[Practical Application Review – Week 34]
Greetings,
We continue our journey of exploring all 260 chapters of the New Testament, five (5) chapters each week. Let us finish Galatians and start Ephesians.
Schedule – Week 34:
Please read and/or listen to Galatians 4, 5, 6 and Ephesians 1, 2
Even though reading and listening to the Bible being read is valuable, our primary goal is learning to live the Bible (to the best of our ability).
Consider our Practical Application Review process…
For “every” chapter:
Step 1: Select a passage of interest
Step 2: Identify area of teaching
Step 3: Consider a practical application
Now let us explore an example (of our three-step process) for each of these five chapters…
Text #1: Galatians 4
Passage: (vv. 1-11)
Teaching: At the appointed time, Father God sent His Son Jesus so that we may be adopted by Him. Be careful not to return to your old ways and end up in bondage again.
Application: Temptation will always be something that distracts us. If not careful, we get drawn back into old sins. I focus on Jesus to be my example for the rest of my life.
Text #2: Galatians 5
Passage: (vv. 13-18)
Teaching: Christians have been called to liberty. Not in serving the flesh but one another. Let us follow the Spirit of God and live by His grace.
Application: I enjoy being connected to other believers through ministry. I pray that everyone close to me will benefit from my service in some way.
Text #3: Galatians 6
Passage: (vv. 7-10)
Teaching: Whatever we sow, that shall we reap. Either of the flesh to corruption, or of the spirit to life everlasting. Let us also do good to everyone, especially believers.
Application: Every decision I make, and every action I take must be for the glory of God. Through love and service to other people, I wish to genuinely demonstrate God’s love.
Text #4: Ephesians 1
Passage: (vv. 15-19)
Teaching: Paul continually prayed for the Ephesians, wanting the spirit of wisdom and revelation knowledge of God and enlightened eyes of understanding for them.
Application: I also pursue God for a greater level of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. May His spiritual riches and power flow in and through me.
Text #5: Ephesians 2
Passage: (vv. 8-9)
Teaching: It is by God’s grace that we are saved (from sin, death and hell). Not of human works, lest there be anyone who would boast.
Application: I am eternally grateful that our Loving God sent Jesus to pay my sin debt. And salvation is accessible only because of God’s grace and not my own good works.
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo