Q1. The Presence of the Spirit

[tammie7]

The recieving of the spirit is both clear to the Galations

and something that wasn't found in the Judism.It tell us

they had the spirit but they was trying in their own power.

[Old Jerry]

Paul’s argument for salvation by faith from the presence of the Spirit is that they had already received the Holy Spirit and have seen many miracles and therefore they do not need to be circumcised. I think that the spiritual environment of the Galatian church must have been pretty great, because that is something that I don’t think that we see in our churches today.

I think that we can regain this dynamic environment in our congregations today by learning more about the Holy Spirit. If we keep our eye on what is happening and that most coincidences are usually miracles and believe in the Holy Spirit we would be able to bring back this dynamic environment.

[csreeves]

Q1. (Galatians 3:2-5) What argument for salvation by faith does Paul give from the presence of the Spirit? What does this tell us about the spiritual environment of the Galatian churches? How can we regain this dynamic environment in our own congregations?

Salvation starts with faith and with the Holy Spirit which comes before the Law. Grace is a gift not something we earn and miracles are received from believing and trusting not by Law.

[RodR]

Paul reminds the Galatians (Gentiles) that their salvation experience began when they received the Spirit (Acts 10:44, Acts 11:17) and not because of their adherence to the law. The Galatians must have acknowledged the Holy Spirit’s working in the spiritual environment of their church. As Christians, we have the indwelling Spirit (Acts 2:38) He was given as a seal of God’s ownership and a guarantee of what is to come (2 Cor 1:22) He is active in our lives as well but we don’t often give Him credit for what He does. We need to acknowledge and celebrate His work when He leads, guides, protects, teaches, and motivates us to become more like Christ.

[linda bass]

The argument Paul gives for salvation by faith for the presence of the Holy Spirit is, the Spirit is received by faith,not by observing the law.

What this says about the spiritual environment of the Galatian churches is, eventho they were saved and had the Holy Spirit, they still felt they had to bring their faith to perfection by observing the law.

[Cocoa]

Q1. (Galatians 3:2-5) What argument for salvation by faith does Paul give from the presence of the Spirit?

The Spirit of God is received by faith.

What does this tell us about the spiritual environment of the Galatian churches?

The Galation church doubted what God said in His Word. They had the presence of His Spirit evidenced by miracles but then they questioned God’s Word. Hebrews 11:6 states “ But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” The Galations lost confidence in God’s Word, and so they lost faith. When you lose confidence in God’s Word by doubting Him, you reach for mans’ solutions. In the case with the Galation church, it was the law - circumsion.

How can we regain this dynamic environment in our own congregations? By having full confidence in God’s Word, dying to ourselves entirely, and living in the realm on the Spirit as new creations, with the resurrected miracle working God living in us!

[Eudora]

The adversary uses human instruments to turn believers away from God’s truth to some other ‘false’ good news. In every chapter of this letter we will see Paul condemning these deceivers in very strong language.

Paul was amazed that these folks had been led astray. Kinda like how we begin to look at ourselves once we have come into the knowledge and are shocked and amazed that we too have been so ‘blind, deaf and dumb’, asking ourselves, why didn’t we turn to Him sooner. We can tell that Paul loved these people dearly because he calls them brothers no less than nine times in this letter but he was shaming them in hopes that they would come back to their faith in Christ Jesus. The main implication is that the Judaizers’ legalistic rule following was a tragic exercise in futility and Paul was trying to waken the Galatians up so that they would not be taken in by it.

(Galatians 3:2-5) What argument for salvation by faith does Paul give from the presence of the Spirit? What does

this tell us about the spiritual environment of the Galatian churches? How can we regain this dynamic environment in our own congregations?

His question, "Have you received the the Spirit by the works of the law or by faith?" This is an interesting question since we can not receive the Spirit by legalistic observance of Torah commands. Paul knew that these Gentiles at Galatia could not receive the Spirit by any other means than faith in Yahushua. They had begin in the Spirit yet now Paul was concerned that they might be made complete in the flesh. Paul said that the One who worked miracles in them is the same One who provided their Spirit.

