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Through-the-Bible teaching with Pastor Brett Meador at Athey Creek Church.
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A Bible teaching titled “The King We Want vs. the King Who Came” from Galatians 5:1 by Brett Meador.
Galatians 4 is a chapter full of comparisons that help us understand our relationship with God, the law versus liberty, and the identification of truth in a world full of lies. As we study, we see how these contrasting themes show us how to live as heirs of God’s promise, avoid being dazzled by false teachers, and walk in freedom and faith.
The Galatian church had questions about the Levitical law, whether they should follow it, and how it applied to their lives. In Galatians 3, Paul provides a comprehensive answer, reminding them of the work God had already done in their lives, pointing to Scripture to explain the history and purpose of the law, and showing how it was fulfilled in Jesus while still serving to reveal sin.
Even as some influential leaders within the church drift toward requiring the law for salvation, Paul stands firm in Galatians 2. In his powerful defense, he explains the situation, shows how the law reveals sin but cannot remove it, and reminds us that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
In Galatians 2:21, Paul states that he does not wish to frustrate the grace of God – that is, to reject God’s kindness toward us. To illustrate this, we examine two Old Testament stories: one shows a person who received grace, the other shows someone who refused it with disastrous consequences. As we reflect on these examples, we see why we should respond in acceptance rather than disregard.
Paul opens his letter to the church in Galatia by immediately confronting one of their main issues: their tendency to twist and add to the gospel message. As we study Galatians 1, we see a high-level overview of how the gospel encompasses the whole Bible, how we can know it is true, and why Paul speaks with such authority on the subject.
Paul issues a strong warning to the church at Galatia against following different gospels – regardless of the source – because there is only one path to salvation. As we study Galatians 1:1-10, we see how people are still tripped up by false teachers today, learn to recognize these perversions of the gospel, and, most importantly, ensure we understand that salvation comes only by grace through faith.
In 2 Corinthians 12–13, we hear Paul’s final words to the church at Corinth as he seeks to build them up, root out lingering sin and false teachers, and firmly establish his credentials as an apostle with God-given authority. As we reflect on his message, may we learn not to take correction as criticism, to align ourselves with the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and rejoice in the grace and love found in Him.
In 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, Paul shares a deeply personal struggle he calls “a thorn in the flesh” – a weakness he prayed would be removed, but the Lord chose to leave in place. Perhaps you can relate as you pray for relief from your own burdens but see no change. As we study this passage, we learn how God uses our struggles to display His strength and how He develops godly character in us when we allow Him to work through our weakness.
Some members of the Corinthian church treated Paul quite harshly, accusing him of weakness and questioning his authority. Paul responds in 2 Corinthians 10–11 by reminding them that the battle they face is spiritual, defending the divine source of his authority, exposing the danger of false apostles, and revealing the depth of his love as demonstrated through his suffering.
Paul confronts the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 10:7-12 concerning their emphasis on outward appearance and expectations of how an apostle should look and sound. Unfortunately, this tendency to judge by external expectations is common in both the Bible and our culture today. As we study, we see the danger of evaluating by appearance rather than by substance, learn what God looks at in our hearts, and discover how He wants to make us into people He can use, regardless of outward appearances.
In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul continues his instruction on giving by explaining how it not only blesses others but also brings blessing to the giver. As we examine how God calls us to give and the blessings we can expect as a result, we see how these principles take shape in our lives when we give with thankful, joyful hearts.
Paul makes a short statement of thanksgiving and rejoicing in 2 Corinthians 9:15 that carries profound eternal significance. As we consider God’s gift – so great that Paul can barely describe it – we learn who can receive it, how it must be accepted by faith, and how this gift changes everything, now and for eternity.
The church in Corinth began collecting funds for impoverished believers in Jerusalem but failed to finish what they started, leading Paul to address the issue of giving in 2 Corinthians 8. In studying his instruction, we see how God calls His people to give with the proper attitude, in proportion to what they have, and with responsible accountability.
The Corinthian church had good intentions, but when they failed to follow through, Paul was compelled to address the issue in 2 Corinthians 8:10-11. In much the same way, believers today often desire to obey what God has called them to do but struggle to carry it out. As we study, we learn to identify the root of this problem, see how our lack of follow-through affects us, and find out just how God desires for us to obey His commands.
In 2 Corinthians 6-7, Paul reminds the church of their role as ambassadors for Christ and shares how his own trials and troubles empowered him for his ministry. He goes on to explain that while speaking the truth in love through his previous letter was difficult, it ultimately produced genuine repentance and restoration, bringing Paul great joy as he received the good report from Titus.
In 2 Corinthians 7:8-10, Paul explains that while he regretted causing the Corinthians sorrow through a painful letter, he was also glad because it caused them to repent and change their behavior. So just what does repentance truly mean, and how does it differ from mere regret? As we look at examples from both the Old and New Testaments, we learn whose repentance was sincere, see the outcomes of their acknowledgment of sin, and discover why love is the key.
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul presents a series of “we” statements that describe the confidence believers have in their future hope, their calling to good works that please the Lord, and the motivation they should have to share Christ with others. Compelled by his love for Christ, Paul encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective and faithfully carry the message of reconciliation to the world.
In 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Paul warns the Corinthian church against allowing the values and narratives of the world to shape their theology. Sadly, this struggle remains as relevant today as it was then. As we study this passage, we see how Paul’s call to avoid mixing the world with the church echoes throughout Scripture, why this matters in God’s economy, and where believers are most vulnerable to allowing contrary worldviews to creep in.
In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul encourages the Corinthian church to faithfully shine the light of Jesus with sincerity and boldness so that the eyes of those living in spiritual blindness may be opened. Using his own suffering as an example, Paul shows how God brings life through affliction, provides inward renewal despite outward trouble, and calls believers to maintain an eternal perspective amid suffering.
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you are awesome pastor Brett