Time In The Word

The Dangers of Legalism - Part 2 (Gal. 4_12-31)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

Paul effectively used a double approach to warn the Galatians about the dangers of Judaizing legalism. The first was personal and subjective (4:12-20), and the second was objective and historical (4:21-31).

The characters and events of the OT have often been used as illustrations of NT principles. For instance, the Passover lamb was a type of Christ in His sacrificial death (1 Cor. 5:7). The essence of faith can be seen in Abel, Enoch, Noah, and others (Heb. 11). A basic law of hermeneutics can be derived from 1 Cor. 10:11: Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. In verses 21-31 of Galatians chapter 4, Paul planned to use an event out of the life of Abraham to illustrate the principle that a man could not inherit the blessings of the patriarchal covenant through obedience to the law.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The Dangers of Legalism - Part 1 (Gal. 4_12-31)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

In this section Paul effectively used a double approach to warn the Galatians about the dangers of Judaizing legalism. The first was personal and subjective (4:12-20), and the second was objective and historical (4:21-31).

In verses 12 through 20, the direct address brothers, served to catch their attention. They were genuine brothers and sisters within the family of God, but the Judaizing teachers, had caused them to have a strained relationship. Paul wanted them to be reconciled to him.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The Contrast between Sonship and Servanthood - Part 2 (Gal. 4_1-11)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

Although regeneration changed the spiritual position of a slave, it did not eliminate his social status. He was still a slave. Many NT epistles provided valuable counsel for the converted servants and slave owners. For example, Paul encouraged Philemon to receive the recently saved Onesimus no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother... (Philemon v. 16).

The cultural background of the first century provided an excellent analogy between the principles of spiritual sonship and those of spiritual bondage.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The Contrast between Sonship and Servanthood - Part 1 (Gal. 4_1-11)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

 In cultures that practiced slavery, there were obvious differences between the one who served and the master, between the son of a slave and the son of a slave owner. Although the servant may have possessed greater physical strength and innate intelligence than that of the owner's son, the servant was still regarded as an inferior person. The servant was under orders to obey, and the son was free to enjoy the provision of the father.

In his argument for the superiority of Christ, the author of Hebrews pointed out that Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s household, as a testimony to what would be said in the future. But Christ was faithful as a Son over His household. And we are that household if we hold on to the courage and the confidence of our hope (Heb. 3:5-6). A slave is never free to do anything voluntarily; rather he is always obligated to obey laws.

Although regeneration changed the spiritual position of a slave, it did not eliminate his social status. He was still a slave. Many NT epistles provided valuable counsel for the converted servants and slave owners. Paul encouraged Philemon to receive the recently saved Onesimus no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother... (Philem. v. 16).

This cultural background of the first century provided an excellent analogy between the principles of spiritual sonship and those of spiritual bondage.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The Contrast Between Law and Faith - Part 2 (Gal. 3:19-29)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

This major section begins with the rhetorical question: Why then was the law given? (3:19). In verse 19-25, Paul explained the purpose of God giving the law to Moses and to Israel. In the remaining verses of chapter 3, Paul explains the believer’s position under faith.  He tells us that when a person was under the works of the law, he soon found himself to be under the curse and under sin. Now Paul wanted to show the favorable position of the sinner who has been justified by faith in Christ.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The Contrast Between Law and Faith - Part 1 (Gal. 3:19-29)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

Paul has clearly demonstrated that the law could not give the Holy Spirit (3:1-5), could not give the righteousness of God (3:6-9), could not give the blessing (3:14), and could not change the original covenant (3:15-18). The law, however, could give a curse (3:10-13). In the remaining verses of chapter 3, Paul continued to prove the superiority of the life of faith to that of legalism.