In order for them or anyone to gain the envorment that Paul has written about, one must repent of all sin, seek forgiveness (remission of sin) and turn from all un-godly activities and begin to face towards God. Seek His Kingdom and His righteousness. Seek His ways that are higher than our ways. and His thoughts that are higher than ours. He has laid out the path that we must follow. Yahushua told His disciples to teach repentance and remission of sin and to teach about the resurrection because they had been wittmess to this amazing truth. Instead folks have taught about salvation and rapture following the way of false teachings.

Luke 24:44-48 And he said unto them,

“These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.”

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them,

“Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.”

Salvation is a gift that we will receive when He returns. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:~ Eph 2:8

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. ~ Revelation 22:12

[patricia hopman]

From personal experience, for a long while,I was taught a mixture of salvation by grace combined with works. I never had any assurance of salvation. The Holy Spirit taught me, through his word about salvation by grace alone. I am afraid this type of teaching is all to much present in the church today. To keep the dynamics of the church today we must have the gospel of our salvation , first and foremost! Then the Holy Spirit can be our teacher as He indwells the believer!

[Dew drenched]

Q1. (Galatians 3:2-5) What argument for salvation by faith does Paul give from the presence of the Spirit? What does this tell us about the spiritual environment of the Galatian churches?

The Gentiles of the Galatian churches received the spirit by hearing the word and believing the word of the Gospel. It was not because of certain works that they preformed. They experience and witnessed the outpour of the spirit, bringing a glorious salvation with it and also the witness of many sings and wonders. God stepped in and they were able to receive the Spirit by faith alone. Although there was great persecution and suffering they knew the power of God’s spirit in their midst. The spiritual environment was powerful, exciting, and alive.

How can we regain this dynamic environment in our own congregations?

Ritualistic practices, works orientated performances and self righteous mind sets do not allow the dynamic environment that we see the Galatian gentiles experienced through faith. There is nothing in our selves that we can do that will convince God that we deserve more. We need to come together with expectant faith that God will show up by his Spirit, we look to Christ in worship and praise for his great grace and mercy. We believe Him in faith, it is all about who he is and what he will do.

[RD35]

The Galatians had received the Holy Spirit by their faith and not by law because they had asked for the Holy Spirit in faith.  Pauls argument was clear that the Galatians received the Holy Sprit long before the Judaizers came trying to get them to observe the mosaic law and the Holy Sprit worked miracles among them by faith and not because they observed law.

 

The Galation Church was a newly formed church, there was no law when they started and they believed in the works of Jesus Christ on the cross and were saved.  They had strong faith because of which the Holy Spirit was given to them and the Holy Spirit was powerfully working in their church with signs and wonders.  But they were easily misled by the law keeping Judaizers. 

 

Through prayer and staying rooted only in the word of God can we regain this environment in our congregations.  As Paul says it is by faith we can receive the Holy Spirit and not by law.  We must have full faith in the works of Jesus which has saved us from eternal fire. I should change my life first in line with the word of God and then Like Paul we should stand up for the truth and also encourage others in the congregations without diluting the word of God, and wake up others from their sleep. 

 

 

[Craig]

Q1. (Galatians 3:2-5) What argument for salvation by faith does Paul give from the presence of the Spirit? What does this tell us about the spiritual environment of the Galatian churches? How can we regain this dynamic environment in our own congregations?

 

 

The argument is that the Galatians received the Holy Spirit by believing in Jesus Christ and accepting Him as Messiah not by keeping the law. 

 

The Galatian churches were spiritually immature and not solid in apostolic teaching.  They had a spiritual environment that was wavering.  They did not have a sound grasp of salvation through grace in Jesus Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

 

We can regain a dynamic environment in our congregations, beginning with ourselves, by being joyful in the Lord, enthusiastic in the Spirit, constant prayer, constant thanksgiving and engaged in service/ministry to others as directed by the Holy Spirit.

