Christ’s work on the cross set us free. He paid for the consequence of humanity’s sin. The result is our freedom. We are free from sin. We are called to live in freedom apart from sin.

Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Humanity and culture have perverted the notion of freedom and liberty. The world says, “Do whatever you want.” The world wants to negate the consequence of these choices. We also have choices in Christ.

We are not free to sin. Yes we will still sin, hopefully less and less as we grow in Christ. But those sins are covered too. We are forgiven. He loves us as we are. And we are called to love others in our freedom. Give and provide for others.

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

At some point, this nonsense will be brought to a close. Jesus Christ will reign and there will be consequences.

Philippians 3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our lowly condition into conformity with His glorious body, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

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Relationship Killers and Choosing Love… Featuring Paul Beverly

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Paul Beverly with tags control, Galatians 5, jealous, love, relationships, selfish on August 11, 2019 by paulthepoke

Thinking about my post I shared from a few years back, if you truly want a relationship to work you can NOT be selfish, controlling, or jealous. Those 3 things are what pop in my head immediately because I see it way too often. These 3 things are poison to a relationship. Each person needs their own identity, not just so & so’s wife or so & so’s husband. If one feels they aren’t trusted & not valued, their heart will slowly withdraw from the relationship.

If you want happiness in a relationship, Give without expectations. Trust wholeheartedly. Listen with sincerity. Forgive easily. Love unselfishly. Be proud of your partner. Do not place blame. Do not point out faults. Make their happiness as important as your own. Want every day to be a little better. Give them space when needed. Hold them close when needed. Never stop dating. Don’t be too proud to seek counsel or attend a marriage seminar. Seek God together.

Make your relationship amazing…. Have a happy week my friends!!!

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

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Our Daily Bread, Manipulation & Control… Featuring Paul Beverly

Posted in Paul Beverly with tags control, Freedom, Galatians 5, love, manipulation, Matthew 7, Proverbs on August 12, 2018 by paulthepoke

Using manipulation & guilt to control someone doesn’t make that person strong, it makes them an insecure weak jerk. God didn’t make you to be controlled. Do not allow anyone to have that power over you. Control does not equal love.

Not everyone will be for you & that’s okay. Do not give them or their words power over you. Their assumptions do not define you at all.

Those that love you & matter see you for who you truly are. Be happy in that. You can’t defeat hate with more hate, spread love.

Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Proverbs 21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.

Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged.

Have a loving week my friends!!!

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Freedom & Apostasy…Thoughts from an American Soldier

Posted in American soldier with tags 2 Corinthians 3, 2 Peter 3, apostasy, free will, Freedom, Galatians 5, infidels, Islam, John 8, Joshua 24, Muslim, Religion of Peace, Shia, Sunni on April 26, 2018 by paulthepoke

Joshua 24:15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

The Bible states that humanity has free will to choose the object of their worship.

Apostasy? I’ve been asked, does Islam allow freedom of religion or does it threaten the death penalty for apostasy? Well the truth is… they believe and practice this everyday…

From what I’ve seen in the Middle East and speaking with the locals over here, they believe that “Anyone” and mainly “Westerners” are INFIDELS in their belief. Those who turn their back on Islam are to be executed. This is confirmed by the words and deeds of Muhammad. The only freedom of belief in Islam is the freedom to become Muslim.

Islamic Law: There is also a consensus by all four schools of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence (Maliki, Hanbali, Hanafi, and Shafii), as well as classical Shiite jurists, that apostates from Islam must be put to death. The process of declaring a person to be an apostate is known as takfir and the disbeliever is called a murtad.

The “Religion of Peace” expanded across the globe by conquering people of other religions and then making life miserable for those who did not embrace Islam. Once spoken, a person was locked into the faith. Any sign of false witness, such as raising their children in another faith, was punished with death. Thus, Islam gradually supplanted other religions.

Some apologists bend the truth in order to distance Islam from one of its most draconian rules. The world’s most popular Muslim apologist recently affirmed that the death penalty should be applied to those who leave Islam and share their faith with others.

Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

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Trend Update: Fatah Declares “Day of Rage”, July 2017

Posted in Gaza Strip/Philistia, Prophecy, Temple, Trend Update with tags 1 Timothy 1, Day of Rage, Fatah, fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5, Israel, jerusalem, love, metal detectors, molotov cocktails, Palestine, rocks, Temple Mount, Terrorism on July 18, 2017 by paulthepoke

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

July 18, 2017: The Palestinian Fatah party is calling for a “Day of Rage”. The reason…metal detectors have been placed to gain access to the Temple Mount. This marks the third day the metal detectors have been in use. Israel has increased security measures in Jerusalem and around the Temple Mount in response to the terrorist shootings and killings that occurred on the Temple Mount.

Violence increased over night in East Jerusalem and the Old City. The combatants threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at the police. Roads were blocked. The Palestinian Red Crescent stated 15 were injured.

Fatah Central Committee Member Jamal Muhaisen has issued the following statement. “What is happening in Jerusalem today is aimed at attacking the al-Aksa Mosque.”

Fatah has declared the metal detectors to be “terrorist procedures”.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/fatah-calls-for-day-of-rage-amid-new-temple-mount-security-in-wake-of-attack/

If I understand the Apostle Paul correctly, there would be no need for metal detectors or laws if people would exhibit characteristics of love.

1 Timothy 1:9 …understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers…

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Trend Update: Gay Marriage, June 26, 2015

Posted in Culture, Gospel, Trend Update with tags 50 shades of grey, agape, Bible, bisexual, Ephesians 5, Galatians 5, gay, gay marriage, God, James, Jesus Christ, lesbian, Leviticus 20, Leviticus 22, LGBT, love, Romans 1, SCOTUS, sin, Supreme Court, transgender on June 28, 2015 by paulthepoke

On Friday, June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States legalized gay marriage in all 50 states. All states are mandated to perform same sex marriages. All states must recognize same sex marriages that occur in other states.

The point of this post is not to lecture the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) population. Here, this topic is being approached with humility, respect, and grace. Condemning and hateful attitudes solve nothing. Harsh, ill feelings are barriers and obstacles to the good news of mercy and forgiveness that is Jesus Christ.

Here in the United States, we live in a culture and society that has elevated its civil law above God’s law. In regards to the gay lifestyle, our civil laws are different than how God views the topic. Our courts have spoken on the matter.

Next are God’s words. It is acknowledged, His words are offensive to segments of society. Eventually, His words are offensive to all of us if we are honest with ourselves. Please take your complaints and comments directly to Him. He will listen. He is a big boy. He can handle it.

Here is what God says.

God says in Leviticus 20:13 ‘If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them.

The Hebrew word for “lies” is shakab. It means to have sexual intercourse. Men having sex with men and women having sex with women is “detestable” or tow`ebah. God views this act as a disgusting thing or an abomination (Strong’s Concordance).

God is consistent in thought in the Old Testament and the New Testament. The above Leviticus verse is not a one off. See also: Leviticus 18:22, 1 Corinthians 6:9, Romans 1:26-28.

Deuteronomy 22:5 A woman shall not wear man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God.

Likewise, God sees crossdressing as tow`ebah or detestable or disgusting.

God states that marriage should be between a man and woman from the beginning in Genesis. See also 1 Corinthians 7:2 But because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband.

As a friend of mine stated, gay marriage is a legal, civil right granted by the Supreme Court of the United States. Gay marriage is not a covenant relationship ordained or sanctioned by God. See Ephesians 5.

We are called to love one another. Galatians 5:14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” The Greek word for “love” is agape. Per Strong’s Concordance agape means: to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly. This love is the nature of God.

It does not matter if one steals, lies, commits murder, covets, or whatever. There are no “shades of grey” when it comes to sin. There is not a sliding scale for sin. One sin is not more condemning than another. If you break one, you break them all. James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.

As individuals, it is not our place to judge others regardless of their actions. Every person on the planet has a lifestyle issue that can be taken to task. Judgment belongs to God. James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?

We are all in need of sin remission. Every single one of us is a sinner. We all have sin in our lives. Ecclesiastes 7:20 Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.

And this is where the grace of Jesus enters the scene. Christ loves us ALL in spite of our actions whatever they may be. He paid the penalty for sin. For those who believe, He has paid the fine for sin.

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit…

Romans 6:10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.

Hebrews 9:28a so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many…

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