This major section begins with a rhetorical question: Why then was the law given? (3:19). Since the promise was given to Abraham and to Christ and since the law could not annul the promise, what was the purpose of God giving the law to Moses and to Israel? Why didn’t He continue dealing with them on the basis of the covenant of promise given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Why was there any change at Sinai? Paul anticipated such questions, thus they had to be addressed.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

 

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The Promise Before the Law - Part 2 (Gal. 3:15-18)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

Since salvation is a matter of God's free grace, we do not earn it by working to obtain it. It is a gift, not something owed to us. We receive our inheritance from God the same way Abraham received it: by faith. We simply believe that God will make good on his promise to save us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And then, we act on our faith, living like the true heirs of God that we have become through his covenant in Christ.

This is the grace of God, that he does not deal with us on the basis of our performance, but on the basis of His promise. No matter what we have done, our sins are covered by the covenant righteousness of Christ. And now that we are in Christ, our standing before God does not fluctuate with the inconsistency of our daily obedience (or disobedience). On the basis of the promise that he made before the law, God loves us with an unconditional love.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

 

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The Promise Before the Law - Part 1 (Gal. 3:15-18)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

Throughout this chapter Paul has been proving that justification and the Holy Spirit come by faith and not by works. First, he argued from experience—the experience the Galatians had when they received the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:1-5). Next, he argued from Scripture—the biblical record about Abraham, the man of faith (Gal. 3:6-14). But when it comes to making a theological point, it always helps to have a good illustration, so next Paul takes a human example (Gal. 3:15a). According to standard legal practice, with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified (Gal. 3:15b). The covenant is permanent.

By covenant, Paul refers instead to a covenant for an inheritance, what today might be called a "last will and testament." A will is not a contract. It does not set terms that various parties are obligated to fulfill. Instead, it simply declares what one party intends to do. A last will and testament is a legal arrangement in which one party bestows his or her estate on someone else. It is a grant rather than a bargain.

The kind of human covenant Paul has in mind is also irrevocable. Once it is signed, sealed, and delivered, it cannot be changed. There is no way to set it aside or add to it. It cannot be abrogated or annulled. It cannot be amended or adjusted. It is legally binding exactly as it stands.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

 

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The Old Rugged Cross - Part 2 (Gal. 3:10-14)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

If the law cannot bless us, then how can we receive God's blessing? This is the question Paul has been wrestling with throughout this letter. How do I stand in right relationship with God? What must I do to gain his favor? In a word, how can I be justified?

There are two possibilities: Either I am justified by works of the law or I am justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Paul's answer is that justification comes only by faith and not by works. He has stated this before, but here he repeats it: Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for 'The righteous shall live by faith.' But the law is not of faith, rather 'The one who does them shall live by them' (Gal. 3:11-12). Justification cannot come by works of the law; it must come by faith.

Luther rightly understood that only Christ can justify a sinner, and only through his cross. Paul explained it to the Galatians like this: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree' (Gal. 3:13).

The love of Christ is wondrous. He was crucified to remove the curse. Since we are no longer subject to the death penalty of the law, we can receive the promise of the gospel, that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith (Gal. 3:14).

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The Old Rugged Cross - Part 1 (Gal. 3:10-14)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

Imagine the scene: An entire nation gathers on the sides of two mountains to worship. Half the people stand on one side, half on the other. They worship responsively, alternating their praise. First one group cries out to God, and then the other, with every man, woman, and child shouting in unison.

This was the scene when the Jewish people crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land. According to the command of Moses, six tribes stood on Mount Gerizim and six on Mount Ebal to form an antiphonal choir. Rather than singing in harmony, they recited a litany of blessings and curses. The tribes on Mount Gerizim blessed the people of God, while the tribes on Mount Ebal cursed them.

What curses they were! Cursed be the man who makes a carved or cast metal image (Deut. 27:15). Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother (Deut. 27:16). Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow (Deut. 27:19). Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them (Deut. 27:26). The Levites recited a dozen curses in all, and after each one, all the people said, "Amen!"

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

Father Abraham has Many Sons (Gal. 3:6-9) - Part 2

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith (Gal. 3:8). The OT had the foresight to predict the coming of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. The Scriptures not only predicted that he would come, but also prophesied the precise way that he would save. He would justify sinners by faith, exactly as God justified Abraham.

This plan of salvation is for all people everywhere. It is universal. It is for all nations. The blessing of justification was never for the Jews alone; it was always intended for the whole world. In Gal. 3:8 Paul refers to the Gentiles and to the nations. In fact, these are two different translations for the same term. The word does not refer to political states, but to people groups. Through Abraham, God's blessing would come to every ethnic community in the world, to every tribe, people, and language. This was the agenda that Jesus established for the church, to go therefore and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). It later became Paul's agenda for world missions. This explains why he went to places like Galatia to proclaim the good news about Jesus Christ that God had first announced to Abraham.

Preaching the gospel to every people group remains the church's agenda to this very day. To think and to act biblically is to think and to act globally. We preach the whole gospel to the whole world, knowing that it is the will of God for Jesus Christ to stake his claim on every ethnic community on the face of the earth. The gospel we preach to the nations is the gospel of justification by faith.

 

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This podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

Father Abraham has Many Sons (Gal. 3:6-9) - Part 1

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

Undoubtedly the reason Paul has so much to say about Abraham in Galatians 3 and 4 is that the Judaizers made such a fuss over him. They claimed that Father Abraham and all his children belonged to God, not by faith alone, but by works of the law. In addition to misunderstanding the gospel, the Judaizers were also guilty of misunderstanding the OT.

The fact that Abraham was justified as a Gentile made him the perfect example to use for the Galatians, who had been wrestling with two questions: Whom does God accept, and on what basis? For his answer, Paul took Abraham's history and applied it to their situation, and to ours: Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham (Gal. 3:7).

This faith is not just for Abraham and the Galatians, but for everyone. In v. 6 Paul proved that justification by faith was God's plan for Abraham. In v. 7 he showed that people like the Galatians could become Abraham's children by the same faith. Then in v. 8 he proves that justification by faith alone has always been God's plan for all people everywhere: And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, 'In you shall all the nations be blessed' (Gal. 3:8).

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

By Faith Alone (Gal. 3:1-5) - Part 2

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

Deep down, the Galatians knew that they were justified by faith alone, for this is how they had come to Christ in the first place. To stop them from going back to the law, Paul made a personal appeal to their spiritual experience.

This appeal came in a series of rapid rhetorical questions—four of them in all:

1. A question about initiation, in which Paul took the Galatians back to the moment of their conversion: "Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?" (Gal. 3:2).
2. A question about completion, or how the Christian makes it to the end of the Christian life: "Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Gal. 3:3).
3. A question about persecution, the cost of following a crucified Christ: "Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?" (Gal. 3:4).
4. A question about miracles and their meaning for the Christian life: "Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?" (Gal. 3:5).

Essentially, all these questions boiled down to a single issue: Does the Christian obtain the Holy Spirit by working the law or by hearing with faith?

Once the Galatians were forced to admit that they had received the Holy Spirit by faith alone, the argument was over. This is why Paul said he wanted to ask them only one question. Grant him that the Spirit comes by faith alone, and the whole matter is settled.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

By Faith Alone (Gal. 3:1-5) - Part 1

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

How can God accept me? Only if I trust in Jesus Christ. This is the biblical doctrine of justification by faith that Paul taught the Galatians. I cannot be saved by anything I do; I can be saved only by what Jesus did when he died on the cross and rose from the dead. There is no way for me to make myself right with God because I am unrighteous. But Jesus made things right through his crucifixion and resurrection. All that is left for me to do is receive the gift of God's free grace by putting my faith in God's Son.

This doctrine of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone has always had its detractors. If justification comes by grace, then all the glory goes to God. But people want to keep some of the glory for themselves. Thus, they seek to justify themselves before God by their own works.

Martin Luther encountered this problem when he began preaching the gospel in his native Germany. According to Luther, "The doctrine of justification is this, that we are pronounced righteous and are saved solely by faith in Christ, and without works."