 

[GoRaysXD]

Q1. (Galatians 3:2-5) What argument for salvation by faith does Paul give from the presence of the Spirit? What does this tell us about the spiritual environment of the Galatian churches? How can we regain this dynamic environment in our own congregations?

 

 

 

The argument is that the Galatians received the holy by believing in Jesus Christ and accepting him as Messiah not by keeping the law.

 

The Galatian church's were spiritual immature and not solid in apostolic teaching. They had a spiritual environment that was wavering that did not have a sound grasp of salvation through grace in Jesus Christ.

 

We can regain a dynamic environment in our congregations beginning with our self's by being joyful in the Lord.

Be joyful, enthusiastic in the spirit, consistent prayer, consistent thanksgiving.

 

 

[GoRaysXD]

Q1. (Galatians 3:2-5) What argument for salvation by faith does Paul give from the presence of the Spirit? What does this tell us about the spiritual environment of the Galatian churches? How can we regain this dynamic environment in our own congregations?

 

 

 

The argument is that the Galatians received the holy by believing in Jesus Christ and accepting him as Messiah not by keeping the law.

 

The Galatian church's were spiritual immature and not solid in apostolic teaching. They had a spiritual environment that was wavering that did not have a sound grasp of salvation through grace in Jesus Christ.

 

We can regain a dynamic environment in our congregations beginning with our self's by being joyful in the Lord.

Be joyful, enthusiastic in the spirit, consistent prayer, consistent thanksgiving.

 

 

[Thanking Joan]

Paul argues that salvation is received by faith from the presence of the Spirit saying that they received the Spirit of God not by keeping the law but by believing what they heard and they heard the word of God. Faith comes by hearing the word of God. The Holy spirit worked miracles not because they kept the Law but by believing the word of God. Therefore one can be saved by faith in Gd through the power of the Holyspirit working in them.

The spiritual environment in the churches of the Galatian churches shows us they were becoming foolish by believing the ideas of the Judaisers.

We can create a dynamic environment in our church by following this message o faith that Paul preaches that we are saved by faith and not works.

[JoanG]

The presence of the Spirit was given to the Galatians before they were told of human laws. The Spirit was always among them. They were given the grace of God to grow in their faith of God and Christ. They were a dynamic group of people that shined in God's eyes. Their prayers were music to God's ears. We need to bring the heart of worship back to people. We need to send out sparks to the souls of all people. We need to help people be reborn in the spirit again or for the first time

[lighthouse2014]

Q1. (Galatians 3:2-5) What argument for salvation by faith does Paul give from the presence of the Spirit? What does this tell us about the spiritual environment of the Galatian churches? How can we regain this dynamic environment in our own congregations?

The argument for salvation by faith Paul gives from the presence of the Holy Spirit is that because of faith in the gospel they had received the Spirit and experienced miracles attributed by the Holy Spirit.

This tells us that the environment of the Galatian churches was being greatly influenced by the Judaziers, that had infiltrated into the churches and teaching that for salvation they had to also keep the Mosaic law and the custom of circumcision.

To regain our dynamic influence in our churches today we should let the Holy Spirit to do his work among us by the manifestation of miracles and filling true believers with his spirit.   

[Lionwolf]

Q1. (Galatians 3:2-5) What argument for salvation by faith does Paul give from the presence of the Spirit? What does this tell us about the spiritual environment of the Galatian churches? How can we regain this dynamic environment in our own congregations?

Paul argues that the Galatians had received the Spirit when they first accepted Christ. The Galatians had been foolish and gave up salvation through faith and went back to the law thus rejecting the Spirit. Churches need to focus on how Jesus was crucified for us, how He was resurrected, and how salvation is through faith. 

