Living with the Book
Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians
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Galatians 3 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. (Ga 3:24-26; ESV) Those that come to Him in faith are called sons and daughters. Are you living your life like a child of God––forgiven of your sins with great freedom to enjoy your life? Or, are you living your life in fear, concerned about what you must do better in order to be acceptable to God? Galatians 5 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Ga 5:17; KJV) The flesh is our natural self. It is everything that we are apart from God. Paul says that our natural self “lusteth” or wars against the Holy Spirit that indwells every Christian. Do you have an ongoing sin in your life? If so, has it caused an internal war? If there is no war, could it be that you have grown hardened to the Spirit within? Could it be that you have never allowed the Spirit to enter in? Ephesians 2 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. (Ep 2:14-17, NIV) What walls - hostility, discord, anger, bitterness, and the like – have you allowed to remain in your life? In what ways have these verses challenged you? Ephesians 5 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (Ep 5:1-2; NKJV) “Walk in love.” This is the third time in this section that Paul instructs us to walk or, in some translations, to live. We are to be imitators of God by living in unity (Ep 4:1), living a holy life (Ep 4:17) and living a life marked by love (Ep 5:2). Which of these three – unity, holy living, or love – do you struggle with most often?
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About the Book
“Living with the Book: Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians,” is one in a series in which the authors present a fresh, meaningful way for Christians to embolden their study of these letters.
Part study guide and part journal, the “Living with the Book” series delivers poignant Scriptures from each book of the New Testament and provides ruled pages for readers to record their thoughts, feelings and personal testimonies.
Testimonial:
"Living With the Book" by Phil and Linda Charlton is a good idea, and very well done. I'm a big fan of journaling, and this is a great tool for digging deep into the Bible. The commentary is brief enough to be accessible, but provides valuable context and explanation to encourage meditation and exploration of the Word. It's a natural for Bible study groups as well as independent study. What a great way to work through the Gospels together and jot down thoughts for discussion."
-- Peter Bronson, former editor and columnist for the Cincinnati Enquirer; columnist and editor for Cincy Magazine.
About the Author
Philip served nearly 30 years with an international management consulting firm. In 2007, he stepped down as President and COO, moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to be become COO of Horizon Community Church. Phil holds a BS, MS and PhD in Forest Science and a MA in Biblical Studies.
Linda has experienced nearly 40 years of Christian growth and leadership. She has been a frequent mentor of women exploring their faith and has led numerous Bible studies for women in all stages of spiritual development.
In 2011, Phil and Linda said goodbye to Ohio and now share their time between Minnesota and Wisconsin which is near their children and grandchildren. Linda continues to manage her business, Wild Goose Chase, LLC and Phil is Principal of Charlton & Associates, LLC.