In today’s study, Dr. Gonzalez will begin his exposition of Galatians 3:1-5.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

Dying to Live (Gal. 2:17-21) - Part 2

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

The only way to get what Christ has to offer is to be united to him by faith. John Calvin said, "We must understand that as long as Christ remains outside of us, and we are separated from him, all that he has suffered and done for the salvation of the human race remains useless and of no value for us."  But once we are in Christ, then we get everything he has to offer, especially his righteousness. When we are in Christ, God considers us as righteous as his own Son, not because we are righteous, but because we are in Christ.

The doctrine of union with Christ explains why the Christian is dead to the law. We were united to Christ in his crucifixion. As far as God is concerned, we were really and truly nailed to the cross with Christ. It was on the cross that the law carried out its death penalty against us. Therefore, as far as the law is concerned, we are now dead. There is nothing the law can do to improve our standing before God. We can live for Christ because we are dead to the law.

In today’s study, Dr. Gonzalez will conclude his exposition of Galatians 2:17-21.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

Dying to Live (Gal. 2:17-21) - Part 1

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

In today’s study, Dr. Gonzalez will begin his exposition of Galatians 2:17-21.

What Paul said in Gal. 2:16 bears repeating: "We know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ." This is the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone in Christ alone. As John Calvin (1509-1564) said, "we are justified in no other way than by faith, or, which comes to the same thing, that we are justified by faith alone.” "Justification" is a legal term that refers to a person's standing before the bar of God's justice. To be declared right with God, I must be righteous. But I am not righteous; I am a sinner. How, then, can I justify myself to God? This is the question that the doctrine of justification answers.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The Battle for the Gospel (Gal. 2:11-16) - Part 2

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

In today’s study, Dr. Gonzalez will conclude his exposition of Galatians 2:11-16.

He will point out that:

• Paul’s concern was the Gospel. Even when it came to another apostle, Paul cared enough to confront. For him, it was not peace at any price, but the gospel at all costs. Paul strongly objected to the hypocrisy of Peter, Barnabas, and the others. And that…
• When Paul confronted Peter in Antioch, he was dealing with something more than just a social issue. He understood that his rebuke of Peter was nothing less than a battle for the gospel of free grace. On the surface, the issue was unity between Jews and Gentiles at the table. But beneath the surface lurked the deeper issue of what God requires for salvation.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The Battle for the Gospel (Gal. 2:11-16) - Part 1

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

It must have been an awkward moment when Paul and Peter, two pillars of the Church, had a confrontation during a church potluck.

The confrontation was unexpected. Paul and Peter had been friends ever since they got acquainted in Jerusalem. The last time they were together, Peter had given Paul the right hand of fellowship. But this time Paul was opposing Peter right to his face.

Everyone knew there had been some sort of argument at Antioch, and it would have been easy to use the incident to discredit Paul's gospel. Yet according to Paul, this present situation was the final proof that he was a genuine apostle of the one true gospel of free grace by showing that he even had the authority to rebuke another apostle who stepped out of line.

In part one of Galatians 2:11-16, Dr. Gonzalez helps us understand why Paul was so upset with Peter resulting in his rebuke.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

Paul, the Freedom Fighter (Gal. 2:1-10) - Part 2

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

In today’s study, part two of Galatians 2:1-10, Dr. Gonzalez’s discusses the two positive results of Paul’s visit to Jerusalem:

1. Titus, Paul’s Gentile convert, was accepted. Titus did not have to be circumcised to be saved.
2. Paul’s commission was acknowledged. The apostles acknowledged Paul's commission to preach the gospel. They endorsed Paul's mission to the Gentiles.