[Annie343]

ARGUMENT FOR SALVATION BY FAITH WITH THE PRESENCE OF THE SPIRIT: Foolish - began by faith (no provision under the law) - Holy Spirit gives sanctification; seek help to discover and apply truth of His Word; receiving Spirit at conversion based on acceptance of the gospel message; God's Spirit within them to live for God; responded by faith and grown by the Spirit's power; experiences and being focused on Christ - initial response; how they received the Holy Spirit; positive evidences of the Spirit's presence; justification is by faith - the manifestations of the Spirit on your heart; gives truth; being daily renewed; gift imparted with the connection with preaching; Holy Spirit dwells within - God counts faith in Christ; miraculous working by faith; looking at Paul's lifestyle (his experiences)

SPIRITUAL ENVIRONMENT OF GALATIANS CHURCHES:  the Judaizers promised to  guide their faith by adding the law; however, seeing the law as a gate for salvation; illogical thinking; lacked discernment without stability of character (easily led astray); yielded to falsehood and error; prideful; influential people placed in leadership

GAIN AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENT TODAY: the rising of cults and heretical teaching; need to be alert to danger; biblical message should be internalized in thoughts and actions; seek right relationship with God; not to rely on own efforts to please God; standing on the promises of God; not to have an elevated spiritual manner - being conformed to the world; not obeying the truth; emphasizes self - not the Spirit; truth of God's Word for application

[kennedy]

argument poul is putting forward is that they received the spirit hearing faith before Judaism was introduced to them.  and this is very clear to them.

their spiritual environment was strong since they even saw miracles and believed.

we can regain this spiritual environment by preaching faith to the only way to receive salvation. this faith comes by hearing true gospel of his death and resurrection.

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

They were baptized in Christ, and had received the Pentecostal outpouring of the Holy Spirit. There sufferings were not in vain.   Just like in the Epistle to the Hebrewz, the Galatians had a yearning to go back to the good "Ole Days".  Paul is firmly stating that the working of miracles amongst them was by faith alone and by works of the Law.

Backsliding was on the horizon. Just like today, they were fickle, they weren't diligent Bible students.   The Galatians were suffering from spiritual amnesia.  They were vulnerable to false teachings that weren't preaching the ALL SUFFICIENT CHRIST.

Regain this Pentecostal way : simple prayer meetings devoid of hype, loud music, chicanery, Just prayerfull seeking of God.   Just like back in the early 1970s!  Church basement prayer meetings.   Simple but prayerfull times of prayer, no one Lording over a prayer meeting....true participation of all.  

 

.

 

 

 

[Krissi]

What argument for salvation by faith does Paul give from the presence of the Spirit? What does this tell us about the spiritual environment of the Galatian churches? How can we regain this dynamic environment in our own congregations?

They started out as a church infused with the Holy Spirit (evidenced by miracles) and then lost focus or were deceived, then returned to what they had been, Jewish law-keepers.

I wonder if the church attracted the most Jewish of the Jews? By this I mean the most ardent law-keepers? If so, it would be a constant temptation for them to revert to behaviours in which they felt most comfortable. I wonder, too, if signs and miracles stopped when they reverted back to their old religious behaviours or if the Spirit continued to move in that congregation.

Back-sliding is reversion to the mean. It's reversion to your typical/past behaviour and thought. I was raised in a secular environment so for me, backsliding is extraordinarily easy -- my old life is all around me. It's a constant fight to not backslide. I'm sure the Jewish Christian felt the same ease when returning to their past ways. Judaism and the law was all around them. They felt comfortable in it.

It's hard to rely on grace. The faith required for relying on grace is enormous. There's always that nagging sense we have to do something, not let God do it for us. And in a way, we're right. God does require our effort. But when we try to help God along, to cajole Him into answering our prayers, we begin to bargain with Him. It's not as overt as this, but in essence we say: "God, If I do these devotions, pray for two hours, give away my money, feed the men at the soup kitchen … You will heal me of cancer, right?"

At times, I feel I somehow have to earn His attention, earn, that is, His grace.

That's the logic behind the charlatans who preach the prosperity theology, btw. In my wee opinion, every heresy begins with the idea that we have to do something for God. In this case, we give money ... seed money, to prime the pump for God to give back more.