Dr. Gonzalez will also point out:

• That the way the first apostles treated one another is really a model for ministry.
• Paul’s successful defense of the gospel truth that salvation comes by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
• Paul’s fight for spiritual freedom from Jewish regulations to preserve the justifying grace of God in the gospel.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

Paul, the Freedom Fighter (Gal. 2_1-10) - Part 1

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

"Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we're free at last!" These words were spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the close of his address at the 1963 March on Washington for Civil Rights. Dr. King's words conveyed something besides freedom's joy; they also hinted at its long, hard struggle. They were spoken a full century after liberty was first proclaimed for African Americans. Free at last, after centuries of bondage and enslavement. At last, after another long century of prejudice and injustice.

America’s experience with slavery teaches us that proclaiming emancipation and possessing liberty are two quite different things. Freedom is not easily gained, and once gained, it is easily lost.

In part one of Dr. Gonzalez’s study of Galatians 2:1-10, he will:

• Point out how precious spiritual freedom is.
• The price that Jesus paid on the cross to gain it.
• How easy it is to squander that freedom and return to spiritual bondage, and
• He will begin his discussion on Paul’s second visit to Jerusalem.

 

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The Trasnforming Power of the Gospel (Gal. 1:10-21)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

You will remember that in his opening remarks Paul defended his apostleship against those who had tried to discredit him (Gal. 1:1). After describing the work of the gospel (Gal. 1:4), he then pronounced a divine curse on anyone who would distort the gospel of grace (Gal. 1:6-9). In the remainder of chapter 1 he once again takes up the issue of his authority and messages, defending himself against the false charges of his critics.

In today’s study of Galatians 1:10-24, Dr. Gonzalez will discuss:

• Paul’s ministry priority and motivation
• The source of his message
• The evidence of the power of the gospel
• Paul’s persecution of the Church prior to his conversion, and
• Paul’s calling to be a preacher of the gospel

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

No Other Gospel (Galatians 1:6-9)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

Paul wrote Galatians to combat false teaching. Somehow the apostle got news of the trouble and he wrote to call the churches back to the true gospel that he had originally delivered. He founded the churches in Galatia himself and was particularly attached to them.

In most of Paul's letters, we typically find some praise of the recipients before dealing with the subject of the letter. Paul did not do that here. He immediately jumps into the matter at hand. Perhaps because Paul was so intensely concerned about the matter of gracious salvation in Christ and about the violent attacks on the gospel being made by the Judaizers. Galatians is the only one of his epistles that gives no word of commendation to its readers. When the gospel is at stake there is no time for pleasantries. After a brief salutation, the apostle immediately states the problem that prompted the letter.

 

 

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

Paul's Message (Galatians 1:1-5)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

Paul wrote Galatians to combat false teaching. Somehow the apostle got news of the trouble and he wrote to call the churches back to the true gospel that he had originally delivered. He founded the churches in Galatia himself and was particularly attached to them.

 

 

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

Introduction to Paul's Epistle to the Galatians

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

The book of Galatians is called the "Christian's Declaration of Independence." Paul teaches and clearly establishes the fact that the Christian is free from the curse and bondage of the Law. After introducing himself, He powerfully argues the doctrine of justification by faith.

Today, Dr. Gonzalez will be looking at the first five verses of Galatians chapter 1. He will discuss Paul’s:

• Mandate,
• Mannerism, and
• Message

 

 

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The Intermediate State

END TIMES PROPHECY SERIES

 

In his final message of the end times prophecy series, Dr. Gonzalez will discuss the intermediate state.

If invited to a party or a funeral, which one would we rather attend and why? Contrary to conventional wisdom, Solomon counsels that it is better to go to a funeral home (“a house of mourning”) than to attend a party (“a house of feasting”). In Ecclesiastes 7:2, Solomon said,

Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties.
    After all, everyone dies—
    so the living should take this to heart.

He explains that it is better because parties tend to promote an empty, useless perspective on life; whereas it is at the funeral home that we face reality.

Dr. Gonzalez will explain the biblical view of death and discuss:

• Death and the unbeliever
• Death and the believer

 

 

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.

Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.

For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.